Halloween Banner

So, I have been encountering all of these cute holiday banners through blogs and Pinterest.  Our fireplace mantle looked kind of boring this Halloween season, so I decided to try to make a theme banner for Halloween.   I took ideas from several different posts and pins, so I don't really have a specific one to direct everyone to...

Here is the finished look:

The letter backings are just black and orange scrapbook paper.  I cut the shapes with a bracket die cut in a Big Shot.
 
The letters are pre-cut vinyl letters I purchased at Michael's.  They are 2" in size.

The Frankenstein head was cut from a bright green piece of scrapbook paper I had laying around.  I cut that in a triangle--no pattern--in proportion to the die cuts.  His hair is a jaggedly cut out piece of black scrapbook paper.  His bolts are made from 4 little, rectangle pieces of gray scrapbook paper that I taped with Scotch Tape.  I glued 2 medium sized gray rectangles I cut out from the same paper as the bolts; then, I drew in the pupil with a black marker.  Last, I free-hand drew his scars on with a black marker.

Then, I punched out 2 holes in top, center of each die cut/letter.  I strung a small diameter, satin rope (using a ribbon would definitely be cute, too) through the punch outs, leaving room for Frankenstein.

Finally, Frankenstein was hung on the banner with 2 tiny green clothespins that I got from my sister in law.

I didn't really hang the banner on the mantle; I put it under the heavier things that were already on the mantle to secure it.  I am sure you could secure with tape, Command products, a nail in the wall, etc.

I sure hope everyone enjoyed this tutorial!  I just had an inkling to make it when I saw all of these different, cute ideas and I ended up with this!  If I can do it, anyone can... :)  If you have a holiday banner, let me know!  I always love new ideas.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Kim

Linking to:

Halloween Wreath 2012

So, I came across this blog through Pinterest called 'creatively christie'.  She made this cute Halloween Wreath that looked quite easy to do.  I loved the way it looked and the simplicity of the project piqued my interest!

Here is my wreath that I made with my son, who is 4 years old.  This would be a nice project for the kiddos to help with, but maybe not to complete all by themselves...

Items used:

-One Medium sized grapevine wreath
-One Small sized grapevine wreath
-Black Rustoleum Spray Paint
-Plastic spider, skull, and bat rings
-Lime Green Satin Ribbon

Thanks for stopping by!

~Kim

Check Out this Giveaway from Whisker Graphics

You all need to check out this neat giveaway from Whisker Graphics.  Look at the cute bags they are giving away:

They are going to giveaway a set of 20 polka dot Middy Bitty Bags and 20 polka dot Little Bitty Bags to one lucky winner! 


Click here for entry information.

Good luck!

-Kim

Influenster Naturals VoxBox: Product Review #2 -- LypSyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer™

LypSyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer™  

I don't know if the other reviewers on Influenster who gave this product D's and F's actually read the packaging, but it does not claim to be natural, environmentally friendly, etc.  It just happened that the people at Influenster added this product to its "naturals" VoxBox.  So, it is sad to see that people gave LypSyl such low scores because of that.  A side note, though: the company does not test this product on animals.

Anyways, I really liked this product!  The packaging is great: a one handed slider to get the product up and down, a larger surface area for application.  The product was very smooth, moisturizing, and softening.  Nice minty scent/flavor...

Go to the LypSyl site and check out their products!!

~Kim

Educational Insights® is the manufacturer of unique, innovative, and modern products that deliver educational content in relevant and appealing ways.  They are holding a contest on their quest to 50,000 Facebook Fans!  For every 1,000 fans, they will choose one lucky winner to win a prize pack worth $500!  When they hit 50,000 fans, they will reward ALL of their fans!

Enter by liking Educational Insights on Facebook.

~Kim

The Original™ Dish Drying Mat REVIEW

FACTS:  The Original™ Dish Drying Mat is the new solution to the age old tradition of placing dish towels on the counter when hand washing pots, pans, dishes, and glassware. But more than Dish Mats, The Original™ features a line of cleaning, home and pet products!

$4.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond

PROS: Nice looking, stores easy, seems to wick away moisture faster than other products
CONS: Not large enough; need more surface space. I'll just buy another! :)

I don't normally hand wash dishes, but have been doing more lately. I received this dish mat in the Influenster Naturals VoxBox and was hesitant at first that it would work any better than a towel, etc. Well, it proved me wrong.  Not only does it look nice underneath my hand washed pots, pans, knives, etc., it wicks away the moisture much faster than any old towel would. The only thing is that I wish it was bigger in surface area for larger items.

I would definitely recommend this product, especially at this price.  It is definitely worth it!

~Kim

NCircle's 3 Halloween DVD Review and Giveaway Information

The Bragging Mommy is having yet ANOTHER cool giveaway!   Kim reviewed a few of DVDs that NCircle sent her: Halloween stories from Sid the Science Kid, Word World, and Cat in the Hat!

Those videos look so fun, and I know my son would LOVE to have them.  Wouldn't yours?  Well, head on over to The Bragging Mommy and enter for yourselves!  I am keeping my fingers crossed that I win!!  Good luck...

~Kim

PS: NCircle Entertainment specializes in the distribution of quality children and family entertainment.  Check them out at their web site, on Facebook, on YouTube, and on Twitter!  Fun for families!!

Influenster Naturals VoxBox: Product Review # 1 -- GEODEO

I have tried some of the items that came in the VoxBox I blogged about here.  But, there is one in particular that I felt compelled to write about ASAP.  It is the GEODEO, a natural deodorant plus 'Detox Complex'.  The claim of the product is "...keeping you fresh for 24-hour odor protection."

When I put this deodorant on my underarms the first time, I had just shaved and it was in the evening before bed.  I woke up the next morning, and things seemed just fine--no smell, no sweating under the arms, etc.  I put more on before dressing to get me through the rest of the day, and it felt/smelled like it was working.  It was about 85 degrees outside, I didn't work/exercise too hard, so I wasn't perspiring too, too much.  Then, I used it again after a shower, in the evening.  I put it on before I went to bed so it would have time to "sink in", if you know what I mean.  I woke like before: without smell or perspiration.  So, I put more on before I dressed.  But, this time it was 95 degrees outside (usually our normal spring/summer/fall weather)...  I worked at my son's preschool for 3+ hours and 18 kids in an air conditioned room.  An hour or so in, I got a whiff of this odor.  I thought I had walked past "the smelly kid in class" (yes, a quote from Adam Sandler's Big Daddy movie) or something!  NO WAY!  It was me!!!  I have a BIG issue with not smelling like body odor or sweat or what not.  But, it was me that had an odor!!  NOT GOOD!!!

I have stopped using this product.   It is too bad because I was so excited about it.  When I opened the VoxBox and read about the products, this is the first one that jumped out at me that I needed to try THAT DAY!!  Bummer...  For me, it does not stand up to it's promise of '24-hour odor protection, keeping you fresh'...  It kept me stinky...

So, I definitely am not a fan of the GEODEO deodorant in Island scent.  If you are one of the few that either don't sweat or whose sweat don't stink, then this could be the product for you.  Nevertheless, it is NOT the one for me.  Secret Solid, here I come.  I've missed you...

~Kim

We Got a Released Puppy from Canine Companions for Independence (and our new HOUSE RULES)

Well, we got a puppy about 4 months ago.  Her name is Cindylu (after the Grinch character Cindylu Who)!!  Isn't she adorable??

She was released from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) - Northwest Region because she had an overbite.  Poor little thing: they extracted all of her bottom baby teeth in hopes that her lower jaw would catch up to her maxilla.  Well, that didn't happen!  She needs to have her lower canines filed down and filled.  That was only the beginning.  She was just spayed (per our agreement with CCI) on Tuesday.  Then, a few weeks ago, she apparently ate the insides of a stuffed dog toy and made her/our life miserable for a couple of days.  Possible surgery there, but thank goodness she hacked it all up and is fine now--$1000 later. :)  And, she had to have dental surgery to file down her lower canines, so they would not jam into her upper palate. 

Well, the reason for this post is because we made a crazy, crazy decision to get a 3 month old puppy the same month our son, Anderson,  turned 4 years old!  Bad, bad combination...  We love Cindylu; we love Anderson.  However, the two of them together causes a lot of chaos in the house.  When he's by himself, he does well.  When he's not there, Cindylu is great.  So, we had to come up with a compromise.  Discipline the kid AND train the dog.  Impossible?  Maybe...

Here is a list (feel free to use it for yourself) that my husband and I made up for Anderson and how he should treat the animals. (By the way, we also have a 9 year old Lab, Audie, and two cats!!)  Let me know what you think!

Influenster Naturals VoxBox 2012

So, I went on to Influenster's website because of a recommendation I got from a fellow You Tuber (yes I did makeup videos there, and I am taking a break for awhile to try to find whether I like blogging or videoing better).  She had said it was this cool site where you can possibly get products to review for free.  So, I logged on and tried it out.  Here are some FYIs about the company:

1.  It's a free program.
2.  You take various 'surveys' to earn badges, which, in turn, helps you towards being chosen to receive a VoxBox.  You apparently want to get as many badges as possible.
3.  Badges are related to the lifestyles of people they want to attract (including Blogger, You Tuber, Health Nut, Moms, etc.).
4.  If you have used any of the items that they have already sent out to other chosen subscribers, you have a better chance of getting chosen yourself if you review and recommend/not recommend those products on their site.
5.  Though I have been having some issues getting on their site recently, go check Influenster out yourself and sign up if you think you may want to be a part of something like this... 

So, with all that said, I was chosen to receive the Naturals VoxBox 2012--I had been selected to 'test, evaluate, and recommend' these fun products. 

Here are the items I received in the box:

~The Original Dish Drying Mat
~LypSyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer
~EBOOST
~CleanWell Individual Hand Sanitizer Wipes
~GEODEO
~Nectresse
~SheaMoisture Shea, Chamomile & Argan Baby Bar Soap (soothes eczema)

Here are some pictures:

So, I have a little while to test these products out.  Keep checking back for product reviews and evaluations!!  I've already got a few in the pipeline... :)

-Kim

Purse Perfector Purse Organizer Review and Giveaway

I love giveaways and I always want to share these possible "freebies" when I come across them!  Over at The Bragging Mommy, they are hosting a Purse Protector giveaway!  I have always wanted one of these things, but just haven had the chance to grab one...  Here's what they look like:

To try to win yourself one of these, go to The Bragging Mommy and enter yourself!! :)

Good luck!!

Kim


PS: You can enter this giveaway until September 14 @10:00 am MST.

The Candy Store Accessories GIVEAWAY

This cool blog, Real Moms Real Views, is hosting a giveaway for accessories from The Candy Store.  

The Candy Store is giving away a coin purse, cosmetic pouch, and mirror in mint chip to one Real Moms Real Views reader.  Here are some pics for you:
 

These accessories are "ultra-light, ultra-durable, eye-popping-bright Silicone; and, each style features a super-smooth texture, stainless steel frame and oversized 'gumball' closure."  They are so cute and so easy to use!

Go here to see the entry guidelines.

And, please don't forget to follow my blog and Pinterest!  I would appreciate it! :)  Good luck!

-Kim

Fun Facts About My Hubby and Me!!

So, I am continuing my research about all things blogging.  I ran into this cute "get to know me" factaire (a fact questionnaire) and though that this might help to get to know me a bit better.  Comment if you have any questions!! :)

-Kim

Fun Facts About My Hubby & Me

(Idea stolen from Bre's Blog)

Did you go to the same school?

Not at all.  Though we went to high schools in the same great metro area, we met through a totally different avenue: match.com!!

Where is the furthest you have traveled as a couple?

We went to Jamaica for out honeymoon.  We have also traveled to Colorado and Minnesota together.  I would love to take him and my son to my birthplace, Guam USA.

Who has the worst temper?

I certainly do.  The hubsters has this motto he lives by "Choose your battles!"  I hate that saying because I am a confrontational person!  But, needless to say, he has rubbed off on me after 10 years together and I have learned to do the same... :)

Who does the cooking?

I do most of the cooking; he does ALL of the barbequing!!

Who is more social?

I am the social butterfly.  Ha ha...  We definitely compliment each others' personalities when it comes to being social,

Who is the neat freak?

Neither of us.  I am a Virgo, so I am organized.  But, luckily, not to a freakish level!

Who hogs the bed?

Our dog, Audie!! :)  All jokes aside, we have a King bed and there is enough room for the both of us to be comfortable.

Who wakes up earlier?

On work days, the hubby wakes up at 4am.  On off days, I am the one who wakes up the earliest: dogs and a ready-to-go 4-year old do not help with this either! :)

Where was your first date?

This terrific restaurant called Bandera.  Then, we went to see Scream 2 or 3 (I can't remember).

How long did it take you to get serious?

 After 2 weeks, I knew!  (And, I think he did, too.)

Who eats more?

The hubsters eats more because he is a big guy (6+ inches taller than me).  He needs that food otherwise he is a cranky dude...

Who does laundry?

Me = mine, Me = our son's, Him = his own

Well, I guess that's that.  If I can find or think of any more get to know me questions, I will post them.

How about you?  Re-post this with your own answers, and leave the link in the comments section.  I would love to hear your stories!! 

-Kim

Blogger Map

So, I am having a ton of fun looking at others' blogs to get ideas for my own blog and to link up with some pretty neat people.  During my blog-search (blog research), I ran into this Blogger Map.  It is a really interesting concept: (from the blog) "Join your other favorite bloggers on this map! As you plan travels, or want to arrange local meetups, you'll know who to contact. You might meet some new local faces and be able to reconnect with old when you find yourself away from home." So, check it out!!

Latte Love Blog - Blog Directory Map

I'm Back: New and with a Thank You!!

I have definitely been out of the blogging loop for several months.  I keep saying that I will blog more often, post more, etc.  Well, I decided that I am going to do just that (again!)... 

With that said, I decided to change the purpose of my blog just a bit.  I am a mom to one, a makeup lover/hoarder, a DIYer, a dog person (2 yellow labs, of course), among much more.  So, I am going to blog about a little bit of everything now. 

Also, I am addicted to Pinterest.  So, I plan to post entries of "What I finished on Pinterest".  I hope you like that series.  I think I will be doing that once a week.  Completing the things I pin on Pinterest is so fun!  It makes me feel accomplished (at least for that week)...

Last, I want to say a HUGE thank you to Tiffany over at Blabbering Thoughts for including me in a Beauty Box exchange.  I am sad to say that I thought there was something "strange" going on; but, you have to understand that this was my first swap and I read so many negative happenings about other swaps.  I guess I should have not volunteered to swap if I felt that way.  But, in hindsight, I am glad I did because I received  a MAGNIFICENT "End of Summer" box from Nicole over at Nicole's Revolution.  Nicole, thank you so much for sending me such a wonderful and fun box of beauty stuff!!  I love all of them!!

Look at these pictures:

Here are the items that were in this amazing box...
*a purple, cheetah print nail file
*a deluxe sample of Benefit's High Beam (I have ALWAYS wanted to try this!!) :)
*a deluxe sample of Benefit's Stay Don't Stray
*Sephora Nail Polish in Drama Velvet Pearl (a gorgeous orange color)
*Sephora Crystal Gloss in Golden Embrace
*a Freeman Goji Berry Facial Hydration Mask
*AND, a Tokidoki Vegas Arte Palette that has 4 eyeshadows and 1 blush!!!!!!!!!!!  WOW!!!!!!!!

Okay!  Isn't this a fabulous gift?  Again, I am so sorry that I thought this swap was some kind of ruse.  I feel so guilty...  But, I hope I have redeemed myself through this entry and to the gal I sent my swap box to, Marissa.  Go to Blabbering Thoughts to see the boxes that the other participants received. :)

Again, Marissa and Tiffany, thank you for your patience and understanding...

-Kim