I Need This For My Door

Me Too!

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Vapur Anti-Bottle

Have you heard of the new Vapur Anti-Bottle?  It's awesome.  It's foldable, freezable, reusable and BPA-free, so you can reduce your plastic bottle use while saving space and money!  Use it for your favorite drink and then just roll it up and tuck in your purse when it's empty.  You can check out all the details at http://vapur.us/.  Below is a summary of the good stuff straight from the Vapur website:

Reusable

Vapur Anti-Bottles are completely BPA-free and are constructed of three layers of ultra-durable plastic. The innermost layer is made from FDA-approved polyethythene, which is then bonded to two layers of nylon for strength and durability. Every Anti-Bottle is designed to withstand everyday use and regular cleaning. The inner layer is odor, taste and stain resistant, so it can safely be reused again and again! Vapur is also proudly made in the USA.

Foldable

The Anti-Bottle is designed to stand when full and can be rolled, folded or flattened when empty, making it easy to use and carry everywhere you go. Unlike rigid water bottles, that are bulky when empty, the Anti-Bottle can be easily tucked away, conveniently fitting into pockets, purses and packs. The Vapur Anti-Bottle is quite simply the most portable, reusable water bottle on the planet.

Washable

We often get asked, what is the best way to clean an Anti-Bottle? Well, good news! The Vapur Anti-Bottle is dishwasher safe and cleans easily on the top rack of most dishwashers. First, remove the cap and carabiner, blow a little air into the bottle to inflate, then simply turn upside down and insert the spout over the prongs on the top rack of your dishwasher. It's that easy!

If you put any liquid other than water in your bottle, we recommend that you hand wash, using a few drops of dish soap and a bottle brush to completely remove any residue.

Freezable

You can freeze your Anti-Bottle for nice cold water or use it as an icepack! Fill your Anti-Bottle half-way, place it in the freezer overnight and then fill it the rest of the way with water in the morning. You'll have an icy-cold beverage for hours!

Attachable

It comes with a convenient carabiner, making it easy to clip to your purse, belt-loop or pack. Vapur Anti-Bottles also do not crack or dent, so there's not as much worry as with traditional rigid bottles. Just clip it and go.

Identifiable

Flip the bottle over and write your name in permanent ink on the white space on the back of your bottle. If you have multiple bottles, this is a perfect way to keep track of them or even just to personalize your own!

Sounds Like A Plan To Me

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Tips For A Clutter Free Child's Closet

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It seems that I am forever cleaning out my boys' closets.  They become the catch-all for everything they don't know what to do with.  It becomes hard to see any carpet on the floor because it is covered in all manner of "stuff".  See that closet up there?  That's what I strive to make ours look like.  While we never quite achieve this picture perfect vision of organization, there are some tips that have helped our closets look a little less like a black hole:

• Hang all the "like" clothes together (casual/short sleeve shirts go together, pants on a separate rack, warmer weather clothes together - you get the idea).  You want your child to be able to see what the weather is like and then grab something from the appropriate rack to wear.
• Put canvas bins on the floor for things that can't hang.  This is where we put all our socks, slippers, hats, gloves, miscellaneous toys - you can have a bin for just about anything.  Label 'em.  Or better yet, have your kiddo label them so they know what goes where, and they have no excuses not to put something where it belongs.
• An over-the-door organizer is a must.  You can use it for shoes, accessories, whatever works for you.
• See the hook with the outfit on it?  That will save you so much hassle in the morning.  Have your child hang out their outfit the night before.

With school just around the corner, you are no doubt shopping for new clothes.  Now is the perfect time to get your child involved in organizing their room so they are ready to roll on Day One!

Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

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Oh no, she didn't!  Holy moly....take a look at that freakin' bread above!  Does it not look A.M.A.Z.I.N.G?!?!?!  Joy over at JoyTheBaker.com has cooked up this amazing recipe for Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread.  I have tried this recipe and I can only say...when she says it is best eaten the day it's made but could be stored for 2-3 days.....you won't have to worry about storing it.  Seriously amazing bread.  Go to her website now.  Print out the recipe.  Bake this bread.  Your house will smell amazing.  You will eat it all up before the kids get home.  You will then thank me for sharing this recipe with you.  You're welcome.

Super Giant Bubble Recipe

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If you're like me, you are trying to squeeze the last bits of fun out of summer break.  We are definitely winding down and getting ready for school.  I think a little bubble fun in the backyard might be just the ticket for today!  Note:  For the dish soap, you will want to use a NON-ULTRA type, like Joy.  This is the key to making big bubbles - the fancy dishwashing liquid has grease fighters and you don't want that.  We found Non-Ultra Joy at Dollar General.

Sometimes This Is Hard To Remember

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It's True

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Blog Housekeeping

Sorry for the redundant posts on the front of the blog.  I'm doing a little housekeeping on my end so that the blogs flows better.  I could give you a big long drawnout explanation for why I'm re-posting these, but you really don't want to hear it! Please bear with me, and thanks for your patience!  :D

Homemade Beef Jerky

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds flank steak
• 2/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2/3 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (add 2 teaspoons if you like spicier beef jerky)
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

1. Trim the flank steak of any excess fat, place in a Ziploc bag and freeze for 1 to 2 hours to firm up.
2. Remove the steak from the freezer and thinly slice the meat, with the grain, into long strips.
3. Place the strips of meat and the marinade ingredients into a large, 1-gallon Ziploc bag.  Place the bag in the refrigerator for 3-6 hours, turning several times to evenly distribute the marinade.
4. Remove the steak and pat dry on paper towels.
5. Place the strips on your food dehydrator trays, careful that none of the pieces are touching or overlapping.
6. Turn the dehydrator on, and run for approximately 10-12 hours.
7. When the meat is fully dried, place into an airtight container for 2 to 3 months in a cool, dry place.

Good luck keeping it for 2 to 3 months....ours is usually gone within a few days!

Apple Sandwiches

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Great after school snack idea.  Slice apples into rings for bread.  Spread with peanut butter.  Sprinkle with chocolate chips and granola, and voila!  I don't know about yours, but my kids always come home from school STARVING!  This is a healthy, fun snack your kids can eat while they do homework.

Pepperoni Pizza Muffins

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Ingredients:

3/4 cup flour

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

pinch of salt

pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

3/4 cup milk

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 cup shredded mozarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup cubed pepperoni

1/2 cup store-bought pizza sauce

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 24-cup mini-muffin pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, salt and red pepper flakes (if using) ; whisk in the milk and egg. Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan and pepperoni; let stand for 10 minutes.

Stir the batter and divide among the mini-muffin cups.  Bake until puffed and golden, 20 to 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, microwave the pizza sauce until warmed through.   Serve the muffins with the pizza sauce for dipping.

Cookies & Cream Cupcakes

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Yield: 24 cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:

24 Oreo halves, with cream filling attached

2¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

8 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 2/3 cup sugar

3 large egg whites, at room temperature

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup milk

20 Oreo cookies, coarsely chopped (quarter them)

For the frosting:

8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature

6 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 tbsp. vanilla extract

4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

2 tbsp. heavy cream

For garnish:

Oreo cookie crumbs

24 Oreo cookie halves 

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350˚ F.  Line the wells of two cupcake pans with 24 paper liners.  Place an Oreo halve in the bottom of each liner, cream side up.  In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt; stir together with a fork to blend and set aside.  In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the butter and sugar and beat together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.  Blend in the egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Blend in the vanilla extract.  With the mixer on low speed, beat in half of the dry ingredients just until incorporated.  Add the milk and beat just until combined, then mix in the remaining dry ingredients.  Gently fold in the chopped Oreos with a rubber spatula until evenly incorporated, being careful not to over-mix.

Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cupcake liners.  Bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through baking, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Allow to cool in the pans 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the frosting, combine the cream cheese and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on medium-high speed until smooth, about 1 minute.  Blend in the vanilla extract.  Beat in the confectioners' sugar until incorporated and smooth, 1-2 minutes.  Add the heavy cream to the bowl and beat on medium-low speed just until incorporated, then increase the speed to medium-high and whip for 4 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Frost the cooled cupcakes as desired.  Sprinkle with Oreo crumbs and garnish with Oreo halves. 

Toothy Grins

Apple slices, mini marshmallows, and peanut butter!  It takes no time, and your kids will love you forever (or at least until they're teenagers).

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Sandwich Kabobs

Yours don't have to be this fancy!  Cut some bread and cheese up with cookie cutters or a veggie punch.  Add some rolled up lunchmeat, a little lettuce, and a cherry tomato or two.  Stick it all on a wooden skewer - simple Simon.  I guarantee your kids will eat it!

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Pancake Kabobs

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What a fun idea.  Yes, this would make a great brunch appetizer.  But wouldn't this be simple and fun for your kids as well?  Grab a toothpick.  Stick on some of those little frozen silver dollar pancakes. Nuke 'em for a minute.  Add a strawberry and/or blueberry.  Drizzle on a little syrup - and voila!  They'll think you spent hours working on breakfast.  Nope...you just made good use of your time.  :)  I suggest eating a dozen or so of these yourself first....you know, just to make sure they taste OK.

Cute Teacher Appreciation Gift

Take a simple vase and ribbon.  Add some fresh yellow No. 2 (of course!) pencils , and a half dozen apples. Within a few minutes you've got yourself a really sweet gift your teacher will love and it won't break the bank.  

Thank You Cups

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These are reusable plastic cups filled with Crystal Light sleeves.  I've seen them at Target for a good price, and you can bet I'll be watching to pick some up at a greatly discounted price when summer clearance hits.  You could also do this with reusable travel coffee mugs filled with the individual Starbucks Via sleeves.  Simple but cute!

Birthday Box

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What a clever (and cheap) homemade birthday gift!  Grab a cute box and a bag (or two) of Tootsie Pop suckers from Dollar Tree, cut out styrofoam for the inside, stick in the suckers, add cute card or graphics and you've made a cute and clever birthday present for your bestie.

Homemade Fruit Roll-ups

I have been making homemade fruit roll-ups in my dehydrator for several weeks, and the kids (and grownups) love them.  Yesterday I came across a recipe that does not require a dehydrator.  Check it out:

Puree the following ingredients in a blender until smooth:

• 4 cups berries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cook in a saucepan over medium heat until thick, 30-35 minutes.  Strain through a fine sieve onto a baking sheet lined with a nonstick baking mat.  Tilt to distribute (avoid using a pan that is warped, or you'll get pooling).  Bake at 170 degrees until dry, approximately 1 1/2 to 3 hours.  Let cool for 10 minutes.  Cut into rectangles, and roll in parchment.  Store at room temperature for up to 1 month.  (Although trust me, they won't last that long).

Microwaved Ivory Soap (seriously!)

Want to turn this:

Into this:

All you need to do is cut up a bar of Ivory soap - you know, the kind that floats in water.  Well, it floats because they whip all sorts of nifty little air bubbles into the soap, which cause it to do this amazing (and hilarious) thing when you microwave it!  Who knew!  Quick science lesson....when you microwave it, the air bubbles expand.  Good news - the big ol' huge chunk of fluffiness is still usable soap.  Just break off a lil' chunk and wash up.  Too fun!
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My Husband Can Relate

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My Kids

www.etsy.com

Did You Miss Me Yesterday?

Sorry for the lack of posts yesterday.  AT&T was having "issues" in our area, and we lost internet and phone lines at noon yesterday.  Thankfully, it was all miraculously restored this morning!  I was having internet withdrawals yesterday (sad, I know!).  My posts may be a little limited this week, as me & the boys are trying to squeeze the last few bits of fun out of summer this week.  School starts on Monday!
I love this shot. It just makes me smile. I hope it made you smile too.  :D

Free Oprah's Lifeclass Journal

For all you Oprah fans out there:  Oprah will debut a new show in October called Oprah's Lifeclass.  Oprah's Lifeclass will encompass all of Oprah's lessons and "aha" moments over the past 25 years broken down to help make your life better, happier, richer.  In conjunction with the TV show, Oprah.com will have an online companion class.  If you're interested in being one of Oprah's students, head over here to request a FREE copy of Oprah's Class Journal.  You will need to enter your email address and complete the registration form.  Please note that this journal is only available to the first million students to register.  (LOL - I think the odds are pretty good that you'll be able to snag one!).

*Journal is for US residents only.  Limit two journals per household.  Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.

Seriously?!

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The Original Tiger Mom

I love this story:  A tiger mother lost her cubs from premature labor.  Shortly afterwards she became depressed and her health declined.  The vet diagnosed her with depression.  So they wrapped up piglets in tiger cloth and gave them to the tiger.  The tiger now loves these pigs and treats them like her babies.  Who says animals don't have feelings.

The Amazon Store Is Up & Running

You may have noticed that I've added another tab up at the top of the blog called Amazon Store.  Please note that this storefront goes straight thru to Amazon.  Anything you purchase from this link goes thru Amazon, I do not ever see any purchase or credit card information.  In the interest of full disclosure (I will always be straight up with you), I DO get a commission from Amazon for anything purchased from them thru this storefront, but know that you will pay the same price whether you go thru the blog on this storefront or go straight to Amazon.com.
I've compiled a "storefront" for the blog that is a chock full of items Amazon sells that will help you serve more eco-friendly, healthier lunches for your family (kids & adults).  In the storefront you'll see full lunchbox kits, bento supplies, and everything in between.  About a year and a half ago I decided that I was going to stop using Ziplocs and juice boxes everyday, and start using reusable items.  I spent a lot of time online researching where I could get what I was looking for, which places had the best prices, what was even available.  You can save yourself a lot of time and aggravation by using this storefront as your "jumping off point".  I hope you enjoy it.  I'd appreciate any feedback you may have!

I Better Get Canning!

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Want Your Kids To Eat More Fruit?

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I am always trying to get my kids to eat healthier.  And I have to say that they do a pretty good job of it.  One way I get them to make smarter choices is as simple as setting fresh fruit out within sight (and reach!).  I have stopped sticking all my apples, oranges, bananas and grapes in a drawer in the fridge.  We were forgetting about them, and then when I finally remembered they were in there I'd find them a moldy, nasty mess.  I have wasted more fruits and veggies sticking them in a crisper drawer than I care to admit.
Now my fruit goes in a simple colored bowl on the kitchen table.  I put stuff in there that is washed and ready to be eaten.  I am surprised by how often I hear "Mom, can I have (an apple, cutie, some grapes)?"  When it's right there waiting for them, they tend to eat it.  I bought a bag of cutie oranges on Friday, and put them all in a bowl on the table.  There are three left.  It's Monday morning.
My veggies, I try to put on the shelf, readily visible.  That way I know what I've got, and I use it before it goes bad.  Out of sight, out of mind is how those crisper drawers work for me.  I'm going to start using them for storing stuff I want the kids to have to really think about before they go grab one.  Maybe store my sodas in there.  Yep, that sounds like a gameplan.

Wow

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Lunch On A Stick

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In my experience, kids will eat anything if you skewer it on a stick.  I'm not quite sure what the draw is, exactly, but it works!  You can make up kebabs with just about anything.  Here's a few suggestions to get you started:

• Slices of lunch meat rolled up with cubes of cheese and pineapple interspersed
• Cherry tomatoes with chunks of mozzarella cheese (or slices of cheese stick)
• Chunky pieces of carrot, celery, cucumber or bell pepper (my kids like red & yellow peppers too)
• Salami, cubes of mozzarella cheese and cherry tomatoes

If you are concerned about your child "skewering" their classmates, you could substitute a straw instead of a wooden skewer or toothpick!  I have found this also helps kids who have a hard time finishing lunch due to time constraints.

Everyone Needs A Teddy Bear

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Are You Respecting Your Roll?

Have you gotten your free toilet paper roll cover yet from Cottonelle?  If not, you can click HERE to fill out a short form and they'll mail you one.  There are three to choose from.  When this first came available the site was running very slow, so I didn't mention it.  But it appears that traffic has slowed some, so you can get right thru.  (Note:  You do need to enter a UPC code).  I like the blue!  ;)

Beef Jerky Recipe

I'm making beef jerky again this weekend - our last stash has been gone for some time.  I have posted the recipe and tutorial in the Recipe section of the blog.  Note that you will need a food dehydrator for this.  I got mine at Aldi's a few weeks ago for $19.99 and have been making beef jerky, fruit leather and dried fruits for trail mix.  It's been a great investment, and I'd highly recommend getting one.  If I can do it, you certainly can too - it doesn't require any special skill or much time.

Sharpie Tie Dye

Reference: This activity is the creation of Bob Becker, a chemistry teacher in Kirkwood, Missouri.
Ever heard of Steve Spangler?  He's an entertainer/scientist who comes up with all sorts of experiments.  I saw him on Ellen Degeneres last year at Halloween, and he was fantastic.  He's got a great website HERE that has fun experiments you can do at home, and of course a shop where you can buy all sorts of cool stuff.  I like his idea for Sharpie Tie Dye.  It's great for when you unexpectedly need something to keep the kids busy (rainy/snow day).  All you need is a white t-shirt, sharpies, plastic cup, rubber band and some rubbing alcohol.  Here's a tutorial:
MATERIALS:

• Pre-washed white t-shirt
• Sharpie® permanent markers (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
• Plastic cup
• Rubber band
• Rubbing alcohol (70% from the drug store)
• Dropper bottle or medicine dropper

Warning: Rubbing alcohol is very flammable and must be kept away from any open flames or heat. This experiment must be conducted in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors or in a room with open windows. 

1. Place the plastic cup inside the middle of the t-shirt. Position the opening of the cup directly under the section of the shirt that you want to decorate. Stretch the rubber band over the t-shirt and the cup to secure the shirt in place.
2. Place about 6 dots of ink from one marker in a circle pattern about the size of a quarter in the center of the stretched out fabric. If you like, use another color marker to fill in spaces in between the first dots. There should be a quarter size circle of dots in the middle of the plastic cup opening when you are finished.
3. Slowly squeeze approximately 20 drops of rubbing alcohol into the center of the circle of dots. DO NOT flood the design area with rubbing alcohol. The key is to drip the rubbing alcohol slowly in the center of the design and allow the molecules of ink to spread outward from the center. As the rubbing alcohol absorbs into the fabric, the ink spreads in a circular pattern. The result is a beautiful flower-like pattern. Students often remark, however, that the design looks like the colorful surface of a compact disc.
4. Apply as much or as little rubbing alcohol as desired, but do not let the pattern spread beyond the edges of the cup. Allow the developed design to dry for 3 to 5 minutes before moving on to a new area of the shirt.
5. It is important to heat set the colors by placing the shirt in the laundry dryer for approximately 15 minutes. Teachers have also suggested rinsing the shirt in a solution of vinegar and water as a means of setting the colors.

Enjoy experimenting with various patterns, dot sizes, and color combinations. Instead of using dots, try drawing a small square with each side being a different color, or use primary colors to draw a geometric shape and accent it with dots of secondary colors. Half circles, wavy lines, and polygons all make unique patterns when rubbing alcohol travels across the ink. Your designs are only limited by your imagination. Try as many different patterns as you like. The secret is to keep your patterns small and in the center of the design area on the shirt.
Who knew that rubbing alcohol removed Sharpie?  Wish I had known that years ago!

Pop Up Pancakes

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Marie over at makeandtakes.com has a great recipe for when you're in the mood for breakfast for dinner (we do this about once a month).  Since it looks rainy and dreary out this morning, we may be having this for breakfast!  Yummy!

Pop Up Pancake Recipe – makes 24 muffins or fills a 9×13 baking pan

• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup flour
• 6 eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• dash salt
• Preheat oven to 400* and grease your muffin tins

1. Mix all the ingredients in my blender. 

2. Pour the mix into greased muffin tins. 

3. Bake them for 15 minutes in a 400* oven, or until puffy and golden on top. Use a knife to pop or pry them out, hopefully they were greased well enough and should pop right out. The puffiness will die down as they cool, and they become more like a cup.

Now they are ready for toppings. Syrup, powdered sugar, and fruit are all good options. You could even use fresh Strawberry Jam. We usually load it all on and dive in. What do you use to top your pancakes with? Maybe peanut butter or honey?

Family Tree

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Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!  I'm nearly speechless.  All I can say is....I want!

The ABC's Of Happiness

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I Just Want To SMASH My Family

The title got you, right?  Well now that I have your attention.....have you heard about the new SMASH Book from K & Company?  I am not a scrapbooker, but apparently they are the coolest thing to hit scrapbooking since....well...paper, I guess.  Simplistic, on-the-fly, and with no rules and no special crafting ability needed, you can Smash your everyday life between the pages of contemporary-style Smash Books.  An ultra-convenient combo glue pen/journaling marker comes attached to each book so it’s always at hand when you need it. Now, how cool is that?!
So, what do you Smash? Well, it doesn’t have to be a life event, just the special little moments and mementos of your day—some of that stuff in your junk drawer, maybe. A snapshot, a ticket stub from that movie you loved, a newspaper clipping, a magazine snippet, a cardboard coaster from a favorite restaurant, your child’s first crayon doodle…get the idea? Smash it, jot a note or add a caption sticker, and go!
Here's a video that sort of gives you the gist of it:

As you can see, this isn’t your traditional scrapbooking, but a cool twist, a fun new way of keeping your memories … unstructured, unfiltered, unencumbered by convention. For some of us, Smash Books may bring back memories of our childhood or teenage years when we kept books with doodles, ticket stubs, photos, quotes, and random writings.
I really like this idea, and will more than likely order one along with some fun accessories just to give it a shot. I am not trying to sell this to you, and I do not get any sort of commission off this.  I'm just trying to pass on the information.  If you are interested in purchasing or learning more, you can go to the K & Company website here.  

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Oh, I See You're Home Early

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I swear my dog has done this so many times, but I have been unable to catch her on camera.  Seeing this is hilarious.  Seeing it in real life.....not so much so.

Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics

Have you ever attended a Lowe's Kids Build & Grow Clinic?  They are awesome - really high quality and FREE.  If you've never been before, you'll receive a Lowe's apron and goggles your first time.  Upon completion of that week's project, your child will receive a badge to sew onto your apron (I glue 'em!).

This Saturday, August 13th they will be building a School House Photo Holder.  You'll need to plan ahead and pre-register HERE for your nearest location, as space is limited.  On Saturday, August 27th they'll be building a School Locker.  How cute are these!?!?  (We're signed up to attend the locker one, but the photo holder was already filled for our location).