Couples Game Night

Saturday, Tina and I hosted a Couples Game Night and it was so fun. It was nice to bound with other couples without our kids. We had everyone bring a snack to share and it was all so yummy. We played two games and I would like to share them with you so you can play them with your friends.

Newlywed Game

Just hand out some paper and pens and ask the following questions. Have the wives and husbands answer the questions. At the end see which couple has the most matches, least matches and which couple has the best fight, I handed out prizes for each that I purchased on my Target run. This is a great game to get to know each other, it was fun to see people come out of their shell.

1. Where was your first kiss?
2. What color did your wife wear on your first date?
3. How long does it take your wife to get ready in the morning?
4. What color are your wife's eyes?
5. Where will your wife say she had the best vacation with you?
6. What is the most embarrassing thing your husband has done around you?
7. What dish does your wife prepare that she thinks you enjoy the most?
8. Which one of your husband's habits would you like to break?
9. What color tie would your husband like?
10. What comic character best describes your husband?
11.  Where did your husband take you on your first date?
12. If you asked your husband to cook dinner one evening, what dish would he prepare?
13. How would you rate your wife's morning breath? On a scale 1-10
14. What percent of house work do you do? for husband
15. What was the first meal that your wife ever cooked for you?
16. What did your spouse get you for Christmas last year?
17. Who is the safer driver?
18. What is the worst thing that happened on your wedding day, if anything?
19. What is your husband's favorite restaurant?
20. What would be your wife's dream vacation?
21. Which would your husband least like to do: go shopping with you or clean the toilets?
22. Who is the most patient?
23. What did you get your husband for his birthday last, and vice versa?
24. What is your husband's ultimate favorite movie?
25. Who gets to control the TV remote?
26. How many pairs of shoes does your wife own?
27. What is your wife's greatest fear?

Celebrity

This is the funniest game to play with a group of people. Every time we play my side aches with laughter. It is a sort of like charades.

1. Cut a piece of paper in to strips (about 1x2 inches)
2. Hand out 3 strips of paper to each person (depending on the amount of people you may hand out more or less strips.)
3. Have each person write a name on each piece of paper. (It can be anyone, actor, singer, comic character, person in the room, etc. keep in mind you want the other people in the room to be able to guess the name.) put all the names in a bowl.
4. Break the group into 2 teams (we did girls vs boys)

How to play:

Overview:
This is a 3 round game. Each round is played until all the names in bowl have been guessed. At the end of each round tally how many names each team has guessed and put all the names back in the bowl. At the end of the 3 rounds the team with the most points wins.

How each round is played:
Each team takes turns trying to guess as many names as the can in 30sec.
Round 1: You can act or say anything to help your team guess the name (except the name on the card or what it rhymes with)
Round 2:  You can act or say only 2 words to describe the name. (except the name on the card or what it rhymes with)
Round 3:  You can only act to describe the name on the card.

It may sound hard to only act in the 3 round but keep in mind you will be using the same names in all 3 rounds so by the time you get to round 3 it is easier then you think. While playing last night I saw the best Moonwalk (Michel Jackson), the best Karate chop (Bruce Lee) and the best truffle shuffle (Chunk from The Goonies) Trust me once you start playing this game you won't be able to stop. It is truly the best game to get people out of their shell and having fun.

Notebook Revamp

This is one of my favorite projects and I'm going to share it with you. It is super easy, cheap and in the end so usefully. I use my notebooks all the time they are cute and I always have a pen and paper. The mini notebook is always in my purse and always comes in handy. Let's get started...

What you need:

Composition book

Scarpbook paper

Mod Podge

Ribbon

Sewing Machine

First. We start by applying the paper to the notebook.

1. Cut the paper. I cut one piece for the front and back cover, 1 piece for the binding and 1 piece for decoration.
2. I then apply Mod Podge to the composition book where you will apply the front and back cover.
3. Attach the front cover to the composition book. Run your hand over the paper to rub out any bubbles.
4. Apply Mod Podge to the binding area. Then atach the paper to the binding.
5. Apply Mod Podge to the decoration paper.
6. Attach decoration paper to notebook.
7. Apply Mod Podge to the entire notebook.
8. Let the Mod Podge dry. Because I applied Mod Podge to the front and back at the same time I stand the book up to dry.
9. I use a file to go over the edges and scrape off any excess paper, like on the rounded corners.

Second. Apply ribbon to the notebook.

1. I sew the ribbon on with my sewing machine, yes you can sew paper give it a try. I use the zig zag stitch for this project.
2. I make loops in the ribbon to hold the pens to the front of the notebook. I use the pen or pencil to size the loop, I remove the pen or pencil (while still holding the loo) and run the book through the sewing machine to make the loop. I like to do 4 loops in different sizes.
3. On the back I sew the ribbon to the back to secure it and leave a tail that will attach to the front with Velcro to secure the notebook closed.

Third. Attach Bow and Velcro.

1. I make a bow.
2. I use my hot gun to attach the Velcro to the ribbon, to secure the notebook closed. I use hot gun to attach bow to the ribbon, it makes the notebook look so cute, but also hides the Velcro.

You're done Enjoy. I never have to ask someone for a pen when I'm in a meeting cause it's always on the front of my notebook.

Syrup Taste Test

So one of my favorite things my family does is taste tests. We have a big family there are usually 10 adults at Sunday dinner, so we have a perfect panel to have a taste test. It's a fun active to see what we like best.

On this Sunday we had waffles for dinner and so it was a perfect time to try out Syrups.

We have one person in charge and they put each syrup in a cup with a number. We then had a paper that had us first try to see if we could guess the brand and then next rank the syrups from best to worst.

The Choices Were:

1. Mrs. Butters Worth

2. Log Cabin

3. Great Value

4. Aunt Jemima

5. Spring Tree Maple

6. Organic Maple

Let me tell you it is harder then you think. In our family we were shocked to find out that the best was Log Cabin and then next Great Value. The worst was Organic Maple and Spring Tree Maple. Who knew, I have never bought Log Cabin but now I will. Next, we want to try out ketchup and BBQ sauce.

Try it in your family I think you may be shocked by the results.

Cake Mix Cookies

Yummmy, let me stop eating these cookies long enough for me to share the recipe with you. This is the BEST COOKIE RECIPE EVER...why you ask? well let me tell you:

1.Easy, Easy, Easy. 4 Ingredients that is it.

2. This makes 3 dozen cookies.

3. Options, you can use any cake mix and add ins.

My favorite combos are:

Devil's Food cake mix and Andie's mints.

Strawberry cake mix and white chocolate chips

4. This recipe is a crowd pleaser every time I make these I ALWAYS get asked how I made them ALWAYS.

What you need:

1. Box of cake mix

2. 1/2 cup vegetable oil

3. 2 eggs

4. Sugar to roll cookies in. about 1/4 cup.

Note: DO NOT follow directions on the cake mix box. Use the following directions.

Lets get started,

First. add cake mix, eggs and oil in a bowl.

Second. mix all ingredients. Elizabeth loves to do the mixing but she has ulterior motives cause she wants to lick the spoon.

Third. pour some sugar on a plate and roll 1-inch balls of cookie dough in the sugar and place on a baking sheet.

Tip: To really impress the cookies eaters. I use my pamper chef cookie scoop. I love it, it's one of my top five favorite tools in the kitchen. It insures uniform cookies, I just own the small size and if I need a bigger cookie I use two scoops per cookie.

Forth. Bake @ 350 for 8 to 10 min till center is firm.

When they first come out of the oven they will look puffy, but they will settle like below. Like I said this recipe makes 3 dozen cookies so you will have plenty to snack on as you bake. My first dozen gets gobbled up by my husband and kids "quality assurance tasting."

That's it easy peasy Delicious. Have fun making different combos the choices are endless. But be warned they are so good you might eat the whole 3 dozen yourself and have to break out your fat pants no judgement I'm enjoying them as I sit in my pajama jeans:)

Let me know how you like them and if you come up with a great combo please share?

Target Trip 2/21

So today was my trip into town and I got to stop at Target yeah... I love when I get to walk into those red gates of beautiful commerce. It was a good trip Valentine's day stuff was 70% off and they still had some good stuff. So I walked out of there with $102.75 for $21.21. Here is what I got:

What did I get and why:

So below I have 3 items to be used as prizes for a Couples Game Night I'm hosting this weekend. But I hope to tell you more about that next week. The other 2 weird star wars stuff is for my daughter's teacher.

Side note: OK I love to make and see cute teacher's gifts. But it always seems that my kids have a male teacher and most times those cute teacher gifts don't seem appropriate. What do you like to give and make for your kid's male teachers? Or hey teachers out there what do you like to get? I often wonder what they love and hate to get? Like great another apple. Well this year Lizzy has a male teacher obsessed with Star Wars so when I was in the Valentine's aisle and saw the Darth Vader padded candy box and cookie jar I was like score! The candy box was $2 and cookie jar was $4.49. Lizzy is so excited to give it to her teacher and I know he will love it. 

Next, One thing I love to always keep my eye out for is gift bags, wrapping and gifts at mind blowing prices. And I scored today I got 13 cute gift bags that can be used for anything for $2.70 that is less then one of the bags at regular price. The target gods have shined down on me today.

Next, we have things that will be used later and next year. Fun Dip and Pixy Stixs will go to good use in my house between all the youth that me and my husband teach and at $1 a box those babies where coming home with me. I got 2 boxes of cool Valentines for $0.50 and a cute frame for $0.49.

I also got 2 boxes of Crest toothpaste 3 pack on clearance for $2.98

Coupons Used:

$1/1 MQ PG 2/28

=$0.66 each

(Now, I usually get toothpaste for free or next to nothing with coupons, but it is usually Colgate and my beautiful husband is a bit of toothpaste snob. He only wants Crest so being the loving wife that I am. I do have to pay a little to please my man.)

What great things did you snag this year on Target Valentine's Clearance?

Build Your Blog Conference 2013

Wow, My head is still swimming after Saturdays Build Your Blog Conference. This was my very first Conference and I can't tell you how scared I was to enter unknown territory. Well, I made it out alive and full of lots of info I'm trying to process still. There will be a lot of changes made to my blog so hang in there while I work out some bugs.

There were so many moments that stand out unfortunately I was so busy taking notes I failed to take any pictures, don't you hate when that happens?

Anyway, I just have to say I'm inspired and that feels so good. Thank you to Brooke Walker of Studio 5, Her talk was AMAZING it just got me fired up. I'm excited to work on new looks on my blog thanks to Lindsay of Artsy Fartsy Mama and Ashton of Something Swanky. I can't express in words how great Nat & Holly of My Sister's Suitcase class "What to expect your first year of blogging" they had so much great info, thanks for sharing ladies. but the biggest thanks goes to the Six Sister's Stuff for putting on this event can't wait for next year.

One of my favorite moments was Brooke's talk about Balancing the Bucket. .

From the children's book "Have you filled a bucket today" which tells us as you fill others people's buckets yours gets filled too.

I recently had my bucket filled by my husband and kids till it over flowed with love. From my post 14 days of Love I shared how I gave little treats to my husband and kids for 14 days up till Valentine's day. I can't tell you how fun it was while I was doing it, but the best and most unexpected surprise is what has happened after wards. The Love my Family has given me since is priceless. My husband bought my favorite flowers Tulips and included the most beautiful Love letter that brought me to tears, just Love him. Elizabeth made me a special Valentine and has since done the dishes every night and vowed to do them every night for me. Conner boy has said "I Love you Mom" more then he has in awhile along with big bear hugs. That was the best dollar store candy I have ever bought. I urge you to share some random acts of kindness with your family? Let me know how it goes?

What was your favorite moment from BYBC 2013?

I have a ring full of beautiful business cards for blogs I can't wait to check out! Let me know if you attended the conference – I would love to check you out and follow you!

Target Trip 2/15

So I had a good Target trip. Paid $33.17 on $85.27 worth of product saved $52.10 .

Note: Now I have moved from Arizona to a Small town in Tooele, so you will get better deals in other states or even in SLC but for us out in the sticks this is pretty good.

Downy UnStopables 2 pack $9.99 each

Buy 2 get $5 Target gift card

Coupons Used:

$3/2 Downy UnStopables MQ P&G 2/28
$.40/1 Downy UnStopables MQ P&G 2/28

= $2.89 each

Gillette Cartridges 4pk reg. $13.99 Clearance $9.78

Gilletet Fusion Razor reg. $10.99 Clearance $7.68

Coupons Used:

$10/1 MQ RP 3/31

$4/1 MQ RP 3/31

=$3.46 for both

Crest 3D White 3pk reg $5.99 Clearance $4.18

Coupons Used:

$1/1 MQ PG 2/28

=$1.06 each

Secret Deodorant 3pk reg. $5.00 Clearance $4.25

Coupons Used:

$1/1 MQ PG 2/28

=$1.08 each

M&M  12.60 oz reg. $3.19 Clearance $2.23

Coupons Used:

$1.50/ TQ

$1.50/ MQ RP 3/31

=$.75 each

Campbells Tomato Soup reg $1.10 Clearance $.26

coupons used:

$.40/4 MQ SS 2/28

=$.16 each

Paid 33.17

Saved 52.10

Creamy Chicken Alfredo

So, I finally got back into coupons....Yeah.... It just makes me happy. Well, I picked up some Progresso Recipe Starters, cause they looked so good and thanks to my coupons I got them next to nothing. So, I came home and wanted to try them right away. They lead to success. Let just say Elizabeth asked for thirds.

  

And when all was said and done this is my true measure of success nothing left on their plates.

It was so easy and only took 30 Min. to get it to the table.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo

(adapted from Progresso)

You will need:

1. Pasta
2. Boneless skinless chicken breast (I used 2 for just me and the kids)
3. 2 tablespoons of butter
4. 3 cloves of garlic finely chopped, I pressed it.
5. 1 can Progresso Resipe Starters Parmesan Basil
6. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
7. 1/2 cup whipping cream


Directions:


1. Cook chicken in skillet with oil, season with salt and pepper and cook till center not pink.
2. Add butter and garlic, cook until garlic is softened.
3. Stir in Recipe Starter and Parmesan cheese.
4. Stir in cream, yum.
5. Add in pasta, isn't funny how kids love different kinds of pasta, Lizzy wanted bow ties.
6. Enjoy

This became a winner and will be added to my dinner routine.

Hope your family likes this dish and you too have empty plates.

Disney Paperbag Scrapbook

I love scrapbooking and I always get lots of questions about scrapbooking. So, I wanted to share some of my scrapbooking tips along with one of my favorite scrapbooks with you.

Tip: Simplicity

One thing I like to do is to keep it simple. So that I don't over think it and get burnt out and then not want to scrapbook anymore. Scrapbooking has come along way, we went from like 2 aisles of scrapbooking supplies to half of the store. And although it's nice to walk into a store and have so many options. Sometimes too many option are overwhelming.

First. When shopping for supplies I like to keep it simple which also helps on my pocketbook. I love to by supplies that are versatile and go along way. Hence why I call my self a ribbon whore, I Love ribbon. Usually, I buy supplies like ribbon, buttons and jewels not in the scrapbook aisle but in the craft and notion sections, because I can get more for my buck.

Like I said options are overwhelming and can lead to not only over thinking but over paying. So a good example is my Disney book. There are lots of cute options for Disney scrapbooking. But I used mostly what I had on hand and only purchased one Disney embellishment for this project. I got these cute Mickey ear buttons that went perfectly with my paper.

Supplies:

Paper. Below you can see I used this cute bright paper that all goes together no over thinking. The paper is also very versatile it can be used for a boy, birthday, summer vacation or in my case a Disney trip.

Ribbon. I picked out a few ribbons that went with my paper from my vast supply. A good example of getting more for your buck is, I purchased Fun Fur Yarn in the knitting aisle. It was $1 for 64 yards and I love the texture it gives to my pages.

Tools. I keep my tools very simple. I love Color Box cat eye chalks they are my biggest secret. I use them on every scrapbook page I do, it gives anything that extra bling. I have a few basic paper punches, I mostly use my circle, square and corner rounder. My stapler is another one of my favorite things to use not only is it utilitarian to use it to staple ribbon to a page, but it adds an extra embellishment to my page.

Adhesive. I don't buy fancy scrapbooking adhesive. I love Beacon 3-in-1 glue it is the best for EVERYTHING. It is a liquid that is fast drying, it doesn't bubble the paper and it is super strong. I use pop dots to give a page some depth. Of course I already said my stapler.

So I took the above and turned it into this...

Paper bag Scrapbooks

They are my favorite kind of scrapbooks to do for many reasons:

1. Simplicity. I don't really do your typical 12by12 pages, they are over whelming and take a lot of supplies aka money to fill 1 page. I love small mini albums, your supplies go along way and you can quickly finish a project and enjoy it.

2.$$$. They are so cheap I buy a package of 100 paper bags for $3. I used four bags for this project that is 12 cents for this album.

3. Pockets. When you go to Disney you come home with all these trinkets that are special, but hard to include in a regular scrapbook. With a paper bag scrapbook you have pockets that are great to hold those special trinkets and extra photos.

Tip: Wallet Size Pictures

Now, because I usually do mini albums I like to print out wallet size pictures. I print them at home on my HP printer and instead of just getting one 4x6 picture I get two wallet size pictures. I love to save that $money$ where I can. Also, it keeps up on my simplifying trend, because there is no need to cut to crop my photos. I just print out my pictures and plug them into my album... easy.

Page 1 & 2

Notes: For this trip to Disney we got Elizabeth a autograph book which she had so much fun getting the characters autographs. While doing this scrapbook I wanted to include them. So I photocopied them and here on page 2 I include Mini Mouse's autograph in a flip out door.

Page 3 & 4

Page 5 & 6

Note: Here I included both our passports and autographs.

Page 7 & 8

Note: Here you can see that Fun Fur yarn I mention before I love the texture. I made pockets on these pages to hold some extra goodies. I made some autographs into tags by simply using my corner rounder and attaching ribbon to them with staples and brads.

Page 9 & 10

Note: I don't think I mentioned flowers in embellishment above. I always keep an eye out for them at a good price cause they look great on pages. One year I struck gold at the Creative Keepsake convention, the dollar booth had all kinds and used this opportunity to stock up. I love how the green one peeks out of the scrapbook.

Page 11 & 12

 Note: OK...OK I know this is a Disney book but we did go to SeaWorld on this trip, so I included it. Again I used my extra pictures and passport as tabs.

Page 13 & 14

Note: I love to use things like that fast passes, passports and autographs as embellishments.... they are easy on my pocket book and I love that.

Back Cover:

Note: It's one of my favorite parts of this album, cause I got to feature one of those awkward special trinkets. I attached the Toon Town button to the back cover.

I hope you enjoyed these tips to keep it simple and how to keep down the cost of scrapbooking. Let me tell you my kids LOVE this book they love how interactive it is. They don't just look at it they get to flip open doors and pull out hidden treasures. It is well loved and doesn't just sit on my bookshelf.

Have fun scrapbooking don't forget to share your scrapbook, I would love to see them.