Perfect Toddler Gift and a Mod-Podge Masterpiece!

Dear Diary,

Craft time! Gift time! This is one of my favorite things to make as a gift to give the kids in our life... newborn to 4 years old.  It is personalized, useful and my kids can help create it!  My kids use their stools all day long to reach the fridge water and the bathroom sink and the toilet etc! They are independent and usually that's a good thing. So, let's get started.

From Fiscally Responsible Family to White Trash in Split Seconds

Dear Diary,

We are off to a great start with the new budget but I am already itching for a new outfit.  It is 2 weeks into January and I am trying to figure out ways to feed my shopping bug that is still responsible.  I had some returns to make at Kohl’s from Christmas last week.  It was well before naptime so everyone was in great spirits as we waited in the customer service line.  The girls were all put together in their new boots from Christmas and hair in ponytails.  They entertained the people around us with some songs… “The Sun’ll Come Out Tomorrow!” … aw- they're adorable!  So far, yes. I shuffled through my wallet and found 2 very old Kohl’s gift cards.  I had no idea of their value or where I got them.  Also with my receipts, I had some “Kohl’s cash” that expired a few days earlier! Darn it.

Routine

Dear Diary,

Routine makes Life less chaotic then it already is.

A new year doesn't have to be the beginning of a routine but maybe a tweak in what you already have. Along with all the advice I was given by moms, one I listened to was to start a bedtime routine around 3 months of age.  We started the routine when Layla became 2 1/2 months old.  My 4 Bs: Bath, Books, Boob, Bed. Layla is now 7 months old and is very used to the routine that she doesn't sleep

Hip Hip Hooray for Motherly Instincts

Dear Diary,

I am living proof that motherly instincts are real! I recall a particular story that can prove it. I was at my sister Sarah's house when her daughter who was 8 months old got a hold of something.  Like every other infant, that "something" went straight into her mouth! We noticed her starting to choke. This was before I was mom. In fact, this was before I was even thinking about being a mom. I instantly started cringing and flapping my arms. I was so nervous I couldn't even watch.  Sarah quickly grabbed Eva and started to perform the Heimlich maneuver on her- while she told me to call 911. I quickly dialed and started panic mode while practically yelling at the lady

Resolution numero uno... Financial Responsibility:)

Dear Diary,

Its time to “Resolute!”… set some goals and make them happen.   This topic is not just cheesy January water cooler chit-chat to me.  I’ve got some energy behind this topic and some real world experience in making change.  I draw from a number of my life’s experiences when it comes to resolutions.  Making change is not easy but there are things that you can do to have a better chance at setting and reaching your goals. After all, one definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Don’t be insane, if you want to make change, do something different, even uncomfortable, to get a new outcome.

Warm and Stylish Headbands!

Dear Diary,
Are you ready for winter wonderland?  Since the weather STILL isn't cold enough to bundle up, I've had enough time to figure out how to look stylish when that weather finally arrives.  Crocheting has always 'tickled my fancy' but I never had time to master the craft.... until now!


Introducing the DagSisters warm Headband! If you know a little about crocheting, you will be able to make this. My first headband took me about 2 days to complete, but now I've cut the time down to less then half!

Homemade Pickles! *Guest Blogger*

Dear Diary,

A home garden is a perfect way to grow spices and red peppers for my pickles mixture. It also adds flowers to the middle of winter during its darkest days. The rose has now bloomed; the Christmas cactus will soon flower; the coleus never ceases to amaze me. In the spring, I look at a dead flower pot and think, “what should I plant here?” Then the coleus starts to grow as if to say, “Ha! fooled ya again.” - Marianne

For the Love of Breakfast... Protein Pancakes!

Dear Diary,

I LOVE Breakfast!  Just the word makes my mouth water and makes me warm and fuzzy inside!  Breakfast is had between people who love each other and people who are close.  Mostly breakfast is eaten in the comforts of our own home.  If not, it might be after a sleepover, in pajamas and before you brush you teeth.  Even if we meet someone at a restaurant for breakfast, we are still fresh from our dreams with a whole day ahead of us.  If its an acquaintance you are meeting, do brunch.

Yummy Oreos Treats

Dear Diary,

I am concerned that I have not *clicked* yet with some of you.  Maybe you're not the 'crafty' type who gets excited by my cork board.  You may not have kids so the motherhood stuff isn't doing it for you.  You might not even be into apple picking.  But this post is sure to *click* with everyone! We will finally be united as one! Why? Because EVERYONE LOVES OREOS!  When is a more perfect time to bake with Oreos than the holidays?  These recipes can be made with your children.... they can mix with their hands! I made it a whole fun filled day with my cousin Allison (shout out!)... I will share some Holiday recipes which all include delicious Oreos! I feel my sweet tooth already creating a cavity... but I don't care!

The Art of the Scarf

Dear Diary,

Tis the season... to get out your scarves!  I used to think that scarves were mostly just something to warm my neck.  My mom wouldn't let us leave the house during the winter without moon boots lined with plastic baggies, a hat (not earmuffs!) and a scarf.  My mom would wrap the giant knit scarf around my whole head and face with just my eyes peeping