Indie Holiday Sweets & Treats

Mouth offers two options for Holidaylicious Sweets, which make great gifts for Christmas!

1) Holidaylicious Sweets:

Includes:

 

2) Holidaylicious Sweets - Extra Sweet
Includes:

That's a whole lot of yum!

 




Mouth - Indie Food, Tasty Gifts - Save 15% Off Your First Order

Tasty Quinoa Chocolate

Looking for a tasty option for Quinoa? If so, you should try some quinoa chocolate from Mouth. Try the Almond Butter + Quinoa Chocolate or the Agave, Quinoa & Sesame Milk Chocolate Bar, both for only $9.

The Agave, Quinoa & Sesame Milk Chocolate Bar is made of Creamy, sweet milk chocolate laced with crunchy quinoa and sesame seeds. Also, for each bar sold, Jcoco provides a serving of fresh and healthy food to someone in need.

The Almond Butter + Quinoa Chocolate has a chocolate shell filled with almond butter with puffed quinoa for an added fantastic crunch. Also, this chocolate bar has no refined sugar, gluten, dairy, emulsifiers, stabilizers, soy or GMOs

This post contains affiliate links. The opinions stated are my own and are not that of the company itself. There is no extra cost for clicking on these links or for purchasing these products, however, there is potential for me to gain a commission, should you decide to purchase.  Thank you for helping me support my family and this blog!

Try one, or both, today!

Almond Butter + Quinoa Chocolate





Agave, Quinoa & Sesame Milk Chocolate Bar





Mouth - Indie Food, Tasty Gifts - Save 15% Off Your First Order


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I'll Drink to That

I'll Drink to That - How Red Wine Helps Your Teeth




I just found out, red wine may not be that bad for your teeth!  Actually, it can help your teeth.  Yes, it can stain them red, but there are positives to having a glass, or two, of wine each day.  According to some studies, red wine can actually help you have healthier gums, stronger teeth, and can help reduce cavities.  I bet you won't feel as bad the next time you decide to have a drink. So drink up, and save yourself a trip to the dentist!

15 DIY Christmas Ornament Ideas


For those of you looking to put together a do-it-yourself Christmas this year, this list is perfect for you!  Here are 15, diy Christmas ornament ideas.  These would even be fun for kids to create as well! Make it even more special this year and decorate your tree with items made by hand.

15 DIY Christmas Ornament Ideas
















Why I'm Glad I Didn't Choose to Co-Sleep

Why I'm Glad I Didn't Choose to Co-Sleep


When I was pregnant, I was asked the question - "Are you going to let the baby sleep with you?"  My answer was always quick, and always No.  I still firmly stand by that decision and wouldn't go back and change anything, even if I could.  Co-sleeping is a popular thing.  In fact, I know quite a few parents who do it.  I'll never judge them, but I'll also never join them.

For me, the decision not to allow my child to sleep in the bed with me came when I was younger.  No names, or relations mentioned, but I knew of a child, who was in his toddler years, and he couldn't fall asleep unless his Mom, or another trusted adult, was in the room.  Really though, he wanted his Mom in there with him.  I didn't even have to do it every night, and I found it slightly exhausting.

Who can really get sleep with a kid kicking you in the back, or screaming if you have to get up and leave the room, even just to use the bathroom and come straight back.  So, after experiencing that, I knew for a fact that when I had my own child, the decision had already been made, they were NOT going to be sleeping in my bed.

I suppose I should confess.  While I was breastfeeding, there were times when I kept my children in bed with me after they were done eating.  However, as soon as I started them on the bottle, I decided it was time that they no longer ruled my roost.  I kept them in the room with me, but they slept in a bassinet, or the crib.

So, all you co-sleeping advocates can't really point at me and yell mean things :) - I didn't kick them out all the way.  I do believe in keeping children close, so I couldn't just send them into a room, all alone, right away.  But, I did want them out of my bed as soon as they weren't attached to my nipple, what seemed to be 24 hrs a day.

Now, they are a little older and I can tell you, I am still glad to have made that decision when they were babies.  I started a trend, one that I could work with, and one that didn't wear me down so much.  Personally, I don't get much sleep when I have to share the bed, or blankets with someone.  I'd make the hubby sleep in his own bed if it weren't so cliche.  I like my space.  But it's much more than that.  I enjoy my "ME TIME."  I feel just like my Mom when I say that.  We always had a bed time, and her reason was the same as the one I now give my own children.  The time when I put them in bed, until the time I go to bed myself, is time I get to spend on myself.  I don't have to force myself to bed when they go.  I can sit, in the quiet and get work done, or enjoy a nice glass of wine, which is something I'm sure some people frown upon you drinking in bed, with your kid snoozing right next to you.

If I had decided to go ahead with co-sleeping, the chances are pretty high that my "Me Time" would be non existent.

What are you reasons for either co-sleeping, or choosing not to co-sleep?

Menu Monday | Week 1




Weekly Meal Planning Made Easy

I'm starting something a little new around here.  Every Monday I will post a menu I have created for my family.  It will have meal plans for each day of the week.  You can follow it exactly (copy-cat :P) or you can add your own recipes or meal options into the mix.

Have trouble sticking to a weekly meal plan?  Don't beat yourself up; I do too.  It's not the worst thing if you create a menu and don't stick to it.  True, they help you plan ahead and can save some headaches when putting together the shopping list for the week, but it's not the end of the world if you decide to change things up last minute.  To be honest, most of the time I just create these menus because I find it incredibly enjoyable, and makes me feel like I'm one of those super organized, super - moms.  BUT, I hardly ever stick to them.  I guess I'm still learning how to do that part :)
Menu Monday | Week 1


MONDAY


Breakfast





Lunch





Dinner






Dealing with a Moody Teen

How to Deal with a Moody Teen | Live Love in the Home
How to Deal with a Moody Teen | Live Love in the Home


Ever wondered how to deal with a moody, or disrespectful teen?  Me too.

My boys aren't teenagers yet, but it can never be too early to prepare for those years.  Here are some tips to help you deal with the relationship you have (and the ones I will have) with your teen.

Rules

Rules are important.  Your teen needs to know what is acceptable behavior and language and what is not.  It even helps to involve your teen in the rule setting process.  This way, you can both be in agreement of what's expected.  After you set the rules, be sure to follow up.  Rules mean nothing when not enforced.

Consequences

When a rule is broken, consequences can help teach a teen that when they do something wrong, especially something they've agreed on, they must own up to it.  Consequences could be taking away the cell phone or computer, or cancelling the best friend movie date they have planned for the weekend.  You can base the consequence for breaking a rule, based on which one was broken.  Consequences can also be discussed with a teen when setting a rule.  They are more apt to follow a rule when it is not only just enforced, but also when they know what's at stake.

They Learn What They See & Hear

You are one of the most important teachers in your teen's life.  They'll copy things you say and do, and yeah, they'll sometimes act like you.  You should try to be a good role model for them.  Show them what you expect with your own words and actions.

Stay Calm

Don't panic and don't argue.  It's best to keep your cool.  Don't use words to hurt your teen.  Remember, if it would hurt your feelings, chances are, your teen is definitely going to take it to heart.  If you get too overwhelmed, take a deep breath, or walk away for a moment to calm down.

Remember

You'll both be just fine and even if it's said, your teen doesn't really hate you.  Remember what it was like to be that age and just keep breathing.

Need Help?

You may need a little more advice.  If so, you may find it helpful to contact:

  • Other parents

  • Your teen's school counselor

  • You can also seek professional help, if needed.

Deals from York Photo

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This post contains affiliate links. The opinions stated are my own and are not that of the company itself. There is no extra cost for clicking on these links or for purchasing these products, however, there is potential for me to gain a commission, should you decide to purchase. Thank you for helping me support my family and this blog!

Sign Up With York Photo And Get 40 Free Prints! (New Customers Only. S&H not included.)

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DIY Faux Crystal Rock Gift

I am absolutely in love with this next tutorial.  My husband has an aunt who is pretty obsessed with crystals, stones, and such.  After finding the Diy Faux Crystals with Rocks, Nail Polish, and Gold Spray Paint tutorial by Love Maegen, I now know exactly what she will be getting for Christmas this year.  I even plan on making some for myself to place in my bathroom.  Stones and crystals can create such a calming and romantic atmosphere.  I can't wait! Aren't they beautiful!?



 

(photo from Love Maegan)

 

DIY Ribbon Storage Ideas

DIY Ribbon Storage Ideas | Live Love in the Home


When I was younger, my Mom made a lot of my special occasion dresses.  She enjoyed sewing, and throughout the years, she had  gathered a huge collection of ribbons.  While I have yet to accumulate as much as she had, the need for storage ideas inspired this post.  This DIY list will help any ribbon hoarder get a little more organized.

First on the list is this awesome DIY project from The Cottage Mama.  These DIY Ribbon Holders would be perfect little decorations for any craft room!



Next on the list is this equally as awesome tutorial from Better Homes and Gardens, for this Picture Perfect Ribbon Holder.



You can swap out the washi tape in the Easy Washi Tape Storage tutorial from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom.



Happy Organizing!

Dreaming of a New Bedroom

I have way too many interior design dreams and not enough money in my bank account to make them all a reality.  Lately, I've been dreaming, both at night and during the day, of a bedroom suited for a queen.   One day, I will have that luxurious duvet cover with matching shams I've always wanted.  If you're my husband, and you're reading this, Christmas or my birthday will do :) Ahh, a girl can dream, right?

I just want to jump right into these pictures and take a nap.  One day, one day....

 

 


Dian Austin Couture Home "Neutral Modern" Bed Linens by Dian Austin Couture Home





Dransfield & Ross House Condotti Bedding by Dransfield and Ross





French Laundry Home Aimee Bedding by Horchow





Dian Austin Couture Home "Pure Pewter" Bed Linens by Dian Austin Couture Home





Callisto Home "Aura" Bed Linens by Callisto





Dian Austin Couture Home "Aix-en-Provence" Bed Linens by Dian Austin Couture Home

Christmas Stockings That Say You Care

Christmas stockings are a pretty important component of most holiday decor setups.  Instead of using the traditional red and green stockings, or the same ones you had last year (and the year before that, and the year before that....) why not choose some of these beautiful and unique options instead.

Create stunning holiday displays with any of these Christmas stockings.





























Unique Gift Wrap Options

Your wrapped gifts don't have to be so boring.  Give them some personality with these unique gift wrapping options.



Smudge Ink Zebras Gift Wrap by CASA.com


via Smudge Ink Zebras Gift Wrap by CASA.com



Smudge Ink Wood Rounds Gift Wrap by CASA.com


via Smudge Ink Wood Rounds Gift Wrap by CASA.com



Smudge Ink Textured Scallop Gift Wrap by CASA.com


via Smudge Ink Textured Scallop Gift Wrap by CASA.com



Square Twine Trinket Box Jolly Stripes by Container Store


via Square Twine Trinket Box Jolly Stripes by Container Store



Round Twine Trinket Box Dots Green Multi by Container Store


via Round Twine Trinket Box Dots Green Multi by Container Store


Kiwi Crate Holiday

Business Attire from Bloomingdales

Love and Cupcakes are All You Need


Love Cupcakes Need Wall Décor by Bed Bath & Beyond

Find the Perfect Cocktail Dress in Gold, Green, and Red

This time of year usually comes with its fair share of parties and of course, you'll need the perfect dress, or three for such occasions.  Take a peek at these beauties I found, each sure to make you the star of any party you attend.


Gold



Xtaren Sequin Cocktail Dress by shoptiques.com


Green



Kessley Green V-Neck Dress by shoptiques.com


Red



Sweet Pea Pleated One Shoulder Dress by Sweet Pea


Fashion Tuesday- Stocking Stuffers- $4.95 & FREE SHIPPING with Code STOCKING

Red Lips and Nails for Under $10

Color your nails and lips for under $10 with these fabulous red lipstick and nail polish choices.



OPI Nail Lacquer, Got the Blues for Red by OPI


via OPI Nail Lacquer, Got the Blues for Red by OPI




Essie Nail Polish - Reds by Essie


via Essie Nail Polish - Reds by Essie




nails inc. Tate Polish by Nails Inc


via nails inc. Tate Polish by Nails Inc




Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor by Maybelline


via Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor by Maybelline




Nyx Cosmetics Round Case Lipstick by NYX


via Nyx Cosmetics Round Case Lipstick by NYX




FOREVER 21+ Matte Lipstick by Forever 21


via FOREVER 21+ Matte Lipstick by Forever 21