Time for Flowers

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts® for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Like I mentioned previously, it's definitely spring around these parts. And I am ready to have some color in my yard. We actually went down yesterday and bought some annuals to liven things up a bit. But there is more planting to do. And what better way, than with Miracle-Gro® Expand ‘n Gro™ Concentrated Planting Mix. I've always been a fan of miracle grow, and this stuff sounds fabulous.

Check out these benefits!

• Up to 3X the Flowers and Vegetables!* *versus native soil
• Significantly improves soil for multiple years
• Concentrated planting mix expands up to 3X when water is added
• Feeds for up to 6 months
• All natural fibers hold up to 50% more water than basic potting soil

Who wouldn't love that?

I am ready to go buy  myself a bag of this, and some gorgeous hydrangeas and make myself a pretty garden. We've always done vegetable gardens, and I have always wanted to try a flower garden. So now with the help of Expand ‘n Gro, I can do just that.

This is such an easy way to prep your garden for spring and summer planting. How would you use it? What are some of your favorite flowers to plant? Let me know by leaving a comment and you could win a sample! (Winner chosen by Random.org).

Make sure you check out Expand ‘n Gro™ this planting season and give it a try. 

 

 

Chili's Style Queso

We've made this Chili's Style Queso a few times now, and while it looks disgusting (admit it, it does), it tastes delicious! And very simple to make. It was a big hit at Morgan's birthday party and I think it will be making an appearance at all the parties from now on.

You will need:
16 oz. box of Velveeta
1 cup milk
15 oz. can Hormel chili (no beans)
2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
4 tsp. chili powder
1 Tbsp. lime juice
1/2 tsp. ground cumin

Cut the Velveeta into small cubes and and place in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add the remaining ingredients.

And heat until everything is nice & melted, stirring frequently.

And enjoy!

Friday Favorites at Simply Sweet Home, Catch as Catch Can at My Repurposed Life, Delicately Constructed Friday at delicateCONSTRUCTION, Weekend Bloggy Reading at Serenity Now, Friday Favs at Naptime Crafters, Weekend Wrap Up Party at Tatertots & Jello, Sundae Scoop at I Heart Naptime, Sunday Showcase Party at Under the Table & Dreaming, Creative Bloggers Party & Hop at Homemaker On a Dime

Spring is Here - Scotts Can Help

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts® for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Spring is definitely here in Florida. I'm pretty sure that any chance of colder days is past us now, so I've been getting the bug to plant and get the outside looking nice. 

As you can see, we have a HUGE yard. And while it's green, it could use some help. There are thin and brownish spots, and lots of areas where there are weeds growing along with the grass. That's why I'm so excited to learn about the Scotts® Snap® Spreader System. It looks like a very easy way to get the lawn looking healthy. I can't wait to try it!

How awesome does this sound?

It's a no-mess, no guess spreading system.

The Snap Pac connects directly to the Snap Spreader – need to cut, no opening and no pouring from heavy bags – no spilling or waste. 
The system auto-sets the proper flow rate, no settings required! It also has a unique EdgeGuard feature that keeps product where you want it…. on the lawn! 


When you’re done, the Snap Pac self-seals upon removal making it easy to store – No more half empty bags sitting on the floor in the garage or taking up space in the shed.

Check out this great testimonial to learn more:

As you probably know, I'm a big fan of coupons, deals and loyalty programs. If you're anything like me, you will head over to the Scotts ® Facebook page, "like" them and learn about Snap perks on Facebook. You could win some great prizes!

Whimsy Jar Swap

It's been awhile since I participated in a swap, so when my friend Rachel from I Love My Three Sons mentioned wanting to do a Whimsy Jar swap, I was ready! We just needed a jar, and to stuff if with goodies in the colors aqua, pink and red. I love that color combo! I found the cute little jar above at Target.

My partner, Lindsay, liked scrapbooking/cardmaking, sewing and baking, so I tried to get a little bit of everything. Doilies, buttons, flowers, embroidery floss...

Ribbon, fabric, ink, glass glitter...

Trims, sprinkles, edible glitter, cupcake liners...

More glitter and some glittery letters.

I didn't really want to do much to the jar since it was such a cute shape. Plus that way she could use it wherever and it would fit right in.

And this is the super cute jar I got from her! Isn't it great?

Stuffed to the brim.

Look at all these goodies!

Thank you Rachel & Lindsay - this was a lot of fun!

Old Navy Best Tees

I love Old Navy. Most of my clothes come from there - in fact, ALL of my jeans are Old Navy! I really love their tanks, too. I live in them all summer! So I was super excited when I got the chance to sample their Best Tees. But this time I chose the Rib-Knit Henleys. I went with green and orange. They are so comfy and have a really flattering fit. I might have to go back for more!

Would you like the chance to sample Old Navy clothing? Join Crowdtap by clicking the button above. In the past I've been able to sample shorts, tanks and workout clothes. I love Crowdtap!

Updating the Living Room

I'm thinking maybe I shouldn't have enlarged these photos! As I've mentioned before, our house was built in 1962. And I don't think the kitchen or bathroom have been changed since. Unfortunately we can't do a total overhaul right now, but I'm ready to work on a room that won't take quite so much. So I'm starting with the living room. These pictures were taken right after we got back from vacation, so this was in the midst of putting Christmas stuff away, trying to find homes for new toys and my annual January "spring cleaning". We really are not slobs, I promise!

Everything is beige and green. We need color on the walls!

So far I've managed to change out our coffee table and end table, but this ugly desk remains. I really hope to find a new, smaller desk for this space.

On top of the tv... blah. But the tv is angled in the corner, so I can't lean anything against the wall.

My embroidery hoops need updating, too. And new curtains. I'm undecided on painting that cedar chest.

I've already started adding photos to this wall. I've wanted to do a gallery wall for awhile, but was afraid to start. I decided one day to just do it. And that damn gold light. Yuck.

Those couches. Ugh. They are comfy, but I do not like the green at all. I need slipcovers!

This shelf sits above that green couch.

Need to do something with those hands, too. And a new lamp and shade.

I can't wait to work on this room!

Cookie Invitations

Since most of the cookie party printables I've come across were either pink & brown or blue & brown, I had to make my own. Some sort of printable would have been faster, but I think these turned out cute.

I started with foam sheets from Michaels, a scallop pattern, a circle traced from a cup and some puff paint (not pictured).

I just traced the scallops onto the white foam and cut them out.

And did the same with the brown foam & the circles.

Next I added "sprinkles" with the puff paint. I really wanted to use an actual aqua color, but this teal/turquoise was all I could find.

And then assemble. Now the funny thing about these invitations, is they ended up not being invitations. I ended up inviting everyone via Facebook, using this image. But I had planned on printing out the wording, and gluing it to the back of the cookie. The wording I was going to use was "Cookies are the perfect treat, for a little girl this sweet". And then the where, what time, etc.

I still plan on using these as decorations for the party, so they weren't a total waste. I think I might make some bigger ones, too.

Would you like a cookie?

Linked to: Creative Bloggers Party & Hop at Homemaker on a Dime, Link Party at Bird's Party Blog, Sunday Showcase Party at Under the Table & Dreaming, Too Cute Tuesday at Funky Polkadot Giraffe, Talent Tuesday at Vintage Wanna Bee, Show Me What Ya Got at Not Just a Housewife, Get Your Craft On at Today's Creative Blog, What We Made & Wore Wednesday at Rae Gun Ramblings, What's Up Wednesday at Sew Woodsy,Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts