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!