Top 2 Tuesday 4-2-13

My Top 2 Favorite Acessories right now:
1. A watch. I'm OCD about being on time to things so having a watch is a must for me.
2. Sandals. With the warmer weather here I can ditch my closed toe shoes for the most part. My feet get so hot and feel icky in closed toe shoes. If it's where I can, I go bare footed but having breathable, comfy shoes is a must for me!

What are you two favorite acessories?

I'm late! Motivational Monday 3-18-13

Top 10 books TBR this spring

I'm taking a break from reviewing this week since it's spring break. I'm linking up with The Broke and The Bookish for her Top Ten Tuesday. 
 
Here are my Top 10 Books to be read this Spring (in no particular order)
1. EntreLeadersip by Dave Ramsey
2. The Hot Shoe Diaries: big light from small flashes by Joe McNally
3. The bird Sisters by Rebecca Rasmussen
4. Greater than Rubies, a novella by Hallee Birdgeman
5. Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
6.Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride by Sandra Bricker
7. Gone Girl: A Novel by Gillian Flynn
8. Wonderstruck: awaken to the nearness of God
9. Chief Complaint Brain Tumor by John Kerastas
10. The Princess by Lori Wick

What books are you looking forward to reading this spring?

Six Sisters' Stuff Book Review

I am reviewing this book for Deseret Book. I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

 About the Book: 

Building Families One Meal at a Time: Six Sisters Release New Cook-Craft-Create Book

With busy schedules, after-school activities, late workdays and long commutes, is sitting down to a family dinner still possible?

The authors of Six Sisters’ Stuff (Shadow Mountain, ISBN: 978-1-60907-324-4, $21.99, March 2013) 

In their debut cookbook, the sisters (yes, six biological sisters— Camille, Kristen, Elyse, Stephanie, Lauren, and Kendra) show families just how simple putting dinner on the table can be. From Baked Chicken Fajitas to Slow Cooker Pot Roast Sliders to Mini Oreo Cheesecakes, Six Sisters’ Stuff has nearly 100 easy-to-follow recipes that use ingredients commonly found in your pantry. Each recipe includes easy-to-follow instructions and photographs that eliminate any guess work. 

Six Sisters’ Stuff evolved from the sisters’ blog SixSistersStuff.com, that began in February 2011 out of their love to cook, craft, and create. After years of living close to one another, they suddenly found themselves living in different parts of the country and used the blog to stay in touch and share ideas. In just two short years, SixSistersStuff.com has quickly become one of the most popular food and craft blogs, receiving on average 5 million page views per month, with over 130,000 Facebook fans and more than 190,000 Pinterest followers (as of 2/7/13).

Six Sisters’ Stuff also includes a collection of simple and inexpensive craft ideas – how to make hand puppets, felt bows, decorative wreaths, and more – plus lists of fun family activities for road trips, entertaining rainy-day ideas, healthy snack suggestions, and even some recommendations for cheap date nights. This family-focused cookbook is really more of an idea book to help families create fun, lasting memories together.

My thoughts: 

I have been a fan of the six sisters' for a while now. I was really excited to find out they were coming out with a book and that I got to review it. This is more than a cook book. It has recipes along with craft ideas,  time saving tips, a spring cleaning check list and so much more! There are some adorable craft ideas in the book that I am going to make soon. I also love the 50 fun date ideas, 14 days of Valentines, and 101 Fun, Easy and Cheap Indoor Activities for Kids.  I choose to make the Six Sisters Chicken Bacon Ranch Taquitos for my family. They were quick and easy to make. My family and I loved them!  I love how the Six Sisters recipes are quick and easy so you can spend more time with your family. I recommend this book to anyone who wants wants quick easy tasks so they can spend more time with their family!

Join the Family Dinner Challenge  

 

According to Pew Research , only about half of families make dinner a daily ritual and another third eat together a few times a week. Roughly one in 5 families (20%) eat together only occasionally or never. In conjunction with the book’s release, on March 4, 2013, SixSistersStuff.com will launch a 4x4 Dinner Challenge. Families are encouraged to eat together as a family at least four times a week for four weeks. Families can register online at www.SixSistersStuff.com and receive meal tips, ideas for family activities, and helpful recipes to assist in making this challenge a reality. “We grew up knowing the importance of feeding our families a home-cooked meal and sitting down to eat it together,” said Camille, the oldest sister. “Even the busiest of people can make the food and project ideas we share, which will give you even more time to spend with your family and loved ones.” 

Giveaway promotion is available with this tour!

1) Like the Six Sister’s STUFF facebook page and comment that they are joining the 4x4 Dinner Challenge
https://www.facebook.com/SixSistersStuff

2) Click the 4x4 Family dinner banner on the website www.SixSistersStuff.com (on the right sidebar) and leave a comment that they are joining the challenge.

Note: I'm always happy to do product reviews. If you're a company and want me to review your product, simply e-mail me at the e-mail address on the sidebar to the right.

 

 

Funny Friday 2-1-13

I've always loved Friday's. I thought it would be nice to share a little good clean fun this Friday. Enjoy and have a great weekend! :)

P is for Pinterst

 

What makes Pinterest different from the others?

You may have heard of the social network, Pinterest - a virtual pin board which allows users to “pin” images from the web and other users’ boards, or as Pinterest describes itself:

…lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web.

Yes, another one to add to the list of networks to join, through fear of missing out or being left behind. But I can’t help but think there could be something more to this latest platform that plays on human motivations that other networks don’t tap into, and that set it apart from the rest.

It’s all about me

Pinterest is simple; in its design, functionality and user experience. But the key thing that this network has over others is that it’s all about the user. There is no need to have friends in order to get involved. All boards are open and users can view any image pinned anywhere on the network. Of course, connections can be made, either by following people you know or those who have created boards on a topic that interests you.

Pinterest provides, for some, a welcome break from newsfeeds populated with mindless status updates and drivel. In this case, pictures really do speak a thousand words, evoking an emotional response which can be left via a comment.

The collector within

Collecting is a basic human motivation, and Pinterest unleashes this instinct by allowing the user to instantly, easily and neatly showcase their collections. Pins are automatically arranged in an aesthetically pleasing way. Pinning is also inspirational, with one board or pin inspiring the next, and each creation can be constantly tweaked until the user is happy with their masterpiece, and they can gain recognition and approval from other users with similar interests.

A brand’s best friend

Pinterest has worked well for early adopters such as those in the arts, design, architecture, crafts, food, travel and fashion categories. It allows users to create boards to represent how they want to be perceived, or the status they feel it gives them by associating themselves with that brand or image. This could be a certain fashion that they like or even the images they pin on their home decor board. It goes a whole step further than just “liking” a brand’s fan page.

So what do you think about Pinterest? Is its simplicity going to work in its favor against other social networks? Or is this just one network too many.

I'd love to follow me on Pinterest. I'll be happy to follow you back too! :) 

Swap Time

Happy Monday everybody! I hope you had a great weekend. I did. I got a lot of this accomplished and even go some rest too. The thing that I am most excited about is that I mailed off my Pink Swap Package.

This year I was selected to participate in Monograms and Manicures Pink Swap. Each person selected is pair up with another blogger and then they send them 5 pink items. My partner is Val from New Jersey. She has a wonderful blog called Wine and Summer. She's a brand new blogger. She'd love it if you check out her blog. Anyways, I had such a blast shopping for pink items for her. I'm such a bargain shopper and I'm super excited that I got some great deals! I hope she likes her stuff. I'll tell you what I sent her and what she sent me as soon as we both receive our goodies. Have you ever  participated in a blog swap before? is there any ideas/activities you'd like to participate in to get to know your blogging buddies better?

Crafty or not so much

January is National Crafting month. If you're like me-every month is National Crafting month. If I had my way-every day would be national crafting day! Evil laugh. I love to craft! I just find it fun and to be honest-therapeutic. I have to be so logical , practical so left brained at work. Not so when I'm crafting! The right brain completely takes over! Yeah baby! Those of you know me-know that I am VERY Right brained! LOL 

Webster's dictionary defines crafting as an an art, trade, or occupation requiring special skill, especially manual skill. Crafting can be anything from knitting, sewing, scrapbooking, painting, making models  and so much more. My favorite is paper crafting and drawing. I could spend hours and hours making scrapbook pages or cards. Yes basically cards.  I love to look a names on our church's prayer list and send them cards. I believe it blesses me as much as it blesses them!  

If you haven't ever tried crafting I suggest you try it. It's such a great way to relax (unless you're extremely left brained like my hubby-in which it stresses him out-BIG TIME) and let your creative juices flow. 

Do you craft? If not is there some craft you'd like to try? 

Top 10: On a deserted island

I thought that this would be a fun, easy post. Then I realized that there are no power sources on this deserted island. Which makes things a little more challenging but still fun. Here's what I'd bring

1. Contact case and solution- I can't see a thing without my contacts. I'm liable to run into a coconut tree without them. 

2. Books-lots of books. Probably my favorite books like the Anne of Green Gables series, Harry Potter series and many many more (that still only counts as one right?)

3. My hubby-After I love him and he's my best friend. Besides I need someone to carry the firewood right? 

4. My drawing stuff.-I'm sure on this deserted island there is lots of wonderful stuff to draw and paint. So I'll need my watercolors, my charcole pencils and my drawing books. That still only counts as 1!

5. A journal -I'm sure there will be all kinds of things to talk about.  I mean I can't tallk to my husband the whole time! 

6. A sleeping bag-The thought of sleeping on sand or rocks does not appeal to me at all!

7. A lighter-I'm not gonna rub two sticks together. That would take too much time and I have better things to do

8. Sunscreen- I am very fair skinned.

9.  Tarp-I have no idea what the weather is gonna be like on this island. And I wanna be prepared

10. Hammock-to relax and enjoy life!

What 10 things would you bring with you if you were going to live on a deserted island? 

Link up with us here:

Top 10 Exercise Tips

1. Start off strong but go easy on yourself. You didn’t get this way overnight so you’re not going to fix it overnight. Focus on establish an exercise routine and then get build up your workout.

2. Stay hydrated before, during and after your workout. You’re body needs it to stay cool.

3. Comfortable shoes can make or break a workout.

4. Don’t obsess about your weight. Focus on becoming healthier. If you do this the number will take care of itself.

5. Make a commitment to work out for 30 days. It doesn’t have to be every day but at least 2 a week. After you do something for 30 days it becomes a habit.

6. Make exercise YOUR time. When I’m working out I turn my phone to silent and don’t answer any text or anything. It’s my time to recharge my batteries!

7. If it’s nice exercise outside. It will give a nice change to your workout and a great way to soak up some sun.

8. Enjoy what your doing. If you don’t enjoy it you won’t follow through with it.

9. Workout with a buddy. Whether it be a two legged or four legged companion-it’s always fun to workout with someone else.

10. Before you start your first workout get a health assessment and get someone to explain to you how to use the machines. That way you will know what areas you need to focus on and how to use the machines properly.

ABCs of me

I saw this on Life, Love and Librarianship and just had to copy it!


Age:32 on the 27


Bed Size: Queen


Chore I hate: dish washing. We don't have a dishwasher


Dog: I have a daschund name Sophie. I also have a cat named Rosie


Essential start of your day: Time by myself to focus my thoughts


Favorite color: Depends but usually blue, green, or purple.


Gold or Silver: Usually Silver but sometimes Gold.


Height: 5 feet, 11 inches


Instruments: I played clarinet. Right now I don't play anything.


Job title: Unemployed


Kids: Hopefully someday


Live: Deep in the heart of Texas


Mom's Name: Glenda


Nickname: Zena, CC, Amazon woman


Overnight hospital stays: surprisingly none


Pet Peeves: Ill behaved children in public


Quote from a movie: "Fiddle Dee-Dee! I'll worry about that tomorrow. " from Gone With the Wind one of my favorite movies of all time.


Right or left handeed: right


Siblings: I am the youngest out of five kids. I have 3 sisters and a brother.


Time you wake up: 5:00 am but in the summer I take naps. :)


Underware: Yes. At all times


Vegetables you dislike: beets, turnips, greens, Lima beans, radishes, and cabbage


What makes you run late: Usually I am not late. I set all my clocks ahread so I'll be on time to early but when I do run late it's usually because of my husband.


X-rays: my foot


Yummy food you make: sour cream and chicken enchiladas, humming bird cake, brownies and all kids of yummy desserts


Zoo animal: Lions because I'm a Leo and giraffes because they are tall and long legged like me! :)


What are the ABC's of you? 

Pinterest

My friends have been after me for several weeks to check out Pinterest. Well finally I checked it out and I'm not sure what I think about it yet. For those of you who don't know what Pinterest is the website describes its self as "
Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.
Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests."

Well I have been on it for a couple of weeks now and here are my observations. 

1. Love all the cool pictures and ideas!

2.. Great way for me to pick up blog post ideas. 

3. Like Facebook but with pictures. You can like a picture as well as, follow, unfollow, and comment

4. Total time waster for me. I could spend all day Oohing and Ahhing all the lovely pictures they have.

I am definitely going to stay with Pinterest. I love all the great pictures and ideas. However, I am going to have to limit my time on there to get anything done. 

If you like to join Pinterest just send me a message at carolscorner727@hotmail.com and put Pinterest in the subject line and I'll be happy to send you an invite. 

Things I Love about Summer

1. Sleeping later
2. walking around barefooted, in a tank top and shorts
3. Raspas (Spanish for snow cones)
4. Everything is more laid back and relaxed
5. Vacation Bible School
6. Air Conditioning for our hot Texas summer
7 More time to spend with my favorite girl Kaylin
8. A new season of Drop Dead Diva
9  homemade ice coffee
10. Walking along the beach
11. Wonderful breezes coming in off of the bay while I'm hanging out at the Yepez Vineyard