Wordless Wednesday
Welcome to the World of M & Ms. I love the blue peanut M & Ms. What's your favorite?
Welcome to the World of M & Ms. I love the blue peanut M & Ms. What's your favorite?Happy 4th of July
Yum Yum. Here's a simple and delicious 4th of July recipe:
- 2 pints of fresh strawberries
- 1 recipe of your favorite white or yellow cake (mix or from scratch, your choice)
- 1 1/3 C of fresh blueberries
- 1 tub of whipped topping:
Serves 12
Mix up and bake your favorite cake mix or recipe. Let cool.
Slice 1 cup of strawberries, set aside. Halve remaining strawberries, set aside.
Top cake (in pan) with 1 cup sliced strawberries, 1 cup blueberries and all of the whipped topping. Arrange remaining strawberry halves and blueberries on whipped topping to create a flag design. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Add a sparkler for a dramatic effect. Enjoy!
Baby Showers
Looking for great baby shower ideas or a gift? Check out our Baby Shower Tips, Recipes, free Games and Diaper Cakes at Giggles & Sugar Kisses. We know your time is precious, so we offer our customers one stop shopping. You'll find ideas for sweet treats, and unique gifts for sweet babies.
Hosting a baby shower? We know the importance of making this event memorable. Here are a few tips:
Baby Shower Etiquette
- A relative, co-worker or friend can host the shower. It's considered improper for the Parents To Be to host their shower.
- Start planning your shower 2 - 3 months in advance. This should include selecting a location, theme, and your invitations. Your invitations should reflect the theme of the shower. Your invitations will let guests know what to expect.
- Send out invitations 6 - 8 weeks in advance. You should include the Hostess' name, location, time and the guest of honor's name. You can also ask your guests to RSVP. List a RSVP By Date and a Phone Number where they can call.
- Remember your shower should last 2 hours. Most people prefer late afternoon or early evening showers.
- About 4 - 6 weeks in advance of your shower select your party favors, decorations, menu, games etc. This is a good time frame, it reduces the stress that you will feel while organizing the event.
- About 2 - 3 weeks before the shower decide on your menu. We have a great selection of appetizers, dips, desserts and punch recipes to assist you. Check out our You are Invited to A Baby Shower link on the left of our site.
- Choose your center piece. We have wonderful diaper cakes that are fun and practical gifts for mom. See our diaper cake selections on the left. Don't see what you want? We custom design so contact us and we will create your perfect center piece.
Hosting Tips:
- Greet your guests when they arrive.
- Introduce the Mother to Be and thank guests for coming.
- Have each guest introduce themselves and state how they're related or connected to the Mother to Be. This is a nice Ice Breaker and a fun way to make everyone comfortable.
- Play the games that you have selected.
- Serve your meal or appetizers and allow guests to mingle for awhile.
- Have the Mother to Be open her gifts. You may also serve your cake during this time.
- Have guests mingle, look at the gifts and take pictures with the Mother to Be.
- Thank guests for coming and give out baby shower favors.
Visit us at http://www.gigglesnsugarkisses.com/ for more information and gift ideas.
Wordless Wednesday
All Aboard! - This train was created from shrubs. Be sure to climb aboard our new Meme, Oh Snap - It's Friday. We'll be giving a snap and posting a picture each Friday. Let us know if you're interested in joining us.
Oh Snap, It's Friday
We will be adding a Meme to our blog, Oh Snap - It's Friday! We love photos of children, nature or anything that will lift the spirits or make us laugh, especially on Fridays. Get out those cameras and join us each Friday for a Snap.
If you're interested in joining, please leave us a comment so we can get back with you on when our first post will be effective.
My Grandson Will Be Baptized
My grandson, Xavier, will be baptized on August 17, 2008. I'm so excited. My daughter just visited my on-line store and selected his baptism outfit. Isn't it adorable? I love being able to shop in my own backyard for my grandson, lol. My inventory is housed in a workshop on my property.
My son-in-law isn't crazy about the hat. He wanted to know if we could get the set without it. My response, I think not. My son-in-law is so afraid, that my daughter and I are going to put "something crazy on him". He's a military brat and was very athletic throughout high school and college. I think this set is very elegant and classy and my grandson will be adorable in it on his special day. I'm proud that they have made a decision to bring my grandson to Christ, and I feel blessed that I will be able to witness it. What's even more exciting is that my daughter was baptized in the same church 28 years and 6 months ago.
Since they live 5 hours away, I will be hosting the luncheon at my home after the service. I would love to have any ideas on a light lunch for 10 - 15 people. Any recipes can be sent to rhonda@gigglesnsugarkisses.com. If your child or grandchild has been blessed or you're God Parents, please share some of your special moments.
Wordless Wednesday
Just Dropping In!
This shot was taken at the Ballagio Hotel in Las Vegas. Be sure to scroll down and sign up for our Lapis Ring, custom Mommy Card, and Red, White, and Blue Bracelet Give Aways. Today could be your lucky day.
It's Sweet! - Lapis Ring Give Away
Look what we're giving away! A hand-crafted sterling silver Lapis Ring. This give away is sponsored by Moomette's Magnificents. This ring is sculpted from Sterling Silver wire, it has double wire around the base. It features an absolutely Gorgeous Round Semi-Precious LAPIS Gemstone. This ring is a size 7 and it is non-adjustable. Not your size, give it to a relative, friend or co-worker. You'll receive raves for giving such a beautiful gift. Ring will be shipped in a box.
Click on the above link to visit Moomette's and than return. Leave us a comment on your favorite item on Moomette's Magnificents site. We will enter your name into our random drawing. Our random drawing will take place on July 15. We will contact the winner via email, and announce the winner on our blog. Today could be your lucky day!
Mommy Calling Card Give Away
Little Ladybug Designs is giving away a custom mommy calling card
design to one lucky winner! The contest ends June 30th at 6:00pm. The
design uses Vista Print's specifications so that you can print your own cards.
Leave us a comment on this adorable Custom Mommy Calling Card idea and click here http://www.littleladybugdesigns.com/contact.php to Enter the Mommy
Calling Card Design Contest!!! Winners will be able to choose their design and colors.
Please put Mommy Calling Card Contest in the comments box. All contest entries will be added to the Ladybug Designs newsletter list. Winners will be picked randomly. Only one entry per person.
Pimp My Ride
Pimp My Ride! Check out this new addition to Giggles & Sugar Kisses. Our Pimp My Ride Layette includes 3 pieces: A white cotton onesie with a satin stitched monkey driving a banana car applique, and a matching bib and crib shoes. The bib reverses to a baby blue minky dot fabric and is made of a soft flannel. The bib fastens with a velcro closure and is finished with a decorative stitching. This delightful set is perfect for summer.
For more information, visit us at www.gigglesnsugarkisses.com
Creating A Bond With Your Child
Are you bonding with your son and/or daughter? I have worked diligently over the years to create an unbreakable bond with my daughter, pictured with her new baby boy, Xavier. This was a proud moment for both of us. Not only was this a proud moment, this picture brings back so many memories. Twenty-nine years ago, I bought my daughter home from the hospital. I remember looking at her and thinking she was the most beautiful baby in the world. I vowed to love her unconditionally. Here she is 29 years later whispering those same words to her son.
We talk at least two - three times a week for no special reason. Over the years, I never really thought about our relationship except in mother-daughter terms. Now, I can say that we are not only mother and daughter, but friends. Becoming friends with your child is a wonderful experience. It evolves over the course of years.
When she announced her engagement and than her pregnancy, I looked at her and realized she was in deed a beautiful young woman. She keep telling me that she wasn't a little girl any more, but for some reason I didn't hear it. I know there were times when I tuned her out, especially when she was playing music or ranting about something she wanted, but I didn't grasp that I was tuning out the fact that she was no longer my little girl or daddy's. She is now a loving wife and devoted Stay At Home Mom.
My grandson who is now 9 months old is the joy of my life. I too have vowed to love him unconditionally. I truly didn't believe that I could love anyone as much as my daughter, but this little angel has expanded Gran's heart and made his way in. Stay tuned for my journey as a new Gran.
My Colorful Treasures Give Away
My Colorful Teasures is giving away this beautiful 4th Of July bracelet. Leave Us A Comment on this jewel and Visit My Colorful Treasures to enter into this contest by clicking on the above link. Hurry, contest ends June 22, 2008. This could be your luck day!
Nursery Ideas
I visited the blog at The Little Window Shop, http://littlewindowshoppe.com/, and they were doing a post on nurseries and in search of great ideas from other moms. I decided to send in pictures of my grandson's nursery. My daughter's mother-in law and I offered to decorate the nursery with the theme of my daughter and son-in-law's choosing. This was our first grandchild, and we were as excited as the expecting parents. I sent my daughter a link, http://www.babysupermall.com/, that had approximately 200 nursery ideas, and they fell in love with frogs and turtles.
We decided to shop with a frog and turtle theme in mind. We headed to Baby Depot. We choose the crib, changing table, and dresser first, and decided to go with a crib that could be changed to a toddler bed. My daughter initally choose a light wood, but changed to a darker stain instead. She choose the Leap Frog comforter and accessories by Kidsline, which included wall hangings, a lamp, diaper bag, bumper pad, rug, and the mobile. Did I mention the frog nightlight! Adorable little frogs are everywhere.
We decided to shop with a frog and turtle theme in mind. We headed to Baby Depot. We choose the crib, changing table, and dresser first, and decided to go with a crib that could be changed to a toddler bed. My daughter initally choose a light wood, but changed to a darker stain instead. She choose the Leap Frog comforter and accessories by Kidsline, which included wall hangings, a lamp, diaper bag, bumper pad, rug, and the mobile. Did I mention the frog nightlight! Adorable little frogs are everywhere.
After choosing the main furniture and accesories, we headed toward the rockers. The mom to be decided against the traditional rocker. She wanted to nurse, and she had her mind set on a chair where she could truly relax with the baby. She sat and rocked in every chair in the store and fall in love with the glader and foot stool shown. They choose the wall color last. They wanted a color that would soothe and calm the future prince, so they decided to paint the walls blue. They choose the shade from the comforter and accessories. The diaper cake shown on the dresser was made by the loving hands of Xavier's Gran. My daughter cherished it so much, she has refused to take it apart.
My son-in-law meticulously painted the walls and lined them with the adorable border. The nursery is absolutely beautiful. I love rocking and reading to my grandson among the frogs and turtles when I visit. We hope that it inspires you too. Wish us luck in becoming a featured project on The Little Window Shop blog.
My son-in-law meticulously painted the walls and lined them with the adorable border. The nursery is absolutely beautiful. I love rocking and reading to my grandson among the frogs and turtles when I visit. We hope that it inspires you too. Wish us luck in becoming a featured project on The Little Window Shop blog.
Wordless Wednesday
Hiking in Tahquitz Canyon in Palm Springs, CA. There's a 60 foot water fall that usually runs between the rocks in the background. I just happened to visit before the snow on the mountains melted; the melted snow forms the fall. Maybe on my next visit my timing will be better. It's a beautiful place to visit. Happy WW!
Chrysanthemoms
Our featured mom is Crystal. Crystal is the founder of Chrysanthemoms, and a mother of 3. She is a graphic designer, specializing in wedding invitations, baby announcements and photo greeting cards. I visited Crystal’s site, The Invitation Atelier, http://theinvitationatelier.com/. Crystal designs everything from wedding invitations to baby announcements.
She is also an avid blogger and loves to write. Chrysanthemoms (previously Two Moms In A Blog) is a blog written by moms for moms. Crystal states that the name: Chrysanthemoms, was chosen by one of our readers and is a play on “Chrys and the moms”. Why? Because she's Chrys, and the founder of Chrysanthemoms!
Chyrsanthemoms has three sister sites: Moms in Business, written by eBay Powerseller and WAHM, Suzanne - brings you advice on business: from getting started and building traffic, to finding balance between the business woman and the mother. In The Kitchen, with Watkins Rep, Eleisia - is an astounding resource for recipes, kitchen tips, cooking with your children and more! And last but not least, our talent Birthday Parties & Themes writer, Annette Yen, brings you theme ideas, games, activites, menu plans and more for a affordable, creative, memorable birthday celebration for your child of any age.
If you’re looking for invitations visit The Invitation Atelier. Crystal has a large selection, and she’s still adding designs. Her blogs are filled with interesting and diverse posts as well.
Mamita’s Creations
Our featured mom is Vivian Nelson Melle. Vivian is a third generation Mexican-Danish-American. Vivian states that she takes great pride in her cultures, and loves crafting. Vivian makes crafts and sells them so she can be a stay-at-home mom. Vivian’s work is generational. She learned crafting and a love of herbs at a young age because her mother was a stay-at-home mom who taught her the skills she learned from her mother. Vivian’s grandmother learned from her mother. Vivian is currently passing these skills on to her daughter.
All of Vivian’s work can be found at www.viviannelsonmelle.com. Her favorite hobby is redoing t- shirts. Vivian takes old t-shirts that have lived a good life, but needs a redo and gives them a complete make-over. Or, you take a brand new shirt and make it a one-of-a-kind creation.
One of my favorite items from Vivian is the bracelets made from old clothing. Vivian stated these bracelets are made from clothes that were headed for the thrift shop. While most of our clothes are given away, some are just too meaningful to give up. I found a way to reuse old clothes into new fashions. Is this not crafty? You must also check out the crocheted pursues. They are adorable. These convenient little purses are great when you need only a few items and are not looking to lug your purse around. They are large enough to hold a wallet, cell phone and a few lipsticks, but are small enough to hang effortlessly around your shoulder.
Vivian also has a blog, Mamita Staying Home, http://www.mamitasstayinghome.blogspot.com/. Stop by and take a look at Vivian’s post. This lady has great and crafty recipes that you may want to try!
Are You Interested In Working From Home?
Our featured Mom is Danielle. Danielle is a mother of two children, and feels blessed to be able to work from home and spend time with them. Are you interested in working from home too? Danielle can help you succeed.
If you need:
To earn extra income or get out of debt?
To replace your current income?
To have more control of your life?
More time for your family?
To save for college or add to your retirement?
To work part-time or make your OWN hours?
Do you need to get rid of daycare costs?
Visit Danielle’s site, http://www.bizformomsonline.com/. Danielle can provide the training to help you successfully work from home achieving YOUR personal and financial goals. Danielle also has a blog, http://bizformomsonline.blogspot.com/, which features great Work At Home and Stay At Home Mom Sites.
