I was originally inspired by this great post from Instructables, one of my favorite websites. I am throwing a garden themed party this year for my daughter’s birthday and thought that these would be perfect. They would also make cute adornments for gifts.

Here is how I made these cute Recycled Water Bottle Butterflies.

Materials:…

rockin' stars...

I really, really, really wanted to make a pair of starfish slippers 'cause summer's up next in this endless stream of…

Big news! You're all invited to a Mother's Day Virtual Trunk Show this Thursday, May 3, through Sunday, May 6, where you can shop for yourself or for those you love. And the best part? You could even win a bunch of free jewelry! Check out the details over at my blog:  "…

My youngest brother recently recommended we watch the documentary "Catfish."  After viewing it, I've decided anyone who uses the internet (which should be anyone reading this post!) should watch it.  It is fascinating, and a bit troubling.  It documents the story of an online relationship from start to finish. I won't go into too many details because I don't want to spoil the experience for anyone who decides to see it, but let's just say that not everything is as it appears. …

Ok, now that I’ve gotten your attention!  How long has it been since you bought a new type of makeup?  Do you know how to use it?  When was the last time you picked up a magazine and looked at the new way to do your makeup?  Probably a while! …

Flying with your toddler any time soon?  http://www.mommyhoodbyjess.com/2012/04/flying-with-toddler.html …

I Am My Parents: Don't Make Me Come Back There!

It's not until recently when I reached the mUm status of a 'No, I want to do it on my own', defiant almost four year-old and a 'I know everything - insert eye roll and annoyed sigh', almost 'tweenager', when I started to hear myself blurting out those fabulous one liners that, as a child I remember my parents…

Get The Kids Back to Nature: Go on a Picnic!

When I woke up this morning and heard the birds chirping outside my window, the first thought that came to my mind was, 'Lets go on a picnic'.

After all, the sun was shining and a light breeze drifted through the window so rather than waste a gorgeous Sunday at home, we packed up whatever food and drink we could find in the…

www.crikeymUm.com

So, you've arrived in Rota or are due to any day, week or month now, and although you've no doubt received an endless array of updated and helpful information from your current command or the Naval Station Rota Base website, there are just still so many 'how do I, what do I, where do I' questions that you need answers for...like, yesterday!

It's your lucky day!

After receiving many,…

If you give a mom a pancake, she will have to clean up your mess that you made while making the pancake.

When she is cleaning up the mess, she will notice that she needs to mop the floor.

Before she can mop the floor, she will have to wash the dishes.

When she goes to wash the dishes, she will notice....continue

In order to leave a lasting impact in today’s economy now is more than ever to find a reason to stand out in the crowd.  Whether you attend a network gathering or interviewing you, want the individual to remember you.  Anyone can give a business card but instead of following the crowd, give them a card that reflects who you are rather just a face in the wall.

I have partnered with U-Printing for my first giveaway in which one winner will receive…

Mamacravings's latest post is all about a 2 year old, his persistence and what a mama craves for her son in his endeavors. 

Soapbox Mommy: Celebrity Moms

… wherein I complain about celebrity moms, the media, and kids on my lawn. Also, I might be whiny.

Visiting the grocery store accomplishes three things:

1. I get out of the house

2. I get food

3. I catch up on the latest celebrity gossip

Yes, I can finally declare myself old because more often than not, I am oblivious to who these ‘celebrities’ are. Further, I have the tendency to complain about…

Look no further, I have the book for you!…

Returning to my regular posting schedule after an awesome contest for my friend and former star of Providence Seth Peterson, I have a lot to update everyone on!

This week's installment features my usual updates on:

What I'm Proud Of: Organization & stepping back

What I'm Up To: Projects & reviews coming including The Avengers toys & a couple of great books!

What's On My Mind: The importance of friendship & support

& Fun Stuff: Successful…

Enter to win the complete Pixi Glow Makeup Collection!…

Every so often, and maybe a whole lot,  as a mom I have to stop and ask myself: “Who is driving this thing?”  

Because I get caught up.

I get caught up in crazy.

If you’re a mom, I think you know exactly what I’m talking about and I don’t have to say another word!

But in case you’re not a mom, here’s what it means to get caught up in…

For the last three years, I have watched my first born daughter blossom from a child into a young lady. At thirteen she's strikingly beautiful and not in that I'm her mother so I have to say that way, but in that strangers stop me on the street way. And as I've watched her bloom, along with feeling proud I've also been fighting this irresistible urge to lock her in her room, block all technology and home-school her until she's oh, about 25.

It's not because she is some problem…

Before Autism touched my life, I considered myself the kind of mother who pretty much had it together. Before Autism, I worked a full-time executive position, where my obsessive and control freak tendencies served me well. My three children were used to the daily routine of full-time school or daycare. Weaning, potty-training, bedtime issues, discipline, those were things OTHER mothers struggled with, for me it never seemed like a huge deal. I managed to sail through the first 9 years…

There are few times when writing makes me cringe.

This is one of them.

Basing from the title, you understand why.

Last week we touched on why parents don’t let kids play much outside.

One of the reasons was fear of putting children in danger whether it be accidents or criminals.

And while I’d like to think every parent struggles with managing such fears, there are a few who seem to manage well – to the point of endangering their children.

How…