5 Question Friday

5QF from Mama M. : She chose one of my questions again - the third one!


1. Do you sing karaoke? If so, what is your go to song?
I do with my mom. She has her very own karaoke machine....we're Filipino - they sing karaoke all the time! I'm only good at the children's songs according to my mom's karaoke machine. =D

2. What is your favorite coffee drink?
don't drink coffee - but I love raspberry lemonade!


3. If you could choose your own name, what would it be?
I always wanted Michelle to be my name, but I'll have to settle for it being my middle name. I'm hoping I can name a daughter Michelle, but I might be destined to have boys. (My husband has 5 younger brothers and I have 2 younger brothers and no SILs still.)
At least with Maryanne- I have all sorts of nicknames.


4. Were you ever bullied?
not exactly. In 2nd grade, this boy and I would always balance each other on this wood beam and try to knock the other one off. Eventually it started going to far and he would choke my neck.....lunch ladies seemed to be blind so eventually my mom called the principal and the issue was resolved easily.
In high school I was teased a lot because I would get shy and think people weren't listening to what I was saying which ended with me not finishing my sentences a lot of the time - their teasing made it worse...
I'm mostly better, but every so often I won't finish my sentences when I don't think people are listening to me.

5. How often do you eat fast food?
Not too often in my opinion. It's totally not my first choice when I think going out to eat, by my husband loves Wendys and doesn't like sit-down restaurants-he'd rather eat at home.
My 15 mo. son loves the Arctic Circle play place so I have to order something so we can play there every so often. There's not much to do in our town where you can stay warm during the winter.

sorry my answers aren't too exciting!

Hooded Towels from Kate's Craft Corner

Last month, I bought a child's hooded towel from Kate's Craft Corner. I love hooded towels that are handmade. I received a bunch of the infant Wal-mart ones at my baby shower - I was a little disappointed that I didn't get a hand-made large one. Since then I've been on the hunt for great hooded towels. Plus my son grew large fast by 6 months he was 20 lbs. and 28.5 in. long (topping the charts in both height and weight) so those Walmart hooded towels weren't cutting it since he was like 3-4 months old.
I bought some beautifully made ones from 4 Sweet Cheeks back in November, but she only has infant ones and she is pricey - but they're made with minkee fabrics.
The infant ones are great, but how about when my now toddler gets bigger? So I decided to try a child's hooded towel from Kate's Craft Corner.

I wasn't disappointed. Her towels are just as soft and cute.

"These towels are not like the cheap-o thin things you buy in stores (like my Wal-mart ones). They are made from ADULT SIZE towels - so they are big enough for them as they grow!"

They are at an amazing deal at only $12.00 - so affordable!

She sells both sizes:

Infant Size has a smaller hood perfect for 0-12 MTHS. (just to fit their little heads better)
Child size can be used from birth+

Here's my son with the hooded towel I chose. See how large it is! Wonderful!

My favorite feature - I love the gathering detail she made in the back - simply beautiful!

One last picture of my adorable son in his large, affordable, warm, soft, cute hooded towel!

She has many available like this one for an infant:

and this one for a child

Go check Kate's Craft Corner hooded towels out as well as many other great products she sells. All of her items are handmade with love and are from a pet/smoke free home.

*I was not paid for this post - solely my opinions

733 Creativity Week and Scrappy Gifts Giveaway

733, A Creative Blog is having Creativity Week on her blog with bunch of tutorials from other great blogs.


Learn how to make bottlecap bows, office chair makeover, braided ribbon flowers, ruffle pillows, chalkboard mugs, refashioned clipboard and much more coming! SO check it out every day this week!

PLUS there are giveaways one from That's So Cuegly - a Vintage Necklace. and then another giveaway

from me, my Scrappy Gifts for a $20 Gift Certifcate! So go enter!

5 Question Friday

1. Have you ever hit an animal with your vehicle?
Me driving-nope. I was in the car when my husband was driving and we hit a flying bird and of course we've had close ones with deer.


2. When you see a string on your clothes do you pull it off or cut if off?
Pull-it off. This got me into trouble in jr. high though. At a dance, my guy friend had string hanging off by his button so I pulled it off for him, but then his button came off...oops!


3. Did you have your own room or share a room when you were young?
shared with my 2 younger brothers up until I was 10...I don't remember minding that much - at least it was a large room. But I definitely appreciated having my own room when I was older - somewhere to get away from 2 loud nosy little brothers.

4. Would you rather wear the same thing for the rest of your life or eat the same thing for the rest of your life?
wear the same thing - I like food too much and I get sick of the same old things fast. Being a mom it's easy to wear the same thing instead of getting your nice clothes dirty by your kids.


5. What was your favorite TV show as a child?
Saved by the Bell, TGIF shows, I remember watching Xena and Hercules a lot too =D

The Cosie Posie

The Cosie Posie: all things cute and cosie
"The Cosie Posie is a fun chic twist on the old "Rice Bag" . Cosie's are filled with whole flax seed and have a wonderful moist warm heat without the rice smell. Perfect for someone with chronic pain."

I found The Cosie Posie's blog and etsy site by searching for giveaways. Tracie was having a Grand Opening Giveaway on her blog of some of her items: 1 giveaway for locals (Salt Lake and Davis Counties, Utah) and 1 giveaway for everyone else. In case I didn't win the giveaway, I contacted her to see if she'd be interested in donating or trading so I could get more items for my Valentine's Party that I had on the 13th. She very generously donated several of her cosies all Valentine themed.

Aren't they darling!

This square one is perfect for your back.

My husband tried this one out since he recently hurt his back. He loved it and it helped relax those muscles.

matching one for your neck

I stuck this one in the microwave for about 45 seconds and put it on my neck....Heavenly! I wanted to go to sleep right then and there. That's pretty amazing since a lot of time, I have trouble going to sleep.

This heart shaped one, again perfect size for your back along with a matching little one that I think would be perfect for headaches, was the favorite at my Valentine's Party.

                                       

I want some of these awesome, adorable pillowcases!

"Also designing pillowcases with fun shapes attached by applique that coordinate with the Cosie's and personalized name and phrases too."

                                            

Tracie is currently working hard on all sorts of creations. To see more pictures on what she's working on, check her blog and watch for these items to be sold on her etsy site.

• "Football" Cosie Bags, Resusable totes, Pillow Cases
• "Whale"- Cosie Bags, Resusable totes, Pillow Cases

• "Lab"Cosie Bags, Resusable totes, Pillow Cases
• "Train Car" Cosie Bags, Resusable totes, Pillow Cases
• "Posie" Cosie Bags, Resusable totes, Pillow Cases
• BYU-Pillow cases, Reusable totes, Cosie Bags
• Utes-Pillow cases, Reusable totes, Cosie Bags
• Personalized Products- Pillowcases, Cosie Bags, Monogram Reuseable totes

This one looks so fun! Isn't she amazing at creating different shapes!

Go check her out!

*these are solely my opinions

Lisa Bees Craft and Design

Lisa Bees Craft and Design: Handmade Original Wood Decor for your Home and More!
"All products are handmade original designs. I start with a sketch, then make a pattern, transfer it to wood followed by cutting, sanding, painting, detailing, etc. Because we build our own product, we specialize in custom orders. We can also personalize items for you. Just let us know if you want something different."


Lisa sent me some of her Valentine's wood blocks in time for my Valentine's Party.
I became more excited for my party when I received her generous donation of adorable Valentine items. Lisa even sent each item simply packaged in cellophane with a bow; what a perfect touch.


Check out these beautiful handmade wood decor.

This one was the Party Favorite!

I love these little ones

Check out how I displayed them, such a simple perfect touch to bring more "love" into my home.

Plus they were safe for my little 14 month son to knock down. =)

LisaBees has so much more!

I so want these!!!! I love the little characters on top of the words - what a perfect embellishment.

Seasons Blocks Set: What a great starter set if you don't have much decor like me.

$55 - save $11 by buying them as a set instead of individually

Need a some decor for your child's room. What a great reminder for your child - let them know that he or she is a child of God.

Each $19.95

Isn't this so adorable! It would be great in a little girl's room, but I think it would also be fun in a the kitchen. I always think of kitchens to be bright and cheery with a window looking out into the backyard. Plus I like to dance and sing when I cook which of course leads to giggles!

$29.95

St. Patrick's Day is coming - come on all you Irish!

Not only is she  talented with wood, look how beautifully these are displayed!

This welcome sign can be changed every month. (snowman, mitten and snowflake for January, hearts for February, etc.)
$21.95

I just love the word Lucky!

$9.95

 What a cute leprechaun! Amazing that she made that out of wood.

$7.95

This one is my favorite

$5.95

*this was solely my opinion

Riri Creations

"riri=rEFRESHING, iNSPIRING, rEAL, iNNOVATIVE handmade cards, 5 x 7 mixed media collage and prints, BLESSING BLOCKS,Blessing memory BOARDS, lunch box notes, wreaths and door pockets, coasters, ribbon organizers, trivets, seasonal decor and gifts for special events and everyday life. Tommy makes the blocks, trivets, frames, and ribbon organizers; all else I (Rita) make."

I found this wonderful etsy site, riricreations and asked her if she wanted to trade or donate something so I could get prizes for my Valentine's Party on the 13th. She happily donated one of her best items: Lunchbox Notes to me.

Aren't these cute!

When I saw these - I thought what a great motivation for me to do a little more service for my husband by making his lunch more often (he's too skinny and always forgets to make a lunch) and then having a little note to show him that I'm thinking about him and that I love him. When we were dating, much of our relationship was long distance so we wrote to each other often. I have kept all the letters and e-mails we'd sent to each other. Now that we're married, it's hard to remember how wonderful a note can be. I know that these notes would make his day. Then I'm sure he would write little notes to me (every so often, he does). I love his notes, plus then I can scrapbook them =D



Here's more information about them from Rita.

LUNCH BOX NOTES : $4-$4.50
I believe in the best of marriages, it's still takes work, attention, and commitment, during our busy lives, to keep a marriage (or any relationship) healthy. I hope these little notes, inspired by my friend Al's devotion to his wife Betsy, (400 notes he gave her over 10 years time before his untimely death) will help you, or someone you buy them for, keep romance alive and nurture a healthy, long lasting marriage. (See my feedback section, or sales section or separate listing to view original sets...)

Isn't that a cute love story behind these notes. Start some service and love, by ordering these for your husband. She also sells some for you to give your children.

Here's are some of her other best selling products!

CUSTOMIZED 5 x 7 YOUR STORY $15-$17
cards that are also prints to be framed and savored long after the event.

These wonderful framed cards are customized with up to 60 words from you. A card and gift all in one - now that card isn't wasted and thrown away.

Here are examples of her Valentine's Day / Love ones. How endearing!

These were such a big hit for Valentine's Day that she is now making them through out the year for any one, any occassion - spouse, child, friend, mom, dad, birthday, anniversary, etc.

"So, I will be offering different versions of this exclusive design throughout the year for holidays like Mother's day, Father's day, birthdays, anniversaries, retirement, coach/teacher appreciation, etc. Keep in mind other special events coming up, and order (and send me your 60 words)10 days before you need it~ I will still offer this card/print with photos or hearts in the middle, but watch for new shapes (like a butterfly) and words (like celebrate, family) that compliment your celebration."

 

Your 60 words can describe you they are, special phrases/inside jokes you share, what you love about them and more. It's up to you. Then riricreations makes a beautiful keepsake for you.
I know I would love this as a gift - especially to know what my spouse/family member/ friend thinks of me/loves about me. I always love knowing people's perspective of me because sometimes you have a different idea of yourself and don't realize what great things people see in you.

 

 

 

 

riricreations' newest item: Large Pine RIBBON ORGANIZER: $17.95- $28

I would love this, once I have my own home to do more with my craft/scrapbooking room. Even if you're not a crafter, this would be perfect for gift wrapping - easy access.

"Declutter and get organized in the new year with this perfect item for CRAFTERS, handmade pine ribbon organizer made FRONT PAGE on ETSY,holds up to 40 spools of ribbon.

This ribbon organizer measures 18"w x 12"h (super easy to use the sides as a measuring tool when cutting ribbons) and it is 4"deep. This organizer has sold 5 times already, and we've left the ones we've sold so far "unfinished", but you can paint or decorate yours to match your space, or just leave finish "natural" as is. Can be left free-standing or wall mounted."

Fabulous Things about riricreations!

She is environment friendly
"GOING GREEN! We recycle boxes and packing materials to save you money on shipping and save our precious earth's resources..."

and she does her part to help those in need!
"I've decided to give 25% of every sale of my best selling items:the 5" x 7" print, our trivets, and my heart wreaths, directly to HAITI RELIEF. My church, New Hanover, in Mechanicsville VA, has been sending teams to Haiti to build homes, schools, and churches for years, long before the earthquake. My good friend goes every year, but I can't go, because I have a bad back, but I can donate my time and love through my shop here. More info (where 25% goes) They're going back to help in April. http://www.haitioutreachministries.org/ "

*these are solely my opinions

Friend Making Monday - Valentine's Day

Friend Making Monday at aefilkins

1) How did you spend your Valentine's Day? What did you get? What did you do?

Well our Valentine's Day started with a PARTY that I put on Saturday Night:

potluck dinner, men making gifts for their wives, scavenger hunt, "newlywed" game,

prizes from riricreations, The Cosie Posie, LisaBees, MaisieDaiy, Love2Embellish,  and me-Scrappy Gifts.

and lastly Brownie Chocolate Layered Cake for dessert. Ran out frosting - see better pictures by clicking on the link to my recipe site.

MY LOVES

Actual Valentine's Day - went to church, taught our Primary class and passed out their Valentines. Received lots of hugs from them. Had dinner together and played together as our little family of three.



2) A list of your top reasons/things that would have made it even better.

My husband doing all the planning and surprising me - doesn't have to cost money either.

10 Things I Love about You

10 Things I Love about You, Mike!

10. Your sense of humor - you can always make me smile when I'm grumpy. Then you always know when I'm smiling.

9. Your generosity - part of why I fell in love with you. I remember you always giving a large tip and we still try to do that today.

8. Caring for others: you helped my little brother when he didn't know what he was doing. You ask people about themselves, helping them to feel comfortable.

7. Your smartness and street skills: I'm more book smart so we compliment each other and you help me out a lot so I don't feel as dumb. You're way smarter in the sciences too - I love to hear your excitement about physics. I can't talk about it without you because then I have no idea what I'm talking about.

6. new sexiness: lol - You told me you just wore sweatpants beginning in high school, then you started wearing khaki all the time with a solid color button up shirt (sometimes with a grey hoodie over it) and in the last couple years I got you to wear jeans and striped shirts/sweater jackets. You get hotter everday! (but I still miss your spikey hair).

5. Your hard work: you let me be a stay at home mom and you work hard at your job (even though it's not your dream job). All your customers love your excellent service.

4. Your love of your family: you are so happy when you see them - I love seeing the brotherly bond between you and your 5 younger brothers.

3. Dad Skills: I always knew you'd be a great father when I saw how you treated a "fake" baby, a friend's school project. Now I see you with our son, and it amazes me everyday.

2. Your spiritual side: I love when we have long talks about the gospel and your ideas about it.

1. Your love for me: you accepted me and you still love my body even after post-pregnancy



I love you honey! Happy Valentine's Day!