Mother's Day 2017-Create your own adventure

This year will all of the other parties and events Mother's Day was going to be lost in the shuffle and we were going to "float" it until July or so when we had a free weekend. As I watched my husband and daughter scan over the calendar painstakingly trying to find the perfect weekend I watched on and just thought how this little moments are the ones that will last a lifetime.

So instead of choosing one day to celebrate and make it "perfect" we decided to do three days of surprised and adventures that would not only release some of the stress from the party planning but build memories.

Day 1:

The first day I woke up to a table full of ice cream. Yes that is correct on a Monday morning before we all went to work and school we had an ice cream party! Ice cream is my one weakness that I usually do not eat because I either forget to buy it at the store/the cooler is to far once I have all my other groceries or we get home so late that its the last thing on my mind. This was one of the sweetest simplest surprises and one of the best breakfast bonding moments we have had in a long time.

Day 2:

Clean house. I know this sounds like not really a present but when you have pets, kids, full time activity and a full time work schedule-cleaning is a nightmare. Usually I wait until my husband takes little miss to her piano class Thursday evenings and run around the house getting it all clean for the weekend. Today I came home after a long day and grocery shopping to a perfectly clean house. This is something that doesn't cost anything but is priceless.

Day 3:

It wouldn't be Mother's Day without flowers! Did you know that flowers remain among the top gifts for Mother's Day?  This year Teleflora really outdid themselves! The theme this Mother's Day is "Just Like Here" #ImJustLikeHer .....watch this moving video they created to honor mothers everywhere:

I love the message that our mother's form our lives each day with every little experience even if you see things differently. Use the hashtag #ImJustLikeHer leading up to Mother's Day to share your personal reflection of your mom and how she has shaped your life.  

As you think of all the wonderful things your mom had done for you teleflora is offering some amazing choices of bouquets that will carry beyond when the flowers are gone (which is well over two weeks in our house...the  quality is amazing!). The bouquet I received this year is the teleflora artisanal beauty bouquet:

 The white roses are stunning and so fragrant! As always the flowers arrived quickly because Teleflora partners with over 11,000 member florists in North America so you are receiving the freshest flowers from your community.  My favorite part was the packet of lemonade my daughter attached to the handle with a wooden spoon. She included a note about making lemonade and memories in the summer....I think my heart melted into a million tiny pieces!  I am so excited to use the pitcher all summer long! They really do deliver on their slogan "Flowers in a gift!"

Here is a full description of the Teleflora Artisanal Beauty Bouquet:

"Sweet and lovely, just like mom. Send her this pretty 2-in-1 gift that arrives as a fanciful mixed bouquet filled with crème roses, lavender alstroemeria, and chrysanthemums nestled within a hand-painted, floral embossed stoneware pitcher; FDA-approved to safely serve and store food, microwave and dishwasher-safe."

There are so many great things you can do with this collection! My other favorite is the Teleflora's Splendid Garden Bouquet:

What an adorable gift and you can include seeds or other gardening tools for a present that can be used all year long! Full description of the Splendid Garden Bouquet:

"Just like mom, this delightful garden-inspired Mother’s Day floral arrangement will deliver a heartfelt smile across the miles. As a long-lasting keepsake, mom will enjoy its sweet watering can that features a hand-painted, vintage botanical print." 

Of course Teleflora also has your traditional stunning vases that never dissapoint...a few great choices for Mother's Day include: 

Teleflora's Dancing Violets Bouquet: 

"Just like mom, handmade bouquets light up a room...so make her heart dance with this fun and pleasing purple and white bouquet filled with lavender and white daisy spray chrysanthemums, purple carnations, and a medley of other floral accents. This beautiful floral arrangement is displayed within a purple glass cube vase with a pretty pressed violet. design."

Teleflora's Bold Elegance Bouquet:

"Bold and beautiful, just like mom. Pamper the ‘best mom in the world’ with this decadent bouquet brimming with hot pink roses, vibrant pink stargazer lilies, snapdragons, and lavender cushion spray chrysanthemums artistically- arranged in an elegant, fuchsia blown glass vase".

Teleflora's Sparkle and Shine Bouquet:

"Chic and modern, just like mom. This show-stopping bouquet is a perfect reflection of her effervescent beauty; inside and out. Gorgeous pink roses, fragrant white Asiatic lilies and lavender look oh-so-lovely in this one-of-a-kind purple metallic glazed vase with sparkling rhinestones that is sure to dazzle her."

 

No matter what you decide to do this year make sure you let your mom know how much she means to you!  

 

Almost time for Easter!

Spring is here and Easter is right around the corner-is your home ready? My favorite time of the holiday is our backyard Easter egg hunt and our family coming over for lunch. Of course with visitors comes cleaning and getting our house ready and decorated....and you cannot have a complete table without fresh flowers! Of course our go to company is Telflora's flowers that provide the freshest floral designs. My favorite from the Easter bouquets is Teleflora's Songs Of Spring Bouquet:

The bouquet includes pink tulips, pink matsumoto asters, green button spray chrysanthemums, white daisy spray chrysanthemums, pink heather, sword fern, bupleurum, and variegated pittosporum. I am in love with anything with daisy's and this compliments our table perfectly. The wonderful spring lantern is perfect for spring and summer and can be used for outdoor candles and flowers.  I love the way the flower aroma fills the entire house and brightens up the table!

Other fantastic Spring/Easter floral arrangements include Teleflora's Blooming Spring Bouquet: "Say hello to blooming spring style! Organic-inspired, this eye-catching ceramic vase is hand-painted in soft shades of cream and teal. Its embossed flowers and whimsical pearlized glaze give it a charming, handmade quality - a most delightful accompaniment for this fresh spring burst of lavender roses, white lilies and pink stock!"

And the Teleflora's Country Spring Bouquet: "Like a quiet walk in the country, this heartwarming bouquet of peach, white and yellow blooms invigorates the spirit and delights the senses! Carefully arranged and hand-delivered in a delightful yellow metal pail with a wooden and metal handle and charming distressed details, this springtime gift is one they'll long remember!"

Both are perfect for any spring decor and can easily carry into summer.  As always ordering is very easy and convenient for any schedule! You can order online here and check for any promotions or deals of the day!  Your local florist will then deliver the flowers when it is convenient for you-one less errand to run getting ready for the holiday! We are never disappointed with the colorful quality flowers that last for many weeks!

Not having an Easter lunch or dinner? Teleflora is perfect for any occasion and easy to shop by collection or event. With constant changing designs and styles there is something for everyone!

Hello Spring Hop

Spring is right around the corner and that means it is time for spring cleaning! I am always concerned about what is in a cleaning product and try to be as natural as possible. I finally found an amazing company that is green and actually works-Charlie's Soap! My favorite product is the laundry soap:

It is a powder that is made for all machines and leaves your clothes feeling soft and smelling neutral and clean. I was a bit hesitant about using a powder in our high efficiency washer but it has been amazing. After a few washes your clothes come our softer than ever and really are odorless which is a big deal around our house filled with athletes!  Charlie's Soap offers a ton of products including liquid laundry soap, laundry pre-spray, laundry booster, kitchen and bath cleaner, and indoor/outdoor surface cleaner.

With pets and children is is so great to find a product that contains both natural and biodegradable ingredients! I have also tried the surface cleaner and it makes the surface feel fresh with no residue. I also love that I can clean my home and not have to worry about an overpowering smell.

Want to try Charlie's Soap? They have graciously decided to give away 3 prize packs! One large and two small for our second and third name drawn. Enter using rafflecopter below and hop to other great giveaways! #rvm #hellospring



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We have a new pet!

So after months little miss has convinced me to get a new pet. Introducing Mr. Dragon Tongue. I will be updating soon on all things lizard!

Great healthy snack without all the chemicals and dye-Yes please...we love Nick's Sticks!

We are always on the lookout for easy snacks that are also healthy. I became very ill a year ago and found it necessary to switch to all non gmo/organic/and grass fed products. We found out that I was allergic to all yeast and sugar products. I had no idea at that time it would be such a struggle finding delicious food that was also free of nitrates, antibiotics, hormones, and sugar!

As a family on the go I found it super frustrating to have anything portable that my kids would actually eat and that was healthy. When I heard about Nick's Sticks I knew we would have to try it since my daughter and husband love beef sticks and jerky!

After much searching I stumbled upon Nick's Sticks. As the slogan says it is "All of the goodness and none of the garbage".

There are four flavors of sticks- beef sticks, spicy beef sticks, turkey sticks, and spicy turkey sticks. My favorite are the turkey sticks- I love the texture and great taste of the turkey. My daughter loves the spicy beef sticks-she says they are just the right about of hot! 

Nick's Sticks has also just released jerky! I am so excited to try all of the flavors and find the perfect midday portable snack!

You can order Nick's Sticks here and choose if you would like it by the pack or a monthly delivery. Have you tried Nick's Sticks? I would love to hear what you think! 

Cute spring fingerprint craft

As my daughter continues to grow I realize how big she is getting and wonder if I will remember her tiny little hands, feet, and fingers. I have decided to make some great crafts that will last and can be used to decorate all year long. Here is our newest creation:

I used her fingerprints and  a yellow stamper. We then mounted on yellow paper and outlined a few fingerprints in black to make the bees.

I will be including a cute poem about spring and laminate for the mantle. We also had my daughter write "Will you bee mine" in the center and send to her grandparents.

Overall its a very easy craft that can make for a great spring decoration.

Two weeks away from Valentine's Day-order your Teleflora flowers now!

Can you believe we are only two weeks away from Valentine's Day? My favorite part of the day is when a bouquet of flowers arrives from my husband to my daughter. She absolutely adores her special flowers and it really is a special memory that will last a lifetime. My husband has always ordered her flowers from Telefora and we have always been amazed at the quality of the flowers. This year the bouquet of choice is the Telflora's True Lovelies Bouquet:

 

The flowers arrived exactly as pictured in an amazing vase. I love that it is high quality and something that we can use for years to come.  Each year in spring my daughter plants seeds in each of her vases and recalls what the flowers looked like and which one was her favorite. This specific bouquet features a delightful mix of red roses, pink alstroemeria, red miniature carnations, huckleberry, seeded eucalyptus, and lemon leaf. It is a perfect combination that smells incredible.   My husband's favorite part is  the ordering process. It is incredibly easy to order online and they will call to set up a drop off time based on your schedule. There are so many great options this year for Valentine's day and all year long! My favorite is the Love's Passion Bouquet by Teleflora.

 

Each bouquet is hand made and professionally designed by a florist in your very own neighborhood which means freshly cut flowers! There are so many options for every budget-you will be sure to find something wonderful for Valentine's Day and all special occasions in your life. #HandmadeByTF #Teleflora

*I received this product for free in return for providing my honest and unbiased review.  I received no other compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidlines*

First Valentine's Craft of the season!

We have so much more space to decorate in the new house and I am seriously lacking in any Valentine's decor. I decided to start with something to put over the mantle and this amazing craft was born:

The four pieces of paper are printer paper and  the background is a large sheet of construction paper.
We dipped the feet and hands in ink and painted the letters with black paint. It was a very quick and easy craft that will be sure to last for years. We may even take in to laminate to be sure that it will stand the test of time. What is your favorite Valentine's Day craft?

Legoland for New Years Eve

My daugher was so excited to Legoland Florida! We had been to California so we were looking forward to seeing the difference. My daughter is really into Lego friends but it was a bit disappointing. The area was small and the lego friend girls were not out and about or available for meet and greets. My daughter did like the fountain you turn on my walking on certain squares. Here are a few of her favorite exhibits and ride:

Although Florida Legoland is larger we still enjoyed California more. I felt like it was more spread our and easier to navigate. They did have a great New Years firework display with glasses that made it look like bricks. A new area of the park will be open shortly and it really is a great time for any lego fan.

Seaworld for Christmas

We have made our way to Florida for Christmas and New Year adventures. The first stop was Seaworld. My daughter loves the rescue show and wanted to see Rudolph for the holiday. Overall I would say the experience was average and not something we would do again. She loved the manatee rescue center and learning more about how the animals will be returned to the wild:

The downside of the park where the long lines to see certain animals such as the penguins. I would of liked to see an area you could walk past to just visit the animals without waiting in a long line. The Christmas portion of the evening was well done and my daughter enjoyed meeting Rudolph:

I would say overall if you are in the are its a great day trip for little's. The rides were closed when we were there so I can not actually give any feedback. 

We have a pet tortoise!

We have a new pet tortoise-meet Lilly Sultan.

It took some time to decide what would be the perfect pet. Our daughter has been in love with turtles forever and this is the perfect pet that we can easily take on any adventure. I am surprised how friendly our little tortoise friend is and actually like to be with her people. Looking forward to all of our new pet adventures.

Thanksgiving Day Craft

It is almost time for Thanksgiving! I wanted to create something this year that we could hang in the house and display year after year.

We found a picture of a turkey and cornucopia online and water colored to add  a bit of color. We also glued on card stock and punched a hole on top so we could hang on our doorknob. My daughter's favorite part was reading the prayer before dinner and it will become a new home tradition. What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? 

Trunk or Treat Idea

We love to do trunk or treat! It is a great way to celebrate Halloween in a safe way and in rural areas. This year we went with a frog theme.

The "fly" is just a bucket from the dollar store that we slit on each side. The wings and eyes are poster board we cut out and  but construction paper on for color. This year we were rained out so I had to use a table. The legs and tongue are cardboard boxes cut out and covered with table clothes. To make the frog stand up I used an empty laundry basket. Overall the table cost less than $5 for each of the plastic table clothes, bucket, and poster board.

Almost time for Halloween!

That's right my favorite time of year is right around the corner! This week I am in charge of my daughter's school snack and I am going to go with an old friend-the teeth monster donuts!

I have tried this twice in the past and mine never look quite this excellent. I usually just buy donuts at the bakery and find teeth at the dollar store-we use the color vampire teeth. For eyes we have tried mm's and sixlets. The sixlets or any round ball candy seem to work much better. Overall they are a hit for each class! 

Back to school time!

Can you believe we are already in back to school mode? We are also very excited to announce that we have moved. It will be an adventure as I work to create a perfect setting for our home and find a great way to recreate our space. Stay tuned for all of our makeover efforts!