Upcycle, Build and Create with Help from the Online Target Toy Emporium

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All opinions are mine alone. #CollectiveBias

Don't you wish sometimes that we lived in a time gone by? When apps and screens and processed food wasn't any concern?

I sure crave that some days... but the reality is that we Moms have to be pretty convincing and have some pretty sweet resources (let alone a random burst of energy :P) on our side in order to entice our kiddos toward real, true play.

And I think I've found another one of those resources. For this post I got to check out some great #TargetToys through the new Target Toy Emporium, found only online. Six categories- Build, Create, Explore, Imagine, Discover and Move- each include toys and brands that fit into that particular kind of play.

We chose some fun and colorful build and create items that were right up the boys' alley. In the past, we've really enjoyed upcycling- creating crazy works of kid art from stuff that was otherwise going in the garbage. Tired of screens sucking the personality out of your kiddos? These simple, inexpensive ideas are doable for anyone, even those of us that struggle with that whole "burst of energy" thing ;)

#ad Helping Hungry Kids, Random Act of Kindness Style

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CollectiveBias

I love doing Random Acts of Kindness with the boys! I know, I know... you already knew that ;)

I thought the #HungerHeroes campaign, working to fight hunger and feed hungry kids, going on at Sam's Club this month sounded like something we could do simply and really enjoy. Summer has involved a lot of running around and doing things as a family, so a chance for us to focus on others was needed around here! We made it a fun, knock-and-run random act of kindness :)

Hunger Heroes is about action, turning families into superheroes that understand the awesome power of giving. My boys are already superheroes in my mind in lots of ways, but I want them to feel that potential from the inside- and thinking of others above themselves is what will give them that :)

Kellogg's and Family Time Make the Best #GoodNightSnack #cbias

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All opinions are mine alone. #CollectiveBias

I think there's pretty much nothing I love more than family time. Nothing rejuvenates as well for me; not alone time or the pulse of a crowd for sure. All of my boys and I being happy together, focused on each other over anything else... those are the moments that get me through the next while and make me continue to truly, deeply love being a Mom. And when they aren't clouded by my having to be in the kitchen instead, I'm especially happy!

Recently Stephen got home late from work and actually requested Raisin Bran Crunch for something to eat! It was a rare, calm night and the boys were clamoring for something more too, so I pulled out these boxes of Kellogg's cereals and we headed outside to our picnic table for a simple dice game and good night snack. I love summer dusk and just soaked up the whole moment, missing our older boys for sure...

Decide to DRIVE: My Distracted Driving Story

Senior Year. Those words kinda come with a certain connotation. Time to be dialed in to what's next, as well as living things up in all the best ways. I was involved in some good endeavors throughout high school. But in my senior yearbook, I'm listed as the class "Crash Test Dummy." My senior year claim to fame.

See, Homecoming Dance of my senior year, my date and I were driving home and didn't exactly make it there. I went to put lotion on my hands as we drove and it kind of exploded out the top when I did. It had gotten onto my dress and my date was trying to help me with the spill. He wasn't watching the road. We hit a canal bank, went airborne and landed on the other side.

It goes without saying that I grew up in a rural area. When I came to just after the impact, I saw a light a ways off and had the thought that it wasn't going to be too fun to walk there in my heels. But I went to get out and stand up anyways. And told my date that I thought something might be wrong with my foot. He looked and I think about passed out. I wasn't going anywhere.

Banana Boat Makes Mom's Bag Better

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. #BBBestSummer #CollectiveBias

Ah, I love summer... already this year I've been able to fool myself that things can be more relaxing than they really can... which makes for some crazy days of catch-up! But, so be it, I love having ALL my boys around and trying to really enjoy them. :)

No matter what we're doing, Banana Boat Sunscreen and a few tricks and treats in my simple bag help a lot with that. Kids don't really think about anything other than finding their own shoes, right? My older boys are great at helping, but it's usually with the rougher and tougher stuff, like loading fishing poles and chairs. Sooo.... I've gotta be on tap with the goodies that turn our fun times into something unique or keep everyone happy the whole time!

 I gotta say, I think we do pretty great at soaking up the summer for the most part. We hit the beach at our local lake a lot, load up the bikes for a new ride spot, shoot bows and throw tomahawks, venture into the desert with the guns, load up to camp for the week at our favorite spots, and play in the yard constantly. Water fights and obstacle courses abound. Don't get me wrong, some days are just lazy video game days... and that's part of the greatness of summer too. :) But more than anything, we spend a lot of time in the sun- ah, I love that warm feeling of the sun soaking into my skin!





So, what's in my bag that makes or breaks the fun for us all? For starters, earlier this year, I went to Walmart to add a few different Banana Boat Sunscreens to my bag. I got a Kids Free Spray SPF 50 for my littler guys, Men's SPF 30 Clear Spray for my older boys and hubby (anything that helps teenagers think sunscreen isn't just for babies is awesome in my book), and finally, Protect and Hydrate SPF 50 lotion- spray sunscreen might just be the best invention ever, but sometimes you just gotta rub it on instead, plus I love the idea of it being hydrating too. :) The Men's line comes in SPF 50 and lotion style (I personally love the smell of this stuff!), and the Protect and Hydrate has a spray option too. My local Walmart had them on a large aisle display near the swimsuits at the front...

Dressing my Truth with the Inspiring Carol Tuttle

Thanks to Dressing Your Truth™ for sponsoring this post.

Don't get me wrong, I've buzzed in to town in my stretch pants once or twice. ;) And if I'm not going anywhere that day, you'll find me in a ponytail and one of my husband's t-shirts. But, otherwise, I really don't like feeling un-done. I don't put any great length of time into my clothes, make up or hair generally, but I do make sure to put enough that I feel decent about how I look when I leave the house.

The thing of it is, I honestly have never been really taught just what to wear or how to do my makeup. I've just kinda adapted and tried things over the years. When I had the chance to check out an online program called Dressing Your Truth™, I was intrigued and decided that I'd give it a try and hopefully learn something that would be worth sharing.

And then, I got the book in the mail...

.. and, oh my goodness, that's Carol Tuttle. My Mom has talked about her for years and I have her book Remembering Wholeness. I've already really enjoyed and resonated with this awesome lady and her expertise regarding emotional healing and wellness- I knew I was going to love this program! Knowing it was Carol behind all of it, I couldn't wait to dive in.

Simple Stenciled Pillowcase with Tulip for Your Home

I received products and compensation for this post. Opinions and thoughts shared are entirely mine, of course...

Ya know, oftentimes I really wish I painted more. (Did lots of things more really- ha!) Recently I was sent an awesome box of great new Tulip For Your Home products- textile paints, stencils, adhesive, roller brush and a pillowcase ready to be decorated.

Wish to paint more granted! So today I'm sharing how you can design and create your own pillow too. I think you (and me, too) should do more of what makes you happy... and I really think this project is one that will! :)

Game Night Pizza and Breadstick Skewers with #tonyspizzeria

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and

Tony’s Pizza, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #tonyspizzeria http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

What is it about Monday that's just not the greatest?

Maybe the fact that it's not the weekend anymore- ha!

Stephen works a lot, (maybe even more so on Friday and Saturday!) but even so, we really try to do something fun on the weekends too. We love inviting people over for games specifically- seems like it's just kinda what we do for something more out of the ordinary than just our own family group. 

We've been blessed with friends that are great to jump in at our invites. They make for really fun company- it feels so good to just laugh and relax! This last weekend, I cooked up a bunch of Tony's Pizza that I picked up from Walmart, and made my yummy breadsticks to go with the fun.

Truth: lots of times when we are hosting a party, I tend to go overboard. Friends get  to the house and comment about the spread of food, even though I've been feeling all afternoon like it might not be enough! We might kinda plan more than is reasonable oftentimes. We can't just grill hamburgers, no! We gotta have grilled shrimp and smoked baked potatoes and homemade fry sauce and fancy juice and cheesecake brownies too! It's just our style and our pleasure, I guess :)

But this change of pace, sticking to the pizza and breadsticks, was pretty nice for sure- simple and fast, not to mention cheaper. I used a coupons.com coupon for 75 cents off two (while supplies last) that made it an especially good deal. Plus, a new crispier, crunchier crust, topped with real cheese and sauce made from real tomatoes sounded yum!

Double Stuffed Lemon Garlic Chicken with Kraft Fresh Take

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This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.

#FreshTake #CollectiveBias

I've had the thought to share this recipe for quite awhile- it's a surprisingly easy favorite that's great for average nights or special occasions both. This time around I tried out a Kraft Fresh Take meal kit that honestly made it even more simple (I'll never complain about that)! 

Growing up, Sunday dinner was a pretty big deal around our house. It was the nicest meal of the week. I love the idea up continuing that tradition for my own family... but, in truth, Sunday seems to fall more toward smorgasbord for us. We get home from Church and gather around our kitchen island to a spread of leftovers, finger foods and easy options. I actually really like this way of things too :)

But for special Sundays like Easter, that simply won't do- it's a perfect time to prepare something more special to acknowledge the holiday. I love creating fun table spreads, but being surrounded by boys who really don't care at all about the centerpiece, and just want to mow down the food already, means I gotta take whatever opportunity I can get to make a meal special! :)

For Easter, we usually get together with my whole family- that's us above (a blast from Easter weekend past)! We have a great potluck meal and some fun Easter egg hunts around the yard. This was the first year my Mom and Dad starting hiding eggs for us adults- that's been a fun new tradition!

Anyhow... a Spring gathering of your favorite people, like Easter always is for us, would be a great time to concoct a yummy, seemingly involved but actually simple dish like this Double Stuffed Lemon Garlic Chicken. Like I mentioned, this time I tried Kraft Fresh Take that I picked up at Walmart:

I bought my chicken with a Fresh Take coupon that gave me a $1.00 off! Through April, or as long as the prints last, you can save when you buy the two together- perfect, since, ya know, you kinda need both :)

Colorful, Random Gifts of Kindness with Starburst and Skittles

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This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.

#VIPFruitFlavors #CollectiveBias

I love secret, random gift giving.

(I love gift giving in general!)

I know... you already knew it ;)

I had the chance to use colorful Skittles and Starburst to create a gift for some very important people and my creative process went straight to random acts of kindness. So, today I'm sharing a free printable that can turn the Skittles & Starburst 30 Pack from Sam's Club into an actual memorable, heart warming activity for your family too.

This package is perfect for creating with because there are so many candies and a nice variety. I found it in a candy area of Sam's Club, bordering the bakery.

I gotta interject- oh my goodness, I love this picture of my little Ryder! Both of the boys were SO excited about this box of candy, and wanted me to open and dip into it well before I was ready. I really loved the actual gift delivering part of this project, but putting it together with my little guy is a very close second. Candy and color put together- perfect combo for happy kiddos :)

Fast and Easy Gifts with Paper Pumpkin {and a giveaway!}

Are there certain things that you just pretty much always seem to be inspired by? Maybe those are kinda what we call our "style," I guess :) Like I always seem to draw towards things that are rustic, bohemian, bright or bold colors. Or stamp projects! I'm taken with the look of paper crafts that have been created with stamps involved. I haven't spent much time at all stamping myself over the years for some strange reason, though. Bummer- I wish I was a much better stamper!

I recently got connected with Paper Pumpkin, a division of Stampin' Up, and felt like they really spoke to my "style." Paper Pumpkin is a monthly subscription service- they send a fun box full of everything you need to sit and create a great paper craft project or homemade card set, really just to have an easy dose of creativity. For the next couple of months, I'll be sharing how you can take your Paper Pumpkin box and quickly create a small gift! Plus, today I get to giveaway a box to one of you! 

Helping Kids to Think of Others First with Disney FROZEN

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This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.

It feels like this week has been revolving around Disney FROZEN the movie coming out! Our little band of men loves this flick too- certainly not just a girl show :) We've had the chance to comb both our local stores for fun Walmart toys and the FROZEN DVD... all with the intent of giving them away...

This quote above is my favorite from the movie. I believe this, I know it to be true. That I'm happier when I'm not so self-absorbed and narrow minded. That I love, even crave, the deep-down good feeling of giving, of selflessness.

The kind of selflessness, or love, that made Kristoff turn around from having left Anna behind to (he thought) be saved. The kind of selflessness that governs Anna throughout this whole movie; that puts her on a horse to go after her sister when she could be scared or angry instead. The kind of selflessness that makes Olaf refuse to leave Anna when she needs to find a solution, even if it does mean melting. Maybe even the kind of selflessness that keeps Elsa locked in her room, alone, not wanting to ever hurt her little sister again.

Wow, FROZEN can sure get a person thinking and feeling and learning, huh?! I want my boys to learn from it, to learn in general how to think of others before themselves. Not the simplest concept when you're four or six, right? We do a lot of gift giving, card making, knock-and-running to that end. Hopefully they don't realize it's all a big life lesson... otherwise, the gigs up ;)

Thanks to #collectivebias, we got to visit both of our Walmart stores here in town looking for toys and other FROZEN goodies. 

We knew that we wanted to send a #FROZENfun package to Coop and Ry's cousins, my nieces that are fairly close to their same ages. For real, my sister had two girls and I had two boys- it's cut and dried in this family ;)... They live just far enough away that we don't see them as often as we'd like. Unfortunately, the boys seem to like to tackle them without their consent when they are together, but it's really just because they are bursting with excitement for getting to see them at all. (I know, it's true, boys can be pretty weird. :P)

Really, the two little girls whom this package was for are incredibly special in my boys' minds. They love their cousins and this was a great opportunity for us to put that love into action, sending them FROZEN items that we all knew they would enjoy. Little did I know how unique the result would be...

I just grabbed what we found- some books and the Anna and Elsa Sparkle Dolls- and didn't think anything of it. We also chose some candies in FROZEN colors and some sparkly tulle to complete the package. The boys announced that girls love glitter... see, they get a small glimmer of feminine influence around here ;) 

12 Tips and Tools to Improve Your Health using a Natural Probiotic and More (exercise not included!)

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This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.

This winter, I've felt pretty blessed that we haven't gotten sick much to speak of. I'm so grateful! Really, who likes to be less than well, ever?! I know that sickness oftentimes is the norm during the winter specifically, though. Traveling from one family member to the next, to the next- ah, stop the madness!

My Mom is super knowledgeable about lots of different health related topics and she's helped me be more aware of some simple things that help keep us all healthy! Thanks to #CollectiveBias, I've had the chance to try out the new Insync Gradual Release Natural Probiotic supplement from Walgreens, which fits right in with some of those tips I've learned from her. Today I'm sharing more with you, hoping some part of this information will be helpful to someone!

1. Probiotics
We've heard the word, but really, what IS a probitoic? I researched a bit and found that it's an organism, such as bacteria or yeast, introduced into the body for it's beneficial qualities. Not too scientific, I guess, eh? :) And why do those organisms matter at all:

• 80% of our immune system is located in the digestive system
• As we develop in the womb, our gut originates from the same type of tissue as our brains, making the digestive system a whole lot like a second brain!
• Probiotic organisms are essential for good digestion of food and absorption of nutrients
• They also help the body produce vitamins and get rid of toxins

Random fact: there are 100 trillion bacteria in our bodies! A balance of 85% good and 15% bad bacteria is a big part of what helps us stay healthy. And how can we tell if there's a lack of healthy bacteria in our gut?

• fatigue
• constipation or diarrhea
• nausea
• gas and bloating
• sugar cravings and cravings for refined carbs foods
• headaches

I know I could raise my hand when it comes to a couple of those symptoms, honestly! Fatigue? Check. Could live on sweet junk if given the option? Check again. I seriously need to be taking something that helps my good gut bacteria regain some control!

Hasbro Marvel Super Hero Mashers Review {These Rock!}

I got lucky as a member of the Mom it Forward Blogger Network, and was able to write this sponsored post for Hasbro's Marvel Superhero Mashers. I would say all opinions are 100% mine... but really in this case, they're my boys' :) 

I knew when I had the chance to review these toys that they could be a pretty awesome fit for this boys' world. I even kept it a secret from them and let them feel the thrill of getting a surprise package in the mail! There was even superheroes on the outside! They could hardly contain themselves... ok, really they almost never even try that hard to... they're boys :)

Inside our box was Spiderman and Hulk.There are more than 20 unique Marvel Superhero Mashers characters planned for 2014, but these two couldn't have been more perfect- two of Coop and Ry's favorites.