Great Stocking Stuffer Idea for Kids of All Ages 2013

I live in Texas. Central Texas. I don't know if this is just happening here, but I would guess it is pretty much the new thing in most places. What is the new, hot thing to put in stockings this year? Loom Bands! My kids, their friends, and just about most kids we see are loaded with bracelets made from loom bands. And not just preteen! From elementary school aged kids to high school kids. They love loom band bracelets. So, if you are looking for a great gift idea that you can put into a stocking that will actually get used, go for loom bands. You can find these and other ideas about what people of all ages are wanting here.

How to Put Words or Lettering on a Bow

If you live in Texas, or heck just about anywhere down south, you know how important it is to have just the right hair bow.  The bigger and more personalized your bow, the better. 

When I first moved to Texas, I was shocked at the size of bows that girls were putting in their hair.  They seemed HUGE.  But now that I have been here more than 10 years, I am used to them.  I even try to find great bows for my own girls. 

When trying to find the perfect bow, whether it is a cheer bow, dance bow or one for every day, you may wonder how and where people are able to get lettering or rhinestone designs on them.  Well, wonder no more, I am about to let you in on the secret!

The custom lettering and logos you see on bows and ribbon is vinyl.  It can be applied to your bow in any design with your household iron.  You can find some here.

People who make cheer bows and things for a living will probably have a commercial heat press, but it is not mandatory. 

When applying your design to your bow, make sure that the steam setting on your iron is OFF.  Completely off. 

Turn your iron onto to the wool setting.  Or as high of a setting your fabric will take without ruining.  You may need to test a small portion. Place your design where you want it and cover it with a thin cotton material that can withstand heat or a sheet of vellum.  Hold the iron in place all over your design.  If it is vinyl, you can gently move the iron in circles to cover the design.  If you are using rhinestones, do not do this.  Hold the iron in place over each portion of the design and do not rub. Make sure each portion of the design gets direct heat for about 22 seconds.  You may need to play around a bit with timing for your design.

Pull up a small corner of the cover material to make sure it is adhering.  If it is done, pull it up and you have an awesome, personalized bow!

I Killed Wasps...or Hornets

I am not originally from Texas.  I am a native Californian (I know, this already turned some of you Texas people off).  But it is fact.  I moved to Texas to get away from a very lucrative job working 6 or 7 days a week.  But I had fought cancer and won and wanted to slow down!! I wanted to get a family, etc.  Now 3 kids later, I realize I work harder and make less.  But I am loving my kids!!

Anyway, I am not a bug person.  I absolutely hate bugs.  I mean...SERIOUSLY HATE.  I am terrified of any kind of bug.  Unfortunately, I have passed this on to my kids who are all born Texans.  Not really great when your little boy, who is supposed to be super tough, runs from an ant.  And no, I am not afraid of ants.  Except stepping on one of Texas' ant hills. 

Back on topic.  I recently moved on my own to an apartment with 3 kids in tow.  Moved from a nice house, but away from a relationship I hated.  So, we are happy.  Anyway, there was a wasps nest on our patio! Normally, I would not handle this.  But it was all me.  So, I went to the store, bought the spray, stuck one arm out the door and sprayed like crazy.  Then I slammed the door shut and felt so proud as I saw these demons fall to the ground. 

A small moment for those of you who are countrified.  But huge for me!!!  Had to share.

How Do You Get Rid of the Big Water Cockroaches??

OK.  I admit.  I am originally from California.  I know for some in Texas this is not a favorable thing.  I have heard every comment imaginable about why are all of the people from California moving to Texas.  Well, for me, it was to be close to elderly parents.  But I will say this, people in California also notice a lot of Texans moving there! So, let's call it a draw and just move on! Anyway, the reason I mention it is that there seem to be less bugs there. So, I am not accustomed to dealing with bugs...HUGE bugs.

I am a neat freak.  I like things clean. Clutter and messiness will set me off like a firecracker.  So, why on earth are these ugly, creepy, huge cockroach thingies finding their way into my home about once a month?? And they fly AT YOU when you try to kill them!! What the heck?! I am so not a bug person, I would guess no one is.  But come on! I don't want them in here!

I am hoping someone will read this and tell me what the heck to do to keep water cockroaches (I don't even know if that is what they are really called), out of my home.  PLEASE someone give some ideas! It will help everyone. 

Thanks!

When Should Kids Stop Trick or Treating?

Hello everyone! Well, Halloween has come and gone. I am thankful it is over as soon we will get to focus on Christmas. We love Christmas around here! I have a pet peeve, though. And from talking to my friends, it is quite common. We recently moved to Katy, Texas. We also moved into a neighborhood. Before, living out in the "country" we had no trick-or-treaters. So...I was excited to be able to give out candy to princesses and goblins. And my kids had their own neighborhood to go out in. But, we had a lot of old kids trick-or-treating! I mean old boys (I think all the old kids were boys) ranging in age from 15-17 or 18!!! And all but one of these didn't even bother with a costume or makeup or anything! I silently debated telling them they wouldn't get candy. But, I did give candy to all. I am a little mad at myself now for handing them candy. Where are these kids' moms? What type of parent sends or allows their kids out to do that? I would never do that!! I had to ask two of the groups of these boys to please not cuss around little kids. C'mon people, parent your kids! At what age do you turn people away? How do you handle it? I am dying to hear what everyone has to say about this.

If You Are Country, You Gotta Bling at Friday Night Football!

Are you REALLY ready for Friday night football? If you are from Texas, you know just how important this is! Especially in a small town. On Friday night everyone in town is at the football field cheering on their hometown team. And if you are a country woman, you know you GOTTA bling! Get mascot rhinestone shirts that are sure to impress. And let me just tell you...the stones always look their best under the stadium lights. Just want a transfer to add to your own, great-fitting shirt? No problem. Get it here: rhinestone transfers. Have the shirt but want the number? No problem...you can get that, too!

Red Velvet Cupcakes - Yum!

Red Velvet Cupcakes are a yummy treat. I think of them as kind of the perfect little treat for country living. You can't go wrong. Think of the cute, elderly southern belle inviting you in for a great, homemade red velvet cake. Only, these are portable! My whole family just adores a great red velvet cupcake. For us, they beat the cake because they are portable, mess-free and we won't have a whole cake sitting in the kitchen calling to us. One cupcake is just fine. Nothing more. There is a cupcake trailer now in the San Marcos Outlet Center called "Hey Cupcake" that serves wonderful red velvet cupcakes. I admit, I was wary to try them because I felt cupcakes in a trailer had to be brought in and could not be fresh. But, we just had to. They were delightful and fresh! No hard cupcakes out of the 4 that we tried. I want to try a red velvet cheesecake cupcake next. Anything that involves the word cheesecake works for me and that just sounds heavenly. Any suggestions or recipes? Anyone?? Come on you southern ladies!! I know you can cook and bake (and look great doing it!!). P.S. There is no picture on this post. That is because I will have an excuse to go get another cupcake (just for the picture of course). :)