Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Nominated for a Liebster Award

Last week Cindy at Little Miss Celebration nominated me with the Liebster Award!  How sweet of you to think of me Cindy, you made my day! 

 I had been blogging privately for a couple of years but felt it was time to go public with a blog about our life, the fun stuff we enjoy and our faith.  I'm having so much fun blogging, making new Blogger friends and stepping out in faith when I share our life with others online.  It's exciting to get an award but most importantly I'm thanking God for the continued growth and opportunities that he is bringing me through this blog.

  "So, neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow."  1 Corinthians 3:7

What is the Liebster Award, you may be asking...it is an award given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers and have been in existence for less than 6 months.  It's a fun way to get to know new bloggers and show them some love.  
Here are the rules:
  • Share 11 random facts about yourself.
  • Answer 11 questions the nominator has asked you.
  • Choose 11 new bloggers to pass the award to and link them in your post.
  • Create 11 new questions for the bloggers you pass the award to.
  • Go back to their page and tell them about the award.
11 Random Facts about me
{I had recently asked you to send me some questions to get to know me better so I thought this would be the perfect time to answer those for you}
1.  "When do you do your blogging and projects?" 
I try my best to save blogging for when Little Sis is asleep for her nap or after the girls bedtimes.  Evenings are also when I have alone time with my husband so I try to limit my time on the computer then too.  Luckily we both have hobbies we enjoy and try to give each other time to do so when possible.  I've been trying to have 2-3 blog posts a week, I would love to do more but my family is my number one priority.  
2.  "What is your most and least used Pinterest board?  
My board with the most pins is "Sewing Projects" but I feel that I use my "Recipes" board a little bit more.  The least used board is "Master Bedroom Ideas", and I have to laugh about this because I feel our bedroom is the one room in the house that I pay the least amount of attention to.  I spend so much time keeping the rest of the house clean and tidy that when it comes to our bedroom, I tend to be lazier and messier because no one really goes in there besides the Hubby and I.  It definitely needs some TLC and crafting attention!
3.  "What is the best thing you have read?" 
 OK, I have to be honest...I am not a big reader.  I do love to read craft, recipe and DIY blogs but occasionally pick up a book.  One of my favorite authors though has been Nickolas Sparks, I love that I know most of the places in North Caroling where his stories take place.  This past summer I read "Discerning the voice of God", by Priscilla Shirer with my church and it was such an amazing book.  I learned so much and God definitely spoke to me through this study, very powerful!
4.  "What is your favorite food?"  
My favorite food type is Italian but my absolute LOVE is C.H.O.C.O.L.A.T.E.  I like to have a little bit each and every day.  It's rare that I don't have some sort of chocolate in the house for my daily craving, which tends to be everyday after lunch.
5.  I love to sing.  
I was always in chorus and drama while in middle and high school.  I also sang in the church choir during high school.  I would love to sing with our Church's Praise Band but the time commitment and my husbands work schedule don't make that possible right now.  Maybe someday :)
6.  I'm pretty crafty with a lot of things but decorating cakes is not my calling.  
I tried to make one of those barbie doll cakes for Middle Sis one year and it was so pitiful looking.  I had to thew at least half of it away to make it look somewhat decent.  Luckily she was young and loved it anyways!
7.  I have lived in NY, PA, NC, FL, and TX. 
 I've moved so many different times I've lost count.   This was our fourth military move with the Coast Guard in the past four years!  We spent 9 months in Beaumont (TX), 15 months in Milton (FL), 8 months in Corpus Christi (TX) and have been living here in South Florida for just over a year now.  This has been my favorite military move so far.  I love the area we live in, love our neighbors and our Church family.  It is going to be very hard to leave all of the wonderful friends God has brought into our lives.  
8.  I've had so many different types of jobs. 
 I've worked in a Real Estate office, several different Doctors offices, Bank Tellers and Account Reps, Preschool Teacher, Daycare Owner but feel that my true calling from God is to be a stay at home Mom to our three girls.  It is the most challenging and rewarding job out there!  
9.  I try to wake up at 5:30am on weekdays for my quiet time. 
I set my alarm to get up before my daughters and husband get up so that I can enjoy my cup of tea and do my Bible Study Fellowship homework in the mornings.  It really helps me set my heart right before starting my day.  Saturday is my only day to sleep so I don't do my study that morning and Sunday I wake up and get showered and ready for church before the girls wake up.  I really enjoy my sleep though so I typically don't stay up past 10pm.  
10. "What kind of crafting do you like best (paper, sewing, cooking) and why?"  
Hmm, this is a toughie.  I do cook most of our meals and enjoy finding new recipes that our family likes, for some reason my favorite kind of recipes are desserts lol!  When I do find the time to sew or embroider I always find it to be like therapy.  I often think, I need to make time to do this more often.  So I guess sewing and embroidery are my favorite followed by cooking then paper crafting.  
11.  I'm a jeans, t-shirt and flip flops kind of girl.  
Don't get me wrong though, I do enjoy getting dressed up every once in awhile.  Since we live in South Florida and it's pretty hot here I've found that I would rather wear a sundress over shorts and a t-shirt. 

Cindy's Questions for Me
1.  If you could be someone else for one day, who would it be and why?
So this may sound a little cheesy but Martha Stewart.  She is a super crafter, chef and seamstress!  I would love to have some of her knowledge.  Really though,  I'm very blessed and wouldn't want to be anyone else other than myself.   2.  Who is your favorite musical artist or group?
I listen to Christian and Country music.  Some of my favorites are Karrie Jobe and Carrie Underwood
3.  If you could be on a reality show, which one would you want to be on?
Since I love to sing, I would choose American Idol. 
4.  What's been your biggest cooking disaster?
I attempted to make one of The Pioneer Woman's chocolate cakes.  She said on her show that you didn't have to use the mixer to stir the cake, so I used a wooden spoon like she did and it DID NOT turn out, it was all lumpy and nasty.  I can laugh at it now but I was not happy at the time.  
5.  I would love to learn how to________?
Use my DSLR camera without using auto, someday hopefully I'll have time to take some classes.
6.  What movie has made you laugh the most?
After thinking about this one I realized I don't watch very many movies.  We rarely go to the movie theater or rent movies.  The first movie that popped into my mind was "The Proposal" with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.  I always watch it when the reruns are on TV and it still makes me laugh out loud.  
7.  What's your biggest pet peeve?
People without good manners.  For some reason personal space and manners are very lacking these days.  The world would be so much nicer if we were all kinder.
8.  If you could pick another first name for yourself, what would it be?
I was almost named Jamie, but my Mom took my Aunt's baby girl name that she had picked out and my Aunt used my Moms baby name of Jamie.  
9.  What country would you most like to visit that you haven't?
I would love to visit Italy for all the yummy food.
10.  Other than Christmas, what is your favorite holiday?
I'd say it is a tie between Thanksgiving and Easter.  Both are very near and dear to my heart.  We have so much to be thankful for.  I love to be surrounded by family, friends and yummy foods during both of these holidays.  We should always be counting our blessings and everyday should be like Easter because Jesus is risen and lives forever in heaven and someday we can too!!
11.  What is your very favorite dessert?
I thought of two for you, chocolate cake with chocolate icing and I've always loved twist flavored soft serve ice cream with loads of rainbow sprinkles on a cake cone...yes I'm still a little girl at heart :)

Here is the fun part...I get to pick out 11 blogs that I want to give the Liebster too.  
Kelly @ Supper with Southern Living
Ashley @ This Southern Girls Heart 
Gianina @ Naps and Roadmaps
Merrie Beth @ The Wise Woman Builds
Vickie @ Ponder 365
April @ House by Hoff
Heather @ The Unsophisticated Kitchen 
Moni @ Zu Haus at Home
Christy @ Confessions of a Serial DIYer
Carissa @ Carissa Miss
Debbie @ One Little Project

Congratulations Ladies, here are your 11 questions to answer.  I hope you have as much fun as I did.
1.  If you had to eat the same menu everyday of your life, what would you choose for breakfast, lunch and dinner?
2.  If you could choose anywhere to live, where would it be?
3.  What's your favorite vacation spot?
4.  Best Pinterest Idea you've found so far?
5.  Favorite Place to shop?
6.  How did you meet your husband?
7.  Favorite TV show?
8.  What's your favorite hobby?
9.  Favorite dessert recipe?
10.  I wish I knew how to______?
11.  In five years I hope to be _____?



Monday, March 25, 2013

Share your Potty Training Story

I have been so amazed to see the response that my Potty Training in our Happy House post has received.  It's my number one viewed post thanks to Pinterest.   I've been getting lots of comments, emails and Facebook messages regarding Potty Training.  I've had friends use the 3 day method I blogged about and had wonderful responses with their children too. 
I do realize that the 3 day method is not a one size fits all for training.  I would love to help other readers who are having a struggle or questions about potty training, that's where you come in.  I am looking for other Bloggers who would be interested in being featured here on Happy House of 5, by sharing your Potty Training story, experiences and recommendations.  It can be similar to my 3 day training, completely different techniques, how you decided your child wasn't ready yet, boys vs. girls, training multiplies, I'm sure your story could help encourage another reader if you shared it!  If you are interested please email me at Lindsey@Happyhouseof5.com


Thursday, March 21, 2013

GIVEAWAY:Haute Tots Children's Boutique WINNER

Good Thursday Morning!  Sorry I've been MIA a little this week.  My husband and I went to Disney for a little anniversary getaway(pics on Instagram and on Facebook so if you aren't connected with me that way be sure to!) and we have family visiting from out of town for the week.  I'm busy enjoying their company and getting things done for Easter this week.  I'll be back in full swing next week.  
We do have one important thing to take care of though, it's time to announce the winner of the 
Haute Tots Children's Boutique GIVEAWAY
CONGRATULATIONS JOELLE!!!  Please contact me at Lindsey(at)Happyhouseof5(dot)com within 24 hours to claim your prize. 



Monday, March 18, 2013

Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

The other night I was making one of our family's favorite dinners, Comfy in the Kitchen's Crescent Chicken. when I realized I was out of the canned Cream of Chicken Soup that I normally keep stocked in my pantry.  I found a Pinch of Yum recipe for homemade Cream of Chicken Soup.  It looked surprisingly easy so I thought I would give it a try!

Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
2.5 cups chicken broth
1.5 cups milk
3/4 cup flour
Seasoning Mix: 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of parsley.
In a saucepan pour the chicken broth and 1/2 cup of milk, bring it to a low boil.  In a seperate bowl combine the flour, seasoning mix and 1 cup milk until smooth.  Stir the flour mixture into the broth and milk over a low boil, stirring constantly for 5 minutes.  It will become thickened as you stir.

This recipe makes the equivalent of two cans of condensed Cream of Chicken Soup.  
I was very happy how the soup turned out and I especially like that it doesn't have any preservatives in it.  With that said, I'm not totally against the convenience of the canned soup.

 {Click here to see where I link up}
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Thursday, March 14, 2013

Goodbye Google Reader, Hello Bloglovin'


Are you like me and follow a TON of blogs through Google Reader?  Well Google Reader is retiring!  Not to worry though, I've found a great way to keep up with all of my favorite blogs and so can you.
  
Bloglovin' in a great reader,  that honestly I think I'm going to like SO much better than Google Reader.  You can very easily transfer your blog feed by clicking HERE.  Once you get transfered over you will simply click on the picture and be taken to that blog.  Once finished you'll click on the next blog and be taken to that blog.  I really like that you can actually view their entire blog and not just the post like you did on Google Reader.  
So with that said, please click on the Bloglovin' button on the top right hand side of this blog or go ahead and transfer all of your blogs by following this very simple step found HERE.


GIVEAWAY:Haute Tots Children's Boutique


Today I have the priviledge  to introduce you to Haute Tots Children's Boutique, an adorable Children's Boutique and Resale store located in Plantation, Florida.  Kelly and Nicole, the two fabulous owners, bring such a special touch to their store by providing awesome customer service and personalization of many of their items.   
The store offers both a boutique shopping experience as well as consignment.  They have such adorable lines of new boutique clothing and gifts as well as resale from department and boutique brand items.   
I'm an experienced resale shopper and consignor.  I'm pretty picky about where I sell and purchase my daughters clothes, I like to know that I am selling and purchasing from a store that is well organized and only accepts "like new".  You will definitely find that to be true of Haute Tots!
Here are just a few of their boutique items.  Darling socks for your little girl.
How adorable are these hair bows and tutu skirts?
Great gifts for your next baby shower, burps, blankets and bibs that can be personalized in store with embroidery!  I LOVE anything personalized!!
A great selection of like new toys and baby gear.
Maternity clothing, breast pumps...you name it!
These soft and comfy stroller padded seats are the cutest thing ever for a comfy ride for your little one!
A few more gifts for your next birthday party to choose from.
Remember I said that they offer personalized products?!?!  Haute Tots has so graciously offered to host a giveaway for either a Bling Shirt for your little girl or an embroidered item for your little boy!  
Here is Little Sister wearing her new "Lil Sis"Bling Shirt from Haute Tots.  It is the sweetest top and how perfect that its been personalized just for her!  You can pick out what you want yours to say, how about one for a birthday party or even a military homecoming shirt?!
A BIG Thank You to Kelly and Nicole at Haute Tots Children Boutique, if you are local please stop in and tell them you read about them here on Happy House of 5!!  They are located at 6933 West Broward Blvd, Plantation, FL.  You can also find them on Facebook.


Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Featured today at Nurse Loves Farmer Blog

The Breastfast Club - Nurse Loves Farmer
Happy Wednesday everyone!  I'm just getting home from BSF{Bible Study Fellowship} and lunch with my friends.  Little Sis is sound asleep for her nap.  I wanted to pop in real quick and let you know that I'm being featured today on one of my new favorite blogs.  
Sarah, who blogs at Nurse Loves Farmer, is hosting a series on Breastfeeding called "The Breakfast Club"!  I'm sharing my experiences and tips for new Momma's today and would love if you popped over to say hello to Sarah, please tell her that I sent you :)
I hope you enjoy my tips for new Momma's!!  Let me know what you think!!



Monday, March 11, 2013

Spring Chevron Wreath

This weekend I was able to get some Spring crafting started.  Spring is one of my absolute favorite times of the year.  Not only is it my birthday but I love all the fresh and fun colors!  I recently picked up a bunch of different colors of this great chevron fabric at Joanns.  
I cut the fabric into strips and started wrapping it around my wreath form.
Once I ran out, I cut another strip and placed it like I've shown you in the picture.  Fold over the unfinished edges and pin it on top of where we left off.  Once you continue to wrap you can later go back and remove the pin. 
This is what it looks like after removing the pin, it stays folded over in place all by itself.  
I found these adorable foam pompom's from Target's Easter section, for $3.50.  I used my husbands tin snips to trim the bottom off.  Trimming removed two of the leaves but I was able to hot glue them on top of the trimmed section to make it look great.  
 I'm loving how it turned out!  So fresh and fun for Spring!
I would love to see any of your Spring crafts, please leave me a comment with a link:)


(See where I link up and party here)
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Friday, March 8, 2013

FREE Anniversary Prints


Anniversaries are a time to count the blessings that you and your spouse have been as gifts from God.  This weekend my dear husband and I will be celebrating a very special anniversary.  Saturday will be our tenth year of marriage.  
I was making a special Anniversary gift printable for my husband and thought it would be a great idea to share a few for you.  Simply click on the picture for a copy.  You could further edit the image using Picmonkey or Ipiccy.
The traditional First Anniversary gifts are made of paper.  The modern gift are clocks.  The gemstone is gold and the flower is an Orange Blossom.

The traditional Fifth Anniversary gifts are made of wood.  The modern gift is silverware.  The gemstone is sapphire and the flowers are daisies which represent innocense and loyal love.
The tradional Tenth Anniversary gifts are made of tin or aluminium, to represent that a marriage needs to be flexible and durable. The modern gift are diamonds. The gemstone are diamonds and the flowers are daffodils which represent joy.
 {Click here to see where I link up}
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