{ Project Organization and Spring Cleaning }

Is anyone else feeling that urge to do some spring cleaning? I totally am! I don't know if it's because we've been in our new house now for about 4 months and we still aren't unpacked and organized... or if it's just that time of year... but I desperately need some help!

In order to help encourage myself... and to hopefully inspire motivate you to do some spring cleaning and organizing of your own, I am planning an entire month dedicated solely to that purpose! Each day of the week {mon-fri} I will be posting a new "project" for us! Each post will include pictures and links from other websites that I love as well as my own ideas, projects, and FREEBIES! Fridays will have larger projects so that you can spend the weekend working on it... or use your weekend to catch up on anything that was left unfinished earlier in the week!

My hope is to organize, de-clutter, and spring clean my house in 1 month! I have broken it down into smaller, easier, more accomplishable {I'm not totally sure that's a word, but I'm going with it!} tasks to reach my {our} ultimate goal!

Tomorrow kicks off this wonderful month! So, today, in preparation, I want you to sit down and make a list of what it is that you want to clean, organize, de-clutter, and improve upon.

Hopefully this month we will all be able to go from this:

to this! {ahhh!}


Tomorrow: Creating Command Central

{ Mingle Monday 3.28.2011 }

Welcome to another week! I don't have much to say this week because I am working on all of my {what I hope will be helpful} posts for next month's "project organization". Make sure you check back on the 31st {Thursday} for an intro to April!

I think I caught everyone who commented last week, but if I didn't, feel free to leave another comment on this week's hop and I will follow you back!

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{ Getting Ready for Next Month's "Project Organization" }

Remember, if you are planning to take party in next month's "project organization" challenge, feel free to hop over to I Heart Organizing and grab these downloads for this month! Just scroll down and go to the older posts to find them all. If you don't want them all, no worries. Pick and choose which ones you want for your family and keep them in a file folder in your computer until next month! Make sure you get them now becasue they won't be available on her site next month!

Plus, while you are over visiting her blog, make sure you hang around and read some of her fantastic posts and organizing ideas! Her etsy shop has darling customized printables that you can order from her. She will customize them to meet your family needs!

{ Dairy- Free, Egg-Free Chocolate Cake Recipe - Simply DELICIOUS!! }

Last weekend was my daughter's 4th birthday! I was hunting around for a chocolate cake recipe {her favorite} that my son could eat. I found this delicious recipe here on the Organizing Junkie website! I substituted regular flour for the gluten-free flour combo in her recipe since we don't have to eat Gluten-free!

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{ 1,000 Follower Appreciation Giveaway Winner! }

Thanks to everyone who entered the big giveaway this month! I loved reading all of the wonderful comments you had about the products!

Our luck winner {thanks to random.org} is # 9!
 
amazey said...
9 from the Little Girls' garden, I would get the Robert Kaufman Confections Cupcake Pink Girls Reversible ART SMOCK/ APRON with Brown Binding.



Congrats!! I am sending you an email! You have 24 hrs to get back to me or a new winner will be selected!!

{ Mingle Monday - 3.21.2011 }

This week I re-designed my blog. I would love to get some feedback! ☺

Also, I am planning an organzing/de-cluttering tutorial month for April! I will be featuring different tips, tricks, design ideas, and organizational tools for all aspects of the home, being a small business owner, and for life in general! If there is anything in particular you would love to read tips and tricks about, leave a comment and I will try and work it in to my schedule!

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If you are new to the hop, leave me a comment with the link to your blog and I will stop by this week and follow you!

Here's how to join in the fun!
• Become a follower of mine (GFC - on the right-hand sidebar)
• Grab my button!
• Link yourself to the list
• Visit whoever you want and tell them you are stopping by from Mingle Monday
• Tell your friends.. and come back next week! ☺

{** Open to family friendly blogs ONLY, please!}

{ Preview to Next Month's Theme - Plus Something to Download }

As a sneak peek... I am giving you a heads up that April will be my organizing/decluttering/spring cleaning month on the blog!! I will be pulling inspiration from all over bloggy-land {from some of my favorite sites} as well as sharing my own tips and tricks! {I may even include some before and after pics of my own disorganized messes!!}

So, I am giving you a link to some great things to download in preparation for next month! Why am I asking you to do it now? Because these great downloads are only available this month {March}! Make sure you download them now so that you have them for next month's challenge!

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IHeart Organizing

Visit I Heart Organizing and download the items for a household binder that you think would be most helpful to you. If you have your own blog, there is a great set of downloads for keeping track of your bloggy-world! This has become one of my all-time favorite sites! Jen has great ideas and is super creative when it comes to way to organize things! She has created several printables that you can download to help you stay more organized. She also sells printables in her etsy shop I Heart Organizing. She will customize these charts for your specific family needs! How wonderful is that!?!

So, download these files, save them in a folder, and next month we will learn what to do with them!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

{ Last Chance to Enter my Follower Appreciation Giveaway!! }

Today is the last day to enter my follower appreciation giveaway. You might look at these items and think... I don't have a girl, I won't use it, I won't enter!

Well... even if you don't have any little girls at home, you can still enter! I am sure you know a little girl who would love to have one of these beautiful items!






What if you have a boy? It's totally worth entering because you could win one of these fantastic art smock/aprons!


So, make sure you stop by here and enter!

Grocery List Printable

In an effort to be a little more organized {and as a preview to next month's theme} I have created this grocery list organizer.

Here's how I plan to use mine! I am going to laminate it {using my Xyron machine} and put it in the kitchen. Then I can add items to my list throughout the week using a dry erase marker. When I'm ready to go shopping I already know what I need! I am thinking probably I will used one of those nifty command hooks and attach this list to the inside of one of my kitchen cabinets {but I will leave pictures of that for next month!}

Or ... you can save it and print a new one each week when you do your shopping. Items are already categorized to help in the grocery store! I am all about functionality!
In the meantime, I am making this list available for download! If you choose to download my creation, please do not resale {respect my hardwork!} or share your file with others. Instead, feel free to link back to my blog and this post to share with others!

In addition, I would love to hear how you plan to use your list! Leave me a comment and let me know what your plans are!


Click here to download the full size PDF file!


Here is another colorway with an updated look. You can download the updated version here

Skin MD Giveaway Winner

Thanks for all those who entered the giveaway for this fantastic lotion! I still use it everyday!! The lucky winner of a FULL SIZE bottle of their own is... #7 - Small Town Mommy!

I have sent you an email. Please respond to that email within 48 hours or I will choose a new winner!

{ Mingle Monday - 3.14.2011 }

Before you link up for Mingle Monday, make sure you stop by here and enter my "1,000 Followers Appreciation Giveaway!" This giveaway ends on Friday, so make sure to get all your entries in!!

 Here is just a peek at something you could win!


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Also....I have extended my Skin MD giveaway through today {Monday}! Today is your last chance to get entries in for my Skin MD giveaway. Right now there are less than 10 entries! This is super great lotion ... and the winner gets a FULL SIZE BOTTLE {that's a 3 month supply!} Make sure you visit here to enter to win!!



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If you are new to the hop, leave me a comment with the link to your blog and I will stop by this week and follow you!

Here's how to join in the fun!
• Become a follower of mine (GFC - on the right-hand sidebar)
• Grab my button!
• Link yourself to the list
• Visit whoever you want and tell them you are stopping by from Mingle Monday
• Tell your friends.. and come back next week! ☺

{** Open to family friendly blogs ONLY, please!}

{ 1,000 Followers Appreciation Giveaway!!! }

This giveaway is now closed. Winner will be announced on Monday, March 21st!

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It is finally time!! After a whole week of anticipation and reading about the wonderful sponsors in store for this giveaway... it is finally time to find out what this giveaway is all about!

Thank you so much to all of the wonderful people I have met through this blog.. and a bigger thank you to all of you who come back week after week for the blog hop and leave such wonderful comments!! In honor of YOU, I have put together this giveaway... I hope you like it! ☺

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Here are the wonderful items included in this fan-tab-ulous {!!} giveaway {sponsors are listed in no particular order}:

The Bitsy Beau { you can read about there shop here } has graciously offered this wonderful clip set!


It is a set of 2 baby snap clips. They are perfect for infants, toddler, preschoolers, and older! I actually have these in my possesion currently... and let me just tell you, this picture just doesn't do it justice! They are so stinkin' adorable!!

{ The Little Girl's Garden }

If you don't have a little girl, you may be hoping for something in this giveaway {coming soon} for your little guy! Well... this fantastic shop has it!!

The Little Girl's Garden is actually an Etsy shop owned and operated by a friend of mine! I was thrilled when she decided to sign on as a sponsor for this fan-tab-ulous giveaway!

Here is a little bit about Jenny, store owner: {from her Etsy profile}

"I am a mom and I love it! I enjoy spending my time with my husband and two sweet daughters. But when the stars align and I have some free time, I like to spend it cleaning and crafting. My mom did a wonderful job teaching me how to cut paper, sew fabric and string beads. Now I use that knowledge to create fun things for my girls and friends!"

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And now... for a peek at the fun things she has in her shop!

The Little Girl's Garden makes and sells adorable aprons/art smocks for little ones {and not so little ones - preschoolers}. They are perfect for eating, crafting, painting, playing, and dress up! They are washable, and reversible!!

For the GIRLS:


Love the bright colors! My daughter would love this... because her favorite color is... of course... pink!



This one is perfect for the little girl who loves to help out in the kitchen! So yummy!!

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For the BOYS:



What little boy doesn't like dinosaurs!!!



Great apron for helping Dad with his tools. The pockets are a wonderful place to keep his "toy tools" as he "helps"!

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And... my current favorite {because it's my blog and I can share what I want!}:



{I think once this giveaway is over, I may have to buy this one!!}

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Jenny is adding more fun things to her shop all the time, so go check it out here.

... and stay tuned for my follower appreciation giveaway to follow SOON! You definitely won't want to miss this one!! Get ready to start entering ... and share it with your friends!!

{ Little Hatchlings }

Today is brief window into another wonderful sponsor for the upcoming giveaway!! Introducing... Little Hatchlings!

First off, let me just say... when you click on the link to visit this store... make sure your computer speakers are on. I am just listening to this peaceful music while I type this post! You'll see what I mean when you visit! 

Here is a little about Little Hatchlings: { from their Etsy profile }

"Ever since I was a little girl, I have been in love with arts and crafts. I love spending hours in the craft store and when I leave, it feels as if no time has passed. I love the fact that you can lose yourself in your own creativity. I love the squeals of delight when my daughter sees the creations that I have made.

I have two amazing little girls. It is from these two kiddos that my creations come to life. My 6 year old is imaginative beyond belief. My 1 year old baby is very inquisitive and is still discovering her new world. "

Working with Little Hatchlings has been an absolute pleasure! Their talent and creativity is amazing! Want to see what I mean???


Not only is this headband absolutely gorgeous, but the model makes me want to have another little girl so I can buy all these cute things to dress her up in!!



Little Hatchlings has the most darling headbands {both elastic and rigid}. They are always up for custom orders too, so if there is something in particular you are looking for, just ask!



Little Hatchlings is truly talented!!

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Want to see more of their work? Check them out herehere, or here.

Can't wait to share with you what they have donated for the giveaway!! How was I so lucky to have such wonderful sponsers!?! {Maybe it's just the music from Little Hatchlings website but I think I am in a sentimental mood!}

Stay tuned for tomorrow's super sponsor introduction!!!

{ The Bitsy Beau }

Today's Spotlight Sponsor is The Bitsy Beau! Katrina is such a doll!! She has offered some of her creativity and talent to our big giveaway later this week {still not telling you exactly when ☺}!!

Here is a little bit about her {from her Etsy profile}:
" I am a stay at home mom with three amazing children, a wonderful husband and two dogs (pet free studio of course).
I have always loved making things and especially love designing hair accessories and hand knit keepsakes. Whether you are looking for everyday accessories or something special for a birthday, wedding, photo session, holiday, or any special occasion, I will take great care to make that item perfect for you."

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Here are a couple of the wonderfully cute things she has up in her store right now!


Lady Bug Flower Headband with Feathers. Such a cute headband!



Set of Two Peach and Coral Shabby Chic Baby Snap Clips. Great for newborns, toddlers, and preschoolers looking for just a little something extra!!




Turquoise and Orange Flower Headband. First of all... how adorable is this little model!!?!? Second, what a gorgeous headband!!!



White Ruffled Baby Toddler Bow. These bows are absolutely beautiful! Katrina does great work!!

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Now that you have seen a taste of what she makes, I can't wait to share with you what Katrina will be sharing with our lucky winner!! In the meantime, feel free to head over to The Bitsy Beau and take a look around!!

{ 1,000 Fan Appreciation Giveaway - Introducing Curly Girly Bow•tique }

Well, it finally happened! I have officially passed the 1,000 follower mark! What a HUGE accomplishment! Thanks to all my followers and especially those of you who have been here from the very beginning!

Since opening my little shop and building up my blog just over a year ago, I now have over 350 sales {through Etsy}, over 1,000 followers, and more than 200 fans on Facebook! It's been a long, hard journey to get this far, but I am so excited at what the future will bring!!

To show my appreciation and gratitude to all of you, I have put together a great set of goodies for a BIG giveaway!! Each day this week leading up to the big giveaway post, I will be spotlighting one of the sponsors for the giveaway. It will give you a chance to get to know them and what wonderful talent they have! Towards the end of the week {I won't say exactly when.. if you want to be the first to know, become a fan on facebook} I will post the giveaway pics and all of your chances to enter! {There will be a bunch!}

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Today, I would like to introduce you to Curly Girly Bow•tique! Amanda is a mommy to 3 and has her own blog called Too Blessed To Be Stressed where she does product reviews and much more! Amanda and I have a HUGE thing in common! We both have children with severe food allergies! I have totally scoped out her blog and if you have any food allergies in your family, you have to go check it out. She has great recipes, awesome links, and lots of advice!

She just recently opened her Curly Girly Bow•tique Etsy shop and the items she has for sale are so cute! I took a couple pictures from her shop to show you the fun things she makes with her creative talents!!

This adorable item is a Ballet Slippers Hair Bow Clip. This cute clip is great if your daughter is into ballet! How adorable!!

Curly Girly Bow•tique also has these cute little baby snap clips. Perfect for a newborn with lots of hair or to make your toddler even more precious!! They are small, easy to use, and oh-so cute!


Curly Girly Bow•tique also has these amazing clips. This one is Tinkerbell {as if you couldn't tell}. She also sells Cinderella, Belle, Ariel, and Rapunzel! You'll have to take a look at her shop to see those!
She also sells bow clips! Great for attaching to a crocheted headband, or just to clip in their hair! The great thing about these clips is that if you have a favorite headband, you can dress it up a million different ways with these clips giving you endless wardrobe possibilities! ☺

Her clips are perfect for your little girl, or to give as a gift! Give it away at a baby shower or a birthday party!

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I am not showing you the item she has graciously offered to our winner... I want that to be a surprise... but I will tell you this much... she is offering two items and both are way more adorable than even the cute things pictured here! {hard to believe, I know.. but they are!}

Stay tuned for tomorrow's spotlight!

Mingle Monday - 3.7.2011

It is looking like this week I will officially reach 1,000 followers! Whoopee!! In honor of all of you guys and gals, I have found some really great sponsers and will be posting a fantastic giveaway later this week!

In the meantime, Skin MD has graciously offered a full sized bottle of their fantastic lotion to a lucky reader! Make sure you visit my review and enter to win!!

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If you are new to the hop, leave me a comment with the link to your blog and I will stop by this week and follow you!

Here's how to join in the fun!
• Become a follower of mine (GFC - on the right-hand sidebar)
• Grab my button!
• Link yourself to the list
• Visit whoever you want and tell them you are stopping by from Mingle Monday
• Tell your friends.. and come back next week! ☺

Have a great week everyone! Make sure you are a fan of mine on Facebook so you know when the HUGE giveaway is posted later this week!! Plus... there may be some other coupon codes thrown out on facebook this week {hint, hint}... so.. become a fan!

{ A New Spin on an Old Recipe }

I wanted to make something fun for breakfast this morning and found a box of Jiffy's Blueberry Muffin Mix in my pantry!

For those of you who are new to the blog, my two-year-old son has severe food allergies to milk, eggs, and peanuts! One thing I LOVE about the Jiffy mixes is that they only call for one egg. I can easily add my egg substitute to the mix, use soy milk instead of regular milk, and voila! My son can eat them!!

Today I tried something different though, with fantastically delicious results!!


Ingredients:
• 1 box Jiffy Blueberry Muffin Mix
• 1 T applesauce
• 1/3 c almond milk
{if you can't have almonds, then definitely use soy... it's still yummy!}

Mix everything together in a bowl. Scoop batter into 6 muffin cups. {I use the big cookie scoop to do mine... so much easier than using a spoon!} Bake as directed on the box.

I let my muffins sit in the pan for about 10 minutes after taking them out of the oven. Why? One, so they can cool off before my kiddos devour them. Two, It makes taking off the wrappers a little easier. As they sit in the hot pan, the outsides continue to cook a little more so that the paper doesn't take half the muffin with it when you peel it off!



Why do I only have 4 in my picture?? Because two were devoured faster than I could take the picture!!



You can see that my son wears a medical alert bracelet on his wrist. One of the tips from the allergy books I read is to make sure {especially kids} have one of these on. Just in case there is ever an accident or anything and I am not around, the last thing I want to happen is to have a thoughtful rescue person {firefighter, policeman, doctor, etc.} give  him a big glass of milk!

Skin MD Review and Giveaway

I was contacted by Skin MD a bit ago to do a review of their lotion. In case you haven't heard of their lotion or their company, I grabbed a bit of info from their website {below} for you to get to know them a little bit!

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About Skin MD {according to their website}

Skin MD is a sheilding lotion. The company produces two kinds : natural and natural with an SPF in it. The company is eco friendly. They use 100% solar power to manufacture their products. They do not test on animals nor do they use animal products in their lotions!

Skin MD's sheilding lotion doesn't just moisturize your skin, but it keeps your skin from drying out. It is a water-proof, oil-free, and fragrence-free solution so that your skin doesn't dry out from repeated hand washings throughout the day. It is safe to use on your body, hands, and face.

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My Review


I was sent a full size bottle of their lotion and 4 travel size packets for my review. I haven't broken into the travel packets yet, but they are great to keep in my purse {diaper bag} for on-the-go-use!! The great thing about this lotion is that a little really goes a l-o-n-g way! After using the product for about a week, I don't think I have even made a dent in this bottle!

I put it on in the morning after my shower and I don't feel like I need to put on any more lotion until bedtime! In comparison, when I use my regular lotion, I probably put it on my hands 3-4 times during the day... maybe more!

I love to put it on at night after washing my face. I rub it into my hands then a little on my face. That's one of the great things about this lotion, is that I can do that! ☺ My husband loves that it is fragrence-free. He is not big on lotion smells and he can't even tell when I put this on. It literally doesn't smell!! Most frgrance-free lotion still has a scent, but this one doesn't. I don't know how they did it!

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Want a bottle of your own?

Skin MD has graciously offered a lucky reader a full size bottle of their own Skin MD Natural lotion {a $18.99 value that lasts 2-3 months!} Here's how to enter:
Mandatory Entry: You must be a KdBuggie Boutique follower! Leave me a comment that you are a follower. Please include your email address so that you can be notified if you win!
1 additional entry: Visit Skin MD's website and leave me a comment with information about this lotion that I didn't mention.
1 additional entry: Become a Facebook fan of KdBuggie Boutique and leave a message of my wall! Then comment here that you did!
3 additional entries: Blog about this giveaway and leave me three seperate comments here telling me you blogged and giving me the link to your post!

All entries must be received by March 13, 2011. Winner will be announced on Monday, March 14th! Good luck!!

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Skin MD sent me 1 full size bottle of their lotion in exchange for a written review. My review is entirely my own opinion and reflects my own view of their product based on my usage of it.