My favorite party decor? Free printables. Check out these beauties!

Source: piggybankparties.com via Amanda on Pinterest

These gorgeous candles from Martha Stewart might be gracing my table as well. Especially in red and white since Sunday is Pentecost, too!

Source: marthastewart.com via Megan on Pinterest

 

I love this sign that greets guests at the party. Indeed!

Source: mypartypassion.blogspot.com via Lucy on Pinterest

 This super simple but cute decor looks like something I may actually have time to finish!   AND it could be adapted for any event, too.

Source: marthastewart.com via Tina on Pinterest

 

While I may not get to this rockin’ Star Felt Garland for memorial day, I would love to make one for this summer.  I think it’s next on my list after I’ve hit all my writing deadlines!

Source: oopsey-daisy.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Do you have any cool Memorial Day Decoration ideas? Feel free to link to them in the comments below!

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For more great grilling posts, check out the whole series!

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I adore C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters.   It was one of the first books about faith that I had ever read.   I was mesmerized by the letters between the two devils as they discuss taking down man.    So when I had the opportunity to read As One Devil to Another: A Fiendish Correspondence in the Tradition of C. S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters by Richard Platt, I accepted.

On the plus side, Mr. Platt did a remarkable job of imitating the style of C.S. Lewis’s Screwtape Letters.   I don’t think the substance was quite right.   I enjoyed the book at first but as I began to read passages aloud to my husband to think them over and discuss them, I got the distinct impression that he was remarkably liberal in thought.

He painted several things in a terrible light — business/capitalism, technology, the internet and others.   Since I happen to own a computer company in my offline life, I know quite a lot about business and technology.    I disagree with him completely.   While I agree that some do terrible things in the name of business or with technology, much more good comes of it.   I cannot count the number of times I have used technology to determine my child’s temperature, the internet to find a more holistic cure for her ear infection, and our business provides the means to take care of our family.  Knowing how wrong he was on areas with which I am very familiar makes me very suspect of the rest of his letters.

If you like The Screwtape Letters, you will like the style that As One Devil to Another is written in.   If you like having discussions about politics and life with people who are quite different in opinion from you, you might enjoy this book, too.   Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t recommend it.

If you’d like to win your own copy and see for yourself, I do have a certificate for a free copy that can be redeemed at any christian bookstore.   Open to US addresses only and contest ends at 11:59 pm on 5/29/12.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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While we only have 2 little girls, we are most certainly open (and hoping!) for more.   Since we are not the recipients of hand-me-downs, we save all of our clothes in the hopes that we will be able to use them again.    Since Lil’ Bit is now 4 years old, we have FILLED her entire closet with totes of clothing and baby gear (diapers, blankets, etc).    We recently had to revamp the whole system for ease of use.   Here is what we found works best for us.

1. Wash all clothing before storing.

Don’t forget the coats & outerwear!

Keep in mind that some stains show up over time. On small baby items, I know spit up stains come out after 3 years in storage even with breastfed babies.

Upon pulling them out to sell or use, soak stained items in OxyClean for a week or so, changing the water & oxygen bleach every other day. You could probably get just as good of results with three days in a row of changing water, but I never get to it that quickly.

2.  Evaluate.

Ugly? Uncomfortable? Poor fit? Badly stained or torn? Worn out elastic? Get rid of it!

If the tag has a size that’s totally out of line with how it fits, I change the tag with a Sharpie and put it with clothes that fit like it.

If a 3/4 fits more like a 3 & not quite a 4, I just pack it away with size 3. For me it’s easier to take duel size clothes and pack them away with the smaller size, anyway. I tend to have WAY too many clothes so if it could still be used, I figure I’ll get my money’s worth by the next child having some newer looking clothes.

3. Have a list of desired items/quantities.

Have a desired quantity list.   This is helpful as a minimum number of clothing items needed for special occasions and to simply get from one laundry day to another without running out .  Click here to see my list of essential kids clothes and quantities.

For the clothes that remain after weeding through them, look at your desired qty list.  Pick the best condition and/or favorite items to fill that list. Extras can go on eBay, to charity, or passed along depending on condition.

Write desired number in pen & add the actual qty with pencil when items are packed away. Put the list inside or tape on box for easy reference.  If you already have another child who you know will use these and are missing any, add them to your shopping list for thrift, yard or clearance sale pickup!

4. Use plastic totes.

I’ve used cardboard boxes but odd sizes don’t stack well, get caught on each other, rip, and have 12 different sizes written in them by the time you get through 2 kids. Seriously!

Transparent totes are probably best, but I wanted seasonal colored totes for my seasonal items, so bought those & used the old ones for clothes. I’m still working on getting enough totes to replace my boxes but I already reap the benefits in the sizes that are in totes.   When I find great deals at yard sales or get things from my mother-in-law, it’s much easier to pack them where they belong without it being a HUGE production.

5. Label them by size, season and gender.

I have my clothes labeled by size, season and gender, if applicable. As the clothes get bigger (size 2 or 3 & up), I can no longer fit 2 seasons of clothes in one tote and have to break it into season, too.

6. Specialty totes.

I also have certain items in their own tote.

• Winter gear — all winter coats, snow pants & boots are in one tote, regardless of size.
• Other outerwear–spring coats, raincoats, galoshes, etc.
• Summer gear– summer/sun hats, leg warmers, and swimsuits/cover-up’s.
• Shoes (sweater sized totes, by size/gender)
• Socks (by accompanying shoe size/gender) — tights go with clothes since they are sized that way.

Having specialty totes makes it much easier to find those items that maybe don’t change at the same time as the rest of the clothes.  It also makes it much easier to find out of season gear for a mid-winter trip to Florida or to the opposite hemisphere.  This way, I don’t have to paw through the out of season clothes in each size–they are all in one place! It makes packing a breeze.

8.  Have an extra tote.

I have an extra tote around for random items like things I’ve found in the car or someone has returned. Or things that I’ve FINALLY mended.  Or even items I’ve found at a used store/yard sale that need to be properly put away.

How do you keep kids clothing storage from taking over your life?

This post will be linked to Works for Me Wednesday @ We Are THAT Family.

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I am allergic to alcohol.

Well, not really.  BUT something about it makes me sick every time I try to drink it, the instant it hits my stomach .  I’ve tried every form — chick beer, beer, wine, liquor, mixed drinks — it doesn’t matter.

It’s a real bummer because I feel silly going out for a drink with the girls and because I LOVE frilly girly drinks.   In order to enjoy BBQ’s a little more, I decided to figure out how to make my own from scratch.   And maybe no one will notice I forgot the rum in mine .

To make a homemade Pina Colada you only need 3 ingredients:

• 2 oz (1/4 c) Cream of Coconut
• 4 oz (1/2 c) Pineapple Juice
• 1 c Ice
• 2 oz (1/4 c) Coconut Rum (optional ;D)

Place ice, cream of coconut and pineapple juice in blender until slushy.  Pour into a pretty frilly glass and enjoy!

You can reduce the pineapple juice to 2 oz if using rum for a more traditional mix.  It’s entirely up to you.   Also, the cream of coconut is difficult to find–it’s NOT the same as coconut milk.  I finally found mine near the mixed drinks where they had a small selection of things like grenadine, angostura, etc., on the top shelf above my head .   I’ve also heard people say they’ve found it near the canned milk/coconut milk.

I’m thinking of tackling Strawberry Daiquiri’s next…Any requests?

What’s your favorite drink?

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For more great grilling posts, check out the whole series!

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I am the ultimate speed reader; the queen of skim.  It’s how I managed to read 54+ books last year with a baby.  I’m always in a hurry though, not just when I’m reading.

When you have small children, though, hurrying makes for a grumpy family.  One way that I’ve been working on slowing down has been to spend time with God every day.  Multiple times a day, even.  In addition to my normal devotions, I’m loving Cravings!

Cravings is a gift item that consists of cupcake with a deck of cards.  It’s made to hold the deck of bite sized devotions and has a photo holder like wire to hold that days dessert.  Meant to fill your Cravings for God during your busy life, it really works that way.

As the queen of quick, I read it several times throughout the day.  I find that I am most able to think about it while preparing a meal while the kiddos are otherwise occupied.  I was changing it daily until I was waylaid by one that I feel compelled to keep in the forefront; I’ve been working on that one for weeks!

I really like the idea and better than that, I love the practicality of having it displayed on the counter so that I can read it every time I’m in the kitchen (which feels like all the time!).  It pretty enough that I like it there and the devotions with actions are just my style.  This would make a great Mothers Day gift!

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“When I became a mom I lost my God time,” says Carey Bailey. “I
couldn’t figure out how to fit it in, since everything but that time was a priority. So I made note cards that I set around my house with scriptures written on them. Even when my arms were too full of babies, laundry, and diapers to pick up a Bible, I could easily read God’s words of encouragement that I was starving for”

And Cravings–The Devotional was born. Celebrate with Carey by entering her Minute-for-Mom Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• $50 gift card to Erin Condren Shop (Your one-stop-shop for all things awesome!)
• $50 gift card to Victoria’s Secret® (For something pretty.)
• $25 gift card to Bath & Body Works® (For a little spa treatment.)
• 2 Sets of Cravings – The Devotional (For you and a friend.)
• Scentsy Plug In and 2 Bars (A lovely scent for your space.)

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/12/12. The winner will be announced 5/14/12 on Carey’s blog!

Just click one of the icons below to enter! Tell your friends about Carey’s giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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As part of the Gabby Mom’s program, I wanted to let you know about Lorrie’s second Facebook Party in honor of Mother’s Day!

What:  Eternal  Encouragement Facebook Party!

Who:   YOU!

When:    Monday, May 14, 2012

Time:   3-5 PM EST

Where:  on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/events/390889424278109/

She was so tickled at how well the last Facebook party went that she is having another AND every attendee will get a free gift!   I’m not sure what it is, but I’m sure you’ll love it!

Stay tuned for my next Gabby Mom’s review that comes with a giveaway and I can’t wait to share it with you!!

Hope to see you there!

Disclaimer:  This post was written as part of the Gabby Mom’s Reviewer’s Program.

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Since my dear hubby is the one who does all the actual grilling around the Steed home, I asked for his help in compiling this list.   We have most of this but 1 or 2 items are on his wish list.   Without further ado, here are our Top 10 Charcoal Grill Gear picks.

1.  Grill cover.

Our grill is on the deck near our kitchen.  It makes it super easy to get to, but it’s out in the elements 12 months a year.  We’ve found that this grill has lasted twice as long as the last one (so far), just by investing in a grill cover!

2.  Hardwood charcoal.

I wish I could say we ONLY use hardwood charcoal, but a lot of times it’s hard to find.  If you can find it, it’s definitely superior to even Kingsford.  Please, don’t use the MatchLight, though.  It makes the food taste funny and I’m sure that it can’t be good for you either!

3.  A good copper cleaning brush.

I have to say that we aren’t great at cleaning our grill–especially after using.  What we do is scrape off the gunk while the coals are getting up to temp with a good copper scrub brush.

(If you care to share a guest post on grill cleaning, I’d love to hear from you!)

4.  Heavy duty humburger turner/spatula.

I bought hubby a grill tools kit one year and they were just okay.  I hate to say it but we took terrible care if them–we didn’t even bring them inside for winter.  Needless to say, we bought a nice heavy duty set with long handles and not only do they work awesome, but we like them enough to take care of them.

5.  Long handled tongs.

The kit we bought included some really long (and strong!) tongs.  They are fabulous, not just for food, but for moving coals around, adjusting the grate etc.

6.  Lighter fluid.

I had mentioned not using MatchLight charcoal earlier because of taste.  To get the coals hot, however, it’s best to have a little help.  Lighter fluid works great–just be sure to make sure you’ve burned it all off or the food will taste funny.

7.  Charcoal chimney.

This is on our wish list.  My husband had been using the ash catching thing on the bottom to start the fires until he realized that he burned all he paint off.  Oops.  So now we are in want of a charcoal chimney.

8.  Meat Thermometer.

We are big fans of not cooking the taste out of our food, so meat thermometers are ESSENTIAL equipment in our kitchen.  For grilling, we like the simple probe ones as opposed to the ones with cables & timers.  We are mostly spot checking on the grill .

9.  A folding deck table.

This is totally on our list.  I saw it in a catalog and tried to buy it, but got shot down.  It’s made its way back to our wish list.  It would be great to put plates, salt, and let’s be honest, his beer, next to the grill without worry about it taking a 8 foot fall.

10.  Apron.

Last, but not least is an appropriate grilling apron.  Face it, it’s dirty (ashes, fire, lighter fluid, raw meat) and I’d rather have a dirty apron than try to clean icky stuff out of his clothes.

Do you use a charcoal grill or gas?  Or do you have both?  Which do you prefer?

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For more great grilling posts, check out the whole series!

This post will be linked to Top 10 Tuesday @ Many Little Blessings and Works for Me Wednesday @ We Are THAT Family.

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links.

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We recently had lunch at a friends house and she made this fabulously yummy light dessert.  I immediately asked for the recipe –it’s a great easy summer dessert idea!

You need:

A quart of strawberry yogurt
A large tub of whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
A deep dish graham cracker crust
Stawberries for garnish (optional)

Combine yogurt & whipped topping in a large bowl until well mixed.  Pour into crust & freeze.  Pull out 20 minutes before serving & top with strawberry slices.

It can be made the day ahead for a slushie consistency, or 3-4 hours ahead to be more like a mousse.

The great thing about this is you could use blueberry or any other kind of yogurt that tickles your fancy!

Serves 6-8.

Enjoy!

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I LOVE to have people over.  My budget, however, doesn’t allow me to have people over as much as I like.   A group of my friend, however, have a tradition of throwing gatherings on a budget.   Bring Your Own….Everything.

Well, okay, not EVERYTHING.   How it works is that everyone brings meat to grill plus a dish to pass.   The host usually has the same, plus dessert and table service.

Everyone tends to bring enough meat for their family plus a little extra and the extras are passed along for everyone to sample.   There are tons of sides to choose from and because you bring your own, you know that there will be something your kids to eat.

The other beauty of this plan is that it makes it very informal and you never have to worry that you will be late or that the food will be gone or cold when you get there because you cook your own on arrival.   It makes nap time and other kiddo concerns super easy to deal with.

Granted, this isn’t for everyone.  But if you have frugal friends who like to hang out, but feel the same budget pinch, this might be a great alternative to trying to coordinate a potluck.

Would your friends be up for a gathering like this?   Do you already do this?

To read more posts about grilling, check out the whole May is Grill Month series!

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Several years ago, I was watching Food Network and saw the yummiest looking burgers ever!  We’ve used the recipe for several years but have adapted it so that we don’t need to make a dozen, nor do we have to buy anything special to make them.  We like this recipe so much that steak sauce has become a staple in our pantry just for this recipe.

You will need:

• 1 lb ground beef, fattier is better if cooking on grill
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 Tblsp. Steak sauce
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Pepper
• 1 Tblsp unsalted butter, optional

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg yolks, steak sauce, salt and pepper.  Mix thoroughly with hands and form into 4-6 patties.  If desired, put a small piece of unsalted butter in middle of each patty.

Grill for approximately 5 minutes per side for medium well.

Do you put “extras” in your burgers?

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For more great grilling posts, check out the whole series!

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