Liza

Jan 172013
 

Make This House A Home: Home Improvement Series

Make This House A Home In 2013 - Home Improvement Series

When we moved into this house almost a year ago now, there were things that talked about changing, furniture we wanted to buy, walls that needed painting.  Instead of jumping right into it, though, we waited on a lot of our ideas.  We’re both big believers in living in a space for awhile so you can figure out the best flow, how your family’s activities and traffic impact the space, etc.  But now we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and get in there!

So in addition to my Organization: 2013 series that I’m sharing with you throughout the year we’re going to be talking about how to make your house a home.  I’ll share remodeling and design tips, decorating ideas, product suggestions, and much more.  There will even be some before and after photos for you so you can see how simple changes can make a big impact.

I’ll be talking about every room of the house from the kitchen to family room, office to bathroom, bedrooms to those spaces you’re not quite sure with what to do.  The outdoor spaces won’t be forgotten, either!  I’ll cover the garage, deck or patio, backyard, and landscaping.  I hope you’re ready to get some dirt under your nails along with us!

We’ll be starting soon, but in the meantime do you have any specific design and remodel requests?

Jan 152013
 

Family Dollar Kidgets Wipes & Diapers

Kidgets Diapers and Wipes at Family Dollar

Like most baby showers, our showers when Bubbles was born presented us with a number of diapers.  Most of them were for a specific national brand and they worked well, so we stuck with them.  Along the way we did try a few other store brands but just didn’t get the performance from them that the other diaper brand provided.  We also purchased the brand’s matching wipes as they had a gentle variety that I thought would benefit a tiny baby’s bottom.

Buying diapers and wipes month after month, however, can really add up and you start looking for ways to reduce those costs: coupons, buying in bulk, subscribe and save.  One thing I didn’t look for, though, was another store brand to try.  Recently, though, I discovered that our town has a Family Dollar which I hadn’t shopped in since I lived in Maine years ago.  They have their own line of diapers – the Kidgets brand – and also just recently added wipes.  At $6.50 for 31 diapers (size 4) and $2 for a 72-count package of wipes I thought it might be worth it to give them a try – especially considering we had recently been experience some leaking issues with Bubbles’ regular brand. Continue reading »

Jan 142013
 

I love quick and easy recipes that also make great gifts and these chocolate covered pretzels fit that bill!  Packaged in an easy DIY Valentine’s Day Treat Bag with stickers, they make a cute gift for Valentine’s Day.  They’re also really easy for kids to help make.  Bubbles helped me make a batch yesterday and she had a great time mixing, sprinkling, and dipping.

Easy Chocolate Covered Pretzels for Valentine's Day

If you have a child in elementary school these might make a nice Valentine for their friends. Just add their names for a personalized Valentine’s treat.  Even junior high- and high school-aged kids like to give valentines and these could work for them too.  Personally, I wouldn’t mind receiving a bag of these either. Continue reading »

Jan 122013
 

Disney’s 2013 Oscar Nominations

I’m always sharing my favorite Disney movies and activities with you and today I have more Disney news.  I’m excited to announce that The Walt Disney Studios picked up a total of SEVENTEEN Oscar nods this year!  How amazing is that?  Lincoln was a standout receiving a total of 12, including one for the coveted Best Picture.

2013 Oscar Nominations - Disney Receives 17

Full List of 2013 Oscar Nominations for Disney Continue reading »

Jan 082013
 

If you’re like the typical household you are likely buried under paper.  Old bills, tax returns, check stubs, receipts, bank statements, notices, magazines, cards – the list goes on and on.  It can be hard to decide what’s needed to keep, how long to keep it, how to store it, and how to keep it from overflowing again.

Paperwork Organization How-To: Get That Paperwork Under Control

January is a great month for paperwork organization.  Not only because it’s the start to a new year and that’s always a great time to make new changes, but also because the tax man cometh!  You’ll need certain documents in order to file your taxes and after this organization you’ll be able to lay your hands on what you need at the moment you need it. Continue reading »