Flirty Aprons Make The Perfect Gift For Those Who Love To Cook & Bake

Aprons always make the perfect gift any time of the year. I like to give them for bridal shower, wedding gifts, birthday gifts and just because gifts! When it comes to purchasing aprons...I like to buy mine from Flirty Aprons!

When you shop the Flirty Aprons online store, you will find gorgeous kitchen aprons for women, men and children. I love all of the colors that these aprons come in and all of the fabrics that they use are high quality! The prints and combinations of colors is just magnificient! They are 'almost' too pretty to wear for cooking!

I have two everyday aprons that I purchased and then I have a festive holiday apron and I always feel spoiled and special when I wear them. Everyone who I have given an apron to tells me that they absolutely love their Flirty Aprons!

Flirty Aprons has over 50 fashionable styles to choose from and all purchases ship out in 1 business day. They have a fabulous 30 day money back guarantee to ensure your complete satisfaction with your purchase.

The next time you need a new apron or you wish to purchase a fancy dancy Flirty Apron, make sure you check out all of the wonderful aprons that Flirty Aprons has to offer.

Happy Shopping!

Disclaimer: The owner of this blog is an affiliate of the company listed in this blog post. The owner does make a certain percentage of each sale that occurs through their posted affiliate link contained in this blog post. We were not paid to write this post and all thoughts, opinions & ideas in this post are of our own words. Please read the Terms of Service & Disclaimer Policy for this blog. All information contained on this web site is copyrighted by the owner. All Rights Reserved.

Delicious Chocolate Fondue Recipe

We love making our own chocolate fondue and then dipping freshly sliced fruits, breads and crackers into the fondue. If you have never made your own fondue, it is really easy! You only need a handful of ingredients and for this recipe...it is made stove top. Once your fondue is done cooking, transfer it into a fondue warming pot so that it stays warm and melted.

Have fun enjoying your homemade fondue!

Homemade Chocolate Fondue Recipe

3 1/2 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate
1 1/2 c. sweetened condensed milk
1/4 c. marshmallow creme
1 tbsp milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp. creamy peanut butter, optional
Fondue Dippers of your choice

Combine baking chocolate and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan or in the top of a double boiler. Stir constantly over low heat until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Blend in marshmallow creme and milk. Just before serving, stir in vanilla and if desired, peanut butter. Transfer to a fondue pot. Serve warm with your choice of fondue dippers.

Looking For A New Mailbox? Check out Mailboxixchange.com

Last spring we purchased a 65 year old home that we are totally remodeling and modernizing in our own taste and style and one of the items we need for our home is a new mailbox. I was browsing around online trying to find some unique and stylish mail boxes that were affordable and I stumbled upon the Mailboxixchange web site. I love their large variety of residential mailboxes that they carry!

Mailboxixchange has wall mount mailboxes, post mount mailboxes and even mailboxes that come with locks! Way cool selection! They have country style, victorian style and modern style mailboxes, definitely something for everyone over on their site! I know when our landscaping and siding is done...I will be visiting their site again to purchase a new mailbox!

Head on over to the Mailboxixchange web site and take a look around. If you would like, you can come back here and tell me which mailbox is your favorite!

How To Give Your Refrigerator A Good Once A Month Cleaning

I must admit, cleaning out my refrigerator and giving it a good cleaning once a month is one of my least favorite household chores. However, if you get organized and get into a routine when doing it, it should become easier.

Cleaning Supplies Needed:

2 Buckets
Hot Water
Mild Hand washing Dish Soap
Clean Sponge
1 box of baking soda

The first thing you need to do is fill up your kitchen sink with warm soapy water and clean off your kitchen countertops. Remove all food and beverage items from your refrigerator and place on your countertop. Turn your appliance off . Remove racks, trays and drawers, place them into the sink to soak.

Fill up your clean bucket with semi-hot water and hand dishwashing soap. Using a clean sponge, wipe down the inside of your refrigerator, being careful to not slop water all over the place. If needed, use a plastic scouring pad to remove any stuck on food debris. Using a clean wet sponge or damp cloth, go over the inside of your refrigerator with plain water, just to rinse any remaining soap. Once you are done scrubbing the inside, take a clean cotton towel and dry it out.

Your next stop is to scrub down your racks, trays and drawers that have been soaking in the sink. Use a plastic scouring pad if needed to remove stubborn food debris. Rinse with clean water and set aside to air dry.

Fill up your bucket again with hot soapy water and scrub down the outside of your refrigerator...don't forget to get the top. Take a clean damp sponge over it to rinse any soap that you left behind and dry with a clean cotton towel.

Place your racks, trays and drawers back inside your refrigerator. Turn the power back on. Take a clean and wet dishcloth and wipe down any containers or jars that might have sticky food debris on them. You want to really check out those sticky condiment bottles and jars. Place all your food and beverage items back into your refrigerator.

Now that it's all clean, partially open a fresh box of baking soda and place inside on your middle rack, this will help to keep odors to the minimum.

I personally like to give my refrigerator an overall inside and out cleaning once a month. If you have a large family, you might have to do it more often. If you find that you need something stronger than just hot soapy water, I recommend a mixture of vinegar and water (1 cup of white vinegar mixed with 1 1/2 gallons of water.)

This article was written by Shelly Hill, copyright 2009, All Rights Reserved.

Bright Beginnings For Your Babies Nutritional Needs

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

Here is a great deal for you. Bright Beginnings has been making formula and nutritional items for your baby for many years. They make many types of formula to satisfy your baby. These products include:

Premium Milk-Based Formula
Gentle Milk-Based Formula
Organic Infant Formula
Soy Infant Formula
Soy Pediatric Drink

What is wonderful is that all of these Bright Beginnings formulas are now available to buy on diapers.com. So you get not only a great price, but also free shipping when you buy $49 or more! That is awesome. If you are a new customer to diapers.com there is also an additional 10% off coupon you can use as well! You just can't beat that. Next time you need to stock up on your Bright Beginnings Formula, log on to the site to buy on diapers.com. You will enjoy the savings!

For our Facebook fans, please add Bright Beginnings on Facebook to your fan pages. We talk about product and information as well as promotions too. We try and make sure that we are giving you the best quality product at the lowest prices, just for you and your baby. You are important to us and we would love it if you shared us with a friend.

Disclaimer: I was compensated on behalf of the advertiser to write this post and talk about their products/services. The post was written in my own words and conveys my own personal experience with the product. Please read my Terms of Service and Disclaimer Policy for additional information

Check Out Cryo-Cell.com For FREE Belly Bag & To Learn More About Cord Blood Banking!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of CryoCell International. All opinions are 100% mine.

Twenty-Two months ago I became a first time grandmother to a precious little baby girl. My daughter came to me and wanted to know what I knew about cord blood banking and at the time I didn't know anything about it so we went online and found information at www.Cryo-Cell.com and www.Cryo-Cell.net.

If you are pregnant and expecting a baby or know someone who is pregnant it makes good sense to head on over to their web site and learn more about cord blood and how saving this cord blog can save your child's life down the road. We thought it would be very expensive and we learned that it is affordable and if you really think about it, it is a priceless gift that you can give to yourself, your child or to your pregnant loved one. Life is so precious and you can never be prepared enough for the journey that lies before you and your family.

I would like to invite you to check out Cryo-Cell's web site to learn more about this and to request your free information packet and to consult with an advisor about the services they offer. While you are there you can request a free cryo-cell belly bag.

Disclaimer: I was compensated on behalf of the advertiser to write about the company and their products/services. What I have written is in my own words and is my unbiased opinion on the subject matter/products. Please read my Terms of Service and Disclaimer Policy for additional information.

Boudreaux's Butt Paste ~ My Absolute Favorite For Preventing Diaper Rash!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Boudreaux's Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine.

Twenty-two months ago I became a first time grandmother to a precious little baby girl. My daughter generously allowed me in the delivery room and I got to watch my grand daughter being born and I was holding her within 10 minutes of her arrival into our beautiful big world.

From the very beginning of her life I wanted to make sure that we used only the best products on her and one of those products is Boudreaux's Butt Paste. This butt paste was developed by a Pharmacist under the guide and assistance of a pediatrician. The two of them have made a butt paste that is the best (in my honest opinion) in preventing diaper rash! If your little one has diaper rash already, you need to grab a tube of Butt Paste today as it will help clear up that rash in record time. This butt paste contains 16% Zinc Oxide which has proven to be effective at preventing and/or clearing up your babies diaper rash.

Boudreaux's Butt Paste is available in convenient sizes of 1 oz, 2 oz, 3 oz and 4 oz tubes or you can purchase a large 16 oz jar of it for your babies nursery. I love the no-mess flip top caps on the tubes which make it super easy to use! It has a pleasant scent and it goes on easily and washes off completely in between diaper changing's or bath time.

Boudreaux's Butt Paste has been featured on hit television shows such as Oprah, The Today Show, The Tonight Show and has been featured in People's Magazine. Everyone is raving about this butt paste! I would like to invite you to visit the Boudreaux's Butt Paste web site to learn more about this great must have baby product and while you are there you can request a free sample of butt paste!

Almost Wordless Wednesday!

We had a play date with our precious little grand daughter on Sunday evening and she sat down with her pappy to make me (Nanny) some new refrigerator art!

She had a fabulous time coloring and watching Yo Gabba Gabba with us and afterwards we had a little snack. We enjoy spending time with our little grand daughter!

Trusted Home Remedies For Bug Bites and Insect Stings

When it comes to getting an insect bite, most of them can be safely treated at home.

If you are allergic to bites and/or stings, you should seek professional medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include, but are not limited to the following: shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in the chest, chest pain, dizziness and/or difficulty swallowing, talking or breathing,

You should seek medical attention if any signs of infection are present, such as pus, oozing fluids, redness or the area is warm or hot to the touch.

If swelling is involved, try using cool compresses or ice packs. After the first 24 hours, you can try warm compresses to help alleviate the swelling.

If you are not allergic to bites, you can try one of these home remedies to help relieve the itching and pain.

Homemade Paste Remedies:

You can try making a paste by adding one of the below items with just a little bit of water. Dab the paste onto the bite and let it dry.

baking soda
meat tenderizer (containing the ingredient Papain)
mud
table salt
antacid tablet (like Tums)

Non-Paste Remedies:

If using a homemade paste isn't your cup of tea, you can try one of these following ideas. Just dab or roll it directly onto the affected area.

underarm deodorant
mouthwash with alcohol
tooth paste (not gel or whiteners)
honey

OTC (Over The Counter) Remedies:

Preparation H
Hydrocortisone Cream
Liquid Benadryl (dab directly onto the area)
Benadryl Anti-Itch Cream
Nupercainal Cream
Calamine Lotion

Prevention Tips:

To help prevent getting bitten, you can try an insect repellent.

If you are looking for a more natural way of repelling them, try incorporating a lot of raw onions or cooked garlic into your daily diet. When going outdoors, avoid wearing brightly colored clothing or smelly perfumes and scented hair products. All of these things attract the insects to you.

~* Happy Valentine's Day *~

Happy Valentine's Day! Hubby and I had a great day at home and it was actually nice! I enjoyed spending time with him and we didn't have to fight any crowds since we stayed in. We had a nice take-out lunch and we cooked dinner together. I love my daffodils that he got me because they are one of my absolute favorite flowers, along with my new mega pack of scrapbooking markers, candy and my romantic card. This is the 26th Valentine's Day that we have been together and each year...my love for him grows stronger. What a great man! I hope everyone had a fabulous Valentine's Day with their loved ones!

Monday is Valentine's Day!!!

I am really looking forward to Valentine's Day on Monday as my hubby has been hinting around that he got me something fantastic...can't wait to see it! However, that is not the only reason I am excited that Valentine's Day is just around the corner.

Tomorrow I am celebrating Valentine's Day a day early with my precious little 22 month old grand daughter by having a little Kool-Aid tea party and play date :) I am giving her some felt foodie items I made for her kitchen play set, a new tea set, a new Cabbage Patch Doll and the Valentine's Day Teddy Bear shown below.
I treasure our little play dates because it is so much fun to see her and to spend time with her. Children grow so fast....so it is important that we take time out of our busy lives to spend with them.

I hope everyone has a Happy Valentine's Day!

~ Shelly

Wordless Wednesday!

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Valentine's Day Is Just Around The Corner!!!

Wow...the year 2011 is just really flying by! It seems like Christmas was just last week and in a week...it will be Valentine's Day! Every year I look forward to Valentine's Day as it's always a great day to remember why I married by husband almost 25 years ago. We will be celebrating our 25th Wedding Anniversary on April 11th, 2011. Born out of the love we have for another is our 25 year old daughter and our 21 month old little grand daughter.

With Valentine's Day just around the corner...I thought I would share some frugal Valentine's Day greeting card holder ideas with you that you can have your children make for all of those little cards they get by exchanging cards with their school friends and play mates. You can find some nifty crafty ideas ---> HERE

You can find several Valentine's Day craft project ideas over on my sister blog called Passionate About Crafting. You will find handmade greeting card ideas, how to decopauge a flower vase, felt beverage coasters, heart shaped refrigerator magnets and a whole lot more!

Anyway...Happy upcoming Valentine's Day!

February 2011 Pennsylvania Ice Storm ~ Wordless Wednesday!

Well...we have gotten hit again with nasty winter weather here in Pennsylvania. It first started out with a few inches of snow and then turned into a 24 hour ice event! We have ice on everything and it's pretty thick. You can click on the photo's to enlarge them to see how thick the ice really is!

Love To Scrapbook? Passionate About Crafting Blog!

I absolutely love to craft! I like all kinds of crafts but my particular favorites are scrapbooking, cross stitching, sewing and crocheting.

The photo above shows a 12x12 scrapbooking layout that I did last week featuring my little grand daughter. We had her christened in November 2010 so the top photo is of me holding her. The bottom photo shows 4 generations...on the left is my daughter Jenelle, My 61 year old mother is holding Gia and then I am on the right. We just love little Gia!

If you love to craft (all kinds of crafting mediums), I invite you to check out my Passionate About Crafting Blog where you can find hundreds of free crafting ideas, craft projects, etc.