Fun Find Friday: Gift Wrapping

June 1, 2012 by Leave a Comment

This is my second Fun Find Friday dealing with gift wrap, so you probably think I’m obsessed with wrapping gifts, but really that’s not the case.  In fact, I actually don’t truly enjoy wrapping, so I’m always looking for ways to make it more interesting and fun.  My mother-in-law is the “master wrapper” so I have a lot to live up to.  Here is my latest trick: create a pocket from the wrapping paper to tuck the card into.  I can never find a cute way to attach cards to a package and I hate taping them, so this is the perfect little trick and it’s really SO simple.  Here are some pictures to explain the process:

1. Measure wrapping paper and cut to size according to the gift you are wrapping, allowing for a little extra paper on one end. Pinch a 2" portion of paper and fold over.

2. Flatten pinched paper out and crease.

3. Wrap the gift as you usually would, flip the gift over and voila --- a pocket to tuck your card into.

Filed Under: Fun Finds Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Fun Find Friday – Cooking Tips

April 6, 2012 by 4 Comments

Now that my son is eating more table foods I’m forced to get back into a cooking routine.  Prior to his arrival last year I was quite proud of my skills in the kitchen, I would meal plan (in case you missed the meal plan printable, click here to get it now) and cook most nights.  I fully admit I slacked in that department this since my bundle of joy arrived.  Well, I’m back and I decided today was the perfect day to share some of my favorite cooking secrets.  Now, I fully admit I’m by no means a chef, but I’ve shared these two tips with a few friends and looked at me like I just cured cancer.  It’s not that cool people, I promise, but it will save you some time and some clean-up, which we can all appreciate.  Without further ado, here we go…

1.  Lay a wooden spoon over a pot of boiling water to prevent your pot from boiling over.  Simple and oh so smart.

2.  Rather than keeping a stinky grease jar under the sink (ah hum, mom, I’m talking to you…), soak up excess grease with a piece of bread then throw it in the trash.  I usually use an end of the loaf because who uses that anyway?

I told you they were helpful, now go try it out and let me know what you think.

Filed Under: Fun Finds, What's Cooking? Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Fun Find Friday – Sinful Colors Nail Polish

March 23, 2012 by 1 Comment

Okay, so this isn’t my typical “Fun Find” but I was so excited about this I knew I had to share it with the world.  Like most of you, I don’t have time to get manicures or even paint my own nails on a regular basis.  I’ve got a busy life and when I’m not chasing after an active baby I’m doing dishes, laundry, picking up toys, cooking or playing Words With Friends — okay so maybe that last part isn’t necessary but it’s how I spend my 5 minutes of peace and quiet.

Anyway, where was I?  Oh yes, that whole being a mom + looking presentable thing.  After watching American Idol one night and seeing a few of the contestants wearing this amazing aqua color I knew I wanted to try it out — supposedly it’s the color of the season.  I’m not usually so bold so this was a bit of a stretch for me.  While I was at Target I picked up a $9 bottle of OPI nail polish.  My frugal husband stood in the aisle and sighed.  I know, I know, $9 for 0.5 fl oz of nail polish does seem a bit steep, but it’s “the good stuff,” right?  After grumbling under my breath I put the OPI back and picked up this $1.99 bottle from the bottom shelf.  Little did I knew this was going to be my new favorite beauty product.  I hate to admit it, but I have to thank my husband (just don’t ever tell him I said he was right).

Normally my manicures last two days, maybe three if I’m lucky.  Even those “no-chip manicures” that are guaranteed to last 2-3 weeks don’t hold up.  I’ve been told I have oily nails, whatever that means.  I’ve tried all of the clear bases, OPI, Essie, top coats, gels and so on.  Nothing works.  ::Cue the angels::  This $2 bottle of polish lasted SEVEN whole days.  I could not believe it.  Sinful Colors is sold at Target and Walgreens, so next time you’re there pick up a bottle and try it out.  I’d love to hear what you think.  If you love it, you can thank me (or my husband) for that extra $7 in your wallet.

Disclaimer:  I am in no way connected to Sinful Colors, I truly just love their product.

Filed Under: Fun Finds, Products Tagged With: , , , , ,

Fun Find Friday

March 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Well, we made it to Friday, woohoo!  I figured what better way to end a long week than with some adorable doggy pictures.  There’s no way to look at these pictures and not smile.  Little Friends Photography takes these adorable photos.  If they ever come to Arizona, I will be booking a session.  Sure, it’s a little crazy, but oh so cute!!!

 

Filed Under: Fun Finds Tagged With: , , , ,

Fun Find Friday: Free Fonts

March 2, 2012 by Leave a Comment

One of my newest obsessions (and there are many) are free font downloads.  At first I was leery about downloading things from the internet — we all know that’s the fastest and easiest way to contract a deadly virus — but I’ve found some reputable sites that actually offer really fun and totally f-r-e-e fonts.  I’ve taken the risk for you and downloaded all of the following fonts, so you can do so without worry.  Once they’re downloaded, open the .ttf file and save it to your fonts folder.

Like any of these?  Click on the link below to download:

Mr. and Mrs. Popsicle, howser, combustion, waltograph ui, NeoRetroDraw, cursive

Filed Under: Fun Finds Tagged With: , , ,

Fun Find Friday: DIY Gift Bow

February 24, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Welcome to the very first Fun Find Friday.  Each Friday I will be posting my favorite trick of the week, so if you have any tricks up your sleeve, I’d love to hear about them! 
 

Today’s is a do-it-yourself gift bow.  There’s something about springtime because as I look at the calendar it seems as though we have a birthday party every weekend from now until eternity.  Now, I love me some parties- they give me an excuse to shop, so I’m not complaining!  But I will say that I despise spending money on gift wrapping.  It’s such a rip!  You budget for a gift, but then you throw in the wrapping paper, bow, tissue paper, box and card and next thing you know you’ve spent an extra $10.  Well, I’m here to help you with one of those things: the bow.  I learned this trick around Christmas and used it for many of our gifts.  I can’t tell you how many people commented on my little trick.  I just knew I had to share it with you (please forgive my horrible pictures).  Here are the steps:

1.  Grab a scrap piece of wrapping paper (preferably a strip somewhere around 5″x8″) and a pair of scissors.

2.  Fold the strip in half hamburger style (that’s the Kindergarten teacher coming out).

3.  Cut 1/2″ slits starting at the “open” side of the paper, leaving about 1/2″ uncut near the fold.

4.  Zoop (for lack of a better term, that’s what my mom called it) the paper with a pair of scissors until curled. Make sure the designed side of the wrapping paper is showing on the outside of the curl.

5.  Fold the folded end up twice — does that make any sense?

6.  Voilá!

7.  Tape your bow on the gift.

Filed Under: Fun Finds Tagged With: , , , ,