Dare to Share #113

It's Friday night, and we survived another week!  So you know what that means,  

It's time to Dare to Share! 

Homemade Lotion Bars - Feature of the Day

I have been looking into making  more homemade items.  I have a daughter who is allergic to a lot of scents, and  has problems with winter eczema on her hands.  I also have sensitive skin, and a hiving condition. Something like this Homemade Lotion Bar by Little House Living would help both of us with our individual issues. Merissa has a great picture tutorial   on how to make Homemade Lotion Bars,  if you would like to try to make some of your own.  Thanks so much Merissa for linking up this great idea/recipe to Dare to Share!  

Chicken Bundles - Feature of the Day

Are your kids out for summer vacation yet?  I am literally counting the days.  One thing that I am looking forward to  this summer, is my kids are going to be helping make some of the family meals.  I have been on the lookout for some recipes that are relatively easy to make, and that they will still love to eat.  These Chicken Bundles from Peanut Life Adventures fits both requirements. Not only do the love the ingredients, but it is simple enough that they can make it quickly. My kids, especially Kyle, do not like to wait long to eat when they are hungry. (I think my son  is in yet  another growth spurt.)  Stop on over to Peanut Life Adventures, and see these quick and easy chicken bundles. Thank you so much Danielle for linking up to Dare to Share!

Watermelon Salad - Feature of the Day

Have you recuperated from the holiday weekend yet?   My weekend was spent making kids catch up on their homework.  (but that is another story that you will see on Surviving the Crazy Life later today)    I had bought a watermelon for this weekend that is still sitting on the counter, which makes this Watemelon Salad Recipe by Stephanie of Spaceships and Laser Beams perfectly timed.  I have not tried anything like this yet, but it looks like it would be great to serve at your summer parties and cookouts.  You can see her recipe that even has a homemade salad dressing over on her blog.  While you are there, be sure to check out all of her great boy party ideas.  Thank  you so much Stephanie for linking up this great salad to Dare to Share!

How to Make Perfect Bacon

Several months ago, I found the perfect way to make bacon in the oven.  Once I started making it this way, I never went back to making it in the skillet.   I personally have never liked making it in a skillet.  I almost always burned the bacon, because I hate standing around getting splattered by grease.  I would often walk away, only to find out that I should have come back sooner.   The oven method is so easy, and a lot less messy.  

Memorial Day

This picture was taken several years ago, and it is still one of my favorites.  Kara was marching in the Memorial Day parade with her brownie troop.  Just as the parade started, Kara held her flag up high and excitedly  started waving it.   It is easy to forget what this day is really about..  a day to remember those who fought and died for our freedoms.  Many of us spend the day cooking out with our families and friends. While we are doing so, let's also be like that excited little girl who waves her flag proudly.   I hope you have a Happy Memorial Day. 

Dare to Share #112

It's another week closer to summer vacation for my family.  We are still very busy finishing up with work here, both online and in class.  This week I was really looking forward to Friday and the three day weekend. I would like to sleep in a few hours later, and enjoy the nice weather to hopefully work in my garden. 

But for right now

It's Friday night, and you know what that means 

It's time to Dare to Share! 

Peanut Butter and Jelly Pretzel Bars- Feature of the Day

If you love peanut butter and jelly, then you will love these Peanut Butter and Jelly Pretzel Bars by Winnie of Something Sweet. She gives a great step by step tutorial on how to make these yummy bars. If you have not checked out her blog yet, you really  should. She has recipes for many mouth watering treats. Thank you so much Winnie for linking up another great recipe to Dare to Share!

Last Minute Ideas for Memorial Day

With today being the start of Memorial Day weekend, I thought I would do a round out of some of our Patriotic Posts to give you some last minute ideas for this Patriotic Weekend.   You can make these Patriotic Wreaths in just a couple of minutes, and they are affordable too. All of the supplies can be found at the Dollar Tree.  They were featured last year on Crafting with Kara.

*this post contains affiliate links. I will receive a small commission if you buy anything from the links. 

Super Salad - Feature of the Day

 You can usually tell when I am hungry by the posts I chose as features. :) I chose this Super Salad by Wanda of Memories by the Mile for a different reason.  Exactly one year ago I started a weight loss journey. I ended up losing about 15 lbs, before I hit a plateau.  Then over this really hard winter, I gained it all back..  Well I am determined to eat healthy and lose the weight again, especially since I have a big high school reunion later in the summer.   This salad has many of my favorite healthy foods, and it looks like something I would really enjoy.  Maybe some of you want to eat healthy as well  now that summer and swimsuit season is here.  Be sure to stop over to Memories by the Mile and get the recipe for this Super Salad  Thank you so much Wanda for linking up to Dare to Share. 

Companion Planting - Feature of the Day

Are you planning on planting a vegetable garden this year?  Here in Michigan we are usually safe to plant ours around Memorial Day weekend.  I have been so busy, I had not realized that is coming up in just a few days.   Mary from Back to the Basics shared a list of companion plants that if  planted next to your favorite vegetables, will benefit the plants.  They help each with natural pest control and possibly bigger yields.   Who wouldn't like that in their garden?  Be sure to check out  Mary's top 10 companion crops,  and other great gardening tips on her blog, Back to the Basics.  Thank you so much Mary for linking up your informational post on Dare to Share

Win a Trip for Four from Atlantic Luggage

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Atlantic Luggage for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Now that summer is almost here, it is time to think about taking some time to get away with the family on a family vacation.  We try to go somewhere every summer, whether it be nearby or far away. Packing for a trip with three teenagers can be a bit of a challenge. They each have strong opinions on what they want to pack, but they also still need to a little bit of assisstance to make sure they dont forget to pack something important like socks or underwear. One thing that I really like about the Atlantic Ultra Lite Collection from Atlantic Luggage is that they are lightweight  and have plenty of pockets so the kids can bring everything they think is important.  They are also verstatile and affordable, perfect for busy families like mine who like to travel on a budget. It is important that  the luggage we use be durable and have a handle and wheels, so my kids can each take care of their own suitcase while in the airport or traveling to and from the hotel.  

Pictured is the Atlantic Ultra Lite 2 21" expandable spinner It comes in blue and magenta, so there is a color everyone in the family will like. 

From May 15 until June 15, you can enter to win a trip  to either Los Angeles, CA or Washington DC. in the Atlantic Luggage Spring Sweepstakes  If you win, you will receive

• Round trip Airfare for four (4) on Delta Airlines
• Choice of Delta Vacations Hotel 
•            Choice of Delta Vacations Activity Package 
•   Four (4) Atlantic carry on size suitcases 

For your chance to win the sweepstakes  head over to  AtlanticLuggage.com or use this link to for your chance to win a family trip for 4. Where will you go if you win?

Dare to Share #111

As we are getting close to the end of the school, our schedules seem to be getting busier.  This week I had a lot of things to do away from the computer.  Even with everything going on, we made it to Friday, and you know what that means..   

It is time to Dare to Share!

Tree Trunk Planter - Feature of the Day

I love this fun tree trunk birdhouse planter by Cynthia Banessa. It can be used inside or outside, and would make a great gift for the moms and teachers in  your life.  And did I mention she found the tree trunk planter at Hobby Lobby?  Be sure to stop over to see Cynthia's great tutorial  on how to put her Tree Trunk Birdhouse Planter together.  Thanks so much Cynthia for linking up to this week's Dare to Share! 

Are Coupons Still Worth It?

If you live near a Kroger, you may have heard that starting this week, they are no longer doubling coupons. It has followed behind other stores like Meijer who stop also stopped taking double coupons last year.  For some couponers, double coupons can save them a lot of money.   A coupon worth .50, would double, saving them $1 instead.  With some coupons being as low as 25 cents, some people may wonder if using coupons is still worth it.  I am here to give you a gigantic YES, they are still very much worth it.  We  will just be saving and using coupons in  a different way.   

Where to Find Garden Freebies - Feature of the Day

The weather is finally cooperating in most parts of the country, so it is now time to plan this year's garden.  Erika from Living Frugal With Erika  has shared 10 great ways to find garden freebies, so you don't have to break the bank for your garden to look beautiful.   If you are thinking about starting or expanding your garden this year  be sure to check out Erika's great tips .  Thank you so much Erika for linking up to this week's Dare to Share!

Banana Split Dessert - Feature of the Day

Nothing throws off your entire day like unexpected bad weather.  This morning when my kids went to school, it was absolutely gorgeous out.  When I picked up my oldest after her class, it was dark, dreary, and lightly raining.  We made at trip to Target to do some shopping.  By the time everything was put away, it was time for my other two to come home from school.  They had been home only 10 minutes when an alarm on my phone started to go off.  There was a tornado warning in our area.  It did not look that bad out, and the weatherman had not broken in to the Ellen show yet.  I was kind of confused on what was going on for about 30 seconds.  Just then the sirens started going off, and the weatherman on TV  broke in to say that  radar had picked up possible tornadic activity, and it was heading our way.  That was at about 3:10. Luckily we have a TV in the basement, because they then announced that the warning was until 4:15.  Kyle was not happy. He does not like to eat lunch at school, and he had not had his after school snack yet.  The kids played games, and we waited. Kyle was counting down the minutes.  We were waiting for the all clear.  Instead of being told everything is okay, my phone started going off again, and we hard more sirens outside. Seems there was a second cell heading our way, and we were now under a warning until 5 p.m. We were finally freed from the basement, a little after 5.   My kids were lucky.  There were many kids who were still at school and on the bus, that had to shelter in place.  Most of them did not get home until dinner time. 

So after all  that craziness this mom is thinking it is a good time for something sweet to de-stress.  This banana split dessert by Patti of  A Plate at My Table would be a perfect choice. There is even an optional alcohol version if you it would like.  It has everything you love from a real banana split in a  dessert that you can share with all of your friends.  Be sure to stop over and check out this yummy recipe.  Thank you so much Patti for linking up this great recipe to Dare to Share!

Dare to Share #110

Spring is flying by, and before we know it the kids will be out for summer vacation.. Seems like just a few weeks ago I was complaining about freezing temps and snow.. Wait, that was just a few weeks ago. :)   Yesterday we hit a high of 87 degrees and broke a record.  Crazy weather.   Well even with this crazy weather, it is still Friday and you know what that means..  

It's time to Dare to Share!

Make a TP Candle - Feature of the Day

I was going through all the great posts trying to decide which one to feature.  When I came across one of them, the name of the craft alone made me stop to find out more.  What I found was a craft project that never in a million years I would have thought to try on my own..  

It looks just like a decorative candle, but you will not believe what is being used for the base.  A roll of toilet paper.   Bobbie from 3GLOG.net, shares how she turned a roll of toilet paper into a pretty candle that you can actually light up.  Be sure to go over and see how she did it here.  There might even be time to make one for Mothers Day.  Thank you Bobbie for linking up this creative craft to Dare to Share.!

Minecraft Marshmallows

Another game my son loves to play is Minecraft.  Looking around on Pinterest  I found several possible Minecraft treats, but when I saw the Creeper Marshmallows by Say Not Sweet Anne, I knew I had the one I wanted to try.   

DIY Play Sewing Machine - Feature of the Day

If you have kids who like to play pretend, you have to see today's Dare to Share Feature of the Day.  Cassie from Little Red Window shares how to make a play sewing machine out of an ordinary cardboard  box, a glue gun, and few small accessories.  How cool is that?! Her tutorial is full of step by step pictures, so it is easy to follow along. Not only does she have instructions for this Cardboard Sewing Machine, but many other play items as well, so be sure to go check them out.  Thank you so much Cassie for linking up this great project to this week's Dare to Share!

Skyrim Sweet Rolls and More Video Game Party Ideas

So far I have shared our Portal Cake, and Pokeball Rice Krispie Treats, today I will be sharing more about our Skyrim Sweet Rolls and Minecraft Marshmallows.  

I honestly do not really know much about Skyrim other than it is a role playing adventure game set in a fictional land with feuding groups and dragon slaying.  A popular treat found in several locations in  the game is a special sweet roll.  Once again there is an "official" recipe that has  a lot of ingredients to make it from scratch that can be found online.   While I am sure that the recipe is very good, I knew there was a faster way to make sweet rolls that I knew my son would love.  

Teacher Appreciation Gift - Feature of the Day.

I can't believe it is already the end of the school year.  While we still have one month to go here, I know some areas of the country will be getting out much earlier in May.    Robin from Redo It Yourself Inspirations shared a great idea for a teacher appreciation gift that would be perfect to give to your favorite teacher. Be sure to stop over, and check out her fantastic craft tutorial.  Thank you so much Robin for linking up to Dare to Share!

Dare to Share #109

I don't know why but this week seemed a little bit longer than normal.  It could be that it was raining pretty much every day. It could also be my super long to do list that seems to get longer as we get closer to the end of school.  Whatever the reason it seemed long,  it IS Friday night and  you what that means.  

It's time to Dare to Share!  

What have you been up to this week? 

DIY Easy Owl Clips - Feature of the Day

Are you feeling crafty?  I am.  I have been posting a lot of recipes this week, so  I felt it was time for a craft.  Even better, an inexpensive, easy to make, adorable craft.  Erika  from Mommiez on a Mission shared how she made these Owl Organizational Clips with just a few craft supplies.   If you are going to be organized,  there is nothing wrong with being cute at the same time. Be sure to head over to Mommiez on a Mission to see the full instructions.   Thank you so much Erika for linking up to this week's Dare to Share!   

Throwback Thursday - Pokemon Party

Since it is my son's birthday this week, and I just shared how to make Pokeball Rice Krispie Treats ,  I felt the perfect Throwback Thursday post would be Kyle's favorite of all his birthday parties.  His Pokemon Party from when he was eight.  The weather was perfect, all of his friends could come, and he was able to Find Them All.   If you have someone who loves Pokemon as much as Kyle, be sure to check out our Pokemon Party. 

Pokeball Rice Krispie Treats

One of the games that my son has played for any years is Pokemon.  He likes to play it on the DS.   He has had several versions over the years, and we even had a Pokemon themed birthday party which you can see on the blog.  His sister decided to make him Pokeball Rice Krispies Treats.