Video Game Birthday - Portal Cake

My son's 15th birthday was this week.  I wanted to do something special for him, but I wasn't sure what.   When he told me he wanted a chocolate cake, I knew I had my answer.  His favorite thing to do is  play video games. One of his favorite games to play is Portal, and in the game there is a special Portal Cake.  When i saw a picture of the Portal Cake, I knew it would be perfect for his  birthday cake.  In addition to Portal, my son also enjoys playing Minecraft, Pokemon and Skyrim.   I thought it would be fun to make a special treat from each one of those games, Skyrim Sweet Rolls,  Pokeball RIce Krispie Treats, and Minecraft Marshmallows.   Over the next few days I will be sharing the treats that I made. Today we are starting with the cake.  

Monkey Toast - Feature of the Day

About seven or eight years ago, my oldest with through a monkey phase.  Monkeys were the it animal in school,  just like foxes and owls are now. She would have loved (and probably still would) this Monkey Toast shared by  Stephanie of  Spaceships and Laser Beams.   I can see serving Monkey Toast in a variety of situations.  It could be served at a zoo animal or safari party like my kids have had in the past.  I could also see it being used as part of a home school lesson.  No matter where you serve Monkey Toast, it would be sure to be a hit.  Thank you so much Stephanie for linking up this fun treat on Dare to Share.

 Monkey toast  would also been fun to serve when youngest had a Zoo animal party a few years after that.  I could also see someone making monkey toast for a home school lesson 

Coobie Bra Review

Disclosure: I received two bras by the company to try and review. All opinions are 100% mine. 

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I was going to be getting the opportunity to try the Coobie Seamless Bra, which they claim  is the most comfortable bra ever.  Since I know that many of my readers are busy woman like me, I thought  this would be a product that others might want to know about too.    I was sent two bras to try.  One was a scoopneck like in the picture above, and one was a V-neck, like in the picture below. 

The Coobie seamless bra comes in two sizes, 32A-36D and a 38A-42D.  I am at the higher end of the smaller size, so I was not sure which size to chose at first.  I decided to go with the smaller size because I am in the process of losing weight for a big high school reunion this summer, I knew that if I went with the bigger size it would be too big on me rather quickly.   When they arrived and I tried them on, I knew I had made the right decision.  These bras are made of a soft stretchy nylon, and are all in one piece. There are no wires, or clasps to deal with like with  traditional bras. They have removable pads that can be removed before washing, so they do not loose their shape.  

I have been wearing my Coobie bras for a little over a week now, and I have to say I am impressed. They are very comfortable, and I am all about comfort. While I have just been wearing them through the day, they would be great to wear when exercising or even to bed. Another thing that I have noticed is that  these bras seem to give me  more support than my old bras, which is a plus for women like me who are over a certain age and fighting gravity.  Really though, they would be great for anyone even  for nursing moms,  and mastectomy patients. 

When my bras came in the mail, I also received a catalog.  I was surprised to see that they are available in 7 styles and with over 50 colors and patterns. They also have a line of other products such as camis, lounge pants, and leggings.  If you wold like to see more be sure to check out their website www.shopcoobie.com.

You won't be disappointed!

A Princess Cake Tutorial - Feature of the Day

I have birthdays on my  mind right now.  I have been busy today planning for a certain someone's 15th birthday.. (you will see what I have been working on tomorrow!)  Having two girls, we know a lot about princesses in our house.  We may have even have had a princess party or two. Both of my girls would have loved to have a princess cake like this one made by Sprouts House. Be sure to stop over to Sprout's House to see this great tutorial so you can make your own princess cake for your little girls.   Thank you so much for linking up to Dare to Share!

Our Visit to LEGO KidsFest

Disclosure:  I was given tickets for my family to attend this event.  All opinions are 100% mine.  

Last night my kids and I went to the opening night of LEGO KidsFest Michigan.  Each day of the event there are one or two sessions that are 4 1/2 hours each.  Our session started at 4 p.m. so we headed  to the event right after school.  Our first stop once inside the convention center was to go to  the concessions area.  My daughter did not eat a snack once she got home from school, so she was already hungry.  Having a snack first thing was good because there was no line, and we would not have to eat during  the very busy dinner time.  Right next to the eating area was the Master Builders Academy.   To enter this area you were given a ticket with an assigned time.  One hundred and thirty kids per class have a chance to attend a 40 minute workshop, and learn from an actual LEGO Master Builder.  

Dare to Share #108

My kids and I got to do something really fun today.  I was asked to bring my family to LEGO Kidsfest and review it on my blog.  You will hear all about it on the blog tomorrow.  I was like a kid meeting Emmett and WyldStyle.. as you know I loved the movie so much I shared several LEGO movie party posts.

It was quite a night for a Friday night

But is a Friday night...

so you know what that means..  

It is time to Dare to Share.  

Simple Chocolate Truffles - Feature of the Day

If you have been following my blog for awhile, you will know that I LOVE chocolate.   I also love recipes that are simple and quick.  These Super Simple Chocolate Truffles  by Merissa  of Little House Living fit both of those things. Her recipe only has two ingredients.. your read that right only two.. that is just about as simple as you can get.   This recipe for her Super Simple Chocolate Truffles is a must see if you have a sweet tooth like me.  Thank you so much Merissa for linking this recipe up to Dare to Share! I am definitely going to give it a try. 

Throwback Thursday - Leftover Ham Casserole

Tonight I used up the rest of our Easter ham, to make one of our favorite casseroles. Made from rice, ham, mushroom soup, broccoli  and cheese,  this Leftover Ham Casserole disappears quickly in our house. So if you are looking for a family friendly recipe that your kids will love, check out this Throwback Thursday post.

Meatball Stuffed Muffins - Feature of the Day

I thought this recipe for Meatball Stuffed Un-Cornmeal Muffins by Creating Silver Linings looked very interesting.  They are both corn free and gluten free, and I know many people need more recipes in those categories. With my thyroid issue, I really should eat less gluten, so I am always looking for GF recipes to try. I also have to feed three teenagers, so I want recipes they will also like.  I have never thought of stuffing a muffin with meat, but I think it sounds like something our whole family will enjoy.  Stop by Creating Silver Linings for the recipe for Meatball Stuffed Muffins  and many more.  Thank you so much for linking up this great recipe to Dare to Share . 

Make a Recycle Monster

Today is Earth Day, a day when we become more aware of ways to save the Earth.  I recently saw this idea in Family Fun, and I thought what a great way to teach kids to recycle.  All you need to make a Recycle Monster is two paper bags of a the same size, scrap paper, and a glue stick. 

Recycled Wall Plant Hanger - Feature of the Day

Tomorrow is Earth Day, and Mother's Day will be here in just a couple of weeks. When I saw this Wall Plant Hanger by Wesens-Art I knew it would be the perfect craft for both of those special days.   Not only are you recycling, but they are pretty enough to give as gifts.  Be sure to stop over to Wesens-Art blog to see how to make your own wall plant hanger.  Thank you so much for linking up this great post to Dare to Share!

Crafting with Kara - Easter Egg Designs

We colored our Easter Eggs yesterday.  We had a lot of fun, and Kara came up with some new pretty designs that she had not tried before.  I thought that they would make a great new Crafting with Kara post 

Dare to Share #107

We colored our Easter Eggs today. As usual Kara tried a whole bunch of different techniques that I will be sharing tomorrow. Are you ready for Easter yet?  It  has been kind of nice have Spring Break right before Easter, because I have had extra time to get things done

We have now come to the end of the another week, 

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

It is time to Dare to Share!

Easy Cracked Look Easter Eggs - Feature of the Day

Here is another fun thing  to try while you are decorating your Easter Eggs.  This idea by Crystal of Make it Easy Crafts is an easy way to give plastic eggs the cracked look.  It does not take long to do and it gives the eggs a brand new look. Stop over to Make it Easy Crafts to see how to make these cracked look eggs.  Thank you so much for linking up to Dare to Share Crystal! 

Throwback Thursday Easter Egg Techniques

Will you be coloring your Easter eggs in the next couple of days?   Today's Throwback Thursday post goes back to 2012 when we colored our eggs  using items from the stationary aisle at the store.  We really like how our eggs turned out that year.  If you would like to give some of the techniques a try, be sure to check out this post Egg Coloring Techniques

Spring Animal Boxes for Easter

Last Christmas I made a Snow Owl Ornament for my woodland themed Christmas tree.  This spring I thought, why don't I try to make Easter/Spring animals in a similar fashion. I came up with a chick, bunny and lamb that can be used in a variety of ways.  They are easy enough that kids can make them, and they are the perfect size to fill with candy or small gifts.  

Easter Egg Fortunes - Feature of the Day

Today's Dare to Share Feature of the Day is a creative idea that would be a lot of fun to do for your family and friends.  The guys over at Crafty Lumberjacks shared a great way to put a fortune in an uncracked egg. I can just imagine seeing the surprised look on a little ones face when a piece of paper comes out instead of a raw egg.  I might even need to try to do these for my teenagers.. :)  Be sure to stop over at Crafty Lumberjacks to see how to make Easter Egg Fortunes. Thanks so much Andrew and Dennis for linking up to this week's Dare to Share!

Easter Peep Houses - Feature of the Day

I am so excited to see that there are so many great Easter themed posts linked up on Dare to Share this week!   One that caught my eye were the Peeps Houses by Joy of  Yesterfood.  One reason why I love Easter is because  I LOVE PEEPS!  In fact, I just picked up 10 boxes of them on my last shopping trip. (they were buy 1 get 1 free)   I think  making these  Peep Houses would be such a fun activity to do with the kids, and then they can enjoy eating  their masterpieces afterwards.   If you don't like to eat Peeps, they would make a cute addition  an Easter themed centerpiece.    Thank  you so much for linking up this great idea to Dare to Share  Joy!!   

Dare to Share #106

I have been looking forward to this Friday for several weeks..  Why you may ask..  It's  because as of the end of school today it is now SPRING BREAK!  A week where I can actually sleep in past 6 a.m.    A week catching up on MY projects, because I don't have to run kids to and and from school, and their activities.. There might even been a day or two when I don't even have to get in the car. Woohoo!    Spring break is not just for the students, it is for the busy moms who make sure their kids get to and from school, do their homework and projects, and so much more. 

Another reason why I look forward to Friday.. 

It's time to Dare to Share! 

Funfetti Cake Batter Dip - Feature of the Day

Blair from The Seasoned Mom  shared a really fun treat and an activity that she loves to do with her children.   Each weekend her family has a Family Movie Night,  where they get to spend time together and enjoy special treats like this Lightened Up Funfetti Cake Batter Dip.  Doesn't that look good,  She has a special ingredient to give it some health value, which lessens the guilt of eating a sweet treat.    Be sure to stop over and get the recipe,  it would be great to serve at parties, pot lucks or your own family movie night.   Thank you so much for linking up to  Dare to Share Blair!  

Throwback Thursday - Our Seedling Growing Experiment

Is it just me that does not use all  their produce in time that it starts to sprout?  This happens frequently with onions and potatoes in our house.  I have good intentions to use it, but for one reason or another  it does not always happen.  Every couple of months or so, I end up with sprouting produce.   A couple of years ago we did a little growing experiment, which was a success.  Last night Kara and I tried it again with a little bit of a spin on it.  With gardening season right around the corner, I knew it would make a great Throwback Thursday post.  

Chocolate Butterfly Cake - Feature of the Day

I love how pretty the chocolate butterflies look on this cake made by Bonnie of the The Pin Junkie. She has a great tutorial that shows you how you can make them yourself.  I think they would be great to use at a garden party or flower themed party.   Thank you so much for linking up your beautiful butterflies to Dare to Share  Bonnie!    

Party Items You Should Buy at the Dollar Store

I love planning parties on a budget. One way that I do that is to get as many supplies as I can at the Dollar Store.  Yesterday, I had to stop in and pick up a few things.  Since there are so many items that are to great to use for parties available there, I decided to dedicate an entire to post to Party Items You Should Buy at the Dollar Store.  This is not a sponsored post for the dollar store, I truly do love to shop there when planning a party.

Easter Egg Owls - Feature of the Day

Want a really fun way to decorate your Easter eggs this year?   How about turning them in to fun owls like these made by Wesens-Art.   She has a free printable that you can print to make some Egg Owls of your own.  Don't they look adorable hanging in her tree?!  Be sure to stop over for the printable, and get started making your own  Egg Owls.   Thank you so much for linking up this great craft to Dare to Share!  

Dare to Share #105

Whew..  we survived another week.  While this week seemed to go very fast, it was still a long one.  We finished Robotics season, had lot of homework and big tests.   I am really looking forward to sleeping in a little bit this weekend.  

It is Friday night. so you know what that means..  

It is time to Dare to Share! 

Candy Bumble Bees - Feature of the Day

Normally I have to avoid being around bees, as I am allergic.  These  Spring Bumble Bees made with candy  by Nibbles by Nic,  I would be more than happy to be around. These bees would make a great addition to garden party, insect party or flower themed party.  Be sure to stop by Nibbles by Nic, to see how to make these  sweet bees, and many other great recipes for kids.  Thanks so much for linking up to Dare to Share Nicole! 

Throwback Thursday Cardboard Tube Flowers

It is Thursday once again, which means it is now Throwback Thursday.  Today I thought I would go back to  the spring of 2012, when my daughter made a bouquet of Cardboard Tube Flowers.  These flowers are a fun craft for children to make for Mother's Day, Easter or just because it's Spring.   If you would like to make some of these flowers be sure to check out  Kara's Cardboard Tube Flowers tutorial.  

How to Make an Inexpensive Light Box

I do not have the best house for taking pictures.  If I only knew I was going to be a blogger when we built it 11 years ago, I would have done something different.  For a long time now I have wanted to make my own light box.  When I heard it could be done using a clear plastic container, I nearly ran to the store.  

Jute Easter Eggs - Feature of the Day

Do you decorate for Easter?  I have not started to yet.  I still have a hodge podge of other holiday items still up around my house.  These pretty jute covered eggs by Laura of About a Mom are so pretty, and inspire me to bring out the spring decor.   I love that these eggs are not only easy to make, but inexpensive too.   Be sure to check out About a Mom, not only does she have these pretty jute eggs, but a lot of other Easter treats and crafts.   Thank you so much Laura for linking up to Dare to Share!