Spring Amazon Home Favorites Under $25

Spring has arrived. Our attention has been focused on cleaning out and sprucing up our homes. More so because we are currently confined to our homes more than normal (thanks pandemic!). The other day we were joking with each other that our homes haven't been so organized since we moved in. We have organizers for organizers, and a rekindled love for our label maker. 

While we would love nothing more than blissfully shopping the aisles of our local Targets, and Home Goods for new Spring decor, we aren't hating the fact we can now browse virtual aisles of our favorite stores in the comfort of our own homes and cozy pjs. 

Our love for Amazon runs deep and wide. So it's no shock that we instantly fell in love with their selection of Spring home decor as well. We were shocked, however, at how many great items we found under $25! We were able to snag some great items and stay way under budget on our Spring sprucing up! 

Here's a little peek at what we ordered. Stay tuned for in-home photos as things arrive! 

1. Pom Blanket - Love this super soft blanket and its fun poms. It's a dupe for one of our favorite Pottery Barn blankets, but at $24 it's a steal! It is available in three colors: white, grey, and beige.
   
2. Spring Door Mats - We currently have a black and white buffalo check door mat ($12) in combo with our favorite "Home Sweet Home" mat ($20), but we love this grey version ($18) for a softer Spring welcome.
   
3. Throw Pillows - Amazon has THE BEST Spring throw pillow selection. These grey buffalo check ones with poms ($13) coordinate perfectly with these blush pink pillows ($14). Here are some other Spring throw pillow favorites from Amazon - all under $25!
   
   

   

   | Floral  Peonies Pillow | Grey Tassel Pillow | Aqua Pom Pillow | Blush Pom Pillow | Spring Pillow | Buffalo Check Tassel Pillow | Set of 4 Navy Pillows | Dalmatian Dot Pillow | Floral Water Color Pillow | 

   
   
4. Greenery - There's nothing that shouts Spring decor more than flowers and greenery. We have been so impressed with all of the greenery options we've ordered from Amazon. From these adorable preserved boxwood balls ($14) that adorn our kitchen shelves to tons of great floral arrangements - there are tons of great high quality options to bring a little Spring into the house.
   
5. Cute Signage - We've always relied on Target or Homegoods for cute little wooden signs to sprinkle around our home, but we realized Amazon has some great options too. This wooden "welcome" sign comes in at $18, and this adorable "happiness" one matches so well with some of the pillows from above.
   
6. Bright Dish Towels - If you're like us, there's always a dish towel on hand in the kitchen. We tend to switch them out for the seasons or holidays, and Amazon has been a great source for inexpensive options. We love this bright lemon set (4 for $13!) and we just added this "Happy Everything" towel ($12) to our cart.
   
7. Candles - We always have a candle burning in our home. Our favorite is the Capri Blue candles that we stock up on at Findlay Rowe, but we stumbled upon these Lulu candles on Amazon as a more cost effective option. They have TONS of great reviews and smell fabulous! 

Do you have any home decor items you love from Amazon? Do share! 

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Tie-Dye with your kids!

Happy Friday!!!  I hope everyone has had a great week.  It was Spring Break for my kids this week and since we were going to be stuck at home I was a little worried about how the week would go.  At least during our school weeks half of the day is taken up with school work, but this week actually went by really fast. We kept ourselves entertained around here and managed to squeeze in some fun activities, too!

One thing that we all loved doing was tie-dye!!!!  Now, it is a MESS, but totally worth it and we all had a lot of fun.  I did a tie-dye birthday party for my daughter a few years ago and learned a lot during that process.  If you are looking for a fun activity I would totally recommend doing some tie-dye at home with your kids.

I bought this tie-dye kit on Amazon for under $15. It comes in a bunch of different colors and some are available right away, but others are not going to be available until a few weeks. I also found kits by the same brand HERE and HERE. These kits come with all of the dye, plastic gloves, and rubber bands needed to make the different designs.

I ordered a few packs of white t-shirts (these do shrink!) and also some plain white sweatshirts (only $8) for us to dye.  The directions say to wash all of the items you are going to tie-dye so I did that the day before. Then it was time to prep our shirts. I set up a table outside and the girls and I cut some of our shirts to make tank tops, crop tops (them, not me!), and I distressed my sweatshirt.

Then we looked up ideas online for how to fold, twist, swirl, and tie up the shirts.  After we got all the shirts done we were ready to dye. I used plastic bins and would 100% recommend finding something around the house you could put the shirts in before putting the dye on.  Plastic tubs, a bowl or something like that.  After each shirt was done I put it in a plastic bag with their name on it and we would rinse the containers out so the color didn't absorb into their next shirt.

This is definitely an outdoor activity. It made a huge mess inside and I can't imagine doing this indoors.  My kids were pretty good about keeping the color on the shirts, but we had a few mishaps here and there and my hands ended up looking tie-dyed in the end!

The directions say to let the shirts sit for 6-8 hours, but we left ours in the bags for 24 hours.  The next step is to rinse out all of the excess color.  This takes WAY longer than you would imagine.  My kids like doing a lot of the dye!  The last time we did this I rinsed the shirts in my laundry room sink, but this time I decided to let the kids help do it outside with a hose.  It took a lot of spraying/rinsing/squeezing. We all got totally soaked and at one point my son went to put on a bathing suit.  They had a blast!

Once the water is mostly clean it is finally it was time to take the rubber bands off and see how our designs turned out!  This is the MOST fun part because I feel like you never know what it will look like!

The last step is to wash each of the items in hot water. I washed in groups of like colors because there is still some bleeding of the colors that happen.  We couldn't be happier with how all of ours turned out.  I was most surprised about my sweatshirt because I was expecting it to just be green and white. However, it turned out to be this really pretty green and teal color.  Never could have planned that if I tried!

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter weekend at HOME!!!  See you all back here next week. :-)

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Dip Powder Nails At Home

Hi Friends!  Last week my girls and I decided to try to do our own SNS nails at home and I was so pleasantly surprised by how well they turned out that I wanted to share my experience with all of you.  SNS is also known as a dip powder manicure.  It is the weirdest thing and I have no idea who came up with this idea, but it is so cool!  They paint a base coat on your nails, you dip it into this colored powder, and it hardens on your nails.  I love it because my nails are naturally really thin and break/chip easily and this makes them thick and strong.  Plus, it lasts for several weeks!

I usually go every 2 1/2 weeks to get mine done at the nail salon and the girls have gotten theirs done a few times as a special treat.  Since everything is closed right now I decided to try a DIY kit that I got off Amazon.

The first step was removing my old SNS.  Anyone who follows us on Instagram might have seen Jen's stories about this process a few weeks ago.  Let's just say it did not go well.  Turns out she was using non-acetone remover and to get this stuff off you have to use 100% acetone.  Thankfully, I had some on hand and I have taken mine off at home before.  Some people like to do the cotton ball and foil method, but I find it easier to put a small piece of a paper towel in a zip top baggie and add the acetone.  Then just soak each hand and rub your nails against the paper towel to remove the SNS.  It takes about 10-15 minutes and you are all done!

The set I ordered came with everything we needed.  It had 8 small dip powders and all of the base coat, activator, top coat bottles.  It also had very clear step-by-step directions to follow.

I did both of my girls' nails first and was giddy with excitement at how easy they were to do.

As I mentioned, getting a dip powder manicure is a special treat for my girls so they were beyond excited to learn that we can now do this at home.

I did my nails last and felt that I had the hang of it by then. Here's the thing...if you look closely, they aren't perfect, but they are certainly good enough. I feel like this is the kind of thing that you will get better at the more often you do it and I definitely won't be afraid to file the edges next time to make it look even better.

I really don't know that I'll go back to get my nails done professionally on a regular basis except for special occasions.  I'm one week in and the edges have started to lift a bit as they have grown out, but they still look and feel great.

Note: I found a lot of dip powder kits on Amazon and at few other retailers HERE, but they are all currently unavailable.  I know that we are all in the same boat and everyone scrambled to order their own kits to give this a try at home. I would certainly keep checking back in hopes that they will restock soon!  

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Book Club: April

Happy April! It's April Fool's Day, and somehow it all feels like since March we've been trapped in a joke. These are such crazy times to be living in, and each day we wake up it seems almost surreal.

Considering in early March our schedules became wide open, time for reading increased dramatically. For everyone.

Last week our kids chatted about their favorite books. But today is all about books for the mamas because it's Book Club day!

If you aren't a big reader that's okay. You can still chat. We all might need to sit down and hash out the phenomenon/train wreck that is Tiger King. It might require far more drinks though...

WHAT WE READ...

CARRIE BETH

Before we got stuck at home because of this crazy Coronavirus I was still running kids here, there and everywhere so I had time to listen to one book.  After that...nothing. No time to listen and no time to read or maybe it was just that I have no motivation? Honestly, I think it is because I have very little "me" time these days. I know things will get back to normal, but I know it will take a while. The one book I actually did finish last month was Jessica Simpson's memoir, Open Book. 

I LOVED Jessica Simpson at the beginning of her career and loved her on Newlyweds.  I used to tell my hairdresser I wanted to be "Jessica Simpson blonde" and thought she was just so pretty!  

She was SO honest in her book. I loved hearing about her childhood, her family, how she got started in showbiz and the crazy rollercoaster ride that followed.  I knew she was a religious person, but I didn't realize how much her faith played a big role in her life. She had a lot of high moments, but a lot of really low ones, too.  She was brutally honest with the stories in her book and it honestly made me love her even more.  If you have ever been a fan or just want a peek inside what the music business is like, this is a great one to read.  I loved listening to this one because it was narrated by Jessica Simpson herself! 

JEN

Well, sit down and grab and extra glass of wine/coffee/tequila whatever is keeping you afloat these days. In March if I wasn't helping the kids with their school work, packing for our move, or virtually trying to put together a home, I was reading. 

I really enjoyed everything I read this month! Which hasn't happened in awhile. So here we go...

First up was Colleen Oakley's You Were There Too. This was on my "suggested list" on Kindle so I downloaded it through Audible. This book was a little unbelievable in its premise, but I loved how it was different than anything else I have read before. It might be one of my favorite of the year so far. The story follows Mia who seemingly has the perfect life - perfect house, perfect husband, etc. Even her dreams are perfect. She has incredible dreams about a mystery man. They've been happening since college. Then one day she meets him in person. And here's catch - he dreams of her too! I don't want to give too much of it away, but this book has a little bit of everything - infertility issues, a love story, depression, domestic abuse, more love story, and an ending that both gives you closure, yet wanting more. 

(I would give this a light rated R for some of the content...or at least a trigger warning.)

Next up is Mr. Nobody by Catherine Steadman. I remember reading Something in the Water a few years ago and enjoying it. So when I saw a new book came out by the same author I gave it a whirl. I feel like she writes psychological thrillers how I like them - a little light on the psycho and thriller sides. Although the antagonist is this one is pretty psycho once you figure out who it is. I tried to listen to this via Audible, but had to finish it by reading it. It's read by the author, but the voice she used was putting me off. The book follows the relationship between a neuropsychologist named Emma and a patient she's been asked to work with that was found washed up on a beach with no memory. There were some parts of this story that I didn't think fit with the rest of the book, and there's a ton of build-up to kind of a weak ending. But still a story that kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting to figure it out. Give it a read over listening to it! 

Okay the next up - let me introduce you to Camille Pagán. I stumbled upon her while searching books on my Kindle and after reading the first book I was hooked. And thanks to the Coronavirus  quarantine we've all found ourselves in, I was able to read three of her books back to back. I like that she writes with a mix of funny, chic lit and emotion all wrapped up in one great story. It was just what my brain needed during these crazy times. 

I was introduced to her in Life and Other Near Death Experiences. The main character finds out a secret her husband has been harboring for their entire marriage on the same day she gets bad news from her doctor. She decides to handle both pieces of information by jumping on the nearest plane to a tropical location. Insert a romance, humor, a happy ending, and you have the perfect pandemic read. 

It was quick, and easy so I  moved onto This Won't End Well. This follows the story of Annie, a chemist who just learns what happens when the head of the company sexually harasses you. At the same time her fiancé calls from the airport to let her know he is leaving for Paris for one month to think about some things and to not contact him for a month. This one throws in the same humor, a funny set of neighbors, a private investigator, and another happy ending. You get where this is going yet? Fun and easy! 

Last for the month was I'm Fine and Neither Are You. This one switches gears a little bit. The story is covers motherhood, friendship, and marriage. It is a little more heavy than the previous two books  I read (but still keeps it on the lighter side), and touches on some deeper topics, but still follows along with the same style of writing. There's a nod to bloggers in this novel, and while you go through a plethora of emotions the ending will make you smile. 

Overall I enjoyed all three reads, and look forward to reading more by Camille Pagán. 

(Note: I signed up for a Kindle Unlimited membership.  If you are a reader, and have the Kindle app or a Kindle device, it might be worth looking into during the quarantine. There are tons of books on there (like the ones I read by Pagán) for adults and kids. You can also listen to all the books for free too. There are also a ton of great popular magazines included for free. First 30 days are free, and then it is $9.99 afterwards if you aren't a prime member. You can cancel anytime. Worth a look into to save money on reading if you or your family is burning through books right now. )

WHAT'S UP NEXT...

CARRIE BETH

I downloaded The Jetsetters by Amanda Eyre Ward a few weeks ago and have yet to start it.  Maybe this is the week?!?!  I always like the Reese's Book Club picks so hoping to get to this one soon. 

JEN

I've already got my first book ready to go. It came highly recommended so I can't wait to dig in. It's In Five Years by Rebecca Serle. 

What have you been reading lately? We need some great suggestions to get us through the quarantine! 

BOOK CLUB 2020

| January | February | March |

Follow along with us on Goodreads!

HAPPY READING! 

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Yummy Delicious Cookies Kits

Since we are all home for the foreseeable future, finding ways to entertain everyone 24-7 has been a constant challenge. Sure, we have school work and home projects to keep us entertained. But, that can only go so far in terms of hours out of our day. It's been a struggle now that we are more than two weeks into Coronavirus Quarantine 2020.

Luckily, some of our fabulous friends have come up with unique ways to help us battle the dreaded quarantine boredom.

A few weeks ago, our friend Deb announced she was going to make some fun cookie kits for kids to decorate their own cookies at home.

What a great idea! Needless to say, we instantly signed up for some.

Deb owns Yummy Delicious Cookies. She designs and bakes the most delicious custom cookies. Anytime we have a party or a shower, we jump at the chance to see what Deb can whip us up. When it comes to the Yummy Delicious Cookie Kits, she literally has thought of everything.

The first kit released was this fun Disney themed one.

The kit includes instructions, all the supplies you need, frosting, sprinkles and - of course - her yummy delicious cookies.

The kids had a blast with this activity.

It was fun to see how each child approached their cookie decorating and what unique designs they each came up with.

We had so much fun with this activity. And bonus - it was a yummy one for mom too!

Deb is releasing a new cookie kit each week. The next one is this adorable Spring themed one and it will be available for pick-up on April 3rd. We already can't wait!

Find out information on how you can order your own Yummy Delicious Cookie Kit here or here.

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Our Elementary & Middle Grades Students Favorite Books

Reading is always important to us, and an activity we try to encourage our kids to do. We have all different levels of readers, and all different types of readers. Some prefer a quick and easy book, some prefer a more in depth chapter book, and some want to skip the reading and go straight to the Audible version. Either way we feel reading - no matter how you are doing it - is super important.

Now that we all find ourselves home a little more than normal (Okay, a lot more than normal. Thanks pandemic of 2020.), we've had way more downtime as a family to read. We know a lot of friends struggling to find things for their kids to read right now, so we asked our kids what their favorite books are.

Some of their choices we weren't shocked by, and some we were surprised about. Here are their current book recommendations.

ELEMENTARY GRADE READERS

• Graphic Novels - Several of our kids went on a graphic novel kick for a while. Topping the list are the Dogman Series, Captain Underpants Series, and Babysitter's Club Series. 
• Dragon Book Series - Written by the infamous author of the Captain Underpants Series, these Acorn books are excellent for early elementary school readers. They have short, quick chapters, colorful pictures, and that silly humor Pilkey is known for. 
• Unicorn & Yeti Series -  Another Acorn chapter book series. Super fun, with short chapters designed for early elementary school readers. 
• Princess in Black Series - Cross a princess with a super hero and you get Princess in Black. This is a new favorite we received at Christmas, but perfect for those who are just getting into chapter books. 

• Notebook of Doom Series - A cute, fun not-so-horror story series for kids. Lots of pictures and easy chapters that make it fun for kids. Our kids have loved these. (Bonus: It has no potty talk!)
• Ball Park Mysteries Series - If you have a sports loving little one these Ball Park Mysteries are perfect. Both our boys love these. Each story takes place in a famous ball park in the United States. 

Upper Elementary School Reading

• Harry Potter Series - This is a no brainer classic that almost every child loves. We've been reading them and then watching the movie after. We also love this illustrated version that has pictures that kids can use to enjoy and aid their imagination. 
• Wonder - A story of a special child and kindness! It was made into a movie, but read the book first. Definitely a story everyone should put on their list. 
• Because of Mr. Terupt - This follows a group of students thrown together in a fifth grade class with a new teacher who teaches lessons just beyond the typical classroom subjects. The sequels  (Mr. Terupt Falls Again and Saving Mr. Terupt) are also great too! 
• The One and Only Ivan - Told from the point of view of Ivan, a gorilla living in captivity in a mall for 27 years. Such a heart warming story and it was made into a movie! The sequel, The One and Only Bob, comes out in May! 

MIDDLE GRADE READERS

• When - This story tops our Middle Schooler's list. It follows a young girl who has the unique ability to see people's death date on their forehead. The talent throws her into a police investigation in this fast paced read. 
• 5 Feet Apart - For fans of The Fault in Our Stars. This heartwarming story follows two terminally ill teens who become friends, and have one wish - to be together. 
• The Sun is Also a Star - Two teens on very different paths run into each other in NYC. Scientifically it makes no sense why they would fall in love - but some would say it was written in the stars. Such a beautiful book and it has a movie follow up for more entertainment. 
• A Dog's Purpose - A heartwarming story about a dog's perspective on his humans. Another great one where a movie is available after the read. 
• Percy Jackson Series - We read/listened to this series over the course of last Summer. It mixes humor, Greek Mythology, and action. Our kids loved it! (see review link below)
• Artemis Fowl Series - Another great series to read now before the movie comes out in a few months. This one is action packed from start to finish.  A 12 year old millionaire super genius that just happens to be a criminal mastermind - what's not to love when you're in middle school? 

OTHER GREAT SUGGESTIONS

Here are a few posts from the past where we chatted about kids' book suggestions. We thought these might be helpful, or give you fun activities to help extend the reading.   

• Books To Get Boys Reading
• Percy Jackson Book Review & Activities
• Shark Books for Kids
• Review of Amazon's Kindle for Kids
• 10 Favorite Easter Books

OTHER RESOURCES TO HELP

Here are a few other fun kid's reading sources that we have found that are a huge help in encouraging reading lately or are great places to get free or online books that your little ones can enjoy. 

• Audible Kids- Amazon announced that Audible is doing a selection of free online audio books for the duration of everyone's quarantine. They work on a desktop, laptop, tablet or phone.
• Open Library - A free online library of digital and audio books. You check out books and return them just like you do at your local library. 
• Over Drive - Another free online library. 
• Storyline - Books read to kids online by celebrities (our kids love this!). 

What are some of your kids favorite books? We would love to add some to our list! 

Also, if you know of any other great resources we should add to our list let us know. 

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