3 Ways to Make Sparkly Easter Eggs

Compensation provided by Snack Pack® via Mode Media

I love Easter. We never really do too much for Easter - sometimes we go and visit my Dad, other years we just stay home...but there is something about the impending spring and summer months that make Easter just special.

How to Make 3D Glitter Snowflakes

Compensation provided by Snack Pack® via Mode Media

Just because school is back in session and the holiday break is behind us (can you believe it’s been a month already?), it doesn’t mean that you can’t still celebrate winter.

We are heading up to play in the snow on Monday for Emma’s birthday, so I thought it would be fun to get in the spirit and create some glittery 3D snowflake decorations. Even though Emma chose a snow trip over a party this year, I still like to make her big day special and make the house pretty and have some tasty treats to eat on her big day.

13 Memories to Make This January

Memories can and should be made everyday. Making memories and celebrating life doesn’t always mean having to go somewhere elaborate or by spending lots of money. Memories are made by spending quality time with people you love. This year I want to inspire you to do something special, something you perhaps wouldn’t have thought of doing each month. Every month I’ll share several ideas of ways that you can make memories, and I’d love to hear your ideas as well. Just comment below or send me a Tweet with your ideas!

Last Minute Holiday Necessities to Have in Your House for Guests

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Can you believe that Christmas is just a few short days away? This year we aren’t having any guests over and it will just be the five of us here, however in year’s past we’ve had friends and family stay with us over the holidays, and even though I’m going to have a house full of hustle and bustle this year, I’m going to appreciate the time spent together with just us and the kids.

If you are going to have a house full of guests this next week, you are probably in full preparation mode, making sure the pantry is stocked and towels are washed. I think that it doesn’t take a lot to make guests happy, you just a few holiday necessities that can be easily created and purchased. Here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to stock up this next week:

5 Ways to Get Your Face Ready For Holiday Photos

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HolidayGlow #CollectiveBias

You guys - it’s here. The Holiday season is upon us which means parties, dinners, events, and outings are surrounding us - as well as many opportunities to be featured in everyone’s photos.

It’s hard not to be self-conscious or shy of photos this year - after all, we are all eating a little more and probably partaking a little more than usual. But that doesn’t mean that next time your co-worker grabs your hand and drags you into the photo booth at the company’s holiday party that you should duck and run for cover.

In fact, I think you should do quite the opposite. This year, throw all of your insecurities aside and say ‘cheese’. Have fun, celebrate, and make memories.

How to Create a Memorable Date Night

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BeHealthyForEveryPartOfLife #CollectiveBias

Date nights are a rare occasion around here. Between schedules, kids, kid’s schedules, and finances, it can be challenging.

But it’s so important.

It had been a few months since my husband and I had been on a date night and it was by far past time for one. Normally I decide where and what we will be going to do, but sometimes it just gets too exhausting and I slack off on it...and then normally date night’s come to a pause.

But a couple of weeks ago something different happened....

Eye Makeup Tutorial + DIY Glitter Jar Makeup Holder

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LorealBeauty #CollectiveBias

Today marks the third week of back to school for us, and like I’ve mentioned before, I’ve yet to get any sort of routine down at all between the events and traveling I’ve had, but I think that’s all going to change this next month as I settle into a new schedule of having a solid 6+ hours a day to myself. 

One thing I’ve already been trying to do is get my house (especially my bathrooms!) a little bit more order because honestly during the summertime it gets a little out of hand with everyone here. The other thing that I’m finding nice about having the kids in school all day is that I have the ability to get ready when I want and don’t always have to feel rushed. Since we live so close to the Grade School I walk Emma and Noah there every day, and will normally just throw on some workout pants and L’Oreal mascara until I get back home, then I’ll get myself ready for the day and put my makeup. I’ve got a pretty good routine down for my every day makeup look that doesn’t take me very long, so I can get back to better things, like blogging or attempting to organize this house. ;)

Create a Box Tops Holder for the New School Year

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. 
#Hefty4BoxTops #CollectiveBias

I’ve collected Box Tops for as long as I can remember. Clipping them and trying to keep them in one place where I wouldn’t forget about them though was another story. A couple of years ago I got smarter and started throwing them all into a basket that I keep knick knacks in on top of our refrigerator – with the thought of one day creating a container designated just for them, to make collecting (and turning them in) as easy as can be; and this week I finally did it!

I always knew that Box Tops were helpful for schools because each one is worth 10 cents, so they can definitely add up – however; I never knew just how important they were until I joined our school’s Parent Teacher Organization three years ago. The Parent Teacher Organization raises all of the funds in our school for field trips, gym equipment, assemblies, etc. Without the small handful of parent and teacher volunteers, the kids would have far less opportunities and educational experiences.

One easy way that all parents can help though is by participating in the Box Tops for Education program. Our school holds two contests throughout the school year to see what classroom can collect the most Box Tops, and whichever one does earns a classroom party.

Hefty has always been a brand that I buy frequently, and they are the only trash bag that supports Box Tops for Education. The Hefty brand has raised more than $3 million in contributions to schools by partnering with the Box Tops for Education! Currently, there is a limited time offer for back to school on specially marked boxes of Hefty trash bags where you can collect 4 Box Tops on each package for your school!

And as for my Box Top container? Here’s what I came up with:

What you need:

• A plastic container with a lid (think peanut butter jar, or in my case I used and old candy jar)

• A box-cutter or x-acto knife

• A sheet of sticker paper, pens, etc. – whatever you’d like to use to decorate your container.

• Box Tops!

1. The first thing I did was soak the container in warm water to remove the labels and adhesives.

2. Next, I drew a line the size of the opening that I wanted to cut on the lid, then using a box-cutter (or an x-acto knife) I carefully cut a hole in the top.

3, I debated whether or not to draw something or paint the container, but I decided to go the easiest route possible and simple typed up a label and printed it out on a sheet of sticker paper, then cut it to fit the container.

4. And voila! Now I have my designated container on top of the refrigerator so they will never get misplaced again!

I found the Hefty garbage bags at Walmart (look towards the cleaning supplies sections) so be on the lookout next time your shopping to grab some with the specialty marked extra Box Tops!

Do you have a specific area to keep your Box Tops  collection in? I'd love to hear where you keep yours!

~Melissa

How to Make a Card Kit Box

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SendSmiles #CollectiveBias

Confession: A long time ago (as in pre-third child and blog era) I used to be really good at sending friends and families cards in the mail; holidays, birthdays, or just because – I did a lot better at sharing cards and surprises with friends and family.

There’s just something about opening up the mailbox and finding a card (instead of a bill!) that makes me smile, and I know that I’m not the only one.

Unfortunately I just haven’t done things like that as much lately, and I feel bad. Between the kids and their schedules, this blog, my job, and everything else –I’ve completely sucked at mailing cards – but I want to change that.

At Walmart the other day I got re-inspired again. I was shopping for a couple of Hallmark cards – one being a birthday card for Anika who is turning the big 1-2 next month, when I got a small burst of energy to start planning early – and ran into these cute Minions cards! The kids have been wanting to see this movies now for months – and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard them say, “Banana” in their own little silly Minion voices, so I knew I just had to get her one of these fun little cards. Hallmark also had a big selection of card for .47 cents! Can you believe that? Cards can cost so much money now days – so I decided to stock up and make a little card box – in hopes that I will be more motivated to get more cards out for birthdays and other occasions, by having everything I need in one box.

How to Make a Card Kit Box

What you need:

A box of your choice I used a clear box with a snap on lid)

A variety of Hallmark .47 cent Everyday cards.

Clamps

Pens

Postage stamps

Address book

Stickers

1. I purchased everything that I thought I would motivate me to send cards –by making it as easy as possible.

2. I purchased a variety of .47 cent Everyday Hallmark cards and then using clamps separated them into categories before adding them into my card kit box.

3. I then added colored pens, stickers, stamps, envelopes, and an address book inside – then labeled the box so it would be easy to spot.

4. Now when Facebook reminds me (ha!) I can easily take this off of the shelf, flip open my address book, pick a card and envelope, jot down a fun little message, throw a stamp on it, and send it off in the mail!

Except for Miss Anika’s little Mignon’s card – that one I’m saving for an extra special birthday morning!

Do you give cards regularly? Do you have a good system for getting cards in the mail? I would love to hear!

New Post // Why I've completely sucked at sending out cards lately - and what I'm going to do to try and change that! :) #sendsmiles #ad

A video posted by Melissa Kaylene (@melissakaylene) on Jul 15, 2015 at 11:53am PDT

Be sure to stock up on the .47 cent cards and Minion birthday cards - they are only available at Walmart! 

~Melissa

What You Really Need to Keep in Your Car For Summer Adventures

What You Need to Keep in Your Car For Summer Adventures 
This post is sponsored by Chevrolet Traverse.

What You Really Need to Keep In Your Car for Summer Adventures

I am so excited to finally have the kids on summer vacation. I miss having the school routine already though! I mentioned on my Facebook page last week that unlike the previous three years we didn’t create a summer bucket list for this summer. I think after juggling our first year with three kids in after school activities (that won’t finish until July) I just didn’t feel like over-committing myself. That doesn’t mean that we will not be having tons of fun this summer though – I have full intention of going on some amazing adventures and creating lifelong lasting memories with the kids – and we have 12 weeks to make them. 

I’m currently working on creating a chore and curriculum chart for the next couple of months. The kids are old enough that they need to do some more cleaning and pitch in a little more – but I want to do something a little different and reward them once a week for doing so. I intend to take them on an adventure like the zoo, beach, waterpark – and whatever else I decide – sometimes planned and sometimes spontaneous. There’s one thing that I’ll do to make sure that all of our summer adventures are fun and easy: keep certain things in our car so we are prepared for any kind of adventure that comes our way. If you’ve ever been on any length of road trip with kids you know how important it is to keep your car stocked with certain things, things that make your adventures just a little easier than extra pit stops or bored kids. In the summertime there are a few extra things you can keep in your car for outdoor adventures and day trips – so you don’t have to do anything but jump in the car and go!

 Don’t know what you should pack? Here’s a list to get your car ready for summertime adventures!

• · Water bottles – Because it’s always good to have water with you.

• ·  Protein bars // dried fruit // nuts – Because kids will always be looking for a snack – make sure whatever you keep in the car won’t melt –No chocolate!! Keep it minimal with lots of nuts and dried fruit that can last longer.

• ·   Hand sanitizer – Because everyone needs to sanitize after snacks or adventures.

• ·   Hand wipes – You will need them. I promise.

• ·  Activity books – So you don’t hear those dreaded ‘I’m bored’ words.

• ·  Colored markers + paper – Again, got to keep the kids entertained. Just make sure they are washable markers, or use crayons or colored pencils. 

• · Sunglasses – I never forget to bring my glasses along, but the kids frequently do. Or one of them loses a pair. Keep some backups in the car. 

•   Bandages – Just in case.

• · Bubbles – Not for in the car, but for extra outdoor fun.

• · Outdoor toys – Again, something fun to have for a family game if you decide to go to a park or the beach.

• · Jump Rope – A jump rope is a must! Take it out and let them get some energy out!

     Of course no family road trip or adventure can happen without a great vehicle and the 2015 Chevy Traverse most certainly falls into that category! With seating for up to 8*, best-in-class maximum cargo space, and a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety**, it’s a really nice midsize SUV option for active families. My first large purchase ever was in 2004 and it was a brand new Chevrolet! It was one of the best cars I had and I love the idea of having a good midsize SUV for the 5 of us.

So now I've shared some of my summer plans and tips - do you have any to add? If there was one thing that you couldn't live without in your car for day adventures what would that be?

~Melissa

*Standard on LS and 1LT. Available on 2LT. LTZ seats 7. Not available in Ebony/Saddle Up interior color.

** Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s New Car Assessment Program. (www.SaferCar.gov) . 

How to Have a Radiant Summer

Compensation provided by Arm & Hammer™. All opinions are my own. 

I’m back! After working the past couple of days at my “other” job – I was beginning to go through blog and social media withdraws! I think I may have a slight addiction. :) 

The kids have been out of school for a week now – and we hadn’t really done anything together yet, with my birthday, working, and the softball/baseball routine still going strong – it really didn’t feel quite like summer yet.

Until today.

(Thankfully) I slept in until 8, laid in bed until 9, then decided to had better get up and break up the arguments (ha!) and tell the kids to get ready and load up – we were going to pick some strawberries. My friend Carolyn and I had decided a few days ago that we all needed to go together, so the kids and I met her at the u-pick farm.

The next two hours we spent in the radiant sun – hunting for the reddest, juiciest berries that we could find. Noah and Emma also happened to find some pools of water in between the strawberry rows which promptly turned into mud when they splashed in it!

We came home this afternoon with 16 pounds of strawberries, half of which I froze and the other half became strawberry jam.

Today finally felt like summer.

What activities really make summertime sink in to you? Is it BBQs in the backyard with your closest friends? Or perhaps spending the day at the county fair? Whatever activity it is, summertime should be full of fun memories. I always feel the most radiant; the most full of life – in the summer.

Summers are simpler, with less stress and more downtime (hopefully). Summers are not to be taken granted for – but so often we do. We rush through activities because we have to move on to the next one; we go through the motions, but aren’t always mentally present – I know I’m completely guilty of this.

As I knelt down picking those berries today I was present and living in the moment. I wasn’t on my phone or worrying about other things. It was a truly radiant moment for me, and I want my summer to be filled with moments like that.

Have you ever had one of those moments? Moments that when you look back it makes you smile? Right now through the end of 2015 Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant™ wants you to share those moments with everyone. They’ve partnered with the City of Hope Cancer Treatment Center to launch a social media initiative and are encouraging women to share their radiant moments using the hashtag #TrulyRadiantFinish across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For every hashtag used, Arm & Hammer is donating $1 to the City of Hope.

I love Arm & Hammer's Truly Radiant because they also want women to feel strong and beautiful with their smiles, and they've launched three new products this year for a stronger, cleaner, whiter smile.

There's the Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant Rinse, which is the first and only whitening rinse that strengthens enamel and helps stop stains before then start without alcohol or peroxide. Then there's the Rejuvenating Toothpaste, that goes beyond the surface to strengthen, clean and repair tooth enamel in a crisp, mint flavor. And finally, the Arm & Hammer Spinbrush™ Truly Radiant Manual Toothbrushes are the only manual toothbrushes that feature a rotating head, plus elongated, all-access bristles that get deep in-between teeth to help blast away plaque.

How amazing is that? Will you share your radiant moments with your friends?

And just how do you have a radiant summer? I believe that by counting your blessings and intentionally making memories, this could be your best summer yet.

~Melissa

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Arm & Hammer™.