Aloha Friday!

 

Greetings bloggy friends and Aloha! I hope you have all had a safe and happy week. My heart and prayers go out to all those touched by the terrible storms and destruction this week.

My question for you today is:  If you were given $100 grand to start a new business what type of business would you own?

My answer: a children's bookstore with a small bakery and coffee bar - the kind of place I'd like to hang out ;)

Thanks for stopping by today! Your comments make my day. Be sure to link up your posts here and visit Kailani at An Island Life for more Aloha Friday fun.


Don't forget to enter my current giveaway for a copy of the new What to Expect The Second Year.

What To Expect The Second Year Book Launch and Giveaway!

Meet the newest member of the What To Expect family - What to Expect The Second Year. America's bestselling parenting series has launched a new book all about toddlers, from 12 to 24 months. Heidi Murkoff's latest addition to the What to Expect series is the complete why, when and how-to guide for the second twelve months of parenting. This book is filled with invaluable information on all things toddler.  From feeding to first words, tantrums to toddler-safe toys, and weaning to whining, all of your toddler questions are covered.

I have been a fan of the What to Expect books since I became pregnant with my first child over 9 years ago. These books offer insight, inspiration and peace of mind to parents when they need it most. With proven solution strategies and no-nonsense advice, having a copy of these books in your home library just makes sense. And, I have found that they are always welcomed baby shower gifts for expectant parents.

And what's more, you'll find a plethora of helpful information and a supportive community at WhattoExpect.com.

With the launch of Heidi Murkoff's latest book, I was offered an opportunity to host a giveaway for my lucky readers! You can enter here to win a copy of What to Expect The Second Year, plus a prize pack that includes: Tommee Tippee Explora cup 9 mos + , PediPed Originals 12-18 months, Johnson's Baby BUbble Bath & Wash, Summer Infant Swaddle Me 7-14 lbs, Totsy card for $15 off, NUK Active Cup, NUK TrendLine pacifier SZ 2, Platex Lil' Gripper Spout Cup !

Here's how to enter:
First entry, visit WhattoExpect.com and mention in the comments something that you learned or found helpful on the site. This is mandatory before other entries will be counted.

For extra entries:

Subscribe to my feed (3 entries)

Add my button to your blog or add me to your blog roll (3 entries)

Follow me publicly in google
Become a Fan of What To Expect on Facebook

Become a Fan of Serendipity is Sweet on Facebook
FollowWhat To Expect on twitter

Follow me on twitter

Tweet this giveaway link (please leave a link to your tweet in your comment, 1 per day)

Fave me on technorati

Be sure to leave a comment for each entry and a valid email address. Open to U.S. only. Winner will be chosen by random integer selection. The winner will have 48 hours to claim the prize or a new winner will be chosen. Contest will close on May 9, 2011 at 12:00 AM EST. Good Luck!!!

**I received no compensation for this post, but was offered a copy of the book and the prize pack valued at over $100 to giveaway to my readers.**

Wordless Wednesday

Little B.I.T. 

 Blogger In Training 

For more Wednesday fun, be sure to visit these fabulous blogs:
5 Minutes for Mom
Wordless Wednesday HQ
Thanks for stopping by!

The Easter Pig! and Bunny Cakes Recipe

I love Bakerella. Have you seen her Cake Pops? She's a master at creating these adorable little creatures from cake and candy. They've become quite popular and can be found in bakeries and Starbucks all over. I've been wanting to try them for a while now, and have been promising my 5 year old we'd give it a whirl.

When loading ecoupons on my shopper's card, I found this recipe on the Kroger website. They were so cute and seemed easy enough, so we added these to our Easter baking list.

See the pic. Aren't they just too cute?!

I bought the ingredients and we were set. They were easy enough to make. But somehow we ended up with little creatures who didn't quite resemble bunnies. We ended up with:

A pig?

A dog?

A mouse?

Not a rabbit in the bunch, lol.

Still, they were fun to make, albeit messy, and the kids loved them. Here is the recipe if you want to give it a try:

Level: Easy (for some, lol)
Prep Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
Cool Time: about 1 hour
Refrigerator Time: 2 hours
Ready In: about 4 to5 hours
Yield: about 48 balls

Ingredients:· 1 package (16 oz) Vanilla Candy Coating
· 1 box Yellow Cake Mix (plus ingredients for mix)
· 1 container vanilla or cream cheese frosting
· 1 bag Large Marshmallows
· Pink sprinkles (decor crystals)
· Pink heart-shaped sprinkles
· Cake writing icing

Instructions:1. Prepare and bake Cake Mix as directed on box; cool completely. Crumble cooled cake into a large bowl. Mix thoroughly with frosting. Roll mixture into quarter size balls and place on cookie sheet; chill until firm.
2. Cut the edge of a marshmallow diagonally in the shape of bunny ears. These will form the bunny “ears.” Sprinkle with pink decors onto the sticky side of the marshmallow (for best results, press the sticky side of the marshmallow into the sprinkles).
3. Melt Vanilla KROGER® Candy Coating according to the directions on the package.
4. Coat a cake ball in the Vanilla KROGER® Candy Coating and place on wax paper.
5. Before KROGER® Candy Coating has set, place the ears on the top of the cake ball, and place one heart-shaped sprinkle on the front of the cake ball for the nose.
6. Draw two dots for eyes with writing icing.

Tip: If cake bites become too soft or are not holding their shape while being dipped, place back in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.

So, how did your Easter turn out?

Happy Easter!

"Where man sees but withered leaves, God sees sweet flowers growing." ~Albert Laighton

"For I remember it is Easter morn,
And life and love and peace are all new born." ~Alice Freeman Palmer

"'Twas Easter-Sunday. The full-blossomed trees
Filled all the air with fragrance and with joy."
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Spanish Student

I hope each of you is enjoying a glorious day filled with sunshine and lots of love. Happy Easter to all!

Aloha Friday!

 

Greetings bloggy friends and Aloha!

Good Friday, Earth Day, Spring Break, today has been marked with a lot of "occasions." We'll be getting ready for Easter weekend at our house, baking, cleaning, decorating and dyeing eggs. We aren't really taking a spring break, so we'll also be getting some school work done and discussing Earth Day. In addition, I need to catch up on some blogging and post a giveaway (pregnant and new mamas won't want to miss this one!) as well as tackle a pile of laundry and nurse two sick kiddos.

My question for you is: What are your plans for the day?

Whatever you do, make it a great one!

Thanks for stopping by today! Your comments make my day. Be sure to link up your posts here and visit Kailani at An Island Life for more Aloha Friday fun.

Wordless Wednesday

Hi there. Thanks for stopping by ;) If you haven't voted for me in the Hopscout contest, please vote today! It only takes a second. No registration or email required. This is an opportunity for my dream job. I need to be in the top 20 and need more votes!! And please repost the link ;) Thanks tons!!!

The children's museum...endless opportunities for fun!

For more Wednesday fun, be sure to visit these fabulous blogs:
5 Minutes for Mom
Wordless Wednesday HQ
Thanks for stopping by!

Teething Bites

If you haven't voted for me in the Hopscout contest, please vote today! It only takes a second. No registration or email required. This is an opportunity for my dream job. I need to be in the top 20 and need more votes. And please repost the link ;) Thanks tons!!!

Little bug is teething...has been for a couple of months. She has three teeth on the bottom and is working on two more! Ouch! I have the bruises to prove it.

I know what you're thinking. "Duh, keep your arm outta her mouth, ya big dummy!" That would seem logical. Truth is, I do so much during the day, most of it one-handed. Little bug wants to be held since she's not feeling great. And she wants to be held by Mommy. Usually I'm emptying the dishwasher, preparing meals, helping with schoolwork, vacuuming or tidying or typing one-handed and her little mouth is hovering around my upper arm. Every once in a while the temptation is too great and, "Youch!"

As much as it hurts me, I'm sure it's worse for her.

If you haven't voted for me in the Hopscout contest, please vote today! It only takes a second. No registration or email required. And please repost the link ;) Thanks tons!!!

Aloha Friday!

 

Greetings friends! It's time for another edition of Aloha Friday. This week I am feeling grateful for all of my bloggy friends. There are so many wonderful bloggers with whom I have developed a friendship and I am astounded by their loyalty. I sincerely appreciate every visit and comment, and I truly enjoy getting to know you all through your posts. So, today my question is: What blogger would you like to give a shout out? Is there someone who goes out of their way to support you? A loyal commenter? Someone who has been like a mentor? In the the spirit of gratitude, give them a shout here and let us know how much they mean to you ;)

I am really grateful for each one of you, but I'm giving my shout out to a few bloggers who have stuck with me through regular and sporadic posting. These gals always have a kind word to share. They make me laugh and inspire me to keep going. Even though I know they are extremely busy and have bigger fish to feed, they have been loyal friends and I love them for it:

Blueviolet of A Nut in a Nutshell
Harriet of Harriet and Friends
Sheila of Ma Vie Folle
Aimee of Aimee's Land
Alicia of More Than Words

You gals rock! Thank you!!

Feel free to leave a shout out in your comment or add a link to the linky. Thanks and have a wonderful Friday!!

PS: If you have a moment please vote for me in the Hopscout contest (I'm only about 700 votes behind!). See my post here for more info. Or just click here to vote. No registration required. It's a one click vote and I would really, really appreciate it!! Thanks :)

Ain't Too Proud To Beg - I Need Your Vote To Become A Hopscout Editor!

I don't ask for a lot. Really. A strong cuppa joe, some comfy jeans and a stash of chocolate are all I need to be happy most days. Ok, ok, I'm a little addicted to my kids, my blog and my iphone too. But generally speaking the simple life is good for me. Today however, I am asking, begging, pleading for one thing more: I need your vote.

You see Hopscout (formerly Lilluxe) is looking for 5 new editors. Don't know Hopscout? Well you should! It's the fabulous little company that strives to do one thing well. That is to offer fine quality toys for kids at a great price. They are 100% committed to offering only simple, timeless, classic toys that promote imagination, inspiration and family togetherness. These are the things that make your heart sing. The treasures that conjure up memories of long summer days, lemonade stands, living room forts and games of kick the can. Simple childhood joys and memories that sustain us and enrich our lives forever.

And guess what? Those talented treasure-hunters at Hopscout are looking for 5 magnificent moms and dads to think, act, write, design and create on their behalf as editors! I have submitted an entry online and I need your vote. Pretty please?

Voting closes on April 22nd so if you have a minute (that's all it takes!) Please visit this link and vote for me ;) And if you are so inclined to share, repost, beg on my behalf, etc., I would be forever in your debt.

PS I love supporting hardworking moms and dads and my fellow bloggers. If I can friend, follow, fave, tweet or vote for you in any way I am more than happy to return the favor. Just let me know!

PPS If you don't already have a Hopscout account you can sign up here for free. Good stuff! I promise.

Wordless Wednesday

For more Wednesday fun, be sure to visit these fabulous blogs:

5 Minutes for Mom
Wordless Wednesday HQ
Thanks for stopping by!

Easter Learning Fun!

Lots of eggscellent ideas for learning about Easter, eggs, and spring chickens ;)

Check out a 4H Virtual Farm Egg Hatch
Find crafts, coloring pages and acrostic printables here.
Find out more about the history of Easter here.
Find some fun egg decorating ideas here.
Find a $1 Eggs Unit Study here, and an Easter Activity Booklet for $2.99 here.
Plus, kid-friendly Easter recipes here.
Or, make a bunny cake like we did!

So, what are you waiting for? Hop to it and join the fun. Easter is on it's way!

Why the long face?

Aloha Friday!

Greetings bloggy friends! My what a busy week in the blogosphere! The UBP is in full swing and there are some hoppin' Mamas bouncing around bloggyland faster than the Easter bunny makes pit stops on Easter Eve. Are you blog hopping with the best? I'm doing my best to keep the pace :) Next Monday is my blogiversary!! Stay tuned for some fun giveaways! Be sure to subscribe to my feed so you don't miss out on the fun.

My question today has nothing to do with the blogosphere really. Since we sprung forward a few weeks ago for daylight savings, I've had an item on my "to do" list that I have been neglecting. But today, I am crossing it off. Finally! That item is an important one, but one that gets overlooked by many families. It's changing the batteries in my smoke detectors.

So my question to you is: When was the last time you changed the batteries in your smoke detector? Do you do so regularly?

 

 Thank you so much for coming by today! I really appreciate your time and thoughts. Be sure to visit Kailani at An Island Life for more Aloha Friday fun.

Enter to win my giveaway for a Chuggington: Chuggers To The Rescue DVD!

April is National Poetry Month

This is National Poetry Month! Why not celebrate by sharing a poem a day with your kids. Don't miss these tips for reading and analyzing poetry with kids. Plus, find poetry prompts here for K-3 and here for 4-12. And kids and grown ups alike should check out the Favorite Poem Project where you'll find videos of famous folks sharing their favorite poems.

A favorite book of ours is The Random House Book of Poetry for Children selected by Jack Prelutsky. It offers so many fun and engaging poems for kids with great illustrations too.  It's a great book to have on your children's bookshelf, or you could check your local library for a copy. Here's one I like from the book:

Spring

I'm shouting

I'm singing

I'm swinging through trees

I'm winging Sky-high

With the buzzing black bees.

I'm the sun

I'm the moon

I'm the dew on the rose.

I'm a rabbit

Whose habit

Is twitching his nose.

I'm lively

I'm lovely

I'm kicking up my heels.

I'm crying "Come dance"

to the freshwater eels.

I'm racing through meadows

Without any coat

I'm a gamboling lamb

I'm a light leaping goat

I'm a bud

I'm a bloom

I'm a dove on the wing.

I'm running on rooftops

And welcoming spring!

-Karla Kuskin

What's your favorite poem? Please share :)

Wordless Wednesday

There's a monkey in my tree.

But I'm not complaining.

I'll take that over a monkey on my back any day ;)

For more Wednesday fun, be sure to visit these fabulous blogs:
5 Minutes for Mom
Wordless Wednesday HQ
Thanks for stopping by!

Birthday Weekend

We had a busy weekend celebrating my oldest's 9th birthday. Wow, how'd that happen?? Do I really have a 9 year old!? I can't possibly be old enough for that to be true.

He's into skating these days so the big gifts were a new deck and a grinding rail (plus a new helmet to save my nerves). He also received a ramp from his Auntie and some new clothes to look the part. He's been skating non-stop since he opened his gifts and has a few scrapes and bruises to prove it. He is a braver soul than I. I fall over just looking at a skateboard.

He's too cool these days for balloons and streamers (wouldn't even let me put "Happy Birthday" on his cake!), so we had a low-key affair with friends and family. The weather was rather odd Saturday: sun, rain, sun, rain, sun, hail, sun. We made our way in and out of the drizzle several times and partied-on nonetheless. Even had our own little version of some March Madness. It's was lots of fun and he was happy so that's all that really matters.

Here a some highlights:

On Sunday we took him to a new local skate park and he hung with the big guys (dudes? skaters? Got to brush up on my lingo).  I'm so proud of him! He's very persistent and determined and gets right back up when he falls or misses a trick. I just hope my nerves hold out and we avoid any trips to the ER. He may be 9 now, but he's still my baby.

How was your weekend?

Got Romance? EdenFantasys Has Got You Covered

Let's face it. Being a stay at home mommy is not glamorous. It doesn't exactly inspire love, romance and soulful intimacy. All that cleaning, juggling, shuffling, scolding, and laundry folding can leave a mom feeling depleted. But, it is important to stay connected in marriage and foster an intimate bond that goes beyond everyday parenting. Sometimes we need a little help to go from hrumph to umph!

EdenFantasys carries lots of great products to help put some perk back into your partnership. They have products that range from massage oils and lingerie to aromatherapy candles and yes, adult toys, if you are so inclined. Their site offers books and articles too, in case you need a little inspiration. Check out all the great massage lotions, oils, and aromatherapy candles that EdenFantasys has to offer. You might find just the thing to reignite that spark you thought had fizzled.

Note: EdenFantasys is an 18+ adult site.


I received a gift card to Eden Fantasys in exchange for sharing information about this site.