balloons + sequins.

 image credit | geronimo balloons via erin ever after

We are hosting a little new years eve bash at our casa Saturday night.  Just a handful of friends ringing in the new year. 

I bought a few packages of neon balloons and am planning on filling them up with sequins.  At midnight, pop!  The sequins will be our confetti.

What will you be doing on new years eve?

five dollars.

Do you recall my sister's dear friend Amy?  I posted about her sweet family a few weeks back and their desire to adopt again.  They still need $5000 more before they can bring sweet Ji home to them, to her family.

I always boast that I have some of the best readers, so prove me right friends.  Decide to donate just $5 and you will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win an iPad 2 or a $250 Target gift card.

Ji's living conditions are terribly sad and heart breaking.  As a mother, my soul aches for those tiny children who have no real home.  No one to hug them.  Kiss them.  Cuddle them.  And comfort them.  Ji is the only child in her orphanage that has a family that wants her.  That needs her.

Let's help make that happen!  If even half of my readers donated $5, they would reach their goal lickety-split!

I just donated.  Will you?

Amy's Blog
Donate Here

ceramic pig speaker.

 image credit | west elm

It is a little known fact that I love pigs and I love owls.  No explanation necessary.  I just do.  So when I spotted this little piggy in the West Elm catalog, I knew I must make it mine.  I plan on picking it up today.  I'll let you know how I like it.

pretty rings for ME.

 image credit | catbirdnyc.com

I have a bad track record of losing my rings.  Wedding rings to be exact.  I lost my original ring four years ago.  Sad business that was.  My husband surprised me with a replacement ring for our anniversary that year.

A few weeks ago I misplaced it somewhere in our house.  I just knew it would turn up and it did.  In the washer.  The diamond was destroyed.  I thought diamonds were a tough stone, no?

I had told the mister that my ring finger felt naked and I absolutely needed something to adorn it.  I pointed him to the alphabet rings from catbird.  Simple and understated.  It would be perfect. 

The mister and I share initials, which just happen to spell ME.  That's what I wanted for Christmas.  It was perfect.  But just after Thanksgiving the mister surprised me with a new MacBook pro for an early Christmas present.  I was pretty sure that was all I would be getting.  But he outdid himself, he gave me the pair of rings too.

That man.  He is a keeper.

What did you get for Christmas?

Santa came!

We had a wonderful Christmas down here in Texas!  Santa came and left goodies and surprises for all, mama included.  Besides the whole, Benny accidentally eating a butterfinger (he is allergic to peanuts), we had a delightful holiday with lots of cheer.

The boys tip-toed in our room at 7:15 Christmas morning.  They excitedly told us that Santa had in fact visited our home.  He left evidence of nibbled cookies and empty cans of energy drink (the mister's idea).  Everyone was smiles as stockings were upended and presents were ripped open.

I hope each of you lovelies had the merriest of holidays!  Tomorrow I'll share what Santa left me!

How was your Christmas friends?

P.S. Husband has a meeting today.  Business talk.  That's what happens when you start your own company.  So I have declared today pajama day!  Good idea, yes?  What will you be doing today?

merry merry!

 christmas eve last year.  all the cousins minus baby N and baby D.

Merry merry Christmas friends!  I hope each of you has just the holiday you are hoping for and that Santa leaves you a little something special under the tree.

My sister spoiled Christmas one year after she discovered our parents were Santa.  As soon as she figured it out, she raced to tell me.  I was eight.  And I was sad.  A little bit of the magic seemed to disappear.

At what age did you discover the jolly big guy wasn't as real as you hoped him to be?

wipe your feet. a lovely little rug.

image on left from anthropologie.com

I will just come right out and say it.  I loathe Walmart.  You will also hear me refer to it as the monstrosity or the melting pot.  It sends off by vibes and I do not like it.

But on the rare occasion, after a date night, when I realize we are in need of milk at 11:00pm --- the mister and I will hold our breath and make a mad dash into Walmart.  On this particular night I decided to look for a rug for the back door.  Chances were slim that I would actually unearth something that I would like.  Little did I know a hidden gem was waiting.

And lo and behold, I discovered that my favorite and my best store Anthropologie carried a miniature version in placemat form.  And if you can even believe it more, my rug cost $5 and the placemat cost $8.  Bam!  Told you I found a gem.

pinhole press.

excuse the child in the photo.  i asked him to move and this is what i got.

I might be slightly in love with my Pinhole Press Three Frame Series and not just because it features only the sweetest baby Nicholas of all time.

I was super excited to get the opportunity to work with Pinhole Press.  I've seen them floating around the interwebs for awhile now.  Everyone pretty much raves about their products and that is precisely why I decided I must find out about this new to me company!

When it comes to customizable photo products, the world is not lacking but Pinhole Press is by far the top of the line.  Their designs are clean, keeping the focus on what you want most --- the picture of course!  They offer a range of products from calendars, brag books, already framed photographs (ready to hang!) and my favorite, the Big Book of Names and Faces.

I was instantly impressed with the quality.  You can tell great care and detail goes into creating their products.  The photo quality was top notch.  Using the website was a breeze to select the pictures I wanted in the Three Frame Series.  And then all I had left to do was wait; by far the hardest part --- I am incredibly impatient.

I am 100% thrilled with my experience with Pinhole Press and after all, the customer is always right, yes?  I already have visions of Mother's Day gifts swimming around in my head.  Oh yes I do!

I was given the opportunity to customize the Three Frame Series to review.  My thoughts.  My words.  My opinions.  Interested in working with MFT on a review or giveaway?  Email me for details!  info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

instagram. come say hello!

Do you instagram?  I do.

Why don't you stop by and say hello sometime.

You'll notice I have a new little somethin' in my sidebar.

I'm favorite_things.

I sure would love to meet you.

sniffles and sneezes. oh my!

We are experiencing a serious case of the sniffles and sneezes, coughs and wheezes over here.  We are all very much pathetic and snotty.  Excuse me while I go wipe a nose or two and cuddle the tears away.  Here is to hoping we are all well by Christmas!

easy canvas prints.

I am excited to introduce you to one of MFT's newest sponsors, Easy Canvas Prints!  It is a fun & affordable way to take a favorite photograph and turn it into a canvas.

I was a little concerned of how the quality of the picture would transfer onto canvas and a bit worried the colors would wash out.  So as I anxiously awaited for the prints to arrive in the mail, my brain started swirling with ideas on where I wanted to hang the photographs.

Let me tell you this, they look beautiful!!  Absolutely  beautiful.  I am 100% satisfied with the quality and service I received.  The pictures look stunning on a canvas and they totally make the gallery wall.

Show a little sponsor love and be sure to check out Easy Canvas Prints.
Happy holidays!

pssst... Easy Canvas Prints is a MFT sponsor.  I was given the canvas prints to review.  My words.  My thoughts.  My opinions.  I only post what I love.  Interested in becoming a sponsor?  Email me for details.  info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

empire city studios.

 image credit | empire city studios

I love the look of a vinyl wall art as the main focal point in a room.  It adds such a statement without too much fuss.  And we know I like to keep things simple!

Say hello to Empire City Studios!  Choose from chalkboard vinyls, skylines, patterns or a quote.  There is a little something for everyone.  I am constantly in awe at the talent I come across and Patricia has wowed me with her lovely work.  I am sort of, maybe crushing on the world map.

pssst... Empire City Studios is a sponsor.  Show 'em a little love and check 'em!  My thoughts.  My words.  My opinions.  I only post what I love.  Interested in becoming an MFT sponsor?  Email me for more details.  info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

friday favorites : by Rachel.

image credit | john moore | via flickr

a few of Rachel's favorite things

brushing my teeth and washing my face after a VERY long day at work.

snuggling with my nieces and nephews

taking pictures and editing them to look pretty

making something beautiful

seeing something beautiful

mom made food

books, books and more books.

mountains, trees, fields, valleys, streams, brooks, oceans, lakes, basically anything outdoors

being with family and friends and laughing and talking

singing and dancing like no one is watching

 

thanks Rachel and happy happy friday!

want to be a friday favorites feature?

find out how right here.

everyone who is anyone has a camera.

Photographer or not, most people own a digital SLR.  Yes?  I own one but sadly leave it behind most of the time because it is not functional for me to add another bag to my line up.  I already have too much "stuff" I tote around because of my babe.

Meet the newest bag on the block, The Camera Day Pack, available at Photojojo (which happens to be one of the coolest stores ever!).  It is just big enough to hold your SLR plus one lens or perhaps an external flash.  It is also stocked with FIVE pockets for your cell phone or keys or whatever you need to stash away for the day.  It is padded to keep your camera safe and can be slung cross body.  Overall it is a pretty rad bag for only 60 buckaroos.

psssst...I was given the camera day pack to test and try out.  my words.  my thoughts.  my opinions.  i only post what i love.  have a product that you think would be a good fit for MFT?  let me know, I'd love to hear about it.  email me for more details.  info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

on a Thursday.

I am doing a bit of a juggling act.  My arms are flinging wildly about trying to keep everything afloat.  But today I need to step back, let all the balls fall and pick up the most important ones.  My boys.  One is sick.  One has a class party.  And one just needs some mama snuggles.  I'll see you tomorrow.

BINTH woodland tree posters.

 image credit | binth

I just finished slaving away over my kitchen gallery wall this morning.  I sure do wish I had a BINTH woodland tree poster to add to the mix.  I love the simple graphic designs BINTH always produces.  They are continuously spot on with their modern designs and vibrant colors.  I have only ever experienced the best with BINTH.  Their products are made with the greatest care to insure top notch quality.

I first fell in love with Binth over their numbers posters.  It still seems pretty perfect to me and I am dreaming up an excuse to finally purchase it.  I've figured the lust has turned into true love, which is a good enough reason for me.

I am lucky to have Binth as a sponsor.  Show a little love and check out all the wonderful goodies they offer.

psst... Binth is a sponsor of MFT.   My thoughts.  My words.  My opinions.  I only post what I love.  Interested in joining the fun and becoming a MFT sponsor?  Email me for more details.  info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

a gallery wall is made!

I've been itching to put together a gallery wall in our new home but last night when I set aside the time to do so, I felt uninspired.  I didn't know where I wanted to place the gallery wall and what pictures I wanted to work with.  I almost decided to forget about it but I knew if I did that, I would just keep putting it off.  And putting it off.  I had such a good day yesterday, even though I had sickies at home.  Unfortunately a funk settled in last night as I grabbed all the supplies that would be needed.

tape measurer
brown paper
nails
hammer
level
tape

I needed to banish the funk and so my little fingers tapped away to pinterest where dreams are made and inspiration is found.  I browsed through a few images of my "gallery wall" search and the creative juices started flowing.

I found this neat way to hang pictures on a random blog one time and now I sadly do not know who to credit with this awesome idea.  I'll try my best to summarize the steps I took.

First I placed all my art and pictures on the ground and played around until I found the perfect arrangement.

I measured the wall space I decided to use and cut off the length of brown kraft paper I would need.

I then, one by one, moved each picture onto the brown kraft paper keeping the same design I had decided on.

Next I traced the outline of each picture, measured where the nail holes would be placed and used a pencil to make the markings.

The pictures where then removed and the brown paper was taped on the wall.  I used a level to make sure it was hung straight.  Nothing more annoying than a crooked picture.

I then took the level and made sure my pencil markings for the nail placement was level.  I made adjustments and then bam bam bam.  I started pounding in the nails.

The final step is to hang the pictures.  Perfecto!

There you have it friends.  That is how you hang a gallery wall :)

helpful hint | applying eyeliner.

I've found that I like to use two different types of eyeliner when lining my eyes.  I almost exclusively line the top but I also line the water line up top too.  But don't tell my eye doctor, he wouldn't be happy.  That is a no-no when wearing contacts.

I use a creamy eye pencil from bobbi brown in mahogany to line on top of my lid.  It goes on smooth but does not rub off easily.  It has staying power ladies!  And then for the water line I use an eye pencil from Lancome.  It is the Le Crayon Khol in black.  It glides on smoothly and does not irritate.  I was unsure of using black at first but ended up liking the contrast it adds.  I would not recommend using this pencil on top of the lid.  It is quite smudgy and rubs off easily.  That is just my opinion and you can take that for what it's worth.

Do you use eye liner?
Do you line top or bottom or both?
What's your favorite eye pencil?

P.S.  I have fallen in love with Lash Love by Mary Kay.  It is now officially my favorite mascara!

sometimes a nap is in order.

 image taken from my bed as I dozed off for an early morning nap.

Are you a nap person?  I am split 50/50.  Sometimes a nap is a glorious thing friends.  I am talking the best thing in the world.  A nap that leaves you refreshed and full of new born hope, that maybe, just maybe you will successfully make it through the remainder of the day is a gift.  But oh, if a nap goes wrong, I am left in a terrible state of sadness.  Naps where you wake groggy and grumpy are most unwelcome.  I've been napping quite a bit lately.  What exactly does that say about me? 

Are you a napper?  Come on, dish.

shabby apple + three cheers for a giveaway!

The holidays include parties, church and often times family pictures.  What do those three things have in common?  Not sure where I am going with this?  I'll help you out.  A special outfit.  A holiday dress.  Ladies, you need something spectacular to wear that won't deplete your bank account.

If you have not already been properly introduced to Shabby Apple, then now is the time to get well acquainted.  Shabby Apple is an online boutique of women's dresses that will have you at hello.  They are modest and beautifully made.

I had my little sister help me out with this post.  I wanted you ladies to see that Shabby Apple works for women of all shapes, sizes and proportions.  My little sister is curvier than me.  She might complain sometimes but I think she is stunning.  Cassie gravitated toward the Francine and decided to give it a go.  It is a gorgeous high-waisted black pencil skirt adorned with a big black bow to add a unique touch.  It is made from cotton twill and has a touch of stretch.  I may be a teensy bit biased but I think Cassie looks quite lovely in it.  Since she has a tiny waist and hips, the waist of the skirt was a touch lose but nothing to worry over.  It is just something to keep in mind when you are dressing for your shape.

Now how about a giveaway ladies, a chance to take home a Francine of your very own?  I thought you might like that.  To enter you must follow Shabby Apple on facebook.  For additional entries, please comment on what your favorite Shabby Apple dress/skirt is.  Tweet about it.  And blog about it.  Make sure you leave a comment for EACH mode of entry and leave your email for easy notification!  The giveaway will run through next Tuesday (11:59 pm CST) and is open to US readers.  The winner will be announced at the bottom of this post and linked in the sidebar.  Good luck!

one mother to another | children inspire design.

 image credit | children inspire design

I love when small companies find big ways to impact parts of the world and Rebecca has done just that with her One Mother to Another line.  She has given women an opportunity to arise from impoverished regions in Mexico and Haiti and pave the way for future generations.  It is inspiring.  It is beautiful.  Each time you purchase a garland or mobile you're helping too.

P.S. be sure to watch the video.  it's pretty cool.

pssst... this is a sponsored post.  My words. My thoughts. My opinions.  I only post what I love.  Interested in becoming a MFT sponsor?  Email me for more details.  info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

link love.

image credit | my little sister Cassie

Happy Monday friends! Hope you had a relaxing weekend. Lots of wonderful links to share but here are a top few from the last week that made my favorites.

sparkly trees.
my gift guide for the holidays.
when I feel beautiful.
DIY holiday tassel earrings.
more sparkles with a DIY bulletin board.

j bella shop. the vest.

This little vest has quickly scaled the ranks in my closet.  It went from newcomer to favorite status in no time and has made all the other clothes slightly jealous.  The versatility is endless.  It is comfortable while still making me feel stylish!  And I am not the only one who thinks so.  My little sister already snagged it and my friend wants dibs on it next.  See, you should get one too!  The only downside I foresee is that is it dry clean only.  I sort of have a bad habit of selecting clothes that need to visit the dry cleaners.  Small price to pay I say.  Grab your very only vest from J. Bella Shop or tell Santa to wrap one up and slip it under the tree.

Happy shopping!

pssst... This is a sponsored post.  My thoughts. My words. My opinions.  I only post what I love.  Interested in sponsorship?  Email me for details.  It's lots of fun here at MFT!  info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

aaaand one more post because it's friday.

I am completely charmed by my six year old.  He is a miniature version of the mister and can almost always make me smile.  Big.

This morning as we were driving to school, just a few inches from drop off, he of course wants to explain something or perhaps tell me a story. 

"Mom, remember yester-friday?"
"You mean last friday Tyler."
"Oh, yes.  That's the word I was looking for.  Thanks Mom."

And at that moment, waking up before 5am didn't seem so bad after all.

a very very half birthday to him.

Only a mother would allow her children to arise at 5:30 and proceed to ask her with anticipation if it was time to frost the cookies.  At 4:45 everything seems unfair in the world.  I may never get good sleep again but hey, I've got three boys.  Even trade, yes?

Tyler's kinder teacher celebrates half birthdays if your birthday falls in one of the summer months.  And now Tyler thinks it is pretty darn cool that he is celebrating being 6 1/2.  After all, 6 1/2 is an awesome age to be.  So celebrate we are!  He requested star wars cookies, frosted, with color coordinating sprinkles.  I am trying to figure out exactly why I gave him the option of what treat to bring.  I am plum frosted out people. 

We had success and now I will go pass out scoop sweet Nicholas out of his crib.  He slept in until 7:45 because he was the little monster who woke me at 4:45 and cried for 45 minutes.  I am seriously considering a nap today.

Happy Friday!

modern palm boutique.

image credit | modern palm boutique

Moving is a bit like wiping the canvas clean and starting fresh.  We have added a few things here and there but for the most part we have the same furniture and belongings just a different space wherein to put it all together.

A few of the new things I will add are some cozy little pillows from Modern Palm Boutique.  I am anxiously awaiting my package to arrive in the post.  The shop is full of vibrant pops of color.  It is easy to navigate and oh so fun to browse.  I could easily get lost in the virtual pages, scheming up ways to add bits & pieces to our new home.  But for now, I'll settle in with my pillows and tell Old Saint Nick to make a stop at Modern Palm Boutique for me.

Be sure to follow Modern Palm on twitter, facebook and the blog :)

this is a sponsored post.  my thoughts.  my opinions.  my words.  i only post what i love.  what to join in the fun and become a sponsor?  email me for more details.  info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

pretty mommy is pretty fabulous.

I have a crush on my new Scout & Catalogue clutch.  It is absolutely perfect in so many ways.  But really, how can one not fall in love over every single item Michelle carries at Pretty Mommy.  So much goodness in one store is mind-blowing and dangerously evil on the pocket-book.

Right now I am totally enamored with the A Peace Treaty Daphne Cashmere Scarf.  I mean hello GORGEOUS!  Right now if you spend $150 or more (which is actually quite simple to do, I'll help you out if you are struggling...haha), you will receive 25% off the entire order.  Just enter "COUNTDOWN" at check out.

And make sure to tell the jolly old guy that you want your stocking stuffed with Pretty Mommy lovelies!

pssst --- this is a sponsored post.  my thoughts.  my words.  my opinions.  i only post what i love.  interested in becoming a sponsor?  you should.  it is pretty rad over here at MFT.  email me for details.  info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

drunk on sleep.

As a mother of three young boys, I sometimes daydream of sleep.  Silly and pathetic perhaps but I miss her.  And right now (going on 3 hours of sleep + a short nap) I am dreaming of getting drunk on sleep.   You know, the kind of sleep that can only occur before you birth the babes.  The kind where you groggily roll out of bed, after the sun has already made her appearance --- never before!  I sometimes miss her companionship.

the LOFT.

Stephanie and I attended a super fun blogger event at the LOFT last Thursday.  We RSVP'd.  Scheduled baby sitters.  And gallivanted about like we had not a care in the world.

When we arrived at North Park we realized that there was a private par-tay taking place at our friend Nordstrom's.  Alas, we had not the proof to enter and sadly slunk away to our own private event.  That's right, take that Nordstrom.  I scored some killer glitter shoes for 30% off.  Boo-yah!  And they are sexy friends.  Sexy sexy heels.  They are reserved for date nights and girls night out and strutting around my house if I so please.  But for the record, sexy heels almost always spell out D I S C O M F O R T, a small price to pay.

But besides the out of this world glitter shoes I purchased, Stephanie and I had fun with the digital photo booth.  So fun we snapped about 10 pictures before we realized we should probably move along. 

And then when the gallivanting was done, we headed home to our three children (each) and resumed our proper roll as moms.

19 days till Christmas. Have you sent your holiday card?

Tiny Prints made picking out a holiday card quick & simple.  I browsed the the Christmas card selection, narrowed it down, did eeny-meeny-miny-moe and bingo!  I had a handful of designs I fell in love with but eventually settled on THE one.  Am I the only one to struggle so on selecting the perfect one?

This year I went with a non-photo card.  I'm not sure why but I was immediately drawn to the silhouetted manger scene done in different patterns.  It spoke of the true meaning of Christmas and I liked that.

I am head-over-heels in love with how they turned out.  And I most definitely will be keeping one for little ole me.  Do you do that?  Keep a holiday card for yourself?  You should!

What do your holiday cards look like this season?  Yikes, I still need to get mine in the mail.  That shall be my goal this week!

spiff up with some new specs. BonLook giveaway!

I have a new love in my life right now.  Meet Drink the Kool-Aid in grey.  We go together like PB&J.  BonLook is responsible for this new love!

BonLook offers stylish and affordable European inspired eyewear.  You'll quickly fall in love with the vintage frames that will spiff up your look in no time.

The new accessory to top off any outfit is a fancy pair of specs.  BonLook wants to help you achieve that without the exorbitant cost.  Think $99 prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses that are only a click & ship away.

The ordering process is incredibly simple.  BonLook has a neat little pupil meter to get your PD measurement if that is not something you have easy access to.  And if that makes no sense at all, you'll still understand what I am speaking of when you go through the order process.  I promise.  Pay close attention to the size of frames and their measurements to get the best fit for your face.  I easily made a comparison to glasses I currently own and am pleased with how well my frames fit!

And because I want you to experience BonLook to, it is time for a giveaway.  The coolest giveaway.  Enter to win your very own pair of BonLook glasses!  Listen up, here's how.

Comment and tell me what your favorite pair is.  Please leave an email address for easy notification.
Follow MFT on twitter and tweet about it.
Like MFT & BonLook on facebook.
Blog about it.
This giveaway is open to US & International readers alike but shipping charges will apply if you reside outside of the United States.
You have until Tuesday the 13th at 11:59 (CST) to enter.

That is four ways to enter!  Please leave a comment for each mode of entry.
Good luck!

UPDATE :  Are you the lucky winner?

a little gallery wall.

I am slowly deciding on where to hang what.  I've got to be dedicated people, I hate patching up unwanted holes in the wall.  Here is a little peek at the first pictures hung.

What type of art do you like?

dickens of a Christmas.

Every Saturday after Thanksgiving for the past three years we load up our boys and attend the outdoor event Dickens of a Christmas.  It is located in a quaint little section of downtown McKinney.  It is where you will be serenaded with fiddler music, fake snow will fall upon your hair and children can zoom down a man-made hill of snow and ice.  There will be caramel popcorn and bread pudding to fill up hungry tummies and hot chocolate to warm you.  It is an all-around enjoyable time, one that my boys look forward to.

But the first time we attended was one that was never to be repeated.  We landed our oldest in the ER and were awarded the worst parent award in the history of lameness.  Tyler was four and Benny was just 2 1/2 years old.  It would be our first time.  The night was cold and when you talked, puffs of breath would escape into the night chill.  We loaded our boys down with beanies and mittens and zipped up their warm winter coats.  Their eyes, wide open, took in the sights and sounds.  We amused them with small trinkets and held hands as we traveled the streets.  Growling could be heard, as the boys exclaimed their need for sweet treats.  We decided to try the cinnamon & sugar roasted cashews.  The tantalizing scent was too much to turn down.

(As a side note, we knew that Tyler was allergic to peanuts but had yet to make a stop at the allergist to get official testing.)

We each scooped up a few nuts.  I ruminated over the delicious taste until I was aroused by the site of my child becoming sick.  Oh so sick.  Everything in, came right back up and out and it was unpleasant.  I began to worry that the folks at the concession had told us a lie and there were actually peanuts in the mix, which there wasn't.  I coaxed Tyler to choke down a benedryl and he proceeded to inform me that he was feeling better.  We decided it was time to pack up and head home.

The car ride is where it went from okay to worse in minutes.  Tyler completely lost it and became a fountain of vomit.  It was everywhere.  My husband veered off the road, into a parking lot, where I pulled Tyler out of the van and helped him, as a good mom should.  But gag, I hate throwing up.  I had to breath deep people.  We cleaned up.  Strapped Tyler back in the car and that is when I made up my mind that Tyler needed medical attention.  I waved goodbye to the mister and little Ty at the Children's hospital and drove Benny home.  I phoned my dad, explained the whole ordeal and he agreed to pick both my boys up and deliver them safely back to me.

Now every time Tyler catches the smell of roasted nuts he recounts the story.  He won't let me forget.  Ever.

Do you have a less than pleasant holiday memory?  Do share.  It will make me feel better!

decorate for christmas wih molding mates.

I am officially plum tuckered out from moving but am excited as the house begins taking shape.  The Christmas decorations have been located, sorted through and have made there way into our nooks and corners.

The other night while the older boys were romping around upstairs, I unearthed my Molding Mates package of teeny tiny elf vinyl stickers and set about placing them by the fireplace.  They are 100% adorable and I love them.  The little elves add such a playful touch!  Applying them was an easy task but take care when removing them from the paper.  You don't want to amputate an arm.  Those elves need their appendages to make toys! 

When Tyler and Benny spotted them they declared that they were elf shadows.  I fed their fantasy (bad mom) and agreed that little elves did indeed leave their shadows behind.  They shall keep an eye on my hoodlums and report back to Santa.  I think a new tradition took shape that night.  And I love me a special Christmas tradition.

pssst... this is a sponsored post.  My words.  My thoughts.  My opinions.  I only post what I love.  Want to become a MFT sponsor?  We have a jolly good time here!  Email me for more info... info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

most of the time i hate toys.

My home quite frequently feels on the verge of disaster.  Boys bustling about.  Toys strewn from wall to wall.  My energy ebbing away.

On most days I hate toys.  I despise the jumble and cringe at all the plastic.  It goes against my nature to house a room full of clutter.  These feelings usually emerge around 4:30 in the early evening, right before dinner, when chaos has broken out.

I love my boys little but as they mature and grow older, I have unabashedly decided I will not miss the toys!

Our play room is smallish and I am freakish about organization, while still allowing my boys to have freedom and responsibility.  Our main toy storage is the expedit shelf from ikea, which houses silver mesh bins.  Sturdy enough to handle, oh lets say, a one year old climbing over, in and out of it but still stylish enough that I don't mind them.

My boys know mama means business when I bust out the clean up song.  I will collect every last toy left scattered across the floor and plop each one in a trash bag where they will be held for ransom for the next three days.  See, mama means biz-ness.

What's your take on toys?