Saturday Stop and Shop

*Are you here for the Weekend Bloggy Reading party? Stop by to link up your best post of the week.

I'll be back later with some highlights from the party, which is open until 10 pm on Sunday.*

Who doesn't love a little Saturday window shopping? My Sponsors have some serious talent going on. Check out what they have in store for you this month!

~The Cat's Paw
My daffodils are blooming, which means that Spring is on its way to my neck of the woods. That also means it's time to do a little freshening up. I can see this gorgeous Tanya Whelan, Medallions in Blue fabric from the French Hatbox Collection as a pillow or accent in a Spring-ified living room!

~Domestic Fashionista

If you enjoy happy blogs that focus on homemaking, food, and fashion, then you will love Ashley's work. She just opened her first Facebook Fan Page, where readers can keep up with her latest projects. If you stop by to "Like" her, be sure to tell her I sent ya!

~Homebody
Check out Holly's Tips and Tricks linky party each Monday! She shares creative tips and tricks on her blog, and she invites her readers to do the same. Link up to share your own bright ideas and find some new blogging friends!

~Laura Jane Designs
Extra! Extra! Read all about it: Laura Jane is offering FREE blog templates! If you are new to blogging and unsure about paying for a design quite yet, free blog templates are a fabulous way to dress up your blog's design beyond the standard Blogger offerings. I noticed a huge difference in my traffic when I did this two years ago. Here's just one sampling she has:

~Mississippi Mud
Pennants are all the rage in the blogosphere right now, and Sarah is taking them to a whole new level. Her adorable Tiny Paper Pennant Banner Card comes in a set of 4!

This weekend, you can also purchase one of her completely fabulous Maasai Necklaces for 15% off! Be sure to use the coupon code MAASAI.

~The Peacock Shop
Kathlyn's new line of Plate Clocks caught my eye. How cool is the monogrammed one? A lovely focal point for any room in your home.

She's also offering 20% off to my readers this weekend when you use the code SERENITYNOW. May I suggest a Notebook Paper Coffee Mug? The writer in me wants that mug so badly!

~Random Thoughts of a SUPERMOM
If you missed this week's Blogger Interview with Kelli, do check it out! I love finding out more about the girl behind the blog. If blogs about home life, family, good food, and good crafts are your thing--then Random Thoughts of a SUPERMOM is for you!

~The Shabby Chic Cottage
I spotted these Pink Gingham Handtowels in Gina's clearance section. That pretty pink says "Easter Springtime Fun" to me! Snatch them up before someone else spies that bargain!

~ Silhouette
My first I {Heart} My Crafty Cutter linky party (open to projects, tips, and tricks related to your Silhouette, Cricut, Sizzix, Cuttlebug, etc.) was a success! The next one is scheduled for March 21-25, and I'm hoping to find the time to play with my machine some more soon. I'm really excited to be partnering with Silhouette. There will be some neat promotions coming up here at Serenity Now...if you head over to the Silhouette shop, please be sure to use the code SERENITY when you check out.

~Stitch Sense Designs
Spring might be coming, but it's still chilly in my neck of the woods. Nadir's Light Pink Open Weave Fashion Scarf is the perfect fashion accessory to keep you warm until Mother Nature sends warmer weather.

This month is March Madness in Nadir's shop, and you can get FREE SHIPPING on everything in the shop. Use the code FREESHIP at check out.

~Blessings Unlimited
You can view my new Spring catalog here! If you place an order online this month, you can get the Greeting Card Organizer Set for just $9!

{Happy Shopping!}

*If you are interested in partnering with me this year as a Sponsor, please check out my Advertising Page, or email me at amandaserenitynow(at)gmail(dot)com. My rates are very competitive!*

::Weekend Bloggy Reading:: Link Up!

Welcome to Weekend Bloggy Reading. I hope you'll link up your best post of the week today, and maybe leave me some comment love!

All kinds of posts are welcome--recipes, crafts, funny stories, home decor, etc.; but please do not link to Etsy shops, businesses, items for sale, etc. (I have a Sponsors section, if you'd like to Advertise with me.)

Here are a few of my faves from this week:

sources listed below

~Melissa found the perfect thrifty vanity solution for her Downstairs Bath Makeover.

~Is The Stuff taking over your house too? I loved Ann Marie's honesty in that post.

~Saby put a twist on Drop Cloth Curtains by painting them!

~These Smokin' Red Roasted Potatoes by Noble Pig look droolworthy to me. A great addition to any home-cooked meal!

~Stumbled Upon this organizing site, Life Organizers, and it looks pretty cool!

~And me?
On Monday, I marveled at my oldest's seeming gift for criminal prosecution and wondered if she might grow up to me a Mini D.A.. This week also had me evaluating my Progress for my 2011 Home Goals and reminiscing over some of the Best TV Shows that I grew up with. Yesterday brought a Blogger Interview with a fellow "at-home" blog friend. Check it out if you haven't already!

*I also have a new "Featured" button...if I have ever featured your blog here at Serenity Now please help yourself to the code at the end of this post!*

Time to link up your best post of the week (please take the time to include a link-back or my party button and visit some of the other participants!)
Here's the button code if you'd prefer to use that rather than a link-back:

<a href=" http://www.serenitynow4amanda.blogspot.com/ " target="_blank"><img src="http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae332/Amanda_SerenityNow/Blog%20Party%20Buttons/WeekendBloggyReading.png" border="0" alt="Weekend Bloggy Reading"></a>



Party is open until 10 pm (ET) on Sunday night.

Remember that blog parties work best when bloggers participate, so if you have a chance to visit a few of the other links, you might find a new friend or two!

No big plans for this weekend...both girls are getting over cold/cough things. I am sooooo over wiping noses! Would love to have a chance to hit a store or two on my own today, but I don't know if that will happen. Cross your fingers for me, 'kay?

{What are you up to this weekend?}


Back tomorrow with some Sponsor shopping fun and highlights from Weekend Bloggy Reading!

{Code for featured bloggers}:

<a href="http://serenitynow4amanda.blogspot.com/ " target="_blank"><img src="http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae332/Amanda_SerenityNow/Blog%20Party%20Buttons/SerenityNowFeaturedAt150.jpg" border="0" alt="Featured At Serenity Now"></a>

Random Thoughts of a SUPERMOM

The blogger I'd like to introduce you to today is about as close to a Supermom as they come. I always look forward to the creative posts that come from her corner of the web.

Kelli, who writes the popular Random Thoughts of a SUPERMOM blog, balances life as a stay-at-home mom to three busy little boys with cooking, crafting, and sharing her world with her readers.

Kelli and I sat down for an interview this week (from our respective laptops in different states, of course) so that you guys can get to know her a little better!

Here's what we talked about:

1. When did you start blogging, and why did you decide to start a blog?

I started blogging in October of 2008. There were a few moms in my community who had started blogs, and after following them and finding some other really great blogs I decided I could do that too....or at least I could try! At the time, I was at home with three kiddos 4 and under, and the only time we really got out of the house was to take my oldest to preschool or to do a little shopping at Target. Blogging has become an amazing way to make friends, share my creativity and find great ideas!

2. Tell me about the title of your blog.

Random Thoughts of a SUPERMOM!



I chose that title mainly because the year I started my blog my boys were superheros for Halloween and I had a really cute picture of them in their {homemade} costumes!

3. How/when do you carve time out for crafting?

I mainly craft during naptime, but sometimes I do crafty stuff early in the morning after my two oldest are at school and my youngest is having some quality time watching his favorite tv shows. I also get some bigger projects done over the weekend when all three boys are outside spending time with their dad!

4. Do you have any advice for mom bloggers about achieving balance in life/work?

I mostly think that as long as you are having fun with blogging, then it shouldn't interfer with your life too much. The great thing about my blog is that I share about our everyday life too so really the only time it takes away from my family life is to edit picture and post them. I feel like even though blogging does take up some of my time, it makes me capture moments that I otherwise wouldn't have.

5. Which post are you most proud of?

I have two posts that I am most proud of. #1 is my Rainbow Pudding Pops post, because I feel like it inspired a lot of other people to make something fun with their kiddos!


#2 is my Entertainment Center turned Bench post, because I love the fact that I took a worn out piece of furniture and turned it into something beautiful!

6. Are there any bloggers that you admire or that you look to as a role model?

There are a ton of crafty blogs out there that really inspire me {Tatertots and Jello, Craftaholics Anonymous, The Girl Creative, Tip Junkie}, but I think my favorite bloggers are the ones that I really feel like I'm friends with.

7. When your family has time together, what are some special things you like to do/eat/read/watch?
I'm the mom of all boys which means most of our family together time happens outside! My boys love to run around in the yard, pretend in their clubhouse, and play almost every kind of sport.

I love to bake, so most of the time we have some kind of cookie or sweet treat in the cookie jar. We aren't really big movie watchers, but  my boys do love to watch a good cartoon. We have recently fallen in love with watching old cartoons {Inspector Gadget and Fragglerock} on Netflix!

8. What's the best thing about blogging and what is your favorite topic to write about?

I think the best part about blogging is the wonderful community of people who are so supportive! I love sharing ideas and getting great ideas from other bloggers whether it is crafts, recipes, or parenting advice.

***************************************

If you haven't "met" Kelli yet, please head over to Random Thoughts of a SUPERMOM to say hi, and be sure to tell her I sent you! I think you'll love Kelli's blend of posts that feature home, food, and family!

*Don't forget to swing back tomorrow, or sometime this weekend, to link up YOUR best post of the week at my Weekend Bloggy Reading linky party!


<a href=" http://www.serenitynow4amanda.blogspot.com/ " target="_blank"><img src="http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae332/Amanda_SerenityNow/Blog%20Party%20Buttons/WeekendBloggyReading.png" border="0" alt="Weekend Bloggy Reading"></a>

A Horrifying TV Discovery

I was flipping channels the other day when I came across Who's the Boss on the Hallmark Channel. I was several minutes into watching the hijinks of Angela and Tony before I was struck with the horrifying revelation that a show I watched as a child now qualifies as an "oldie."

I won't lie to you. I mourned silently for a moment or two.

I'm used to seeing shows on cable re-runs that my parents watched before my time: Gilligan's Island, The Beverly Hillbillies, Happy Days, Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, and so on.

I always feel sleepy and sad whenever I hear the theme to Cheers because I remember my parents watching it after I was in bed, and I wanted to be up having fun doing whatever it is adults do after the kids go to bed--which is watch TV. "You wanna go where everybody knows your name" would drift down the hall to my bedroom as I floated off to dreamland.

So it's flabbergasting to me to see shows I used to tune in to see on TVLand now.

I dug up a couple of videos of some of my very favorites that were hits before Seinfeld and Friends came along, and thought it might be fun to share.

Want to reminisce with me (if you're in a reader or email, you'll have to click over to the blog for the video)?

• I Love Lucy was waaay before my time, but Lucille Ball's comedic timing cannot be matched. I consider the show to be one of the greatest sitcoms ever. The episode where Lucy gets to act in a commercial for "Vitameatavegimin" (which was 23% alcohol!) was one of my favorites.

• My family loved The Cosby Show. The mom and the dad loved each other and their kids, and the show didn't rely on silly gimmicks or mocking parental figures to get laughs. This scene from the first episode where Cliff tries to get Theo to see what life will be like in the real world always makes me giggle.

• Who remembers TGIF?! As a kid, I didn't have to worry about dates or papers due or games to cheer for. I got to stay home with the fam and watch the TGIF line-up, which included Full House. I loved me some Uncle Jesse. (Anyone else love John Stamos on Glee?) I thought Stephanie was much funnier than Michelle, and DJ seemed like best friend material. And I loved the theme song:

• But the best night of all was Sunday when Disney would premiere a movie or set of old cartoons on ABC. They called it the "Magical World of Disney", and it was magical. With easy access to the Disney channel and DVDs, kids don't get excited about stuff on TV anymore. I remember my mom making grilled cheese sandwiches and soup for my brother, sister, and me so we could watch. I was able to find one of my very favorites on YouTube (your kids will probably love this one):

There were plenty more (and I didn't even talk about weekday cartoons--My Little Ponies, anyone?), but those are a couple of my favorites.

{Which shows were staples in your house growing up?}

Progress on the House Goals for 2011?

I'd love to tell you that my current progress report for this year's House Goals displays a prominent A. Instead I'll give myself a solid D+.

For me, one of the hardest things has been the #1 item on my Goals List, which was "Learn to Love My House."

It's really, really hard to learn to love your house when you're busy playing the "I wish my kitchen was as big as hers" or "I wish we had a basement like they do" game.

It's also hard to learn to love your house when it looks like a giant pigsty. I got a little crazy hosting two blog parties last week, emailing back and forth with some sponsors and blog opportunities, not to mention everything that goes in real life.

If you looked at my house right now (don't worry, I'll totally show you a picture in a minute), you'd think that maybe the tornado warning from yesterday turned into reality for us. It's bad, y'all.

So today is about getting back on track. I've got some clutter to clear, some toys to box up when small people are distracted or sleeping, floors to vacuum, and a nice pile of laundry to put away so I can-um- sit on my couch again. Yeah.

Back to life, back to reality, right?

I'm hoping once I get things straight around here, I can get back on that Road to Success. Because working for success sometimes means getting back up and dusting yourself off when you hit a bump.

{Have you hit any bumps in the road for your 2011 Goals?}


*Did you see my February Silhouette Deal yet? A package promo and/or a discount on premium vinyl! If you're in the market, click that link above to check it out! Today is the last day!*

The Mini D.A.

When I'm not listening to talk radio in the car, I sometimes pay attention to my children and we recite nursery rhymes together.

One particular favorite is "Jack and Jill." One day not too long ago, I recited the rhyme slowly, for Michaela Byrd's benefit and then paused at a red light.

A voice piped up from the back seat. It was Natalie, my 5 year old.

Natalie: "Why did Jack fall down the hill?" {slight pause. thinking.}
Me: Uhhh...
Natalie {in rapid succession}: "Who pushed him?"
"Where did he fall?
"Well, where was Jill?"

I'd never quite stopped to consider the fact that Jack may have met with foul play, or that Jill may have caused his cranial injuries and suffered harm inadvertently from her devious actions.

So I gave her my best, thoughtful, Mommy-like reply. "Um, I don't know. He just fell down."

I could see her face in the rear view mirror and knew that my answer was not good enough. I could envision her shouting "I want the truth!" after which I would bellow in my best Jack Nicholson voice, "You can't handle the truth!"

Instead, she became distracted when we passed a thrift shop and she saw all the furniture out in front.

"Oooh, a sale!" she exclaimed. I guess she is her mother's daughter after all.

So I'm thinking that if her original career plan of becoming a doctor what helps mommies' babies pop out of their tummies doesn't work out, she'd make an excellent District Attorney. I wouldn't hold up under her line of questioning, that's for sure, because her focus is intense. Unless, of course, Diane Von Furstenberg is holding a sample sale somewhere near the courthouse.

I guess Jill's off the hook for now....

*Did you see my February Silhouette Deal yet? A package promo and/or a discount on premium vinyl! If you're in the market, click that link above to check it out! Sale ends tomorrow!*

Crafty Cutter Winner and a Silhouette Deal!

*Are you here to link up your best post of the week to Weekend Bloggy Reading? Head on over...the party is on until 10 pm (ET) tonight. Lots of great links!*

Good news today!

The first good news is for all of you who left comments during this week's I {Heart} My Crafty Cutter linky party saying how much you'd love to own your own Silhouette.

From now until Tuesday, you can purchase your very own Silhouette SD machine package! It includes:

• 1 Silhouette SD machine (with software)
• 1 roll of Black Premium Vinyl
• 1 roll of Frosted Premium Vinyl
• 1 roll of Premium Transfer Paper 
• The Home Decor CD of cuttable images 

Only $225!! (This is an almost $400 value!)

If you already own a Silhouette, or if you're in need of vinyl, you can get 25% off all premium vinyl! (I personally love the frosted vinyl because it resembles etched/frosted glass--like my snowflakes)

Please use the code SERENITY when you check out. Just click my little Silhouette button below, and you're on your way to crafty heaven! Go check out what this baby can do...

My next good news is for Stacy from She's Kinda Crafty. Not only did she join the party with some adorable Silhouette projects, her project number was also chosen by random.org as the winner of the party Giveaway. Stacy won a $10 Starbucks gift card and a coffee cozie in her choice of colors from Stitch Sense Designs.

One last BIG thank you to each of you who joined the party. I so appreciate those of you who Tweeted, Facebooked, and linked back to me in order to get the word out about this first go-round. I had a great time visiting each link, and I was so pleased to see that many of you took the time to participate in the party and leave comments for other bloggers. That's the way a good link party works!

I'll be hosting again next month, so get your projects ready! Mark your calendars for March 21-25 for the next I {Heart} My Crafty Cutter link party. There should be another Silhouette promo that week, so hopefully I'll have something fun to show you too!