Tuesday Tip - Crafting With BARiBOX Pin-It-To-Win-It Giveaway

I love to share new products to inspire my readers to get their craft and party on, so you heard it heard first! BARiBOX, launching July 1st, is going to be THE craft box subscription to belong to.

For those of you not familiar with a monthly box subscription,  this one is a paper crafting subscription service that will deliver various products from top of the line crafting companies right to your door every month for just $18. Every subscription box will have carefully curated craft products their team has combed the earth to find. You will find everything from stickers, paper, ribbon, tools, glitter, stamps, adhesives, and so much more.

To celebrate their new venture (and a little shameless promotion, which I'm all for), they are offering one of my readers

a free BARiBOX 

with their Pin-It-To-Win-It Giveaway!

Your BARiBOX pin board can be used in upcoming contests and save your awesome projects inspired by BARiBOX there so be sure and hang on to it!

Aren't you excited? A box just shows up with crafty goodness.  I like boxes that just show up with all kinds of surprises inside. So, enter below on Rafflecopter and be sure to read the full rules and details...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

OK...more fine print...

INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: BY SUBMITTING AN ENTRY, EACH ENTRANT AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS THE PROMOTION ENTITIES AND ALL THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, REPRESENTATIVES AND AGENTS FROM ANY LIABILITY, DAMAGES, LOSSES OR INJURY RESULTING IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FROM THAT ENTRANT’S PARTICIPATION IN THE PROMOTION AND THE ACCEPTANCE OF ANY PRIZE THAT MAY BE WON. 

THE PROMOTION ENTITIES DO NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE CONDITION, FITNESS OR MERCHANTABILITY OF ANY OF THE PRIZES. EACH ENTRANT AGREES TO EXECUTE ANY DOCUMENT CONTAINING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES. 

PROMOTION ENTITIES, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES, DISTRIBUTORS, VENDORS, ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONAL AGENCIES, SUPPLIERS AND ALL THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, REPRESENTATIVES AND AGENTS DISCLAIM ANY LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE TO ANY COMPUTER SYSTEM RESULTING FROM ACCESS TO OR THE DOWNLOAD OF INFORMATION OR MATERIALS CONNECTED WITH THE PROMOTION. 

Entrant agrees that: (1) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, this Promotion or any prizes awarded, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the United States District Court for the District of Florida or the appropriate Florida state court; (2) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs, but in no event including attorneys' fees, disbursements or court costs; and (3) under no circumstances will entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim, punitive, incidental and consequential damages, and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket costs. 

PRIVACY: Information collected in connection with this Promotion will be treated in accordance with the Privacy Policy posted on http://www.baribox.com/Privacy-Policy 

PUBLICITY: By submitting an entry form, each winner grants Promotion Entities and those acting under their authority permission to use his or her name, likeness, comments, and contest submission for advertising and publicity purposes without payment of additional consideration or authorization, except where prohibited by law. You understand and agree and hereby grant Baribox, LLC. (and its agents and designees) the right to post your submission, in whole or in part, on Lifeisgood.com or otherwise use for marketing purposes. You understand that Baribox, LLC. will not submit any advertisements or other materials containing your submission to you for approval or any other purpose prior to use. By entering this contest, you represent that providing such submission and granting the rights to Baribox, LLC. herein do not conflict with any commitment you have with a third party.

Real Party/Fiesta Friday (On A Monday) - A Day At The Beach Party + Oriental Trading Review

This review is based strictly on my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed. I was provided the sample free of charge by the company or PR agency and I provided my honest opinion. No other type of compensation was received for this review.

Last year, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Design Dazzle to share a few fabulous parties, starting with Summer Camp and their Christmas Wonderful series.  I was invited back to Summer Camp again and my post is up.

This time, it is A Day At The Beach Party and it is full of fun ideas using great finds from Dollar Tree and fabulous, FREE printables from Kim of The Celebration Shoppe.

But not everything was from Dollar Tree...Oriental Trading has an awesome selection of pool themed items and as part of their blogger program, they send me stuff to review.  Who doesn't love free party stuff? I ordered their regular and mini inflatable beach balls that hang over the party, and the swimming pool party cups.

As always, they are so easy to order from, and with their Rewards program, your purchases add up to points that can be used  for later purchases.  Did you know you can get extra Rewards on your birthday?

To be honest, I would have gotten the whole swimming pool party collection but I also had to get some goodies for my Baby Bling baby shower. But that is ok, I got two parties in one swoop.

So head on over to Design Dazzle and be inspired!

Disclaimer - I was provided product from Oriental Trading for review and no compensation was given, real or implied. This review is my own personal opinion.

Fiesta Friday - Super Dad! Father's Day Crafts + Free Printables

If you just saw me on Q13 Fox News, welcome! If you are just tuning in, I'm talking about the easy Father's Day crafts I shared on air and of course, where to get your hands on the free Super Dad! Father's Day printables I used for the food cards and cupcake toppers.  These are so easy to make and are perfect last minute gift ideas.

And if you missed my segment, no worries...the link will be up as soon as it's available.

UPDATE: Check out my segment here.

SHARPIE PLATE/MUG

You will need:

a ceramic plate/mug (the cheaper the better. More expensive pieces have a glaze that permanent marker does not adhere to very well.  I found mine at Dollar Tree.)

Sharpie markers

1.  Remove any stickers and wash your piece. Dry it well and if you'd like, wipe it with a little rubbing alcohol.

2.  Draw on the plate with the markers. Get as creative as you'd like! Let the kids get all up in there and make custom pieces...they are only young once.

A word to the wise, there may be some color changes like lighter colors darkening because various glazes absorb the marker differently.  The only way to really know what your colors may change to is having a demo plate.  But it won't be some crazy difference, that's part of the charm of a handmade item.

If you make a boo-boo, a Q-Tip soaked in nail polish remover will clean up any mistakes.

3. Place your piece in the oven on a cookie sheet first then turn it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  The mug needs to be in the oven before so that it slowly heats with the oven and prevents cracking. You can start the timer for 30 minutes once your oven reaches 350 degrees.

I would check on your piece every once in awhile. You want to be sure that if you have a white piece, it does not brown in the heat. I have never had that happen but I heard it can, different pieces react differently.

4. Once the timer goes off, you can turn the oven off. DO NOT REMOVE YOUR PIECE. If you take it out, it may crack. Once the oven has cooled completely you can remove it.

5.  I can't recommend running it through the dishwasher and there are so many conflicting reports on that, so just play it safe and handwash your pieces.

6. Sharpie markers are non-toxic and once you bake your pieces, they are perfectly food-safe.  I've made pieces for all kinds of occasions and happily eat off of them.

FREE FOOD CARDS AND CUPCAKE CIRCLES

When I did my Super Dad! Father's Day Luncheon table last year, I used the green superhero collection from SIMONEmadeit and if you love it like I do, you can purchase it for yourself.

For my FOX News appearance (and because Simone is awesomesauce), if you head over to her blog, you can download the editable cards and circles I used for FREE! But hurry, they will only be available for a limited time.

She has lots of fabulous printables to make your party amazing both free and for purchase.  I first discovered her when I was looking for printables for my little one's LEGO Party and fell in love.

Thank you for visiting and if you like what you saw today, peruse around a bit.  There is so much to see and I would love to have you become one of my stalkers...

Tuesday Tip - Switching From Google Reader To Feedly

In case you missed it...Google announced that on July 1, another of their products, their blog feed reader Google Reader, is going away. I know, it's hard keeping up with all these social media changes...I'm still recovering from Picnik going away.

If you are following Not Just A Mommy through Google Reader, today's Tuesday Tip is sharing how to keep receiving all of my posts. I don't want to lose any of you, my fabulous readers, after all, all I do is for you! So what do you do if you are following all of your favorite blogs in Google Reader? A little birdie pointed me towards Feedly and I think you will love it too.

I love that Feedly has an easy to use layout that's way nicer than the plain scrolling that is Google Reader. If you had your Google Reader categorized, the import setting will bring your previous categories right into Feedly.

You can look at your subscriptions in different ways from plain text....

...to the magazine view...

...and the card view.  You can also see them one full post at at a time. There are so many different options to customize. 

Organize your blogs, news sites, podcasts and Youtube channels and access them all in one place! Download the app and keep up with your Feedly on the go. Save articles across devices or share them on everywhere from Twitter, Facebook, even Pinterest.

I know, right? So what do you have to do to migrate your Reader subscriptions to Feedly? Just login with your Reader credentials and Feedly will pull in all of your feeds, folders, and favorited items.

Once Google Reader shuts down, Feedly says your feeds will stay intact, and they'll begin handling your feed subscriptions. Not too sure what you are doing? Here are some great tips to help you out, straight from Feedly.

Of course, there are other feed reader options out there that you can use and still follow me.  My RSS feed isn't changing so find what works for you.

Free Father's Day Printables Roundup + Round Two On Q13 Fox News

Father's Day is next Sunday and over on Today's Mama, I've got a roundup of 7 of my favorite free printables, like this shaving can printable from Delightfully Noted, that are sure to make the papa in your life proud!

And speaking of Father's Day, our Seattle Q13 Fox News asked me to come back for another segment...remember I shared Easter crafts?  This Friday, I'm so thrilled to be sharing all things fun for Father's Day. There will even be a free printable available for you to host your own super event...hint, hint!

Follow me on Instagram for all kinds of sneak peeks this week and of course, a few behind the scenes at the studio Friday morning. Don't worry...I'll be sharing plenty of reminders for my Seattle area peeps to check me out and get the segment's link up when it is available.

Fiesta Friday - National Doughnut Day

You had me at doughnut/donut. The first Friday in June is National Doughnut Day so celebrate with a free one at some of your favorite chains like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donuts. Local chains are having fun too, so check out your local area spots.

The boy wants doughnuts instead of cupcakes for his birthday party tomorrow and I am more than happy to oblige.  There is nothing prettier than a stack of doughnuts on a cake plate, right? I wish I could have turned it into a full blown doughnut bar like this one from The Knot...but do I really want to be put on a hit list for sending 11 and 12 year olds home hopped up on sugar?

Tuesday Tip (On A Thursday) - Summer Fun Ideas

Ahhh....my portfolio review for school was yesterday.  Technically, I should have been taking the class next year since I don't graduate until then.  But eh...

So I created a fabulous presentation of a few of my favorite parties, awesome leave behinds for the reviewers all in a shiny box tied up with a big bow.  If you follow me on Instagram, you got a few peeks. I have to photograph everything to submit for next week so of course I'll be sharing here.  I'm sure you all want to know what has been keeping my attention away from my wonderful and patient readers!

Believe you me, I'm still busy elsewhere. I haven't shared any of my posts for Today's Mama!  Over there, I'm sharing lots of cheap and free summer fun. Some of it is slanted to us in the Seattle area, but there are a few options for everywhere else like free bowling and museum days and cheap movies.

Fiesta Friday - Superheroes Are Having The Best Week Ever

OK, Best Week Ever people, please don't sue me for using your line, but really, superheroes are having the Best Week Ever.  Actually, they've been kicking a*$ since The Avengers brought superhero love to the next level.  Anyone else salivating for Captain America II and Thor II? Did anyone else love Iron Man III as much as me?

Yeah, I was all over that last year for my Super Dad! Father's Day party table. Feel free to borrow a few ideas...

Real Party/Tuesday Tip - Bling Baby Shower Table + Oriental Trading Company Review

This review is based strictly on my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed. I was provided the sample free of charge by the company or PR agency and I provided my honest opinion. No other type of compensation was received for this review.

So...the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) updated its guidelines about disclosures. You can read the full, updated set of guidelines here. If you want to read about it in English and you are a blogger of any kind, check out Location3's post.

I've always titled my review posts and ended them with a disclaimer, but this is no longer enough.  From this post forward, all of my product reviews will now begin with this disclosure and followed with my usual disclaimer at the end of the review.  I didn't want you all freaking with all the new jargon...you'll also see little disclaimer blips on my social outlets as well.

Alright, now that is done, let's get to the party.  So remember the Cupcake Couture blog party and the zebra cupcake wrappers I styled for a Bling Baby Shower?  Of course you do, it was just last week.  I turned it into a full fledged party table thanks to Oriental Trading Company. When they contacted me to review some of their products, I was more than game.  I've been shopping with them for years, so it was a no-brainer.

Every party needs a cute invite so I created one that in my mind, I see in an envelope filled with glittah. Did you like my The Land Of Nod shoutout?  I love that place and I've had friends registered there.  I want a do-over for myself.

Patriotic Mini Bundts

It's Memorial Day...the unofficial start of summer. As we spend time with family and friends, please remember those in our military branches who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms.

We've been at BBQs all weekend and today, we are chillaxin. Here's the dessert I brought to one of them using my mini Bundt pan.  Didn't I tell you I love my new pan?  I melted and drizzled frosting over red velvet mini Bundts and added sprinkles.  And of course, a little wooden spoon.  

Don't worry...bookmark this for 4th Of July.

Tuesday Trend (On A Thursday) - Shine Bright Like A Diamond

They say diamonds are a girl's best friend...but if you can't have the real thing, then today's Tuesday Trend is the next best thing! Jewel themed crafts are popping up all over the web lately...although I like to think I started it back with my candy mold I love to use, most recently for  Valentine's Day treats.  But I'm not that vain...I don't think this post is about me.

Of course, now that I have gems on the brain, I'm thinking about Jem And The Holograms, my favorite 80's cartoon...She's truly outrageous...truly, truly outrageous! 

Anyways, I love how Design*Sponge used her mold for DIY gem pushpins.

Tuesday Tip - Bella Cupcake Couture Blog Party + $565 Baking Giveaway

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*** 

Winner update: 5/28/13: Thanks so much to everyone that entered! And the lucky winner (listed on the Rafflecopter widget) is entry # 5321 Sara Adukonis

When Betsy of Java Cupcake invited me to participate in Bella Cupcake Couture's Blog Party, how could I say no? Design and style cupcakes using Bella Cupcake Couture cupcake wrappers? It's a big old party featuring  all these fabulous food blogs...although I'm not quite sure I got all caught up in this, 'cuz I am far from a food blog.  But making cute cupcakes, that I know.

So our challenge; create a cupcake to match/coordinate with the cupcake wrappers we were sent, then style and display using items we already have at home. It's a partay-partay so check out everyone else's posts  for more fabulous cupcake creations...

Join The Summer Bucket List Challenge With The Happy Family Movement

Great Scott, Memorial Day will be here before you know it...and those of us with young kids will find ourselves back in summer mode. But I have just the antidote to the inevitable 'Mom, we're bored'! Check out my Today's Mama post on The Happy Family Movement's 3rd Annual Summer Bucket List Challenge.

The challenge goes live today and there are freebies and prizes from their sponsors to boot.  You can still sign up and remember,  quality time isn't about how much money you spend, but the time.

Since we are all signed up I thought I would share our bucket list for the wondrous area we live in that is the Puget Sound.

Pineapple Upside Down Mini Bundt Cakes

My Mother's Day/Birthday Tea Party was a huge success and I'm going to eventually share those photos.  One of my favorite parts were the Pineapple Upside Down Mini Bundt cakes I...wait for it...made myself!

I love Pineapple Upside Down cake, it's one of my specialties. But it's not great for tea parties...the lack of daintiness and all.  But mini Bundts topped with Lucky Leaf®'s pineapple topping...perfect!

Tuesday Tip (On A Friday) - $1000 Photographer's Dream Giveaway

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Man, I'm sorry I've been under the radar with posting lately. Between Mother's Day, my birthday tea party, winding down school with projects, and working on hubby's and the boys' birthdays, it's been a little busy. But I am coming back with a bang!!

As you know, my life (and blog) became 100% better once I purchased my Nikon DSLR. The quality of my pictures is soooo much better even though I haven't learned a quarter of all its bells and whistles. One day...I'm going to take a class and figure them all out.

So of course, I jumped at the chance to hook up my readers with the same. You have the opportunity to win

$1000 Photographer's Dream 

Shopping Spree 

That's right! You can pick out anything you like from DSLR cameras to camera bags to accessories and lighting and more. Or you can opt for $1000 USD transferred to you via PayPal so that you can shop to your heart's content.