How to Tell if Your Cat is Trying to Kill You!

clipped from www.catswhothrowupgrass.com

Dollar Store Crafting for a Rainy Day!

I found this doozy of a craft at Filth Wizardry and am running off the the Dollar Store first thing today! Sooooo cute and simple, and the best part is that it is cheap and will keep the kids entertained over and over again. Presenting the Shower Curtain City!!!

Simple as can be: Go to the Dollar Store. Pick up a shower liner or two, and grab some of those cute street sign stickers too while you are at it. Don't forget some crayons and markers too if you are out.

Now the fun begins!! Tape the shower liner to your kitchen floor and use a sharpie or other thick black marker to draw a city. A great suggestion from the original posting is to tape two markers to the side of a jug to make an even set of lines for your road- genius!!! Let the kids tell you what buildings to make and even throw in some common landmarks. Then let the kids color and decorate their city (this can easily fill a rainy day!) and when they are done it is the perfect place to drive their cars and vehicles.

Here are some pics from the original post:

clipped from filthwizardry.blogspot.com

A Berry Good Night!

Last night was my debut show as an Usborne Book Consultant and what a great time I had! I was a little nervous that a home business might not be my thing, but when I actually thought about it, this was the perfect thing for me. It is something I actually believe in, I mean, who doesn't want their child to love reading? And the company is one that is financially sound, doesn't require a minimum to maintain, and has books that I love to keep in my house. (Extra money for shoes and bubblebath doesn't hurt either!)

From the start it has been really easy to get into the business part of Usborne and I can't wait to keep booking more book parties! I got to name my online store and of course the name had to do with strawberries so I named it www.aberrybookstore.com! Very Connie-ish, huh? Anyone can go to my store and just pick up some books anytime- they make fabulous gifts and are not just for babies. And if you are in the Cleveland area and what to have a party let me know and we can have a great time- nothing beats free books for your little ones!

A Letter Every Husband Needs to Read

A woman who feels desired is many things:
She is less likely to reach frustration with
you
or the children
or the cat
or the dog.
She is more likely to feel like an important part of
your life
and the home you share
and the children you created together.
She is more likely to look at her own body
and instead of feeling disgust at the way it has changed
since bringing your children into the world,
she is more likely to remember the feel of
your hands on her hips
or trailing down her spine
or the way that you pull her in
and fit her perfectly into the spaces of your own form.
A woman who feels desired
is so much easier to sit across the table from
as she is less likely to be judging
her own skin
her own curves
her own worth
her place in the bed that you share.
She is more likely to care for the body she has been given,
feed it good, whole foods
put it to frequent use in the garden
enjoy the pull of muscle
and increasing strength
as she carries ever-growing children
and becomes more confident with household repairs.
A woman who feels desired will rear children
who see their bodies as perfect works of art
that should be celebrated
respected
and capable of love.

It takes very little to make a woman feel desired.
It does not require
expensive jewelery
exotic flowers
pages of poems
romantic dates
or even dramatic words.
You can tell a woman you desire her
with nothing more than a look
a simple touch
a well placed word
and by listening to what she's saying
and then responding appropriately.

Without those simple things
even a strong woman may start to feel
less.
And less leads to
depression
self loathing
anger
frustration
bad parenting
and a marriage
that may not last the next five years.

So when your wife asks you,
"Do you find me sexy?"
the answer should never be
a long pause
followed by a apologetic
"I just love you."

Lie to me
if you have to,
but tell me "yes"
and then watch
as my confidence continues
to bloom
and my heart stays open
even when the world
is throwing us curve balls.
Because sometimes,
a woman needs to know she is desired
or she'll start to believe
it is no longer true.

Stumbled Upon at www.wannabehippie.com

Yet Another Thing to Add to the NEED List!

So I really neeeeeeeed this bed! I would totally feel like Snow White or a fairy princess. What a beautiful and functional work of art!

clipped from www.slmetalworks.com

Poster Sale on my Etsy Store!!!

From now until June 15th I am going to be offering a great deal on my posters!!! All posters are going to be Buy One Get One Free! That's right, just purchase the listing for the poster of your choice and in the Notes to Seller put down what other poster you would like. If you want a name poster be sure to include what name you want as well as your preferred color choices. Click here to go to my store!

This is a great deal, especially if you want to get a poster for more than one child! Don't wait though because I will only keep re-listing the posters as I have time to create them. Here are some examples that I have done:

Feminine and Sweet

Isn't this snippet of Etsy's front page so soft and pretty??

clipped from www.etsy.com

Bartering

I hate money, let me start out by declaring that. There are some things that don't have a price, many things that are over priced, and given the recent status of the American economy, money is simply overrated.

One of the big draws to me going to the West Side Market is that I get a chance to barter. There is a really gratifying feeling when you barter successfully. You feel like you got your money's worth and the seller gets the sale. Wouldn't it be nice if you could barter everywhere? This is what I imagine me in Target would be like:

me: I don't really think that those jeans are worth $40....how about we throw in two tee shirts as well.

Target-girl: Hmmm... those tee shirts are 100% cotton. I will give you one for half price with the jeans.

me: Neh, I know I can get those same shirts for cheaper at Kohls. Ok...the jeans, one shirt, and a pair of socks for $35.

Target-girl: How am I supposed to make a living giving you all of that? Those socks are worth at least $15!!!

me: Ok, well I will just go down to Kohls and see what they can do for me!

Target-girl: Wait, wait, don't be so hasty! The jeans, socks, and tee shirt for $45.

me: Give them to me for $35 and we have a deal....

Target-girl: Ok, ok, you win.

See....doesn't that sound nice??

A list of random Connie-ness

1. I love cold, crisp sweater weather. If it got only up to 70 all year I would be thrilled.
2. I can't stand the bottom of my jeans being wet...kind of a challenge when you are only 4'10''.
3. I have a new found interest in tap... loved it awhile ago and am soooo loving it again.
4. I am mystified by technology....really, if it weren't for the hubby I would be at the mercy of hired Geeks.
5. I really love making my Etsy customers happy with my creations. Passing this on to your friends in the biggest compliment you can give me.
6. I am thrilled Klint has an interest in Buddhism and even reminds me of some of the teachings I have forgotten. It is nice to be able to talk about some of the principles with someone close to me.
7. Despite my rough beginnings I really do believe in happily ever afters and hope my prince charming does too!

Free Movie Thursdays at Regal Cinemas!

Need something frugal and fun to do on Thursdays? Well grab you sweatshirt because you know movie theaters are chilly! Regal Cinemas are presenting a summer of free movies for the whole family every Thursday. Yay! With movie ticket prices are sky high, this is a dream come true for me and my little movie fans. Just click here to see what is showing in a theater near you and away you go, simple as that! I love the fact that there are two movie choices, one that is G rated and one that is PG for the older kids. So what are you going to go see?