Lots Going on!

So, I have lots to share today!  In case you haven't noticed yet, look at the amazing new blog design.  I am so excited about have the design translate from my blog to YouTube and also Facebook and Twitter.  So admire now, and lots more details coming soon on that!

Also, today I am over on Britni's Blog, Play Party Pin to share an end of the school year teacher gift idea!  It is bright, fun, and simple to put together.  So make sure you head over there and check it out!

Over the next few days I will be tweaking the About Me, and FAQ sections of the blog, and playing around with the new space, so bare with me!  My About Me section has photos of the kids from literally years age, man they grow so fast!  Updates are needed!

If you are Play Party Pin Readers stopping by, WELCOME!  Below I have linked a few of my most popular posts if you want to take a look!

2013 End Of The Year Teacher Gift

10 Time Management Tips For Busy Moms

Updated Home Management Binder

Busy Box Organization

Kid Bedroom Organization

Summer Essentials For Kids

Yesterday I shared my Summer Essentials for Moms, and today the kids are up.  Here are the must haves for the kids for summer!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

                

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / Assorted Water bottles

Be sure to check out the video below for more!

**Post Contains Affiliate Links**

Summer Essentials For Moms

Today I thought I would share some of my "Mom" Essential Items for Summer!  

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12

Be sure to check out the video below for my Mom Summer Essentials and check back tomorrow for my Kid version!!

**This Post Contains Affiliate Links**

Lill'y Preschool Graduation!

And just like that, I have a preschool graduate....  This week was Lilly's preschool graduation, and it was so cute!  She is officially off to kindergarten!

She had an excellent preschool year, and her teachers just adore her.  

Congratulations Miss Lilly!

Organizing Baking Supplies

Today I am sharing how I organize all of my baking supplies.  I love using the OXO Containers for my sugar, flour, and other things that cause messes.

Sprinkles have always gotten jumbled and out of control on my shelves, so I contained them with small bins from the Dollar Tree.

I think just a good clean out of cabinets like this can make a big difference!

Below is the complete video showing how I organize my baking cabinet.  Enjoy!

Erin Condren *NEW* Address Book Review

Everyone knows how in love I am with Erin Condren Designs.   This order actually marked my TENTH order through the site!  I decided after the new Address Books were released to add it to my collection.  The main change that had me interested was the addition of the tabs!

As you can see above, I am kind of obsessed with the color cornflower right now.  The design I chose was Candy Lace with the color way of Cornflower and Grey.  The bottom photo shows the size comparison to my current life planner.  

Here is a closer look at the actual address pages in the book.  Also the Special Dates pages, which are a favorite in my book! 

Like most EC products, there is a zipper pouch in the back, as well as the keep it together folder.  The entire book including the tabs are very vibrant and colorful.  The quotes throughout the book are inspiring and beautiful.

Click HERE to receive $10 off your first purchase at erincondren.com

Below is an unboxing and first impression video of my address book!

Now tell me, what is your favorite Erin Condren Product???

Happy Mother's Day!

{Mother's Day 2013}

I hope all you mama's out there have a wonderful day.  I am so thankful for not only my mom, but also my mother-in-law who are both amazing role models in my life.

I am also blessed daily to be a mother myself, to 3 of the most amazing kids.  Matthew, Lilly and Joshua mean more to me than anything.  

For Mother's Day I had the opportunity to be part of an amazing collaboration on the YouTube Mommy Meetup channel.  The end product looks amazing (seen below).

Deciding on "my word" was not easy.  I have also a video up explaining the word I chose and why.

Happy Mother's Day!!

How To Make Your Own Play Dough

I have seen play dough recipes in the past, but never really tried it.  This fall when Lilly's teacher asked for volunteers to make "play clay" for her class, I was reluctant to sign up.  I am here to say that after making this recipe probably at least a half a dozen times now, IT IS SO SIMPLE!  I don't know why/how I thought I could mess it up, but it takes little time, effort or cost to make play dough at home.

Below I am going to list out the entire recipe, if watching the video below, know that I did a double batch, so I multiplied each item by 2.

Ingredients:

1 Cup of Flour
1/2 Cup of Salt
1 Cup of Water
1 TBS of cooking oil
1TBS of cream of Tarter

Directions:

Combine the dry ingredients in a heavy saucepan, stirring till thoroughly mixed.  Add liquids and stir thoroughly again.  Cook over medium heat until the mixture resembles thick mashed potatoes, stirring all the time.  Allow to cook just a little longer.  Remove from heat and pour out to cool.
All of the sudden it will change into a workable form.

It will keep for months if stored in a plastic, air tight, bag.

*I typically add the food coloring to the water before adding it to the dry ingredients, so it mixes evenly.  As you will see in the video, I forget, added it later, and it still turned out fine!