LiL Chick Easter Straw Toppers - Feature of the Day

It FINALLY feels like spring where I live!  It is also only three weeks from Easter, so the weather and the calendar finally agree..  Now that I am mentally into Easter mode, I am very excited about all the adorable Easter crafts like these  Lil Chick Straw Toppers by Mommiez on a Mission. They are not that difficult to put together, but one of those ideas that make you think, "why didn't I think of that?!"  Be sure to check out Mommiez on a Mission for this sweet Easter craft and other fun Easter ideas.  Thanks so much for linking up to Dare to Share Erika! 

Dare to Share #104

I am super tired right now..  I am talking about I could go to sleep right this minute tired.   Today was the first day of our second robotics meet. I was a long but fun day.  Tomorrow I need to get Kyle up early so we can do it again.  This time we did much better than our first meet, and we have a good chance of making it  into the final elimination rounds.  It would be nice to see  because the boys worked so hard on their robot this year. 

I may be tired, but it is still Friday..  

and since it is Friday, you know what that means..   

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies - Feature of the Day

I have been having a very busy and stressful week.  When I have weeks like this, there are two t things that I crave, chocolate and sweets.   These Mini Peanut Butter Cup Cookies by Bonnie of The Pin Junkie have just what it takes to hit the spot on a week like this. They definitely look delicious! Be sure to check out this yummy cookie recipe. Thanks so much for linking up to Dare to Share Bonnie! 

Throwback Thursday - Saving Money on Groceries

It seems everywhere you look on Thursday, you find Throwback Thursday pictures.  Recently one of our restaurants in the Midwest called Olga's Kitchen took it one step farther. Each Thursday they are now offering some of their menu items at throwback prices.. Genius!  Today it was 1991, and we could get a Orange Cream Cooler for only $1.75 and a few other items for several dollars off.  We also enjoyed listening to early 90s music. It's  hard to believe it has already been 23 years!  

Since today was all about saving money for me, I thought  my post How to Save Money on Groceries from January 2013,  would be a good one to throwback to.  In this post I shared my tips on how to realistically use coupons, and save money on food for your family.  If you would like to save at least 30% on your food bill, be sure to check it out.  

Toolbox Centerpiece - Feature of the Day

Where are you Spring? Certainly not in Michigan where we woke up with an inch of new snow on the ground, and record cold temps today.  Brrr...   This pretty Toolbox Centerpiece by Cathy of Vintage Paint and More makes me think of Spring.  The flowers, flower pots and baby bird, are all things that I really look forward to seeing again.  Making a Spring themed centerpiece may be the only way it will feel like Spring around here.  Be sure to check out Vintage Paint and More to see this Toolbox Centerpiece and other fun crafts.   Thank you so much for linking the great centerpiece up to Dare to Share Cathy! 

Light Up Fireflies - Feature of the Day

While it says that it is Spring on the calendar, we have yet to have the warmer temps were I live.  It was only 16 degrees this morning when the kids went to school. Brrr!   One thing that I am really looking forward to in the upcoming months are the warm nights, and the return of the fireflies.  One of my fondest childhood memories was catching fireflies with my cousins at my grandma's house.   These  DIY Light Up Fireflies  by Kid Pep, are not only cute, but a great activity to do with your kids.  They are made from plastic Easter eggs, which can pretty much be found about anywhere right now.  Be sure to stop over and check out Kid Pep, for these DIY Fireflies, and other fun kid's activities.  Thank you so much for linking up to Dare to Share!

Dare to Share #103

Wow, another week has flown by.  In just a little over two months it will be the end of another school year. How is that even possible?!   But being that it is Friday once  again, you know what that means..  

It is time to Dare to Share!  

Unusual Nail Polish Tips - Feature of the Day

Having two girls, we have A LOT of nail polish at our house.  I seriously have no idea how  many bottles I could find. I know I have seen a least a few bottles  in pretty much every room in the house, with the exception of my son's room.   As you can imagine, with that much nail polish,  I had to check out Fluster Buster's  32 Unusual Uses for Nail Polish.  I knew a few of the tips on the list, but there are some I never heard of before.  If you have a lot of nail polish as well, because sure to check out Fluster Busters Unusual Tips post.  Thank you so much Robin for linking up to Dare to Share!

Throwback Thursday Rainbow Flower

In honor of the first day of Spring and the hope that flowers will be again  blooming soon, today's Throwback Thursday post is a favorite from last Spring,  My daughter made this in a Crafting with Kara tutorial as a school project on upcycling.   Everyone love it, and she even sold a couple to people who asked her to make them one too.  You can see how she make this colorful hanging wall flower on her post Hanging Rainbow Flower

March Madness Party Supplies from the Dollar Store

When planning a Basketball March Madness Party, you need some basketball themed decor.  I am so excited about my recent trip to the dollar store..  Yes, I said dollar store.. Whenever planning a party, that is the first place that I go because you never know what you might find.  

Dauntless Chocolate Cherry Cake - Feature of the Day

Unless you don't have a TV or never turn it on, you may have heard by now that a little movie called Divergent is opening this weekend..  Okay.. It is not going to be a just a little movie, they are predicting it to be as big as Twilight or Harry Potter.   Kim from Kims Kandy Kreations has been sharing many great Divergent party ideas over on her blog the last few weeks.  Her recent post for Dauntless Chocolate Cherry Truffle Cake sounds amazing even if you don't plan on seeing the movie.  Be sure to stop over to check out the recipe for this delicious cake, and all of her great party ideas.  Thanks so much for linking up to Dare to Share Kim! 

March Madness Basketball Party Finds

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.  

Is your team in the NCAA tournament this year?   Mine is.  I may live in Michigan now, but I grew up in Ohio, and graduated from Ohio State.  Go Buckeyes!    

While I am busy behind the scenes putting together some fun and frugal basketball party ideas, I thought I would share some more inexpensive party finds that I have found that you may want to use at your party.   Some of these finds are in limited supply, so you may need to act fast if you want them.  

Make Your Own Shamrock Shake - Feature of the Day

I love Shamrock Shakes! I had one on Saturday, and I hope to get one more before the end of the day.  I am often bummed when  they disappear from the menu.  Andrew and Dennis  over at Crafty Lumberjacks, shared their version of the Shamrock Shake that tastes and looks like the real thing.  Having the recipe at home means you we can make them all year long. Yea!  Make sure to go over and visit the Crafy Lumberjacks and check out their tasty recipe.  Thanks so much for linking up to Dare to Share guys! 

Vote and Win with the Boar's Head Boldest Bracket Challenge

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Boar’s Head Brand.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you know much about the Boar;s Head brand of premium meats and cheeses?  If you don't, you should. Boar's Head is a company who has been in business for more than 100 years, bringing bold flavor to sandwiches everywhere.  Their Bold line of products include spicy and  savory favorites  such as  Blackened Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, Chipotle Chicken Breast, and their new Horseradish Cheddar Cheese.

This March, in conjunction with March Madness,  Boar's Head is bringing you the Boar’s Head Boldest Bracket Challenge.    When readers vote  for their favorite BOLD and SPICY featured sandwich, they  have the chance to win these  great prizes:

Round 1:  (8) Boar's Head Bold t-shirts

Round 2;  (4)  $50 gift cards to purchase Boar's Heads products 

Round 3: (2) $100 gift cards to purchase Boar's Heads Products 

FInal Round   an iPad Air, and $500 gift card to cater your game watching party with Boar's Head Products

 

The first round has just ended, but the second round is about to start on March 17,  All of the sandwiches in this contest look insanely delcious, I really  want to try them all.  My favorite is the Chicken Chipotle Club.   Yum! Doesn't that look good! 

                                                                  

To vote for your favorite sandwich, be sure to visit Boarshead.com and their  Facebook page, and  keep your favorite sandwich in the tournament.  Spread the word to your friends, and family so they have the chance chose their favorites as well.   I would love to hear which sandwich you voted for, or which one you would love to see be the final champion.. Please  let me know in the comments. 

 

 

Dare to Share #102

I don't know about your week, but our week has been a whirlwind of activity.   Let's see we had 2 dance classes, 2 Dr's appointments, a snow day with 7+ inches of snow, a girl scout cookie booth, and a First Robotics meet.  

We are now home and resting, because day two of the meet is tomorrow.. 

But it is still Friday night, so you know what that means..  

It is time to Dare To Share!!

Smores Cheesecake - Feature of the Day.

I was feeling kind of bad that I was not able to make a pie today for Pi Day.  Then I saw Winnie's  Smores Cheesecake from Something Sweet.   I am seriously drooling at all of her beautiful pictures.  I LOVE all of the ingredients she has put into this  decadent dessert!  I need to go in my kitchen right now to see if I have some chocolate and marshmallow.  Be sure to check out this recipe, and all her other amazing desserts. Thanks so much for linking up to Dare to Share Winnie!

The LEGO KidsFest Michigan is Back!

I am excited to announce to all LEGO lovers in Michigan, that LEGO KidsFest is back! 

LEGO KidsFest is returning to the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Mi, April 25-27, 2014.  LEGO KidsFest brings all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in on activity and entertainment packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests. 

\

I know the recent LEGO Movie has given my kids a new interest in all things LEGO, and they would really like to go check it out this one of a kind event.  Because of the popularity of this event, tickets may sell out.  Tickets and more information about the event  are available online on the LEGO KidsFest Website

\

One of MY followers will win (2) tickets for the opening night session on Friday, April 25, 2014. (4-8:30 p.m.) I encourage you to LIKE and Follow LEGOKidsFest on Facebook. Twitter and/or Instagram for all the latest ticket updates.  Tickets are going fast, and have been selling out in prior cities.    You must by 18 to enter this giveaway, and only 1 entry per day allowed. There will be a random drawing by  USFG (US Family Guide) on Wednesday March 26. 

To enter this giveaway,  please use this US Family link here.  If you are chosen the winner you will be notified by email 

Good Luck!! 

Throwback Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

I was talking to a Blogger friend of mine recently, and she mentioned that she likes to have Flashback Fridays to share an older post with newer readers.   I have been blogging on this site  for three years now. (plus another 18 months on another site)   I have a lot of older posts that probably have not been seen by people who are new to my blog.  I have decided to try the Throwback Thursday trend here, and show my most popular post as my first Throwback.  I shared this recipe for Pepperoni Pizza Casserole  during  my first year of this blog in 2011.   I thought that this would be a great post to revisit.  It is a fun  family dinner recipe, that my entire family loved.  If you think it might be something your family might enjoy, be sure to check out the recipe.

Wedding Candy Bar - Feature of the Day

I got married so many years ago, that planning a wedding has not been on my mind in ages.  When I saw the DIY Candy Bar for Weddings by Living Frugal with Erika, I thought what a GREAT idea. I wish people were doing this in the early 90s.   I personally LOVE candy, and setting up a candy bar  can be a frugal but elegant way to treat your guests. Erika has several great tips on how to set up a candy bar that would not only be perfect for weddings, but for other special events as well.   Be sure to read more over on Living Frugal with Erika.  Thank you so much for linking  this great post up on Dare to Share Erika! 

LEGO Movie Party Food

When having a party, one of the biggest things to plan is the party food.   One thing that make the LEGO movie unique is that they travel from land to land while trying to escape Lord Business's army.   Having many lands in the movie, really expands the possible food choices.  

Broccoli Cheese Soup - Feature of the Day

My kids have been eating a lot of soup this winter.   I know they would love this Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup by Wendy of  Mamas Blog Central. They love broccoli,  and they love cheese and I know they would love them in a soup.  I love the fact that it is easy to make.  Can you believe it takes minutes and not hours to make?! If you would like to see the full recipe for Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup on Mamas Blog Central. Thank you so much for linking up to Dare to Share Wendy! 

Dare to Share #101

Another week has come, and gone. 

It is Friday once again. 

And because it is Friday, you know what that means.. 

It is time to DARE TO SHARE! 

How was your week?  

Dipped Butterfly Gallery Wall - Feature of the Day

Do you love the look of gallery walls, but really don't know how to pull them together.   Kristin from  The Home Avengers, shared a fun and colorful way she hung an art wall in her daughter's room.  I love how she framed her daughter's art work with pops of color, in addition to hanging fun prints.  She also added butterflies that  she enhanced in a modern way to pull to look  all together.  Be sure to read  more about the prints, and how she planned out her wall over on her blog, The Home Avengers  Thanks so much for linking up to Dare to Share Kristin! 

How to Increase Blog Traffic - Feature of the Day

Today's Feature of the Day is a post that shares great information everyone can use... How to Increase Blog Traffic.   Carrie from Carrie Elle, gives several tips that will help the newbie to veteran blogger. 

In addition to traffic tips, she has many other great blogging tip posts such as how to make a pinnable image, and  how to use an editorial calendar. Be sure to stop over and check out Carrie Elle and read these  great blogging posts.   Thank you so much for linking up to Dare to Share Carrie.

LEGO Movie Cloud Cuckooland Cupcakes

In the recent LEGO Movie, Emmet and his friends travel through several LEGO lands to save the world from Lord Business's evil plans.  One of the worlds that they  visit is Cloud Cuckooland.  It was our favorite land in the movie.  

Cat in the Hat Waffles - Feature of the Day

Do you celebrate Dr Seuss's birthday or reading month with your kids?  When my kids were younger they would always have special events and book fairs during the month of March.  Some of their favorite books to read were Dr. Seuss books, especially Cat in the Hat. 

Jenni from Sweet Pennies from Heaven shared these super fun, and yummy looking Cat in the Hat Pancakes on this week's Dare to Share. What a great way to celebrate reading and Dr Seuss for children and adults alike. Be sure to stop by her blog for the full recipe.  Thanks so much linking up to Dare to Share Jenni! 

#LEGO Movie Party Games and Activities

If you are planning a LEGO Movie Party, and need some fun games and activities, here is a list of ideas you might want to try.  I have already seen this movie twice, because it is just so much fun, and there is just so much going on that you see new things every time you watch.

Dare to Share #100!

Wow, we just hit a milestone. 
Today is  Dare to Share #100!