20% off Shutterfly book

Receive 20% off a Shutterfly photo book using the code APRIL20. Offer expires April 14.

If you haven't tried Shutterfly you should! I love their photo books and order them when I have a larger collection of pictures with the same "theme".

Free Potty Training DVD

Huggies is offering a FREE potty training DVD. Go here to register. Even if you aren't actively potty training, grab it up so you'll have it when you need it!

Worst Banana Bread Ever

I have been craving banana bread for several weeks. I finally got around to making some last night, and it turned out to be the worst I've ever made.

I recently heard that you can substitute honey for sugar in recipes. So, I decided to try it. I googled a "how to" and printed it out.

It suggested that you only substitute up to a 1/2 cup of honey for the sugar when you're first starting out. It also stated that you needed to decrease the amount of liquid in the recipe since honey is a liquid, and to increase the amount of baking soda to decrease the acidity of the honey.

I decided to just go for and to substitue the full cup. I didn't read over that I needed to decrease the oil, so I used the regular amount. I did decide to increase the baking soda, but instead of grabing the teaspoon, I grabbled the 1/2 tablespoon. I usually lick the batter, yes, I know raw eggs are bad for you. But, this batter tasted like baking soda. Ick!

I went ahead and cooked it anyway. 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. I went to check on the bread and it looked really brown, like it was going to burn. So, I stuck the knife in the middle to see if it was done and it wasn't. I moved it down a rack so the top wouldn't burn and left it in the oven for 5 more minutes.

5 minutes later, I pulled it out and voila', done. I let it cool and dumped it out. Well, it didn't quite "dump" it out very well since it fell apart. Yes, I'm an impatient cook and it wasn't fully cool. I ate a piece that was broken off, and well, let's just say that it did NOT taste like banana bread. I can't even describe the taste, but I didn't even taste banana.

The entire loaf was a reddish brown color, i'm guessing due to the honey. I decided to toss it, it wasn't worth trying to see if Gretchen would eat it knowing that I didn't like it, and DJ had already told me he wasn't going to touch the stuff.

I told my mom what happened; she told me that I should just stick to the recipe and forget about trying to make it "healthy." I think DJ summed it up best though, "it's always an experience when you cook."

Hanging my head in shame, i'll admit, I'm a horrible cook! I try, I really do try, but I just cannot focus on it long enough to make something that's very good. I picked up some more honey at the grocery store, and discovered that I had a few more bananas in the freezer- I may attempt it one more time!

Another About Me!

A Little About Me
1) Eye Colour	Brown
2) Hair Colour	Brown
3) Height	5'2- I'm a shorty
4) Right or Left Handed	Righty
5) Your Weakness	Chocolate & Ice Cream
6) Your Fears	Someone breaking into the house, being kidnapped, or stabbed with a knife
7) Your Most Overused Phrase	Seriously?
8) Thoughts First Waking Up	Ugh, 5 more minutes!
9) Your Best Physical Feature	Eyes- I was complimented on them today!
10) Your Bedtime	I'd love to be in bed by 10 pm every night, but that doesn't happen!
11) Pepsi or Coke	Coke!!!
12) McDonalds or Burger King	Ick, if I had to choose- McDonalds
13) Ice Cream or Yogurt	Ice cream
14) Pizza or Chinese	Pizza
15) Waffles or Pancakes	Waffles- I usually burn pancakes
16) Single or Group Dates	Single
17) Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea	I don't drink tea- I know, a southern girl who doesn't drink tea; what's up with that?
18) Chocolate or Vanilla	Chocolate
19) Cappuccino or Coffee	Neither
20) Do You Smoke	Ick!
21) Do You Drink	Occassionally
22) Do You Swear	Yes, but I try very hard not to!
23) Do You Sing	In the car or to Gretchen when I'm rocking her at night
24) Do You Shower Daily	Yeppers!
25) Do You Floss	Yes
26) Do You Drive	Yes
27) Have You Been In Love	I have been, and I still am!
28) Have You Ever Cheated On Your Bf/Gf	Hmmm.... in high school
29) Do You Want To Get Married	I am married
30) Do You Believe in Yourself	Yes, I believe in myself- I think everyone should!
31) Do You Get Motion Sickness	Only when DJ is driving and I try to read
32) Do You Think You are Attractive	I think I'm decent
33) Do You Get Along With Your Parents	Love them!
34) Do You Have Any Brothers or Sisters	Older brother and sister
35) Do You Like Thunderstorms	If DJ's home, I can handle them
36) Do You Play an Instrument	I'm definitely not musically inclined
37) Do You Have any Pets	We have a labrador
38) What Is Your Favorite Colour	Red, Yellow, Green, or Pink
39) In the past month have you Drank Alcohol	Just 1- a strawberry daquiri out with the girls
40) In the past month have you Smoked	No
41) In the past month have you been on Drugs	No
42) In the past month have you gone on a Date	DJ and I go on a "date" every Tuesday for lunch
43) In the past month have you gone to a Mall	I went yesterday to get some make up
44) In the past month have you eaten a box of Oreos	A whole box?! No, I haven't even eaten 1
45) In the past month have you eaten Sushi	No, I don't like sushi
46) In the past month have you gone Skinny Dipping	It's been winter! And, no!
47) In the past month have you Stolen Anything	Definitely not
48) Ever Been Drunk	I'd tell my mom, no, but in reality- yes
49) Ever Been Called a Tease	Not lately!
50) Ever Shoplifted	No
51) Ever Gotten a Speeding Ticket	No, but I've been pulled over twice, and gotten out of them both
52) Ever Had a Secret Crush	No, I'm fairly honest with them. Not like I've had any lately!
53) Ever Been to Disney	Yes, and I cannot wait to take Gretchen
54) When Was the Last Time You Were Drunk	College
55) When Was the Last Time You Were on a Plane	A few weeks ago, coming home from my parents
56) When Was the Last Time You Heard "I Love You"	today- I love when Gretchen says "I love you too Mommy"
57) When Was the Last Time You Cried	Last month at church
58) Number of Piercings	1 in each ear
59) Number of Tattoos	Zero
60) Number of Things in My Past I Regret	Just a few!
Take this survey | Create your own survey | Daily survey
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Another Cute Honey!

That's right, one more adorable little honey for the day! I just received this picture today from Heather, Hailey's mother. Hailey is so sweet in her made to match Easter hair bow!!! She kind of makes me want another :)- don't tell DJ OR my mother!!!

Spring Honey's!

Check out these adorable little honey's in their spring-time gear from Honey Pie Accessories!
Collin- looks so stinkin' cute in his little bunny blue T. I might have already posted him (on a seperate post), but if I did, I couldn't resist posting him again!

Gracee is sporting her "G" applique!

Sylar is in his mod-circles tie shirt! And, how happy is he?!

Miss Kaylin is sporting her adorable Easter hair bow!

Thanks guys for sending me these photos! Your little honey's are adorable!!!!

Want to know more?

Many times you read blogs, but don't really know the author. Over the next several weeks I'm going to post a bit about myself so you can get to know me better!


1. IF YOU COULD BUILD A HOUSE ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD IT BE? It would be in my parents front yard. Growing up, our family lived very close to each other, and I always dreamed of living in their front yard. Thankfully, my parents have 40 acres of land, so I wouldn't be directly IN their front yard, but close enough that we could walk there!





2. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING? Scarves. Right now, scarves are my go-to accessory. I love that they can add color, and can cover up the tummy that I'm still not crazy about 2 years post baby.


3. FAVORITE PHYSICAL FEATURE OF THE _ OPPOSITE (or TARGET)_ SEX? Eyes- I love DJ's blue eyes

4. THE LAST CD YOU BOUGHT? Probably a Kenny Chesney CD for DJ- that's his favorite country artist, it was also before the days of the I-pod.

5. WHERE'S YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PLACE TO BE? Working outside. I grew up on a "farm" and had to work outside in the fields at times. I definitely do not enjoy getting dirty.

6. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO BE MASSAGED? We'll stick with the back/shoulders. I'm always the most sore there, since I lug around a 30 lb child.

7. WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT, STRONG IN MIND OR STRONG IN BODY? Strong in mind. Body is important, don't get me wrong, and I'm working every day to be stronger in body, but it's really all about the mind.

8. WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING? Ask DJ, and he'll tell you 6:45 or even 7:00. But, I like to say that I wake up at 6:30. On the weekends, we take turns sleeping in a bit.

9. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE KITCHEN APPLIANCE? The microwave- I hate to cook, so if I can just pop it in and voila' i'm happy!

10. WHAT MAKES YOU REALLY ANGRY? I get angry or frustrated at a lot of things. I get frustrated when people don't fully listen or when I'm feeling impatient.

11. IF YOU COULD PLAY ANY INSTRUMENT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I guess the piano, but I'm not musically inclined! My mom always wanted me to play the piano.

12. FAVORITE COLOR? A kindergartner asked me this the other day- I don't have just one. I like red, yellow, green, and pink.

13. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SPORTS CAR OR SUV? SUV. DJ had me test drive a car, and I just feel like as a family, we need the room of an SUV.

14. DO YOU BELIEVE IN AFTERLIFE? Yes, I'm a Christian, so I believe in Heaven and Hell.


15. FAVORITE CHILDREN'S BOOK? I have Goodnight Moon memorized, but I also love the Fancy Nancy Series.

16. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON? Summer- I'm off with Gretchen, we get to go on vacation, DJ's off for a month, it's warm, and we can get outside and go swimming!

17. IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Just one??? I'd love to be able to read minds or predict the future- see, I can't just choose one.

18. IF YOU HAVE A TATTOO, WHAT IS IT? Tattoo's are not my style. I'd never be brave enough to get one anyway.

19. CAN YOU JUGGLE? I can't juggle, but I can multi-task

20. THE ONE PERSON FROM YOUR PAST YOU WISH YOU COULD GO BACK AND TALK TO? My grandpa- he died when I was in 6th grade, and was such a father-figure to me. He was a wonderful man. I was his only granddaughter. Probably my favorite man every- besides DJ.

21. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE DAY? of the week? Saturday, as long as I don't have to clean. Day of the year? Christmas- it's always been my favorite holiday.

22. WHAT'S IN THE TRUNK OF YOUR CAR? Usually a stroller, but I think it's actually empty right now!

23. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SUSHI OR HAMBURGER? Turkey burger! From either Red Robin or Cheeseburger in Paradise.

24. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL? Pizza or Italian

25. IF YOU COULD ONLY CHOOSE ONE FANTASY SERVANT, WHO WOULD IT BE? (chauffeur/gardener/cook/masseuse/other) Again, only one? I'd love a housekeeper!

Let me know if you repost this on your blog! I'd love to see your answers and get to know each of you better!

April Giveaway!

This April I'm giving away 2 $5.00 gift certificates to my store! You can use your $5.00 off of any item!

The giveaway will run from now until April 26th. Winners will be announced April 27th and be notified by email.

Here's how to win!

1. Follow my blog.

2. Go to Honey Pie Accessories and choose your favorite item!

3. Become a Facebook fan of HPA.

4. Follow me on twitter.

5. Give me an applique' idea- you can do this entry as many times as you'd like!

6. Tell me what colors you'd like to see coordinated together in a hair bow.

7. Comment on any other post, and tell me which one you commented on.

8. Grab my blog button and place it on your blog.

You must leave a valid email address in at least one of your entries. Please leave a SEPERATE entry for each of the above. There will be 2 winners

Good luck!!!!

Easter 2010

We had a wonderful Easter weekend and I hope y'all did too! My mom was bugging me to upload some pictures, so I decided to do them all (well, at least all of the good ones) in one post!

Gretchen received a package in the mail on Saturday from our dear friend Laura. Laura spent her spring break in Disney World and sent Gretchen some goodies! She recieved a Daisy Duck and Minnie Mouse- Gretchen's favorite- along with other fun stuff! Thanks Laura! You're the best!!!! We dyed eggs later that afternoon. Gretchen got to color on them while waiting for the tablets to dissolve.

She was very good; dipping only one egg at a time and allowing it to sit in there for a few minutes before taking it out.

Once the eggs were dry she decorated them with stickers.

Gretchen and daddy with all of the decorated eggs.

Afterwards, we hid her Resurrection Eggs in the living room for her to find.

We opened each one in order and red the Resurrection story to her. This will be a fun family tradition for us every year!

The Easter Bunny came while we were asleep and filled Gretchen's basket with bubbles, a pinwheel, a plate, cup, princess snack container, and outfit. I guess the chocolate bunny didn't fit, so the Easter Bunny just set it beside her basket.

Gretchen walked in and noticed the chocolate bunny right off! We set her on the counter so she could pull everything out.

She loved the plate and cup!

We got dressed for church and managed to snap very few pictures before we left.

Thankfully, we were able to get one of us together before we had to leave.

After church, we came home and ate lunch and let Gretchen take a nap. When she woke up, she found that the Easter bunny had hid her eggs!

She did very well finding them all!

I had to add this picture. She was trying so hard to stand up after finding an egg; it was just so funny!

Gretchen wouldn't get too close to daddy today, but we did manage some pictures.

And, one more with mommy.

We had a gorgeous day, so we decided to go to the park!

She's getting big enough to play on everything without our help!

After the park, we came home and played outside and cooked our Easter dinner.

Despite, her 2 year old "attitude" it really was a good day with just the 3 of us! This has been the first year that we've been able to start traditions such as dyeing eggs, resurrection eggs, and hunting eggs! I look forward to creating many more with her!

Easter Fun!

It's taken me a bit longer to post these items, but maybe you can recreate some of them before Sunday! If not, plan ahead for next year!

I found these items while poking around on Etsy. Above: "How does the Easter bunny get into the house?" With his key of course! Have your child set a key out for the Easter bunny before he/she goes to bed.

These fun pinwheels would go great in your child's basket. I found one at the Dollar Section at Target for Gretchen's Easter basket.

And, check out the adorable Easter basket above!

Order or custom create your own Easter gift tags.

The wreath above was found on Etsy, but you can purchase a foam circle from Hobby Lobby, wrap it in yarn, add a bow and flowers and instantly add a festive spring touch to your front door.

I wish I could remember the store to the pieces above and below. But, they're created from a husband/wife team on Etsy. He cuts and she paints. I love how their pieces all coordinate with each other for a mixed/match look.A tutorial for the pots and pans was posted today at Make it and Love it Blog.

(Added: 4/2: The above pots and pans were an April Fools Trick. Yes, I feel for it from Make it and love it, but they are cute! And might be useful on plastic bowls, just don't hot glue it!)

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter! It's going to get in the 80s here today and tomorrow so I'm uber excited! The Easter bunny has dropped off all of Gretchen's goodies, and I can't wait to see her all dressed up Sunday morning!

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter weekend!