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Gadgets for the Whole Family

January 8, 2020 by Lyra Almoite Leave a Comment

It’s the new year and we’re turning to a new decade. Aren’t we all fond of ‘something new’ as the new year starts? Well, if you’re still on the hunt for your something new, I got you and I promise they will not break your bank!

Your something new should be something everyone in the family can use, may it be for a good bonding time, studying, or even a little bit of work-related stuff. With that said, there’s only one thing that comes to my mind, gadgets for the whole family. How does that sound to you? Well, they can be expensive, that’s for sure. But what if I tell you that there are a couple of tips and tricks to afford these items. In fact, you might not feel that you’re paying at all! If this sounds interesting for you, then read on. I’ve compiled my top 3 gadget picks for you.

Gaming Console

What better way to keep your kids entertained other than with a gaming console? Believe me, the kids are not the only ones who will enjoy having this device in the living room. Your husband will have a blast with it too! Microsoft’s Xbox One is the one featured in the image above and the great thing about it is that Xbox One users can access subscriptions that offer hundreds of amazing games.

Smart TV

On the second spot on our list, we have, the Smart TVs. Whether it is for your room or for your living area, there is no doubt that a smart TV is a great addition to your home. Keep your kiddos occupied in the tune of Disney movies while you tidy those legos up. Then catch up with your favorite Netflix series at night or pull off a movie Sundays with the whole fam. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Laptop

The last on our list is a laptop. This one will definitely be beneficial for you and the whole family. Not only that it can be used for entertainment, this can also be used for research and work-related tasks. Plus the new models of laptops now are just as thin and light as an iPad.

How to Afford All of This?

Now that we’ve talked about my top 3 picks, let’s talk about how we can afford this without hurting the budget. If you went on a gift shopping spree during the Christmas holidays and now the budget is tighter than usual, then you should be pleased to know that there is a way to afford all the products featured on our list. The trick is to use buy now pay later catalogues. Pick payment plans that works for you, whether it is weekly or monthly. You can spread the cost of your new gadget without a deposit. Isn’t that a life saver?

Home Redecoration Ideas for 2020

January 8, 2020 by Lyra Almoite 4 Comments

What better time to start redecorating your home other than at the start of a new decade? After spending ten years in the same décor, the time has come for you to make some significant changes that will bring a breath of fresh air into the room and liven up the spirits. I know that the most difficult part about redecorating a home is finding the right ideas and if you are struggling with this, then you are in luck! Today I am going to share with you some amazing home redecorating ideas that you can incorporate and make your home look like it has been set up by a professional interior designer.

Classic Blue is Your New Favorite Color

The fastest and simplest way to redecorate a home and give it a more welcoming feeling is to re-paint the walls. The hottest trend in interior design is Classic Blue which has been designed as the 2020 Pantone Color of the year. I guess it is safe to say that Classic Blue will be 2020’s new black. While this color might look amazing, this is not what makes it stand out. Aside from being a pop of color in your walls, Classic Blue can brighten a room in the form of pillows, kitchenware, vases.

Navy Blue creates an interesting contrast in interior designs and it has the power to give any home a modern look. You can even use this color in the kitchen and increase the contrast by using a white trim.

New Laminate Flooring

Another amazing redecorating tip that professionals don’t want you to know is that installing laminate flooring will make your home interior design look outstanding. Laminate flooring installation costs are not too expensive and I assure you, the installation is worth every penny and you will be rewarded every time that you see how amazed your guests are by your interior design. Laminate flooring comes in a variety of colors and patterns so it’s so easy to blend them in with the furniture, walls, etc. They also replicate many types of wood making them look expensive when they’re really not! It’s easy to clean and very low maintenance, unlike hard-wooden floors. I can’t blame interior designers if laminate floors are their go-to renovation piece when it comes to floors.

Kitchen Cabinets

If you really want to adopt a new style in 2020 that is guaranteed to leave all your house guests in awe, then you might want to consider using color-pop cabinets. This is one of the latest trends in interior design and according to experts, the color-pop cabinets are going to become really popular in the years to come. This is giving you the chance to stay ahead of the curve!

Moving to a new home this new decade? Check out our 5 Best Moving Tips

Christmas Gift Ideas

December 10, 2019 by Lyra Almoite Leave a Comment

Christmas is just around the corner. It’s time to wrap up presents and put it under the Christmas tree. Well, if you haven’t done your Christmas shopping yet and you’re looking for “something special that will bring an ear to ear smile to your kid’s face, you’re in luck! I created a list of Christmas Gift Ideas for you! Living with kiddos in my entire lifetime definitely has taught me a thing or two about gift giving.

Finding the perfect gift might sound like a daunting task, especially if you have a busy day to day schedule. But worry no more! This list of gift ideas is guaranteed to make your kid’s Christmas morning one of the best moments of the year.

For Your Little Boy

Smartphone Projector

Nowadays, all kids love gadgets but this one will definitely not cost you a hundred bucks. This will definitely keep your boy in awe as he watches his favorite Disney cartoon in his bedroom with this Smartphone Projector. While your boy will love this, for sure! This is also a great tool for an awesome bonding experience with his siblings. Aside from this one being so crafty and looking so cool, it’s super easy to use that even 4-year-old kiddo can set it up himself.

Coils Stadium

Your boy will surely love this Coilz Stadium and he will never ever get tired of this one. The stadium contains a total of 15 games that your boy, his friends, and all of the kiddos in the house will surely enjoy. The game board is also reversible allowing the players to change the entire game whenever they want. To top it off, this is no ordinary game, this game will encourage problem-solving, strategic thinking, but still super fun! I honestly won’t blame you, if you even find yourself playing this one with your boy (oh! what a great bonding tool too!).

For Your Baby Girl

Light Up Unicorn Slippers

For your little girl who loves everything cute and colorful, this Light Up Unicorn Slippers is a sure win! You can bet that your daughter will have a big smile on her face when she unwraps the Christmas gift and sees that Santa brought her a pair of Light-Up Unicorn Slippers. These are both comfy and funny. It’s also a fun way to get your kiddo to wear slippers during winter and avoid cold floors. And oh, did I mentioned that the unicorn’s cheeks literally lights up? How cool is that?!

Build-a-Bot

If you are looking for a gift that is going to help improve the creativity of your little girl in a fun way, then you don’t need to look any further than Build-a-Bot. This features three option of adorable pets (unicorn, kitten, dog) that your kid can assemble and have fun with. The great thing about Build-a-Bot is that it promotes creativity, patience, and it incorporates S.T.E.M learning with the fun. Your little one can also mix and match with pieces with other Build-a-Bot pets to create her very own unique pet.

For Your Hardworking Husband

Amazon Fire TV Stick

Finding the right Christmas gift for your husband is always a challenging task, but you don’t need to fret! Let me tell you a secret. Your husband will enjoy relaxing after a hard day at work by watching his favorite shows on the big TV screen and here is why he will love it when he sees that Santa’s little helper has brought him an Amazon Fire TV stick.

For Your Sister/Best Friend

Soul Sister Bracelet

What better way to express to your best friend or sister how much they mean to you other than with a simple, yet beautiful bracelet that has the words “soul sister” engraved on it? The size of the bracelet is adjustable so that you have to worry if it will fit or not. It is made from stainless steel and it comes in gold, silver and rose gold.

For Your Loving Mom

Chefman Panini Press

I can tell you that any gift from kids would make any mom very happy. However, the best gifts are the moments you’ve shared together. Your mom will forever cherish it. That is what this panini press non-stick is for! Why not share a Panini with mom over the weekends or better yet, have a little bit of mom-and-you time while making one for the entire fam. Plus, this will definitely a great add-on to her kitchen.

Got any more Christmas gift ideas to add on this list? Let us know! Help the other busy moms complete their Christmas shopping.

And if you’re looking for more, you might want to check out The Ultimate List of Holiday Gift Guides.

5 Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas

November 26, 2019 by Lyra Almoite Leave a Comment

This time of the year families are getting together to give thanks. Sometimes we get that competitive feeling, determined to provide the best meals in the house and fill happy tummies. Last year we gave you all a taste of the amazing Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie. This year we’re going to go with stuff that complements the main course. We’re giving you 5 Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas with the best recipes from our friends.

Indulge in our five featured recipes to make you five times more thankful this year.

Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes by cooknourishbliss

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn by damndelicious

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Tomatoes by yours truly

Classic Green Bean Casserole by lifeloveandsugar

Classic Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing by averiecooks

Free Printable: Stress-free Thanksgiving Planner

November 12, 2019 by Lyra Almoite Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving is waving hello at the corner. As moms, we all know that pulling off a beautiful, flawless thanksgiving dinner is a no easy task. If only hosting a thanksgiving party will come at an ease, we would probably do it as often as we could. Who doesn’t love spending time with our family and friends over a good food, right? With the seven thousand things we have to do and buy, somethings will definitely fall into cracks and we’ll remember it last minute when it’s too late to do it or run to the grocery store. Here’s a Free Printable Stress-Free Thanksgiving Planner to help your holiday!

Free Printable Stress-Free Thanksgiving Planner #printable #thankgiving #freeprintable

Since we started a family, we’ve hosted a handful of thanksgiving dinners so, I know a thing or two that I can definitely share so you don’t have to go through all the troubles and frustrations I’ve dealt with.

So I am sharing a simple FREE PRINTABLE STRESS-FREE THANKSGIVING PLANNER that will help you keep stress away in hosting Thanksgiving dinner.

From the menus, grocery lists, appointments, down to chores it’s all covered in here.

Download the printable stress-free thanksgiving planner HERE.

Worst Ways to Use Money at Disney World

May 1, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Watching your budget on vacation isn’t the easiest thing to do. In fact, it’s super tempting to just let the chips fall where they may and contend with the credit card statement after the fact – sadly I’m totally guilty of this! However, spending at Disney World is a tricky thing as options and upgrades constantly present themselves. For a vacation destination that is notoriously expensive to begin with, Disney has a way of still getting more by leveraging our desire to make the most of the trip. While some Disney extras are totally worth it, here’s some that are the Worst Ways to Use Money at Disney World.

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Disney Dining Plan

The dining plans are popular at Disney World because you prepay for most meals, so in theory, you don’t have to think about money. The bundle mentality makes us think we’re getting more value by paying for meals in advance. However, no sooner do we sit down to eat then the conflict begins to squeeze out as much value as possible. The problem is that the way the package is structured, Disney practically always comes out ahead. There’s a big difference between saving money and not thinking about money. So the Dining Plans are a hard pass – except when free, when in SOME cases it can save you money.

Park Hopper Plus Tickets

This upgrade on an upgrade is just a silly waste and one of the worst ways to use money. It entitles you not only to hop to other theme parks, but to the water parks as well. No matter how you slice it this is a bad deal, because you are paying for the privilege for everyday of your multi-day ticket. If you do use the opportunity to do this, you’ll essentially be paying more to do less. The compiled time between parks and the diminished capability to do anything within them simply don’t justify the additional expense. It’s better to buy one less day and get a separate water park ticket, if desired.

Minnie Van

Direct private travel by Disney is a great concept – and a fun idea – but the price just doesn’t justify it compared to the competitive cost of Uber. Although they no longer charge the flat rate, you would do best to make sure the pricing is fair. In most cases, the complimentary transportation in Disney World is sufficient and even adds to the overall vacation experience.

Check out Get Away Today for great prices on your Disney trip! Use Promo Code: BusyMomsHelper

Too Many Snacks

Even if you’re watching your budget, I still recommend signature or fine dining, at least once during the trip (particularly if it’s a couples-only trip and/or a special occasion). While food prices are high at Disney World, you can see an increase in value per dollar the higher up you go on the “food chain”. On the flip side of that is the ridiculous cost of some of Disney’s most iconic snacks. Eating between meals is one of the worst ways to use money, because you’re still going to be paying for the meals whether you finish your plate or not. Snacks at Disney are fun for sure and you should certainly enjoy some, but try to limit them (this is the one I struggle with the most!).

What would you say to avoid spending money on at Disney World?

Guide to the New Toy Story Land: Disney’s Hollywood Studios

July 4, 2018 by Danielle

I’m so excited that Toy Story Land is now open at Walt Disney World! This will be the first new expansion at Disney’s Hollywood Studios since 1994. The new land, themed to Andy’s backyard and all of his favorite toys, is being revealed right in the middle of the peak summer season. It’s going to be incredibly busy, but with this guide you’ll get a really good understanding of what’s in store. Read on to learn more about the new Toy Story Land, what it brings to the table, what to expect in terms of crowds and how to deal with them.

photos courtesy of Walt Disney World, used with permission

What to Expect at Toy Story Land Opening

Disney openings are notoriously huge with record crowds and multiple hour wait times for a single ride. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is not a large park to begin with, which is why this expansion is so important to the park. What that also means is that there will be growing pains as the park reaches full capacity and has to turn guests away at the gate. For those who do make it in to experience the new land, remember to be patient and try to enjoy yourself.

Toy Story Land Tour

Toy Story Land is located behind Pixar Place around the back of the Chinese Theatre. It will include the recently refurbished Toy Story Mania attraction in which guests are invited by Woody, Buzz and the gang to try their hand at racking up points on various Toy Story themed carnival rides, full of thrilling competitive fun that uses 3D technology to work it’s magic.

The new offerings as you go deep into Andy’s backyard are the Slinky Dog Dash and the Alien Swirling Saucers. The saucers should be familiar to anyone who’s visited Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventure. It’s the same spinning, twirling attraction. The new sci-fi theme features the green aliens from the claw machine at Pizza Planet. Slinky Dog Dash is a coaster that zips all over Toy Story Land. It will be open to all guests that reach the minimum height requirement of 38 inches.

Slinky Dog Dash is the big attraction in the area. Across from it in the back is the Alien Swirling Saucers attraction. In the front of the land on the opposite corner of the main entrance is Woody’s Lunch Box. The Lunch Box is a counter service food location within Toy Story Land that will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. It features a sure-to-be-popular dessert, lunch box tarts. The stuffed pastries will come in raspberry and chocolate hazelnut.

Tips for getting the most out of opening day

It’s going to be a very crowded opening and is going to reach capacity – meaning guests will be turned away at the park gate. To ensure your entry into the park, arrive two hours in advance. I know – ouch – but worth it to ensure you get in on the fun!
If you’re staying at a resort within walking distance, you should walk. Otherwise, use a ride sharing app so you aren’t waiting for busses or searching for parking.
Since the Lunch Box serves food all day, finding an opportunity to slip in will be challenging. Have someone in your party get the food while you’re waiting in line. That way you can eat while you wait!
In the coming months, it will be very important to have a Fastpass for Slinky Dog Dash and continue to arrive at the park early. If you can get a Fastpass for evening, use a park hopper ticket to get in during the late afternoon after many of the morning’s guests have left.

If you’ve been to Toy Story Land, let me know your thoughts!

15 Sensory Bins for Kids

January 29, 2018 by Danielle

Sensory bin activities can be a great addition to your lesson plan, or even just a fun way to keep the kiddos entertained while you’re making dinner. My kids LOVE sensory bin activities! If you’re looking for some fresh new ideas, don’t miss these 15 Sensory Bins for Kids.

Cranberry Sensory Play

Frozen Pom Pom Sensory Play

Water Sensory Bin

Ocean Sensory Bin

Ice Cream Sensory Bin

ABC Sensory Bin

Night Sky Sensory Bin

Garden Sensory Bin

New Year’s Eve Sensory Bin

Halloween Sensory Bin

Farm Sensory Bin

Hot Chocolate Sensory Bin

Snow Dough Sensory Bin

Snowman Sensory Bin

Iceberg Sensory Bin

DiY Cork Trivet

July 16, 2015 by Keri Houchin

A cork trivet is a stylish solution to protect your table from hot dishes or cold, condensating glassware. This do-it-yourself version is easy to make with a few basic supplies and a little creativity.

Hello! It’s Keri from One Mama’s Daily Drama and today I’m going to share with you an easy craft that you can do in less than an hour. I’ve had several pieces of cork board sitting in my craft stash for a while that have been begging to be used.

If you don’t have any cork, check your local office supply store. With back-to-schools sales popping up, there will probably be some great deals on small cork boards for dorms.

You can make this cork trivet in any size or shape, so use whatever you like. The cork I used was thin, so if you find something that is pretty thick, you might be able to use just one layer.

Supplies

a sheet of cork (mine was 12-inches square and about a quarter-inch thick)
ruler
pencil
scissors
permanent markers (any colors)
spray glue
spray clear polyurethane*

*This is a protective layer that will coat the finished trivet so that the colors don’t smudge or fade. I had some that I got at the hardware store for other projects, but you should be able to find it at craft stores too.

Directions

1. Before getting started, it’s important to find a good work space. I went outside so that I didn’t have to worry about fumes from the glue or polyurethane. I also spread out newspaper to protect my table.

2. Start by deciding how big you want your trivet. Since my cork was a 12-inch square, I thought 12-by-6 was good. Measure and draw a line where you want to cut. Cut the cork with a sharp pair of scissors and trim the edges as needed to remove any uneven bits. You need two pieces of cork that are the same size.

3. Lay one piece of cork on the work surface and spray a generous amount of glue. Immediately place the second piece of cork on top and line them up. The spray glue won’t set instantly, so you have a few seconds to adjust the cork pieces if necessary. Let the glue dry for two or three minutes.

4. On one side of the cork, use the ruler and sharpies to draw your design. I love the colors of my patio cushions, so I used red, orange, turquoise, and black to match. I just drew straight lines using the ruler and filled them in randomly.

5. When you have finished decorating the cork, use the polyurethane to coat the top. I sprayed two layers, letting it dry about twenty minutes in between. Let the final coat of polyurethane dry for an hour or longer, until it is not tacky at all.

You can use any colors or designs you want to decorate your trivet. Freehand a design or use a stencil. You could also make some smaller square coasters to match.

This was so easy to do and I love how my cork trivet can be pretty and functional. For more matching table décor, make a few mason jar candle holders using the same color scheme.

DIY Chalkboard Banner

July 15, 2015 by Lynn Driver

Hey, ladies! It’s Lynn, from Riggstown Road, with a simple little summer project for you. Best of all, this DIY Chalkboard Banner is something you can use all year ’round!

Y’all probably know by now that I love projects that are easy and ~~cheap~~ affordable. I made this adorable banner for less than $2.00 and I can use it over and over again. That’s one of the nice things about chalkboards: they are erasable. To make this banner, I used my favorite trick for no-paint, low-cost chalkboard material; it’s poster board! With a few minutes and a few supplies that you probably already have on hand, you can make one, too.

SUPPLIES

1 piece black poster board
1 roll jute twine (or other string)
1 hole puncher
scissors
pencil
measuring tape / yardstick / meter stick
ruler

DIRECTIONS

Use measuring tape (or yard/meter stick) to divide the poster board into three equal sections (horizontally.)
Measure and cut each section into evenly-sized triangles. (Smaller ruler is easier for this.)
Punch two holes in each triangle.
String the triangles using your choice of material. I love jute twine!

Now all that’s left to do is decide what message you want to write. Plain ol’ chalk works just fine. Whether it’s HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CONGRATULATIONS, or simply SUMMERTIME, you can easily change your message with a regular chalkboard eraser. I wrote “family” on these and then erased and rewrote it differently and it worked perfectly. In fact, it makes the banner look more authentically chalkboardish.

How easy is that? Busy moms don’t always have hours to spend on projects, and thrifty moms don’t always have the budget to buy everything ready-made. And it’s a shame to only be able to use something once. I love this banner because it can be used for every occasion! Not only can you easily change the writing when you need to, you can add more pieces (or take some away) by sliding them on or off. Aaaand if you want to get really fancy, just use curvy-edged craft scissors instead of regular ones.

I wish everything was that easy. Don’t you?

I’d love to hear your simple summer project ideas!

Back to School Decor

July 6, 2015 by Danielle

It’s July. I repeat – it’s JULY! Over a month into summer, less than 2 months until school is back in full swing. Seriously?! I use to think time went by so slowly, but holy cow it’s flying by now. Guess we better get a head start while we can, starting with this fun Back to School Decor!

For this month’s Craft Lightning theme, it’s all about Back to School – and everything takes 15 minutes or less, as per tradition. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do at first – I think my mind was protesting the fact that school will start next month – but then decided to take some common school supplies and make them into a neat school wreath for our door!

Supplies

Rulers (as many as you’d like; I used 8)
Crayons (I think the chunky/large ones look best)
Chalkboard piece (I got a cheap framed one from Walmart)
Hot glue/gun
Ribbon for hanging

Directions

Lay out everything so you know how you want it to look BEFORE you start gluing.
Start with a layer of rulers, centered in the middle of the chalkboard back with some hot glue, plus glue on the frame so they have two spots holding them into place. Stack the next layer on top to add some dimension.
Now add the crayons.
Keep layer things until it’s as simple/full as you want it, then a dab of hot glue to make the ribbon a hanger and you’re done!

You can switch things out for markers or color pencils, glue sticks, whatever school supplies you want to get your desired look. My frame originally came plain wood, so I used markers to give it some color.

Be sure to check out the other amazing Back to School Crafts for this month’s Craft Lightning fun all week!

We Go Together Plaque

June 30, 2015 by Kathleen Clegg

Hi! Happy Summer! It’s me, Kathleen, from Fearlessly Creative Mammas here to share a secret with you. Here it is, I’m a sucker for cute little signs and plaques. I have a few around my house. I’ve made a few, bought a few and a few have been gifts. When I saw this paper at Wood Creations, I knew I had a make a We Go Together Plaque for our family room! It just perfectly describes my sweet hubby and I. I’m sure it describes lots of you too, so make one for yourself!!

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