Valentine Coupons

Valentine's Day on bed rest is challenging! Let's get real. Shopping is out of the question (unless it's online shopping) and most activities are too.

Greg and I prefer to "do" something for V-Day instead of buy gifts and we take turns planning it. This was my year to plan. 

I decided to make coupons for Greg to use. I created the coupons using Photoshop and digital scrapbooking kits. (you can find a ton of free kits online to download) I cut out each coupon and decided to put them in their own envelopes so it was a suprise to what the coupon was.

For the envelope I found a template that I used when I was teaching and picked out paper.

I traced the pattern on the back of the paper, cut them out, folded and glued them together. I also punched holes in the coupons and looped ribbon through them so they were easier for hubby to pull out of the envelope.

Then I decided to put all then envelopes in a container. I found a small paint can that was left over from a previous project and decided to cover it and put everything in there. I measured the can and cut strips of paper to wrap around it.

I added some ribbon to cover where the two strips met and added some paper flowers. Since this was for hubby I tried not to use too much pink and red.

I measured and cut a circle for the top to match my accent paper.

Then I put the envelopes inside with a few other items just for hubby.

52 in 2012

Not only am I just getting up today (I am so tired these last couple of days. Pregnancy maybe?), but I am just now getting around to finishing my 52 in 2012. Here it is...

1. Grow blog followers to 50
2. Delivery a healthy baby boy
3. Organize and clean closets in master bedroom
4. Learn manual mode on my DSLR
5. Become more comfortable with editing in Photoshop
6. Create twitter for blog
7. Grow my own herb garden
8. Plant and grow grass in the front yard
9. Mount computer screen on wall above desk
10. Find/make decorations for above computer screen
11. Become a digital scrapbooker
12. Buy birthday cards and mail them BEFORE everyone's birthday
13. Take Ben's picture in the same place/pose every month
14. Get back on a running schedule (3xweek)
15. 500 FB fans on business site by end of year
16. Hit Pre-Pregnancy weight
17. Posting 3 x a week on business site
18. Monthly Promotions for business
19. Create new/updated logo for business
20. MEXICO
21. Create Ben's birth announcements
22. Have red highlights put in my hair
23. Make healthy lunches (minimize eating out)
24. Really learn couponing
25. Read 15 books this year
26. 2 date nights a month (big dates)
27. Plan & take a fall trip
28. Labor Day @ Bever's Bend
29. Keep Ben's pictures organized by month on DVD
30. Create and print photobooks by month or quarter for Ben
31. Annual Summer Deck Party
32. Annual Christmas Party for ladies ONLY
33. Find a good anti-aging/acne skincare routine
34. Use Instagram more
35. Begin using envelope cash system
36. Refinish deck
37. Get new patio furniture
38. Refinish spare bedroom furtniture
39. Make hooks for spare bathroom towels
40. Organize under spare bathroom sink
41. Buy MK gold chronograph watch
42. Photograph where we were engaged and make large prints to put in house
43. Find less harmful cleaning methods for when Ben arrives
44. Begin Christmas shoppping BEFORE November
45. Replace outlets in house to update
46. Create wine/beer bar area
47. Save 10% more than what we saved last year
48. Grow my hair out!!!
49. Teach Ben sign language
50. Increase donations and tithing by 5 %
51. Attend 3 ladies Bible studies series this year
52. BUNKO group!-get one up and going

I have complete some of my items before even finishing my list. It is done and now time to get moving.

Have a Marvelous Monday!

Sponsor Spotlight

Good Morning!

I'd like to spotlight 2 ladies with amazing blogs that I know you will love.

First up is Meg @ Sweetly Complicated

Hey y'all I'm Meg. I am a Texas girl with a passion for life as big as my state! Here at Sweetly Complicated I blog about teacher stuff, food, crafts, display my photography and how the Lord uses it all! I have loved every moment of blogging and am blessed to have met and read about so many peoples everyday adventures. I love the stories of encouragement, strength, love, food, fashion, courage, brokenness and gettin all crafty! Come over join the party!

Second is Andrea @ Decorating Cents

My little blog started when we bought our new home. I was doing numerous searches for decor ideas and all these design blogs were popping up. I thought to myself. I could do it too. A couple months passed by before I worked up the nerve to get a blog started. Decorating Cents was born. I have had so much fun making an online journal of all the projects I've done around the house. It was also a way for friends and family that weren't local to keep up with what changes I was making. It also frees my husband from having to hear all the ideas I have floating around in my head. I've learned a ton of stuff already and feel like I have made some new friends.

Go check out these two ladies! I promise you will love their blogs!

Have a Superb Sunday!

Introducing Baxter & Jack

I thought I would introduce you to my two furry babies, Baxter & Jack.

Meet Baxter!



 He is a miniture Schnauzer and I refuse to keep the traditional schnauzer cut so many people think he is a Westie. Nope! Schnauzer through and through. I have had Baxter for 5 1/2 years and he is very set in his ways. An only child for a year and half, he became spoiled and is very intellegent.

He knows when we are getting close to home or my parents house and will excitedly let you know in case you were unaware of where you were driving.

He is a fan of hiding under the bed. He isn't a big snuggler, but will lay with you until you turn the lights out and then he will opt to go sleep in his bed.

Meet Peanut! (Yes I said his name was Jack and it is, but I don't call him that.)

Peanut is half Pug and half Chihuahua. I rescued Peanut from being put down as a puppy. He has a severe frontal limb deformity and was unable to walk. Since then he has had a surgery to correct it and learned to walk. Look at that face... TROUBLE!

He isn't a fan of car and gets frustrated when Baxter begins to tell us how close we are to home.

While he can walk, jumping on or off furniture isn't easy. So if left on the bed he hangs his head and wimpers til we come get him. Pretty Pathetic.

And then there are times like this... Baxter would never do anything this sneaky. But Peanut...

His ears are flopped back most the time, making it look like he just ran full spead ahead to get to wherever he is.

And last, but not least... Since Greg has come into our lives my babies have learned what people food is. They absolutely adore Daddy! He plays and rough houses with them and gives them lots of treat.

Like I said, SPOILED!

Have a Super Saturday!

High Five Friday

I love Fridays! Always have, always will. I espcially love them right now because it means 2 full days with hubby and not sitting in the house alone.

1. Went to the dr for my weekly Wednesday visit and we got GREAT news. Things are going so well. Contractions are way down and the meds are working. My spastic uterus seems to not be so spastic and my incompetent cervix seems to be a little more competent these days. I have 3 weeks left on meds, but my tests show I will most likely deliver around 37 weeks. YAY! Full Term baby? Yes, I will take one of those.

2. I usually wear dark nail polish colors, but adore the nude pinky look. My problem with them? They always to look streaky when I polish at home with them. Until Now...

Found this color on Pinterest, bought it, and loved it the second I put it on!

3. RAIN! We got a lot of rain this week. So much that you couldn't even see the roads in our neighborhood. We live on a lake just east of Dallas and every day we are reminded of how bad of a drought we are in. The rain was wonderful! I swear I a notice difference in the lake levels.

4. Hubby got this email the other day from our insurance agent. I don't normally read FWD, but hubby said I should and boy was I glad! I even printed it out!

This is AWESOME ... something we should all remember. A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready. As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window. I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy. Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait.' 'That doesn't have anything to do with it,' he replied.

Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time.
Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. 'It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.
Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away.. Just for this time in my life.
Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in.
So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories!

5. And finally, I LOVE AMERICAN IDOL. Especially the audition shows! Below is a video from the other night that shows why I love it so much. I laughed so hard.

Linking up with Lauren @ From My Grey Desk

Linking up with Hollie @ Hollie Takes Notes

Have a Fabulous Friday and bank some memories!

Product of the Week

I am a product JUNKIE! I am constantly in search of products that will make my life easier and better. One type of product I love is beauty products. Samples are your friend (Birchbox, Sephora, Ulta...), you are able to get a little bit of a pricey product and see if you will love it enough to spend the $$$$ on it.

Well, my product this week wasn't a sample. It was a gift from my SIL.

Urban Decay's Naked Palette

Purchased HERE

 I don't usually buy eyeshadow palettes or sets. I feel like I waste half of the colors because only certain ones work for me. That is NOT the case with this little gem. I LOVE LOVE LOVE each and every color and they seem to work on EVERYONE. (Not that is not blue on the far right. It is a gunmetal grey.) The shadows are very pigmented and silky and the brush is amazing. (I normally throw away the brush to any make up I get and use my own) Each color is coordinated to go with each other. There are shimmers, matte, and a few glitters. This is pretty much the only eyeshadow I use anymore. It comes with a small eyeshadow primer (if you don't use one START NOW! It will change your eye make up forever.) that is really good.

Urban Decay released a second Naked Palette right before Christmas. I want it so bad. I am trying to wait since I am not wearing much make up right now being on bed rest, but soon...

 

I linked up with Ally and Tiffanie today for Product of the week.

Be Thankful it's Thursday!

Pinterest Wednesday

Here are my top pins this week from Pinterest. It was kind of a slow week with me being sick, but here we go.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE tomato soup and grilled chese sandwiches. I want this tonight since it is cold and raining.

Pinned HERE.

We all do it!

Pinned HERE

Once I can start cleaning again I will use this. Quick and easy if you clean your own bathroom.

Pinned HERE

I would walk each step again to get exactly where I am!

Pinned HERE

Oh how I miss a great glass of wine. SOON!

Pinned HERE

Only makes two individual cheesecakes. Oh thank goodness, I won't get fat now!

Pinned HERE

I plan on starting an herb garden this spring. Love the style of this one. Greg is already on the look out for the buckets.

Pinned HERE



I can't wait to get back into my clothes! Love this outfit!



Pinned HERE

Love this bracelet. I put it on my Mother's Day & Valentine's Day list. (I'll be a mommy by Mother's Day)



Pinned HERE

And Last, but not least...

This is to my husband! Love him so much!

Pinned HERE

Hope you have a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY!



Totally Random Tuesday

I have so much going on in this little OCD prego brain of mine. A million little things running here and there and I can't seem to get them to stop and catch them.

Ben's room is finished! YAY! (posting next week). Greg also finished the swing and bouncer, which were more difficult than I would have thought to put together. It actually took tools. What?? I just thought you pulled them out of the box, snapped them together and POOF! There they were. NOPE. Tools...

Everyone I spoke to says this is the swing to get. I got the newest version out (pictured)  which also has an MP3 connection. Awesome because Greg and I love THESE albums.

There are renditions for so many current and past artists.

Spoke to my BFF, Sarah yesterday. Helped calm some fears of mine about the upcoming mommyhood and c-section. Having twins and an emergency c-section makes her an expert in my eyes. Sometimes it is just nice to here someone say they also know what it is like to cry at the drop of a hat and have IRRATIONAL fears. hahaha

Made Greg a list of all the "craft" items I needed to make to make his Valentine's surprise. When he brought them home he looked at me weird as he handed me the bag and just said "RANDOM". So I tried to make these cute heart envelopes last night while he worked on a computer for the shop.

Pinned HERE. Totally did not work me! I wound up with a mangled heart with too many folds that was completely crooked.  I think I'll stick to the envelope template that I have been successful with for many years!

Still working on my 52 in 2012. I never thought it would take so much time to create a list of 52 things I wanted to do in a year. Most weekends I can come up with that many for 2 days. I have a post scheduled next week for this, I will spend most of this rainy day completing that and working on Greg's V-Day surprise.

Check out Becky at fromMrstoMama to see 2 upcoming Valentine's events.

Oh, one last things! Jessica at Lovely Little Things does a weekly Smell the Roses challenge to get you to slow down and appreciate life. Last week's challenge was to buy coffee or lunch for someone you didn't know. Well bed rest prevents me from frequenting Starbucks and lunches outside the house. The one place I do visit each week is the doctor's office. So I paid someone's copay. At this point I know the office staff well and told them I wanted to pay the copay of a patient that could really use it. They told me the price and I handed them the money. Loved it. The billing lady said she was going to do the same for another patient that week.

Hope you have a Terrific Tuesday.

Crazy Weekend, Crazy Morning...Let's Organize

It has been one crazy morning that followed a crazy weekend. First hubby and I were sick all weekend with a cold (that I am still fighting). Along with that we have critters trying to make our home their's. Yes, we knew that critters came with living on the lake, but find your own home! Fox Pee works wonders encouraging critters to find other place to live (the 5 wooded acres behind our house!). Well, since that only works so well, hubby decided to trap the critters and kindly relocate them to a much more appropriate home in the woods. Saturday was the first day that the trap proved beneficial. The cutest raccoon was sleeping in it when we woke up. I cried all morning(gotta love pregnancy hormones) and even made my husband feed him breakfast before releasing him in the woods.

This moring proved beneficial in the same was as Saturday, except when releasing the raccoon he became quite irritated to be evicted from our cozy little property. So animal control is coming to pick him up and settle him into his new digs soon. Only after answering 500 questions from me and promising me that they were not going to harm him.

OK so let's get organized! With a little one soon to be here and becoming a part-time SAHM, I knew I needed to be organized. (Organization is something that comes easy to someone who is OCD so I knew I had this) We moved into our home in May and found out we were pregnant in July, not much time to organize. Plus, Greg and I lead a busy life with work, traveling, church, friends, and family. I have a growing list of things that need to be tackled the second I am off bed rest. One thing I can do while on bed rest is make our Home Management Binder. I did a lot of research to make mine and knew exactly what I wanted when I started. Here is what I developed...

First gather all your materials and make a game plan.

The binder and folders are from Target, Green Room brand. (love the color green), you will also need a 3-hole punch, labeler, and I used pencil pouches to hold small items. The folders also came with labels that you could print.

I also knew I wanted the following sections:

Calendars

Schedules

To Do

Meal Planning

Cleaning Schedules

Finances

Goals

Medical

Important Dates

Contacts

Blog

Travel

I first printed a label (included with the folders) for each section and hole punched each folder and inserted them into the binder. I put a pencil pouch in the front to hold post it and pens.

Now it is time to organize each section.

Calendars-I found a cute monthly calendar and printed one for each month this year. Click HERE for the one I used. 

Schedules-will be hole punched and placed in that section as we get them.

To Do-is for me to organize my day. It helps me to keep up with my goals, appointments, workouts, daily readings, etc... I made one that suited my needs. Click HERE.

Menu Planning- I menu plan monthly and keep a few grocery lists behind each month. It is my goal to go to the grocery store as little as possible. Click HERE and HERE for the templates. I also keep a recipe pocket in the front for recipes I want to use that month.

Cleaning-I have a weekly schedule that helps me keep my house clean without spending 3 hours at a time on it. Click HERE for it. Then I put a monthly calendar at the back for the large cleaning projects (closets, yard, trees, drawers, pantry, etc.) Click HERE for that.

Finances-I put my monthly budget in there and 3 pencil pouches, labeled receipts, bills, and taxes. When I get something I need for my taxes I put it in there so everything is together, I do the same with bills that come in.

Goals- Greg and I set goals for each month and make sure we get everything accomplished. We check it often to make sure we are on track. HERE is the template we used.

Medical- I keep all of our medical information in this section. This is new to me and I am doing this mainly for when Ben arrives and one of our parents or sisters are babysitting him. HERE is the template I made for us.

Important Dates- I printed out another set of monthly calendars and put birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays on it. Then I put what I would like to purchase as a gift for them. I'll mark it off as I purchase/send it.

Contacts- I have our mailing list we use for parties, cards, and announcements. I have it broken down by party we host and mailings we send.

Travel-I keep all of our trip information in this folder. (Mexico here we come!)

Blog-I keep my planning pages in here. Click HERE to get a copy.

Hope you enjoy this! Have a MARVELOUS MONDAY!