Applesauce Magic

Make Your Own Gingerbread House

2011-12-09T19:48:00.000-08:00

Making your own gingerbread house is a very fun thing to do as a family and SO much better (tasting, fitting, looking) than any kit I've ever tried. I got most of my instructions for building the house and the gingerbread/frosting recipe here.

Here's how we did it:

First we made the gingerbread and rolled it out on parchment paper.

I then cut out some shapes in card stock and we cut them out with a plastic knife. You can get the patterns on the website or just cut your own like we did as long as they fit together with paper they'll fit together when they are cooked. Don't push down too hard on the card stock because it'll stick to the gingerbread.

Then cut out the shapes with scissors and place them right on the cookie sheet. It makes it SO easy and you don't have to pull off the gingerbread from the paper. Once you cook it they come right off!

With any extra gingerbread you can make some cookies- people or dogs as we did:)

Once the gingerbread is cooked you then wait for it to cool and get a bunch of your favorite candies and you're ready to decorate!

Peel the paper off the pieces and trim any extra edges.

Make some royal icing (it takes a while, but is very strong) and start putting the house together- it's usually good to have two people for this job.

We used a freezer bag with a hole in the edge to pipe the frosting and had fun putting candy on all of it!

A fun holiday tradition and actually pretty easy... just a little time-consuming.

Have fun and good luck!

Things to do with Kids in Salt Lake City

2011-04-09T12:38:00.000-07:00

I've wanted to make this list for a while now, for myself and for others looking for fun things to do with kids while you are in Salt Lake City (or in the surrounding areas).

PAY PLACES:
Discovery Gateway Children's Museum
Tracy Aviary
Lagoon
Living Planet Aquarium
Boondocks
Hogle Zoo
Wheeler Historic Farm
Raging Waters
Utah Museum of Natural History
Paintball Planet
FastKart's Indoor Track
Desert Star Playhouse
Pioneer Memorial Theater
South Towne Mall- carousel and train rides
Heber Valley Railroad- Heber City
Hill Aerospace Museum
Salt Lake Bees Baseball
Utah Jazz Basketball
Salt Lake Real Soccer
Utah Blaze Football
Utah Grizzlies Hockey
Alpine Slide- Park City
Dimple Dell Splash and Swim Pools
Golf in a Round
Hollywood Connection
Laser Quest
Little Miner's Park- Park City
Antelope Island State Park
Red Butte Garden
Gallivan Center Ice Rink
Dinosaur Park- Ogden
This is the Place Park
Salt Lake City Sports Complex
The Children's Theatre
Kennecott Copper Mine
Salt Lake County Equestrian Park
Timpanogas Cave
Redwood Drive-in Movie and Swap Meet
Color Me Mine
Nicklecade

FREE PLACES:
Liberty Park
Gateway Mall Fountains
Clark Planetarium (pay for lazer shows but rest is free)
Temple Square
Benjamin Farms Tour
Great Salt Lake State Park
International Peace Gardens
City Creek Canyon
Gilgal Sculpture Garden
Jordan River Parkway
Sugarhouse Park
Topaz Mountain Rockhounding
Utah Olympic Park
Hiking in the Wasatch Mountains
Story Time at Local Libraries
Fort Douglas Military Museum
Pioneer Memorial Museum
Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Cauldren
Church History Museum
Family History Library

Remove Car Window Tint Stickiness

2011-04-06T19:00:00.000-07:00

So, to get our car to pass inspection they told us we needed to remove the tint on our driver and passengar windows. We bought the car in one state and the state we are in now thinks the tint is too much. So the hubby went out with a razor blade and removed the tint in a few minutes. We thought, "Well that was easy!" and went on our merry way. We then discovered that our windows were incredibly sticky! So much so that we couldn't even open them... which is a problem- especially at toll booths...

After trying a ton of ideas that we found online that involved everything from ammonia to hair dryers we finally found something that worked like a charm!

All you need is some Windex and an S.O.S. pad and you're set! Spray a little Windex and begin rubbing with the pad and it will come off wonderfully and in a lot less time then the other methods that we found. Good luck!

Cute Watches and Necklaces

2010-10-11T07:58:00.001-07:00

Check out http://www.beadsbanglesandbands.blogspot.com/ to see cute beaded watches and necklaces and to enter their giveaway!

Free Nursing Cover

2010-08-10T13:16:00.000-07:00

This week (August 1st - 7th) is World Breastfeeding Week and UdderCovers wanted to show their support for breastfeeding so they are running a promotion where you can get any of our nursing covers (regular price $32) free! The code is "Breastfeeding". If you're not currently nursing, this is your chance to stock up on great baby shower and Holiday gifts and a great promo code to pass along to your expecting friends - (they will thank you)!

Once you get to www.uddercovers.com, click on "Shop Now" and select the cover you would like. Type Breastfeeding into the promo code box and it will bring your product total to $0. All you pay is the shipping fees. You can use the code more than once - you just have to open a new browser window to do so.

Electrolux Versatility Upright Vacuum Cleaner giveaway

2010-05-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

Minnesota Mama Must Haves is giving away an Electrolux Versatility Upright Vacuum Cleaner worth $400. I need a new vacuum cleaner and I'm so excited about this one. A nice and easy to use vacuum with power and all sorts of great features. Go to this blog to enter.

Outdoor Playhouse Giveaway

2010-05-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

Minnesota Mama's Must Haves is giving away a Step 2 Gather and Grille Outdoor Playhouse worth $400. A cute playhouse that is nice and durable and perfect for summer fun. I think this would be perfect for my son and all his friends to play with. Go to this blog to enter.

Discovery Toys

2010-04-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

I was introduced to Discovery Toys a few months ago by my sister-in-law. I loved the toys and the fact that they are educational, sturdy, have a lifetime guarantee, and each toy is labeled based on what skills it develops... not to mention they are colorful and FUN! Anyway, I threw my first party in Feb. and from that I got a bunch of toys for TJ. Every day since that time he has literally played with one of his Discovery Toys. I thought I'd share a little bit about some of his favorite toys:

Busy Farm

This comes with a set of colorful little farm animals that are in and of themselves fun to play with. It also comes with 20 or so cards that are really fun to play with and teach all sorts of things. Right now TJ can maybe play with half of the cards since they get progressively harder, but it's nice that it will grow with him. Some of his favorite cards are matching cards (put the orange duck on the orange duck), sorting cards, alphabet card, and the one that has items that the animals produce, such as wool, and then you match the animal to the product: sheep on wool.

Roll and Play

This is the best game for toddlers/preschoolers that I have ever found! This is definitely TJ's favorite of his Discovery Toys and he plays it at least twice a day. There is a big soft cube (about 8 inches big!) that has a different color on each side. You roll/throw/kick the cube and find a card that matches the color you got. You then do the action pictured on the card: ex- flap your arms, play hide and seek, hug Mommy, draw a picture, put on a hat, etc. TJ can play this by himself or with us (it's a GREAT family night game). I'm also excited to have the colored cube if I ever teach primary again....

Playful Letters

This is a pack of traceable sturdy letters (one uppercase and one lowercase) that TJ loves to get out and play with. He'll use them to make words on the carpet or put them on his paper and trace them to write his name. He thinks its wonderful to be able to write letters and he uses these quite often. They also hook together, but TJ hasn't figured that out yet. My only complaint about these is that he uses them so much that we are constantly picking them up... but I guess that is a good teaching moment too:)

Wipe Clean Books 123s and ABCs

I wasn't sure if TJ would like these books right now or if we'd have to wait a while for him to use them. He loves being able to color on these books and then clean them off (he can do both great!). These have turned into great church books and they keep him quiet and entertained for a long time. They also come with stickers to put in different places (I think they come off again, but I'm not sure). We are just saving the stickers for when he is older since he has so much fun with it as it is right now. (Notice the playful letters in the picture- he loves to trace those into this book). My only problem with these books is that TJ uses them SO much that we had to buy more dry erase markers, but even after all the time he used them they still clean up great and look brand new.

We also have these toys which TJ likes, but I don't have pictures of:

Zip Track- TJ loves this Zip Track and it works great, the car is self powered and the track is easy to assemble, change, and take apart. I think Jeff has as much fun with it as TJ does.

The Potty Train (book)- This book is SO cute and the pictures are just wonderful. TJ loves reading it and gets so excited about going potty when he does. I love how it talks about how it can take a while and sometimes there can be accidents or nothing happens, but that's ok. Whenever TJ goes potty he likes to say, "Chugga-Chugga Poo-poo!!" (Now, if we can actually get him going poo-poo that would be great).

Labyrinth (game)- This is a great game for older kids and adults. It's easy enough for school-age kids (though TJ plays it with us with help), but fun enough for adults. Also another fun game for family night.

Baby books and cds- I also bought a bunch of baby books and cds for gifts. I have a lot of friends that have just had babies, or are going to have babies, and these have made such great gifts. The books are so cute and of high quality and the cds are really sweet. I LOVE that I have something nice to give them instead of going to Wal-Mart and trying to find a nice baby book there...

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

New Book Contest by Matthew Buckley!

2010-03-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

Those of you who have read Chickens in the Headlights know what a great book it is and are already smiling while you think about it. Those of you who haven't read it are totally missing out! Here is a NEW book from Matthew Buckley that needs enough copies pre-ordered before they will actually publish the book. You can help out by posting this widget (go to his site to get) on your blog and you'll be entered to win 1 of 10 signed copies! Please help out- I was totally excited when I heard about this and am going to pre-order my book today!

Help for Haiti

2010-01-24T15:14:00.000-08:00

The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints appealed to members today to send help to those suffering in Haiti. Anyone wishing to donate should go to the Church Humanitarian Services site and send money directly that way.

The people in Haiti also need our spiritual help through this hard time so please take the time to pray for those in need and ask for those souls to be watched over during their suffering and challenges. Our hearts go out to those in need and any help that you can send would be greatly appreciated.

To read the First Presidency's statement and also to learn more about how the Church's Humanitarian efforts go here.

50% off Ramada Hotels

2010-01-21T20:18:00.000-08:00

Hurry up! If you book between Janurary 19-26 and you'll get 50% off your Ramada Hotel booking! You can only use this link (and then the other link) to use this coupon. You need to complete your stay by April 30th, 2010. So if you are planning on staying in a hotel between now and then this is the perfect time to book! It can be used for hotels in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Good luck and happy traveling! (We're going to try to get to Mt. Rushmore... with us luck!)

What Kind of Message are They Really Sending?

2010-01-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

What do you think about this?

“If ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray” (2 Ne. 32:8).

If you'd like to learn more about the Book of Mormon watch this or click here to request a free copy.

Free Download of "UP" Soundtrack today only

2009-12-03T14:38:00.000-08:00

Go here to get a FREE download of the UP soundtrack and use the code LATIMESDISNEY. Good luck!

DownEast Basics Giveaway

2009-11-18T11:24:00.000-08:00

Supermom Central is giving away an outfit from DownEast Basics! These clothes are all so cute, modren, and modest (which is hard to find). The winner will recieve rockstar jeans, your choice of tee, and a 3 string of pearls! Giveaway ends on November 23rd so don't forget to enter.

Free 8 x 8 photo book from Smilebooks

2009-11-17T15:10:00.000-08:00

Head on over to the Smilebooks blog and for refering 5 friends to smilebooks you will recieve a coupon code for a FREE 8 x 8 soft cover smilebook worth $26.95! Your friends will in turn recieve 30% off their next order. I've tried many photo book sites and smilebooks is probably my favorite.

Free $15 coupon code for Kodak Gallery

2009-10-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

Head on over to Kodak Gallery and sign up today for their newsletter and you'll recieve a $15 off coupon code for your next purchase. Just click on the Get Your Free Gift button.

Strider Running Bike

2009-10-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

Check this out! What a fun product- I totally want one for TJ now. Go to the Funky Monkey to enter to win one- ends Oct. 22nd.

Kid's Toy Car Mat- Tutorial

2009-10-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

This is not a step-by-step picture tutorial since I didn't take pictures of the process, but still I hope I can tell you how I did this so you can make your own if you so desire.

Materials:

Canvas (as large as you want- mine is about 6' by 8')

Double-wide bias tape (I used blue, but any color will do)- 3 packages or 9 yds

Tacky Glue

Fabric Paint Markers (as many colors as you'd like)

Grey Acrylic Paint

Green Acrylic Paint

Paint brush

1 Sponge

Green Flower-pot Foam (just a square)

2 pencils

Black Sharpie (not too thick)

First you want to draw out your plan on a separate piece of paper. Draw the roads first- leave enough room for many houses and buildings- you can draw your city with straight or curvy streets, I did a combination of both. You can also add a train track and river.

You will then need to decide where each building/house is going to go. Decide what you'd like on your mat- some suggestions: you house, Grandparent's houses, hospital, park, gas station, school, church, ice cream store, fire station, parking lot, police station, zoo, airport, lake, swimming pool, soccer field, etc. Add places that your child will recognize so it is more personal. Be creative and have fun!

Once you've got your design then you'll want to start drawing (with pencil) on your mat. Push your two pencils into your green foam so that they are 1 1/2-2 inches apart. You'll use this to draw your roads and keep them even. Once your roads are drawn then you can start putting in your buildings. Draw your buildings- lightly- with pencil then color them in with your paint markers. You should also color trees, flowers, and bushes, but DO NOT color in grass yet- that will be at the end.

Once your buildings, trees, bodies of water, flowers, bushes, etc. are all drawn then you can start painting the roads. It works best to use grey acrylic paint with a paint brush instead of a paint marker. The canvas might get bumps in it, but don't worry, the cars will drive just fine on it and the bumps will disappear eventually. I liked to outline my buildings with my black sharpie so they were more defined. I also used the sharpie to label the major buildings on the mat and outline the roads.

Once all your roads and buildings are drawn and colored then add all the finishing touches- stop signs, railroad crossing signs, a footpath, animals (cows, sheep, etc.). When your mat is all drawn as you would like then it is finally time to do the grass. Use the sponge and dab it into some green paint. Make sure you test it on paper before you put it on your mat so it isn't too thick. You then sponge all over the mat and put grass on all the empty spaces. I did some fields of yellowish grass since it is very brown and yellow by where we live. The rest I did just green or a combination of green and yellow. I also sponged yellow around the lake and pond to make it look like sand.

Let you mat dry overnight then it is time to put the binding on. Put the seam of your bias tape against the edge of your mat. Glue the bottom on first with your tacky glue while folding over the corners. Once the bottom is glued on then do the same thing with the top. Cut your extra bias tape in half and you have two ties to tie up your mat with after you roll it up to store it. I rolled up my mat then glued the middle of each strand to the back of the mat so that they would be there to tie each time I rolled the mat up and I wouldn't lose them.

And now you have a wonderful, personalized car mat that your kids will play with for years and years!

Harry Potter Boxed Set Giveaway

2009-10-05T12:49:00.000-07:00

I'm currently reading the Harry Potter series again, and it's still good!! Here is a great opportunity to enter a giveaway to win the complete boxed set of Harry Potter books. These would make a great present (to me), a great add to your library, or a great oppotunity to finally read the books that all your friends, nephews, co-workers, neighbors, and cousins have been pestering you to read for the past 7 years.

Go on over to the Park Avenue Princess and sign up for her Harry Potter giveaway. You have until October 16th so don't wait until it's too late!

The Workbox Giveaway- AMAZING!!!

2009-09-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

As you know, I don't blog about a giveaway unless I think it is truely something that I would love to have and this is one of those items. I've been freaking out just looking at it and have already imagined it in my house with myself at that cute little desk working on all my awesome crafts and scrapbook projects. Think of how organized you would be and of all the space you would have for all your Scrapbook storage needs. Sigh... Ok, I'm back:) I wanted to tell you all about it as well so we all have a chance to win (although you have to let me come over and do crafts or scrapbook with you if you win).

Anyway, here are the deets: There are 10 blogs that are participating in this giveaway and you can enter at all of their sites. Then, on Oct. 10 (some of the blogs ends on Oct. 8), each blog will select a winner who will win either a ScrapMaBob or a Ribbon Box. Then one of those 10 winners will be selected as the grand winner and they will get their $1295.00 Workbox from The Origianl Scrapbox.

So what are you waiting for?! Go on over to each of these blogs and enter to win and good luck!
Make it and Love It

Rachelle Writes (Make sure if you sign up on her blog that you mention that Rachel Whitchurch send you there and I'll get extra entries!)

Vanilla Joy

Priscilla Styles (mention I sent you!)

My Organized Chaos

My Life as Lou

The Mommy Files

Auntie Thesis

Capadia Designs

Cricut Christmas

Also you can use the coupon code: 100WRITES for a $100 shipping discount.

The Original Scrapbox

2009-09-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

So this is now one of my favorite companies and I just found it today! Granted, they are pretty pricey, but I love the products they offer. I've always had a problem with crafting/scrapbooking and SPACE. I'll start a project and it just takes over the house, which was annoying when I didn't have kids and is pretty impossible now that I do have a kid! I think the Workbox and Minibox (seen here) are a stylish and great organizable solution. Take a look at their site- The Original Scrapbox and see what I mean! Enter this code when you place your order to get $100 off your shipping: 100Writes

Oh, and don't forget to enter the giveaway for your own Workbox (see next post!)

$25 Restaurant.com Gift Certificates for only $1

2009-09-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

Wow! For the first time ever Restaurant.com has a coupon code for 90% off! You can purchase a $25 gift certificate for only $1!! This is a limited time offer so you'll have to hurry- it ends Sept. 13th at 3:01 AM PST. Just enter the coupon code NINETY at checkout.

I've never tired Restaurant.com before, because they don't have any restaurants where I live, but I think I'll try it this time and just get a certificate for when we go to Colorado or Utah.

Happy Eating!

So... How Come Nobody Ever Told Me?

2009-08-11T14:59:00.000-07:00

I recently received an interesting e-mail that was all about the amazing benefits of dryer sheets. Apparently they are the best thing since sliced bread and applesauce, so how come nobody ever told me? I've always thought that dryer sheets were only for sticking in the dryer (when you remember) and then falling out as you retrieve your clothes only to end up on your bathroom floor to get stepped on or stuck in your pants to give you a nice surprise when you put them on! Little did I know that I should be using dryer sheets in every room of my house, my car, in my clothes (on purpose), in the yard, and in my sink!

Anyway, I'm not sure how many of these I actually believe, but I think I'm going to try a bunch out just to see. (I still think this might be a conspiracy from the Bounce company to sell more dryer sheets, but oh well). Have you tried any? What works and doesn't work for you?

1. It will chase ants away when you lay a sheet near them. It also repels mice. (Yeah right! I tried this with the nasty ants in our kitchen yesterday and they walked all over it... the best thing was to spray the little buggers.)

2. Spread sheets around foundation areas, or in trailers, or cars that are sitting and it keeps mice from entering your vehicle. (Can't say I've ever had mice in my car...)

3. It takes the odor out of old books and photo albums. (Mmm... I love the smell of old books!)

4. It repels mosquitoes. Keep a sheet in your pocket or belt loop. (I tried this, and I'm not sure if it worked since I still got bit, but I think I got bit less than I would have otherwise).

5. Eliminate static electricity from your tv or computer screen. (well, it eliminated the dust on my tv, I'm not sure about the static)

6. Clean shower doors with a sheet to dissolve soap scum. (I have a shower curtain, will that work?)

7. Put a sheet in your vacuum cleaner. (I assume that means the bag- I'll be trying this since our vacuum smells like vomit- don't ask because I don't know why!)

8. Freshen your car by putting a sheet under you car seat. (Ok, I can see how that would work- I'll try as soon as I remember to bring a dryer sheet to the ar).

9. Put a sheet in your luggage before storing to prevent musty suitcases.

10. Clean baked-on foods from a cooking pan. Put a sheet in a pan, fill with water, let sit overnight, and sponge clean. The anti-static agent apparently weakens the bond between food and the pan. (Hmm... I've found that DISH SOAP does the same thing, but what do I know).

11. Put a sheet in your pocket to keep bees/yellow jackets away.

12. Deodorize shoes or sneakers by placing a sheet in them overnight. (Worth a try for any stinky shoe).

13. Wipe up sawdust from drilling or sand papering. A used sheet of Bounce will collect sawdust like a tack cloth. (next time I get out the drill I'll let you know)

14. Collect cat hair. Rubbing the area with a sheet will magnetically attract all the loose hair. (Getting rid of the cat can work too...)

Well, there are more, but you get the idea. If you happen to try any out let me know. Maybe I'm too cynical for my own good, but maybe I just feel silly for actually throwing away these magical little dryer sheets.

Perfect Hide-a-key

2009-08-06T20:10:00.000-07:00

I'm always in fear of locking myself out of my house- especially when I take the dog out and my son is still in the house!! I've had two neighbors, in the last week, lock themselves out of their apartments! The one time we did it (in this apartment) we took off the screen and climbed through the window (but I really should keep the windows locked too!).

Anyway, here is the PERFECT hide-a-key option. It's called RocLock and it's just as it sounds- a rock that you put your key in (and have your own code for that you can change when you need to). It looks just like any other rock and is a good weight to hold it down. I'm not quite sure why it needs to be bulletproof, but it really seems wonderful and so much safer. I really want one, and that's why I thought I'd tell you about the giveaway on My Mom's View. Check it out and good luck!

Maternity Tops to Die For!

2009-08-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, one thing that is hard about being pregnant (no I'm not yet... give it time) is finding CUTE maternity clothes that are also a good price AND comfortable! Well, I just found this giveaway for a maternity top from Milan Maternity and I LOVE THEM ALL!!! I got so excited looking at all the cute tops and basics that I couldn't decide which was my favorite to enter the giveaway! I think I love them so much because they totally remind me of my favorite clothes store, Shade Clothing, which has modest, cute, and comfortable clothes. Looking at all their fun maternity tops made me want to be pregnant again (even more than I already want to be). Go check out the giveaway on A Mom's Balancing Act and sign up to win your own maternity top! Can you tell how excited I am that I found this company!?! Anyway, the giveaway ends on August 19 so good luck!

Books Giveaways

2009-07-24T12:42:00.001-07:00

I love reading and our family has always been big on books. Here are three current giveaway for books:

I'm Your Bus- This is a cute picture book about a bus that is in-your-face fun as he goes on his adventures through the town and meets all sorts of fun cars/truck along the way. There are two giveaways for this book, each giveaway has one grand prize (book, and 2 lunchboxes) and three runner-up prizes (the book). You can enter on Mom Fuse or 3 Kids and Us or both!

Book Bouquet- I've never seen gift baskets that are so fun and cute! They combine books with fun treats/toys to make the perfect gift basket for the perfect occasion. I love the Get Well baskets, Kid baskets, Boredom baskets... well, I pretty much love them all! Just be careful because some of them have coffee or tea packets included (if you care about such things). Anyway Playground for Parents is giving away a $50 gift certificate to Book Bouquets.

Baby Signs Pop-up Book- You may not know, but I've been teaching my son sign language and he LOVES it! He loves the videos, but I also want to have some books to teach him as well- since I love books more than anything. 3 Kids and Us is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Babies R Us Gift Card and the Baby Signs Pop-Up book and 4 runner-ups will recieve the book.

Big Bug Lunch! Book- My Mom's View is giving away a cute picture book called Big Bug Lunch! First in a series called the "Klunker Kapers" it's a cute silly book that explores eating bugs:) Go here to enter this fun giveaway to win a Big Bug Lunch! book.

Pioneer Day

2009-07-24T09:38:00.000-07:00

Today is Pioneer Day! I know I don't live in Utah anymore, but I have a hard time not wanting to celebrate such a great holiday. Pioneer Day is a Utah holiday that celebrates some of the first pioneers that crossed the plains and mountains to settle in Utah. I believe it's also the day that Brigham Young looked up from his sick-bed upon the Salt Lake Valley and said, "This is the Place!" I have many pioneer ancestors (I'm reading about Robert Taylor Burton right now) and I'm thankful for their sacrifices and strong faith that helped them leave their homes and settle in an unknown land. I hope you all have a Happy Pioneer Day! (It really should be a national- or at least Western States- holiday...)

Sleep Number C4 Queen Bed Set Giveaway! $1,400 value

2009-07-24T09:29:00.000-07:00

That's right! I found a great site where they are giving away a Sleep Number bed! Jeff and I have needed a new bed for a while now, but we just can't afford it. We've started to get used to the "taco" mattress effect, but it would be SO nice to have a new Sleep Number bed of our very own! You can adjust the firmness with a handheld remote and the pillowtop has "a 1 1/2 inch layer of comfort material that provides edge-to-edge cushioning"! Just head over to Thrifty Jinxy and sign up to win today, but do it quick since this giveaway end July 27! (Be aware that this is a BlogHer '09 special so if you aren't there you won't have as many chances to win, but you can still enter).

Harry Potter Reading Challenge

2009-07-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

So, for those of you who aren't Harry Pottered out here is a fun challenge with prizes to boot! Over on GalleySmith you can find a challenge to read all the Harry Potter book 1-7 within the next year. That's right, you have from August 1, 2009- July 31, 2010 to read all the books. Considering the last time I read them took me a three weeks to get through all seven books I think I can handle all the books in one year. Anyway, you can chat with others about the books and sign up to win monthly? prizes as well. I know the first prizes are a complete boxed set of paperback Harrys and a complete boxed set of hardbound Harrrys. Good luck and happy reading!

Life is not easy

2009-07-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

Many times in my life I've found myself thinking too much about me. When this happens I start to get depressed and I often feel lonely or neglected. I start thinking of all MY problems and all MY needs and how they aren't being met. I have a great pity party and get down on others for not noticing my problems or for not helping me in the way I think they should. At times like this I often need a kick in the rear to get me over myself and to have me get my priorities straightened out.

Life is not easy- it's not meant to be. There will be change, there will be trails, there will be tears and growing. We are here to learn how to become like our Heavenly Father which is anything but easy, but oh so worth it! I'm thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who keeps me on the right course and gives me a good kick every now and then if I start thinking too much of myself.

I've found that at hard times- times of fear, loneliness, sadness, doubt etc. that the easiest and quickest way to turn "my frown upside down" is to forget myself and help someone else. When I serve others I am helping someone have an easier day or making their circumstance just that much more bearable and I'm also doing my Heavenly Father's work. As it says in Mosiah 2:17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

I'll probably have to work on this my entire life, but I hope that each time I learn this lesson that I can do a little better. I can see others and help them instead of worry about myself and I can learn from my own trials how to help others get through those same times. Heavenly Father loves us and if we trust in Him with all our hearts He will direct our paths.

Saving Money and Loving It!!!

2009-07-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

So, I just wanted to drop a quick note and say how much I'm in love with the whole saving money thing. I've always considered myself a savvy shopper, but until recently have never really explored all the ways to actually save money. I'm finally cutting coupons and using them and I've also started taking a little more time to find coupon codes or other ways to save before I buy. I'm astounded by my success in just one week of actually trying!

Case 1: The grocery store. I planned ahead, cut coupons, looked at the weekly ads and bought only what was on sale, and did the "buy 10 certain items and save $5" thing. Results: $66 dollars of groceries- saved $29- total $37.

Case 2: Online shopping. I waited until the amazing swimsuit that I wanted went onto clearance. I then only decided to get it during the 4th of July "take an extra 10-30% off" sale was on. I got a friend to split shipping/tax with and I used a $10 off code that I had. I then found another code online and plugged it in for a 5% discount. Finally I joined their club (free) and received an extra little discount (and will receive future coupon codes). Results: $58 top/bottom swimsuit- saved $44- total $14.

Kid Giveaways!

2009-06-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

No... I'm not giving away kids, I'm just letting you know about all the fun giveaways that are going on right now that have fun things for your kids!

Erudition Game- This is a new game that has come out that takes kids and adults through a fun trip through literacy land. Kids will have so much fun actively playing this game that will also teach them sight words and sound recognition. I would love to have this game for TJ when he starts reading. What a fun way to teach and also get the family together for a fun night of games. Go to Dad's Blog and check out this giveaway. Giveaway ends July 10.

I Spy A to Z- Book of Picture Riddles- If you haven't ever read an I Spy book then you're missing out on a lot of fun! The pictures are amazing and really make this alphabet book come alive. Your kids will use their imaginations, increase their vocabulary skills, and give them something fun (and educational) to do on those long summer days. There are 5 awards given with this giveaway. The Grand Prize winner gets; Wii Video Game 'Ultimate I Spy', Board Game 'I Spy Memory Game', I Spy A to Z: A Book of Picture Riddles, and I Spy Treasure Hunt. Four Runner-up winners will receive a copy of the new book- I Spy A to Z: A Book of Picture Riddles. Go over to 3 Kids and Us and enter to win today- your kids (and probably your husband) will thankyou! Giveaway ends on July 14.

Nintendo Wii Games- You can win either Wii Pikmin or Wii Mario Power Tennis. Fun games and hours of clean fun entertainment for your kids. Go to Mommy Mandy to sign up today. Giveaway ends on June 24.

Skyrail Marble Roller Coaster- This is a 150-piece construction set that features 27 feet of glow-in-the-dark track. The tracks snap together and are flexible so you can make all sorts of different designs. Fun for any kid or grown-up who still likes being a kid. Go to The Funky Monkey and sign up to win your own Marble Roller Coaster. Giveaway ends on June 27.

Skitter Ride-on Toy Car- These fun riding toys are wonderful for all ages from 18-months to 81-years! No more buying a new ride for your kid every year. They can start on a skitter while they're little and grow up with it while still having fun every day! The kids push off with their feet, while turning the steering wheel handle, which gives them more power to go forward. Go to Mommy Goggles to enter this giveaway which ends on July 5.

Look for more fun kid giveaways on the Giveaway links on the left side bar.

Dryer Sheets, Bananas, and Mosquitos

2009-06-23T14:16:00.000-07:00

The state bird in my state is the mosquito (or at least it seems like it is). We can't even go outside right now without being swarmed and attacked. The other day I got 5 bites just going from my front door to my car, and these are not ordinary bites either- some are as big as a nickel! I feel trapped in my house by these little vile vermin and don't know how to protect myself and my family from the little vampires. Are we or are we not a more intelligent species?! We, the human race, who have pushed into extinction so many species on the planet are being trapped inside by a little bug! There's got to be something we can do- someone out there who has spent their life in an endless battle with mosquitoes and knows how to help us kill in greater numbers.

Here is what I've tried when it comes to keeping the bugs off of me:
Dryer Sheets- I've been told that if you keep a dryer sheet in your clothes then the buggers will stay away... hmm... well, I don't know how well it worked since there will still a lot of mosquitoes flying around. If it reduces the number from 5,000 to 2,500 then I don't know how well that really helped.
Bug Spray/Repellent- I hate spraying on noxious chemicals all over my body, I hate the feel of it, and I hate the smell of it. With all the pain it takes to use this stuff- it does seem to help. After a whole can, the bugs around me went from giant swarm to mild nuisance.
Bananas- I've also been told that if I eat bananas then mosquitoes won't find my blood so enticing. I don't know if this has helped either since I still have 12 bites on me right now.

Here is what I've tried when it comes to relieving the horrible pain of the bites:
Banana Peels- I was also told that if you rub a banana peel on your bite then it will help the itch and pain. It felt really good while I was applying it, but didn't help in the least with the pain and itch afterward.
Itch Ointment- I put this on ever bite I had and they still became more swollen the next day and the itch was very very mildly diminished.
Hand Sanitizer with Alcohol- This supposedly kills the parts of the bites that have the poison in them and relieves the itch. It helped slightly, but I had to keep putting it on over and over.

What have you tried that has worked or hasn't worked? Is there some random Grandmother's remedy that will cure my itch or keep the little buggers off of me and my family? What products do you like and use and what should I try? I've gotten to the point where natural remedy or chemical overload will have to do- I'm so sick of being a prisoner in my own house. Help me!

A Cleaner Home

2009-06-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

It's fun to get excited to clean your home when you have some fun toys to play with along the way! I don't particularly like cleaning my home day after day, but there are certain things that make cleaning just a little bit better.

My favorite new cleaning product is the Swiffer WetJet. I've struggled for 7 years of marriage with an uncooperative mop that I always had to talk myself into using, and once I did use it all it would do was push the dirt around and get hair on it- yuck! I hated using it, filling up a bucket with PineSol (the smell of which would knock out a baby seal), pushing around dirty suds on the floor, then cleaning off the mop head again and again without it ever getting really clean. Sigh. Enter my WetJet. I know it sounds lame, but what I really wanted for Valentine's Day was a new mop! Hubby wouldn't let me call it a Valentine's Day present, but I got one anyway so I was happy. The best thing about the WetJet is that you just stick on the pad and you're ready to go. You spray, mop, then throw away the pad and you're all done- and the smell is very pleasant and not too strong.

Ok, now for the fun cleaning giveaways that are going on!
7th Generation Cleaning Products- I've started to want to become more "green" lately and these natural cleaning products sound perfect for me. They offer a wide range of products including Carpet Spot & Stain Remover, Kitchen Cleaner, Natural All Purpose Cleaner, Natural Glass & Surface Cleaner, Tub & Tile Cleaner as well as laundry and dish washing products. With my son and dog around most of the time when I clean, I would feel a lot safer getting a great clean without the harsh chemicals. Go to Shake the Salt to sign up for this giveaway but hurry it ends June 22!

Hoover Carpet Cleaner Platinum Collection- One way to make your house feel clean and fresh is to have the carpets nice and clean, but with husbands, kids, and dogs running around all the time it can be hard to find the time and money for someone to come clean your carpets. So your nice cream carpet is now a nice beige carpet in spots, but still really nice under the couch. Enter the Hoover Carpet Cleaner. You can own your very own amazing carpet cleaner for all those spills, mud tracks, footprints, etc. that add up over the year on your carpet. 3 Kids and Us is giving away one Hoover Platinum Collection Carpet Cleaner. You can also check out other Hoover Platinum products by going to their site. Hurry the giveaway ends June 29!

Dyson DC25 All Floors Vacuum- A great lightweight vacuum with the Dyson ball that turns with just a turn of the wrist. It also is designed to trap microscopic allergens and remove dirt and pet hair from your carpets. It is certified asthma and allergy friendly and will leave your air and house nice and clean. Go over to Mommy Goggles and check out this awesome giveaway! Contest ends on July 11.

Real Men

2009-06-21T18:26:00.000-07:00

What is a "real" man? In today's world there are so many conflicting descriptions of what makes a man a man that kids, teenagers, and even adults get confused and turn to the world, media, and peers to help them know how to enter into manhood.

Under the pretense of "manhood" boys are encouraged to drink, smoke, engage in immoral activities, use crude language and humor, watch violence on tv, pierce their bodies, steal, and do all sorts of vulgar things. Those who choose not to participate are called mamma's boys, sissys, pansys, or religious fanatics. We see enticing advertisements on tvs, magazines, and billboards promoting beer, smoking, and other vices. "Those who use cunning tactics to peddle their mares disregard the souls of young people and love only their money. They would have us believe that a person with a cigarette or alcoholic beverage in hand is a man, when in reality he is nothing more than a slave to a destructive substance. They would have us believe that a person who engages in illicit sex is a man, when in reality he is nothing more than an abuser of those who are "tender," and "chaste," and "delicate." (Jacob 2:7) They would have us believe that brute force, or crude behavior, uncontrolled temper, foul language, and dirty appearance make a man, when in reality these characteristics are animalistic at best and the opposite of manhood at worst." -Elder Carlos E. Asay

A real man is not what the world would have him be. He patterns his life after the most perfect man to ever live on the earth- even Jesus Christ. Our Savior, Jesus, was the man among men. He was pure, meek and humble and yet was more of a man then any man who has every lived. He yielded not to temptation, learned obedience by the things which he suffered, and he grew in love and grace. "Thus, he, the only sinless and perfect man who ever walked this earth, is qualified to state: "What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am." (3 Ne. 27:27.) " -Elder Asay

I want to pay tribute, on this Father's Day, to all the REAL men out there, who are working hard to become the best men they can be by becoming more Christ-like every day. To the father who loves his children more than anything and teaches them correct values in a firm and loving way, to the man who is willing to stand up for what he believes in even in the face of obscenities and ridicule, to the husband who takes care of his dying wife through years of heartache and pain without ever uttering a word of complaint, to the ultimate father- even our Father in Heaven- who loves each of us with the love of a perfect father.

So, even though the world may wish to turn our men from the truth about what it truly means to be a man, let us be thankful for those men in our lives who stand a little taller and are better than the world. Let us encourage all boys and men that we know to be true men, and let us be ever thankful for good fathers and men who make this world a better place.

Father's Day Giveaways

2009-06-20T12:54:00.000-07:00

I know Father's Day is tomorrow, but there are still some great giveaways that you can enter to win Dad that awesome gift.

Nintendo Wii Games- For any Dad who loves the Wii here is a chance to win one of these games- Pikmin or Mario Power Tennis. These are both very fun games that can be played by themselves or with the family! Go to Mommy Mandy to enter this great giveaway. Ends on June 24.

HP MediaSmart Server LX195- This MediaSmart Server can help your hubby get control of all things digital. It can automatically back up and protect digital photos and videos, as well as centralize digital media and content so it's easy to share. You can back up multiple computers and store up to 168,000 photos, 147,000 songs or 405 hours of video2! I know Jeff would love this and I'm pretty sure your hubby would to. Go over to Mommy Goggles and sign up today or click on the link on my left side bar to get there. Giveaway ends on June 24.

8 Simple Rules Season 2 3-disc set- So you remember 8 Simple Rules for Dating my Teenage Daughter? I used to watch that show all the time and laugh until my sides hurt. What a great, clean, family tv show that is clever and so funny- especially if you remember being a teenager or have teenagers of your own. Dad's always happier when he's had a good laugh and here's how to give him just that. Go over to Mommy Goggles and sign up today or click on the link on my left side bar to get there. Giveaway ends on June 21.

Canopy Chair from SwimWays- I love having a camping chair to carry around for sporting events, camping, picnics, etc. The only problem is how awkward they usually are to carry and the fact that you need to bring a separate cover if you want to stay out of the sun. Here is a great chair that is lightweight, easy to carry, AND come with a canopy to keep the sun off you! How perfect for Dad to use such a chair while watching soccer games or while out with the kiddos. Go over to Mommy Goggles and sign up today or click on the link on my left side bar to get there. Giveaway ends on June 24.

Picture Keeper- A great little USB device that will keep your mind at ease when it comes to backing up your pictures. Such an easy product to use- just plug it in and it'll back up all your pictures- with no software to install! It's also so small that it can be stored anywhere and you can take it with you wherever you need. Great for any Dad who loves taking pictures or just likes cool electronics. Go over to Mommy Goggles and sign up today or click on the link on my left side bar to get there. Giveaway end on June 27.

Celebrate Chocolate Truffles- What Dad wouldn't want chocolate for Father's Day? This chocolate is not only amazingly good with interesting flavors, but it also works to suppress appetite and has a number of wonderful health benefits. What more could you ask for?! Go to Rockin' Mama and check out this great giveaway or click on the link on my left side bar. Giveaway ends on June 23.

Gold's Gym Cardio Workout for Wii- This is a great way for Dad to stay in shape and have fun! The routine gives you a complete body workout and provides a personal trainer to help keep you motivated with cardio, boxing, and strength training. You can use the Wii balance board but it is not required. Go over to Resourceful Mommy and check it out or click on the link on my left side bar. Giveaway ends on June 25.

Harry Potter books 5, 6, and 7 in paperback- That's right! Harry Potter 7 is coming out on paperback and to celebrate Wands and Worlds is giving away books 5, 6, and 7. Sometimes there is nothing better than a good book to snuggle up with and I'm sure Daddy could use the break from his busy schedule to take some time and enjoy the Harry Potter books again. Also just in time for the movie! Giveaway ends July 6.

Kodak Z1015 Digital Camera- This camera does it all and it does it with style! Long gone are the fuzzy pictures or cut-off pictures with your old digital camera. With this camera Dad can use the powerful 15x zoom lens to quickly get a great close-up shot or the 28 mm wide-angle lens for amazing landscapes or shots in tight quarters. Dad will love this easy to use camera and everyone will love the amazing pictures you get. Go to Mommy Mandy and check out this giveaway, but hurry it ends on June 21.

JVC Everio G Series Camcorder- Every Dad needs a good video camera for all those "Dad" moments that come and go so quickly, but we don't want to forget. This camcorder is lightweight with a nice small body- one of the world's smallest and lightest hard disk camcorders. You can take this thing anywhere and you can even take still images!!! Go to Mommy Mandy and check out this giveaway, but hurry it ends on June 21.

Applesauce Magic

2009-06-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

Why the funny title? Well, when I was coming up with this blog the words Applesauce and Magic kept coming to me so I wrote them down. I thought it was a great way of summing up what I want to do here and a little about me. Let me explain...

I love applesauce. I love eating it, I love the smell of it, but mostly I love the fact that no matter where we are or what has happened applesauce will ALWAYS make my son happy! It will cure any cut, will stop any tears, will calm fears, and will keep him busy for at least 5 minutes as he inhales every last bit of it- then tries to lick up the rest. It is truly magical and it sure can make us both smile.

That's the kind of thing that I want to talk about- "magical" things in my life that make me (or my family) smile, be it winning a free camera to finding the perfect brand of toilet paper, life is full of "magical" moments and things that keep us happy and make our days just a little bit better.

What is this all about?

2009-06-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

I've decided to start this new blog for very selfish reasons. I still have my personal blog where I'll post family pictures/videos/stories, but I needed another place for other random thoughts that come into my head.

Applesauce Magic will be a place where I can talk about whatever I want and not have to worry about who comes here and reads it. It will be a place for me to review books/movies/tv shows/games/etc. that I like and dislike. I will also express opinions on products I try, places I visit, new ideas about parenting that I try, parenting tips that work for me and don't work, recipes, housework, etc. I will share my opinion on everything and hope that in some way it will help those who read it- or I'll at least get suggestions that work for others on the same topic. (I'll still keep The Joy of Reading up and going, but will probably post the same book reviews on both sites).

This is also be a great place for me to list and blog about Internet giveaways and freebies. I have become a little obsessed lately trying to find good giveaways and freebies to sign up for and try out. I'll list every giveaway and freebie that I, personally, have signed up for and feel is worth my time. That way I can share all the great deals I get with anyone who cares without harassing people on my personal blog or through e-mails. I'd love any suggestions of places to find great giveaways or freebies and advice about what works and doesn't. Just to warn you- there will be A LOT of buttons, links, etc. put on the side bar because I could care less if they take up space on this blog- as long as I get them off my personal blog. Thanks and enjoy some applesauce!