Classic Pizzelles (a recipe you’re sure to love)!

In case you are unfamiliar with the name, they are Italian waffle cookies you make with a Pizzelle baker and they are absolutely delicious!  They can be made with either anise, vanilla, and even cocoa.  Our family prefers vanilla and there’s no one better at making them than my mom!  As I’m drafting this post, I’m asking my mom for tips.  Without hesitance, she answers “be sure to use Land O Lakes margarine”!  Other margarines apparently don’t measure up and the cookies will not come out nearly as good.  Another tip is to make sure the margarine is cooled before adding it to the mixture (as I’m typing this, my mom is saying “make sure you bold the word cooled under the directions”)!  Okay mom, will do!  I’ll even put it in CAPS just for you!  I got to make mom happy otherwise I won’t get any cookies.

Free 4th of July Storyboard/Collage Template (holds 12 photos)

Are you guys getting ready for the 4th of July?  Or should I say getting the camera ready?  I don’t know about you but I’m the type of person that can’t let a holiday pass without snapping some pictures (even if they are only taken with my phone camera)!  And since holidays make such perfect photo opportunities; you’ll definitely find me behind the lens!  There are so many amazing moments to capture.  Whether they be of family and friends you haven’t seen in awhile, your Aunts homemade ice cream, patriotic tablescapes you’ve strategically designed, water activities like sprinklers/pools/slip-n-slides, little ones running around in diapers and bare feet, a volleyball or badminton tournament, a hula hoop competition, etc.; you’re sure to catch some great expressions like smiles, laughs, giggles, maybe even happy tears?  Have I painted a pretty enough picture?  No?  Let me fast forward to the evening then.  How about glow sticks, sparklers, cracker snaps, and FIREWORKS?  Sharing some champagne with your significant other under a glowing sky?  Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!  I’m getting myself all fired up for the holiday (pun intended)! 

What are your children doing to drive you nuts?

For those of us that have children, we all know that motherhood can be amazing!  It can be rewarding, fun, satisfying, fulfilling, blah, blah, blah!  Now let’s visit the flip side and discuss the things children do that challenge us and test our patience on a daily basis.  You know, the things that make you want to blow your brains out!

I know after reading that last sentence, something immediately popped into your head.  Something your child does that makes you want to pull out your hair and at the very least just annoys the fu@# out of you!  Am I right?

That’s right, they’re BAAAAACCCKKKKK! 

Incase you missed my first post, Inspiring Blog Headers, feel free to check it out!  I wouldn’t want you to miss out on such an inspiring post!

INSPIRING BLOG HEADERS II

If you are a regular visitor, you might notice something different about my page.  That’s right, I redesigned it!  With all the inspiration online, I couldn’t help myself!  One of my favorite things to do, other than reading posts of course, is to check out blog designs!  Let’s face it, your design and layout is an important aspect of blogging.  It falls right under content.  If you are among the bloggers that provide awesome content (which many of you do) and also have a rockin’ blog design, than BRAVO!  Of course, for a person like me that has an extreme obsession with design, I can get a little distracted by your beautiful blog header, unique social media icons, brilliantly designed navigation toolbar, and perfectly coordinating blog button while trying to read your fabulous post.  Don’t worry I always manage to read them in their entirety, it just takes me longer!  If this sounds familiar, I’m afraid you are a design obsessed geek too!  If you are, I’m loving it!  I’d hate to be alone!

Get Festive with this 4th of July Decor!

With Independence Day being right around the corner it got me thinking about how I wish I was going to be home to host it this year!  Instead, the hubby and I have a wedding to attend on the 4th.  Of course that wasn’t going to stop me from browsing online for patriotic decor!  No way!  I have too much fun doing it every year!  That’s just another great thing about having a blog!  The browsing, ogling, bookmarking, and pinning certainly wouldn’t go to waste when I have all of you to share my favorite party decor ideas with – so thank you!

Organizing your Computer Blog Files

Whether you are new to the blogosphere or a veteran, organizing your computer files is an essential part of the blogging process. Naming conventions for your folders and files are particularly important if you want to be able to find your documents quickly, easily, and with little to no effort. Today I'm going to share some examples of good computer file organization.  By the end of this post you will have the tools necessary to put your very own filing system in place.  

My Summer Bucket List & 10 Outdoor Activities for Kids

The weather this week hasn’t been that great.  It’s been a little disappointing especially for my little one.  Since we’ve been spoiling her with daily outings since our vacation in Florida (3 weeks ago) she has now come to expect it (you know, going out I mean).    When we don’t, she walks around the house moping, whining, and asking repeatedly to be held.  She’s been extra needy and even a little cranky.  Lucky me!  I’ve been going a little crazy over here!  Don’t get me wrong, I feel for her and completely understand but, Mama just needs a break already!  Is it Friday yet?  Oh wait, it is!  Thank heavens!

The Candid Photograph

What’s the difference between an okay photograph and one that makes you want to keep looking at it for hours? 

In my experience, I’d have to say camera settings, proper exposure, focus, and perspective.  To me, the least important contributing factor is the subject.  When you can make even the most mundane look exciting, fresh, and appealing than you my friend have just crossed over from being a so so photographer to an exceptional one! 

Does your child respect their things?

Are you teaching your kids to respect their things?  I think it’s an important lesson to teach and one they should most definitely learn.  What got me to thinking about this topic?  Good question.  I was recently having  a conversation with another mom who happened to mention having to buy a new kindle for their tot.  When I asked why (assuming there was something wrong with the product), she shocked me with her answer.  She went on to say that her little one had thrown and stepped on it multiple times, brushing the statement off casually as if that’s what toddlers do.  My immediate thought was “really”?  You’ve got to be kidding me.  Am I on candid camera?  Where are the video cameras at?

Are images/graphics in blog posts that important?

When it comes to posts, what kind of images and/or graphics do you find most appealing?  What makes you want to share a post across your social networks?  Take a minute to think about it. For me, not only does the topic have to interest me but the images and/or graphics have to grab my attention!  There are many things that contribute to a great image/graphic including: subject, size, proportions, the inclusion of text (when appropriate), exposure, clarity, perspective, vibrance, and color palette.  I try to keep all of these things in mind when drafting my own posts.  Writing comes naturally to me and while photographs and graphic design may too, they still take me longer to prepare and finalize.  It's definitely worth it but let me tell you why.

Simple and Inexpensive Toys are Sometimes the Best Kind!

Some of the best toys are the ones that happen to be simple, the least inexpensive, and keep my little one entertained for hours.  Do you find this to be true?  

It seems like I'm always concerned with purchasing educational, highly rated and recommended, or consumer reviewed toys when it comes to my toddler.  And although a lot of these purchases end up being smart purchases in that my little one plays with them often, there are some that just sit in the toy box collecting dust leaving me questioning why. What's more is that most of the time these toys are among the most expensive purchases and I can't help to think  - what a waste.

Our Vacation in St. Petersburg, FL

Being that I just returned from my blog break, I am doing a lot of catching up.  Trying to sort through my emails has been such a time consuming task that I haven't been able to think about topics to blog about.  To me, it's not all that important anyway.  I much rather maintain my social relationships by responding to emails, visiting blogs, and returning the love with follow backs!  With that said, if you emailed me and still haven't received a response, you should expect to see something soon!