Thursday, December 22, 2011

Taking a Break! and GIVEAWAY!

I've been pretty behind on life once again and getting super stressed trying to balance everything with a 3 year old who doesn't nap and a crawling 8 month old who gets into everything bad for her! =D I'll be taking December and January off from the blog to catch up, get family life organized (along with starting a preschool with my son - since we can't afford to put him in one yet) and play with my Christmas present (see below). Also be prepared for a new look for Crafty Mommy Diva!
Good news - I now own a Silhouette Cameo!!! It's my Christmas/Anniversary present! I actually received it on my son's 3rd birthday (November 30th) and I ordered it on Black Friday. I haven't gotten to play with it much, but for the few hours I tried it out, it was the best feeling in the world! When I first bought it though, I regretted my decision because we're so tight on money as is...thus I spent most of December trying to sell sell sell! My hard work paid off because I feel like I mostly paid it off my credit card. I'm excited to create and try new crafts!!

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year!


Here's a giveaway to end the year!
What to Expect has generously offered a giveaway!
I love What to Expect! As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I went and bought What to Expect When You're Expecting. It sure answered lots of questions and provided me with other helpful information through my pregnancy.
Later when my first born was in his toddler years, I decided to buy What to Expect: Toddler Years because this age group was the hardest for me when I was teaching in day cares because I didn't know all that they could do. This book provided me lots of ideas of What to Expect and things to work on with my son. I love how it is organized by months. It was a great tool to make sure my son was on track for growth.

What to Expect sent me The First Year and The Second Year which will be really helpful because it has been so much harder to teach my 2nd child all the things I want her to learn so I'll be using these books to remember what things she should be doing and learning each month. It sure seems like time really really flies with the 2nd child!
In The First Year along with the monthly milestones and tips, they even have special sections about comforting crying and helping baby sleep through the night - both I definitely need for my baby girl! It even has a section about weather and seasons and when baby gets sick. The internet is nice, but having an actual book is so much quicker! There are other sections for preemies and for special needs babies. I have tons of friends who have had preemie babies so this is very useful!
The Second Year just has different sections from feeding to behavior to talking to health - all different areas of their life. Lots of interesting and useful information. If you're looking for the info for your child by months, that's all in The Toddler Years (which I highly recommend!).
Currently I receive What to Expect's e-mails too - great tool! They send me information about each of my children's stages, tips and how other moms are doing things too. I've Pinned a lot of their links on Pinterest - my board: Raising and Teaching Children. I'm grateful to have these books though because searching on the internet can take longer go through different links.

What to Expect is giving 1 reader both of these books!
  • What to Expect the First Year
  • What to Expect the Second Year

MANDATORY ENTRY:
To enter this giveaway you must follow Crafty Mommy Diva publicly, and leave a comment telling me what you like about What to Expect. Please include your email. 
You must do this before you complete any of the extra entries! Even if your child isn't at this age, you can enter for a friend or family member!

EXTRA ENTRIES: leave a separate comment for each - please leave your e-mail so I can contact you if you win.
  • Follow What to Expect on Twitter
  • Facebook about the giveaway with a link to What to Expect's FB page on Facebook.
  • Blog about the giveaway: leave link - blog must be public.
  • Leave a comment on a Mommy Mondays Post.
  • Leave a comment on one of My Projects Posts.
OPEN TO U.S. - GIVEAWAY ENDS JANUARY 28TH at 11:59PM MST.

Free Chicken Soup Download!

Chicken Soup for the Soul books are available in e-book format for your e-reader, smart phone or computer!  Chicken Soup for the Soul books is offering my readers a free e-book download of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Tough Times.

This free e-book works on all e-readers -- Kindle, Nook, iPad, Kobo, iPod Touch, iPhone, and others, and all generations of them. Don't worry, though - If you don't have an e-reader (or receive one this holiday season) you can still enjoy this free book on your computer.

The free download is included below. They are only available for a limited time.

To download from Amazon: http://amzn.to/shsW6O
To download from Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/tYS2cB
To download from Apple iTunes: http://bit.ly/tYiaoD
To download from Kobo Books: http://bit.ly/uMSyrX

Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Stationery card

Bright Laughter Christmas Card
Shop Shutterfly's collection of Christmas photo cards.
View the entire collection of cards.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Gratitude Giveaways WINNERS

WINNERS - Please e-mail me at ScrappyDiva2129 at yahoo dot com OR I will try to contact you by the end of the week.


book from Chicken Soup for the Soul (open to U.S. and Canada) -  #14 TASHA



necklace from Shabby Apple (open to U.S. only) - #20 KATIE


Free Calendar and Holiday cards from Shutterfly (several winners) - EVERYONE WINS!
Shutterfly Codes: Mistie, Sam and Rachel
Plum District Gift card Codes: Annie, Zoo Keeper, Amber, Katie, BCriminger and Tasha



Monthly Onesies and Custom Glammed Rosette Headband from me, Crafty Mommy Diva (Several winners) - Digital Designs open to International too. Headband open to U.S. and Canada. - EVERYONE WINS

Since there were 9 prizes and only 6 people entered, all those who entered: Rachel, Annie, Zoo Keeper, Katie, BCriminger, and Tasha can pick 2 Prizes from these options below!

  • a set of 13 Monthly Onesie DESIGNS. You will get a file for you to iron on the designs yourself. You pick colors/theme. Can be adapted for those babies who are older so we could do 4mo-1 yr, 18 months, 6 mo-1yr, Birthday Design, Big/Little Sister/Brother, etc.
  •  a Year Design so if you have a 3 year old, you'd get a 3 years design. Great for birthday photos. You will get a file for you to iron on the design yourself.
  • Glammed up Rosette Flower Headband or Fabric Necklace. You pick colors.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Gratitude Giveaways!

I have several giveaways just for all of you because I am so grateful for all my readers! These prizes would make great gifts: something for everyone! Click on each link to enter.
All giveaways will end Tuesday, December 5th at 11:59MST.


book from Chicken Soup for the Soul (open to U.S. and Canada)



necklace from Shabby Apple (open to U.S. only)


Free Calendar and Holiday cards from Shutterfly (several winners)


Monthly Onesies and Custom Glammed Rosette Headband from me, Crafty Mommy Diva (Several winners) - Digital Designs open to International too. Headband open to U.S. and Canada.

Gratitude Giveaway #1

book from Chicken Soup for the Soul (open to U.S. and Canada)


I have always loved Chicken Soup! I read like all of the Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, and they sure helped me be inspired or feel peace or comfort with trials I was facing. I think this would be a great gift for grandparents!

MANDATORY ENTRY
Follow Crafty Mommy Diva on Google Friend Connect publicy. (right sidebar) AND share with friends via e-mail (include ScrappyDiva2129 at yahoo dot com), Facebook and/or Blog.
Leave a comment telling me you are a follower and how you shared.

EXTRA ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each.)

  • Leave a comment on a Fashionable Fridays Post.



  • Leave a comment on a Mommy Mondays Post.



  • Leave a comment on one of My Projects Posts.



  • Leave a comment on what you are grateful for.



  • Like Chicken Soup for the Soul on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter.



  • GIVEAWAY will end on Tuesday, December 5th at 11:59pm MST

    Gratitude Giveaway #2 - Shabby Apple!

    necklace from Shabby Apple (open to U.S. only)

    I'm so jealous of you guys! Shabby Apple is giving away this necklace to one of you!!! Check out their other vintage jewelry.
    They even have a discount code for you too! 10% off coupon code - just use "scrappygifts10off" - expires December 3rd.
    Dresses from Shabby Apple


    Along with their vintage jewelry, I love their clothes. Did you know they sell maternity dresses? I didn't - no I'm not pregnant, but thought that was cool that they did that. One of my favorite print dresses is the Bernini. Love the colors and print - so calming.

    Be a part of their Affiliate Program! It is an easy and rewarding way for you to benefit from featuring Shabby Apple on your blog! If you'd like to sign up, please do so here: http://www.shabbyapple.com/t-affiliate.aspx


    WANT TO WIN THE NECKLACE? Again I'm so jealous!
    MANDATORY ENTRY
    Follow Crafty Mommy Diva on Google Friend Connect publicy. (right sidebar) AND share with friends via e-mail (include ScrappyDiva2129 at yahoo dot com), Facebook and/or Blog.
    Leave a comment telling me you are a follower and how you shared.

    EXTRA ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each.)

  • Leave a comment sharing your favorite items from Shabby Apple.



  • Leave a comment on Shabby Apple's blog: An Apple a Day... and come back here saying which post you commented on.



  • Like Shabby Apple on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter.



  • Leave a comment on a Fashionable Fridays Post.



  • Leave a comment on a Mommy Mondays Post.



  • Leave a comment on one of My Projects Posts.



  • Leave a comment on what you are grateful for.


  • GIVEAWAY will end on Tuesday, December 5th at 11:59pm MST

    Gratitude Giveaways #3

    Free Calendar and Holiday cards from Shutterfly (several winners)

    I had a House Party for Shutterfly and had some leftover goodies from the party that I want to share with my readers!

    MANDATORY ENTRY
    Follow Crafty Mommy Diva on Google Friend Connect publicy. (right sidebar) AND share with friends via e-mail (include ScrappyDiva2129 at yahoo dot com), Facebook and/or Blog.
    Leave a comment telling me you are a follower and how you shared.

    EXTRA ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each.)

  • Leave a comment on a Fashionable Fridays Post.


  • Leave a comment on a Mommy Mondays Post.


  • Leave a comment on one of My Projects Posts.


  • Leave a comment on which you'd like to win the Shutterfly codes or Plum District gift card.


  • Like House Party on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter.


  • Like Shutterfly on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter.


  • Like Plum District on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter.





  • GIVEAWAY will end on Tuesday, December 5th at 11:59pm MST
    *this is not a sponsored giveaway* I wasn't compensated for this post.*

    Gratitude Giveaway #4

    Monthly Onesies and Custom Glammed Rosette Headband from me, Crafty Mommy Diva (Several winners)

    • 1 Winner will receive a set of 13 finished Monthly Onesies! with sayings of Newborn - 1 year. I will ship you the finished onesies.Winner picks colors/theme. (Open to U.S. only)
    • 3 Winners will receive a set of 13 Monthly Onesie DESIGNS. You will get a file for you to iron on the designs yourself. Winners picks colors/theme. (Open to International too)
    • 3 Winners will receive a year design so if you have a 3 year old, you'd get a 3 years design. Great for birthday photos. (Open to International too)
    • 2 Winners will get a Glammed up Rosette Flower Headband. Winners picks colors. (Open to Canada and U.S.)

    MANDATORY ENTRY
    Follow Crafty Mommy Diva on Google Friend Connect publicy. (right sidebar) AND share with friends via e-mail (include ScrappyDiva2129 at yahoo dot com), Facebook and/or Blog.
    Leave a comment telling me you are a follower and how you shared.

    EXTRA ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each.)

  • Leave a comment on a Fashionable Fridays Post.


  • Leave a comment on a Mommy Mondays Post.


  • Leave a comment on one of My Projects Posts.


  • Follow my Scrappy Gifts on Google Friend Connect publicy.





  • GIVEAWAY will end on Tuesday, December 5th at 11:59pm MST

    new at Eden Fantasys

    This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

    Thursday, November 17, 2011

    First Fondant

    My husband and I love watching Cake Boss so for my birthday this year, my husband wanted to try to make me a fondant cake. (He's only cooked homemade things like twice now.....he makes awesome breadsticks though with all his practicing =D). I gave him the idea of doing a 27 dresses cake since I was turning 27 (on October 21st) and he thought that was doable.
    Well with the craziness of our lives and us going on a vacation soon, we decide to do the cake on October 16th and I helped him because I'm nice.


    My husband mixing cake mix.

    Mixing the fondant. We used chocolate marshmallows.....I was hoping that it would give it more a chocolatey flavor, but nope. I'd stick with white in the future unless you want a purply gray fondant.


    We added caramel to our cake and then stuck it in the freezer to cool faster.....not smart. It was stuck. If you want a caramel cake then don't stick it in the freezer. If you're just doing a plain cake, stick it in the freezer - it helps it be softer/moister later.



    I then dirty iced it while my husband rolled out the fondant.


    Then we placed the fondant on top. As you can see, it was very thick....wish we had one of those fondant rollers like on Cake Boss!


    Since the fondant was a grey purply color, I made it Halloween themed! With our leftover fondant, I cut out Halloween shapes with cookie cutters and then painted it with food coloring and added some candy corn pieces to it. It's definitely not the greatest, but we would love to try again....maybe for our son's birthday on November 30th.....maybe.





    It tasted pretty good....the fondant though was just as gross though - I think eating fondant is yucky (pure powdered sugar!)


    Have you been successful with fondant on your first attempts?

    Wednesday, November 16, 2011

    16th Work-out Wednesday

    Here are my stats:
    Height: 5'4
    Beginning Measurements
    • Around the Belly: 39 in. (47 in. 38 weeks pregnant with my daughter in April- I was only 45 in. with my son, but I weighed almost 10 lbs. more)
    • Waist: 38in.
    • Around my bottom: 40.25 in.
    • Upper Arm: 12.25 in.
    • Inner Thigh: 23.5 in
    Goal: flatter tummy - 34 in. around my belly, 130 lbs. by the New Year (have to leave room for the holidays =D). Ideally would love to be 120-125 again and 30-32 in again.
    Pre-pregnancy: 131 lbs. Gained 36 lbs. when pregnant:  167 lbs. (had my baby April 19, 2011) Beginning weight: 147 lbs.

    Today's Weight: 133lbs. - no change from last week unfortunately.
    Today I did a lot of cleaning, some crunches and one of the 60 second stress solutions (putting your legs up against a wall while laying on the floor - works wonders!). I really need to work on toning and just getting my life in better order so I'm not so stressed out. The cleaning today (scrubbing my kitchen) really helped me feel less stress....now I'm exhausted!

    Also I wanted to share with you this cool blog, Let's Get Fit Together, that has challenges. Many of the people are looking to lose about 10 lbs minimum so I think it covers a lot more people. Check it out and maybe join in! I'm going to try and join. The first challenge is up.

    Tuesday, November 15, 2011

    Dragonball Z Birthday

    For my son's 2nd birthday last year! - we did a DragonBall Z themed birthday.

    Here's the invite I made:


    During the day, I took some nicer pictures of him since we didn't have money to do professional ones. I think they turned out pretty well.




    Then I worked on his cake(s). I made chocolate cupcakes into the shape of the dragon, Shenron from the show. This was my first time attempting cool cakes for a birthday. For his 1st birthday, we had money to pay someone to make his cake. I tried at least- some people thought it was a caterpillar! I was running out of green frosting too so that was difficult! With mini cupcakes, I made most of the dragon balls. Then with one round cake, I did the 2 Dragon Ball for him.



    I made a door sign for people to come in. (this picture was taken a couple days after the party thus the shrunken balloons)


    We ate homemade pizza and then played some games.
    One was Pin the Tail on Goku. If you know the Dragon Ball series, you'll know understand why we played this =D
    I had prizes for the kids and then Restaurant.com certificates (on sale for $2 each!!) as prizes for the adults.


    We opened presents next because lots of people had to leave early for a meeting at church. Typically I do presents after cake. I brought our kids' picnic table out front so kids could eat there, and we ended up having the presents there too.


    Then seeing that we still had time, we sung to the birthday boy. =D


    Here's just a little bit of the decor - it was hard finding the colors I wanted. I did green and yellow with orange balloons, but I wanted to add more colored balloons too.



    This year for my son's 3rd Birthday Party, we're doing a Ghostbusters theme! My little guy loves looking for Ghosts ever since my husband introduced the movies to him. I thought he'd be scared, but he's not.


    Thanks to winning a giveaway from PickleDoodle Designs over at Crafting and Creativity, I have some awesome Ghostbusters printables. Here's a look at the invitation PickleDoodle Designs created for me! Both my son and I were super excited when she sent us the finished product. She also created Subway Art, Thank You's, and a Door Sign for me too. You'll have to wait to see pictures after his party on the 30th =D