Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Wordless Wednesday - "The Animal Show" {{with Linky}}

After we went to the Zoo for the first time, Emily was amazed. All she could think for days was about animals. Shortly after getting home, she decided that she was going to create and perform
"The Animal Show"
Enjoy, lol!

If you have a Wordless Wednesday (or Not-So-Wordless Wednesday) link up below!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Wordless Wednesday -- Tahoe in February

I have been sharing photos with you of our trip to Monterey Bay and Sacramento in February. I have shared pictures of the Sea Otters of Monterey Bay of the Monkey at the Sacramento Zoo and the Birds from the Bird Man with my Children and I h ave a ton more to share...
But today I wanted to share the weather in Lake Tahoe that we drove through to get to all the amazing fun we had in California. So here are a few shots (from the car) of Lake Tahoe in February
If you have a Wordless Wednesday or a Word-filled Wednesday that you'd like to share, please link up below!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

A Great #FamilyClassics Recipe using Coca-Cola

Food is something that most families associate with traditions. When you think Thanksgiving you probably think of all your family around the table eating turkey, maybe some sweet potatoes, and green bean casserole. If I said corned beef and cabbage, I bet you would think Saint Patrick’s Day.

I like making new traditions with my family! My husband and all three of my daughters are serious ice cream lovers. Ok, who am I kidding, I really like ice cream too! Another of my husbands absolute favorite things is an ice cold Coca-Cola. Me, I prefer Diet Coke. Then there are the girls, they pretty much like any kind of coke they can get their hands on - they are 4 and 2 after all, no the baby does NOT get soda!!

Can you think of anything better, more classic, than a float?? I sure can't. It is only natural that with the love of Coke and the love of ice cream in my house that floats are treasured! Most people automatically think of a root beer float when you say "float," but let me tell you Coke (or for me Diet Coke) can make a darn good float! I prefer a Diet Coke float to any other.

Honestly, this is the first time that I have thought of a Diet Coke Float in years, but now that I am thinking about it you can bet that I will be making sure we have vanilla ice cream tomorrow! Thanks to this writing prompt, I am going to start a new tradition with the kids. I am thinking that every year when it starts getting warm, we will have a picnic out in the grass and after lunch we will make Coca-Cola floats and enjoy the amazing outdoors. Not only will that make for a fun little tradition, we can have time to sit and talk about how old things become new each spring and how the plants start to sprout and grow. Sounds like a perfect tie into talking and teaching the kids about Easter and the Resurrection!

What a wonderful tradition that will be!!

You know, Coke is good for so much more than the obvious…drinking! I was looking at a list of recipes that is provided on The Coca-Cola Company’s website. I would love to make the Sautéed Salmon with Sweet and Sour Sauce! There are some seriously delicious sounding recipes on there, be sure to check it out some time.

Do you have any family traditions or recipes featuring Coca-Cola? Or even some special memory? Please, share it with me!

Disclosure: “I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Coca-Cola® blogging program. If I am one of the first 100 blogs received by SocialsMoms, I will receive a $25 gift card. For more information on the program, click here."

A {bit of a late} Summary of My Coffee Mate Bistro Baking Party #CMFFFParties


Back in February, Coffee Mate sponsored a bunch of parties across the United States for their first annual Free Flavor Friday! I was lucky enough to be selected to host a Cafe Bistro Baking Party, and I loved it. Coffee Mate sent me a red leather Coffee Mate recipe binder, recipe cards, a few recipes that pair nicely with their Cafe Collection of creamers, a red Coffee Mate apron, and some free product coupons and samples for all the guests! Awesome, right!
Below are some photos that were taken at the FFF party.
The flavors of creamer that were served with our coffee were: Sugar-free French Vanilla, Cinnamon Vanilla Creme, and {{my new favorite}} Italian Sweet Creme. Isn't that a nice recipe book?!

Some guests showing off the flavors they were drinking, so happy to be having a cup of coffee before bed!! :)

I made some cupcakes and heart-shaped mini-cakes using flavored creamer in the place of the water to enhance the flavor of the cupcakes. It made some moist, delicious cakes!!


My Coffee-Mate apron!

Thank you to Coffee Mate for this wonderful opportunity!

Wordless Wednesday -- Birds of Monterey

When we went to Monterey the last time, there was a "Bird Man" on Fisherman's Wharf. He had a slew of pretty well behaved birds that were always up for a photo shoot. Of course, I could not pass the opportunity! Natalie wasn't sure what to think, Olivia was interested, and Emily wanted one!

Thanks for coming by and sharing Wordlless Wednesday with me, if you have a post you'd like to link please do so below!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Mother's Day is Coming Up - TinyPrints.com has got you covered

I have been a mother for 4 years and 4 months now! Wow, when I say that I realize how fast my children are growing up...
My first Mother's Day gift came in 2006 when I was pregnant with my oldest daughter. My husband came home from work with a gold rose for me. Every Mother's Day for the next two years I was the lucky recipient of a new gold enameled rose! I love them, I now have three roses and three amazing children.
Even though I have been spoiled with my roses, my favorite Mother's Day ever was last year when the girls traced their hands for me and told me they love me! I absolutely love that there is a day set aside every year to reflect upon the blessing of being a mother and to show our appreciation for the women in our lives who have made a difference. Mother's Day is truly a special day!
For those moms in your life, check out the selection of Mother's Day cards at TinyPrints.com There are cards for your mother (of course!), mother in law, friend moms, sister moms, moms-to-be, grandmothers, for any mom you could possibly want to celebrate!!
I am really bad about sending cards out -- in fact, I am getting ready to send out the rest of our Christmas cards, seriously. One of the options that TinyPrints.com gives you is to actually send the cards out for you. All you have to do is pay for the stamp and for envelope printing. Nice, huh!


About TinyPrints.com:
Tiny Prints provides simple, modern and unique stationery from Father’s Day Cards to personalized greeting cards to thank you cards, business cards, and even custom wedding invitations or photo birth announcements. Offering exclusive designs from the nation’s top designers, easy card personalization, a powerful preview engine and top-notch customer service and paper quality, their designs have been lauded by numerous television networks, publications and celebrities. With Tiny Prints by your side commemorating every holiday and momentous occasion is a cinch! They offer perfect party invitations for every occasion and memorable personalized photo-gifts like notebooks, photo books and calendars to commemorate the event.


Disclosure: This post is sponsored by TinyPrints.com, I am being compensated with merchandise credit for bringing you this post. The opinions expressed are my own.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Bright Beginnings at Diapers.com

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

Bright Beginnings Formula is now available at Diapers.com. There is a formula that is suitable for every baby: organic, premium, soy, and gentle. Of course when you buy on diapers.com yo can take advantage of some special offers - FREE SHIPPING on orders of $49 or more, and you can get 10% off your first order with the coupon code "GET10PCT"
On Diapers.com you have the option of buying individual containers of formula or saving a little more by purchasing cases of 6! Nothing like having your baby's formula delivered directly to your door!

Bright Beginings also has a Facebook page, allowing you to interact with the company and be the first to hear exciting news and get offers. So take a minute to go "like" Bright Beginnings on Facebook and be sure to tell them that Proverbs 31 Mommy & Wife sent you :)

Visit Sponsor's Site

Friday, April 8, 2011

Look to Pier 1 For Spring Decor -- indoor and outdoor!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1. All opinions are 100% mine.

Spring officially began March 20! Now is the time to start making sure that we are ready for Spring and Summer, there is so much to do. One of my favorite parts of this time of year is being able to spend more time outside in the fresh air!

With the selection of outdoor furniture and decor from Pier 1, outside can be as inviting as your living room - or more inviting!! One of my favorites is this white outdoor wicker rocker! I could even see myself rocking the baby in this chair inside during the colder parts of the year. Much of the outdoor furniture at Pier 1 could be indoor/outdoor easily. With so much to choose from, there is something that could freshen up everyone's patio area!

I am a huge fan of papasans, and Pier 1 has totally evolved theirs - check them out, there is even a Swingasan!! How cool, right!?!

There is also some amazing Spring decor for inside too, and great prices! Be sure to check it out for yourself at your local Pier 1. In fact, check to see if you live near any of the  Pier 1 Tweetups for a great time while you are there!

Visit Sponsor's Site

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Wordless Wednesday -- Growing Up


I cannot believe how fast time flies. Olivia is already 8 months old, she is growing up way too fast!! It seems like I was just pregnant. Olivia is likely our last baby, and she seriously seems to be growing up WAY faster than the Emily or Natalie did.




Please feel free to link up your Wordless/Word-filled Wednesday!