SHE Crafts: Spring Flowers

Happy Thursday, y'all! I love flowers, especially in the spring. So today I'm showing you how I made a cute little flower out of toilet paper rolls! 

All you'll need is about two rolls per flower, green paint for the stem, whatever color paint for your petals, a center (I used a rhinestone, other options are buttons, pom poms, etc., get creative!), a hot glue gun and a stem (I used a pipe cleaner, but it was a little too flimsy. I would suggest a wood skewer). 

To start you'll need to paint your rolls inside and out and let them dry. You'll notice I didn't paint the whole green tube because I knew I wouldn't use the whole thing.

Next you'll want to flatten and cut the tubes. Roughly 1/4 inch each. You will need five pieces for the flower petals and two green ones for the leaves. 

Glue your two bottom pieces together and press your stem in between them. 

Finish gluing your petals together, then the center of your choice, then the leaves. 

Isn't it just adorable!  I have mine in a small vase, but you could even put them in your pot with real plants.

What I love so much about these isn't just how easy they are. It's how creative you can get when making them. From the color you choose, to the center, to how you "plant" them. It's all so flexible!

If you make one I'd love to see it. Post pictures in the comments!

xo Courtney

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SHE GETS ALONG

Dear SHE's,

We all have to get along with others. It is an important part of life.  Here lately we have to listen to political rants. (I post my share) And don't forget the on going mommy wars.  We all have to work or study and most SHE's have something or someone to care for.  So today on the blog I want to hear how you deal with the ongoing mommy wars...the office drama...the political rants.  I want to hear from you!  Sometimes the way to succeed is to take from each other the best ideas, mesh them together and create the solution that is pure gold.  For example, I have always told my children when they don't want to do something.  When they feel like their friends are pressuring them and they don't know how to say no.  To use me!  Say my mom said I had to be home.  My mom said I can't go...say my mom is horrible!  She will show up and call all our moms.  Use me!  

And I will admit when I am with the "newer, hip" moms and they ask if the snacks are organic and non GMO?  I say of course.  I personally don't buy organic or non GMO or any of that other stuff.  We could argue that point all day, but I am an "old" mom.  Being an older mother, let me just say there will always be a bunch of scary letters.  Words like organic.  That "they" whoever "they"

are will throw out every now and then to make you feel like an even worse mom.  Jump on what feels right for your family, but don't be hating on the rest of us if we don't jump too!  Some of us, jumped off the bandwagon.  Sorry, but I have too much laundry and want to go to the zoo.  

So, what do you do to get through the hard looks and mean stares?  How do you handle the political debates?  I would love to hear what you have to say!!

We SHE's need to stick together!

Lisa B

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Happy Easter

Happy Easter Friends,

Hope you had a lovely time celebrating with family and friends.  For empty nesters, ours was jam packed.  Incredible church service and then yummy dinner with our family.  Due to family schedules, sharing our newlyweds and family traveling home from an out of town visit, I prepared dinner for us all.  I really enjoy cooking for everyone & it was pretty yummy~ but I was a little tired at the end of the day.

Easter has always been a very traditional holiday for us: church, big dinner, Easter baskets and what seems like at least 25 Easter egg hunts.  We have also always made a "bunny" cake for dessert. But this year I ended up making a white cake with a yummy marshmallow buttercream frosting I had never made this recipe before and it was very good. I am not a coconut fan, my family is.. so 1/2 was topped with coconut and 1/2 was plain.  Sorry~ no picture of the finished product but I promise there were a few slices remaining.

What are your Easter traditions?  We never focused too much on the Bunny ~ I tried to make sure Brittney knew that Easter was about God sending his son to die on the cross for our sins. But... she did always get an Easter basket, typically with "spring/summer" things- a new swimsuit, sidewalk chalk, jump rope and a little candy.  (Babies with parents in the dental field don't usually get too much candy for any holiday!)

How ever you celebrated this special holiday I hope it was special to you and the ones you love. 

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SHE Cooks: Frozen Breakfast

Hey y'all! So a few weeks ago I was tired of spending $$$ to buy frozen breakfast sandwiches. So I figure why not just make them myself? They were so easy that I decided I had to share with you all!

I knew I wanted both english muffin sandwiches and breakfast burritos. To make both you will need:

English Muffins (2 packs makes 12 sandwiches)

1 lb of sausage

12 sausage patties (you could make your own patties, but I was being lazy!)

22 slices of cheese

1 dozen eggs

10 pk tortillas (I used wheat)

Hashbrowns (optional, but encouraged!)

To start, crack all your eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. I added a little bit of milk, but you could also add water.

Pour the eggs in a flat pan that has an edge. I used my Pampered Chef bar stone. Bake at 350 for about 20-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You'll know they're done when the edges starting peeling from the side of the pan and the middle is cooked through. 

While the eggs are cooking, go ahead and start cooking your sausage patties.

Now that your eggs are done and have cooled for a minute, it is time to cut them. I used a stemless wineglass to cut my circles. Find whatever makes the size circle you want! The "scraps" will be used for the burritos, so don't throw those away!

Place all your patties and egg circles on a cooling rack, because they'll all need to be completely cooled before you package them.  While these are cooling, fry up your pound of sausage and set it aside to be cooling. It'll come in handy in a few minutes for the burritos.

Once cooled, assemble them with a slice of cheese!

You don't have to get fancy with your wrapping... I used wax paper and scotch tape and it worked just fine. Freezer paper would probably be a better choice though!

Since all the prep work for the burritos is done this part is easy! I went ahead and laid out 10 sheets of wax paper with the tortillas on top so I could do them all at once! Start with your cheese and then top with egg. 

Then add your sausage and, if using, hash browns. I seasoned mine with some cajun seasoning. It gave them a little kick without being spicy! 

Look at all those yummy burritos!

To fold start by folding in the sides.

Then while holding the sides in, roll it up!

Repeat the same process for the wax/freezer paper.

There you have it! You now have 12 sandwiches and 10 burritos!  

To reheat: take them out of the paper and wrap with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 1.5-2 minutes. The first one will need to be trial and error based on your microwave. My one at home is two minutes, but at work it only needs one and a half!

I hope you enjoy! Do you like any other toppings on yours? I'd love to hear about it in the comments. 

xo Courtney 

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SHE Travels: Chattanooga, Tennessee

Spring Break is next week for a lot of the schools around town.  So, I thought I would share some of the fun things to do in my city.  Chattanooga, Tennessee is a beautiful town with tons of fun family activities. Not all of them cost, which is a bonus.  The weather does call for chances of rain next week, but the highs will be in the upper 60's. Chattanooga has lots of fun hiking trails and outdoor spaces and if you do those you only need a picnic and water.  Here is a list of free or cheap things to do.

Free or Cheap

1. Tennessee River Park-(4301 Amnicola Hwy) There is around 8 miles of riverfront walking/biking/skating areas.  There is a playground and places to picnic. 
2. Coolidge Park-(1 River Park)  Great place to play Frisbee or catch.  You can picnic here or buy food from vendors or Northshore area restaurants.   There is a carrousel you can ride. (11 and under cost 50 cents and 12 and older is $1)
   
3. Walnut Street Bridge-Next to Coolidge Park.  It is so fun to walk across this pedestrian bridge.  There is an ice cream place on the downtown side and on the North Shore side there is Julie Darling Donuts.....I think I will get both!
   
4. Pumpkin Patch on Signal Mountain-(1836 Taft Hwy, Signal Mountain, TN) This playground is our favorite.  We love to take a picnic and hang out here playing on the huge slide.

 Point Park on Lookout Mountain and Chickamauga Battle Field  are almost free and the kiddos might learn something.


Now for the iconic Chattanooga Things To Do list.  Even if you live here these things never get old.

1. Tennessee Aquarium-1 Broad Street-Best Aquarium around!  During Spring Break they are hosting "Be a Critter for a Day", lots of fun activities that are included in your admission price. (3-12 year olds $18.95  Adults $29.95)
   
2. Chattanooga Zoo-301 North Holtzclaw-It may be small, but it is mighty and beautiful!  (3-12 $5.95, Adults $8.95)
3. Creative Discovery Museum-321 Chestnut Street-Finally a place where children are encouraged to touch every single thing!  (2-Adult $12.95)
4. Rock City, Ruby Falls and the Incline have a triple play ticket where you can enjoy each attraction-(3-12 $26.90, Adults $49.90)  Or you could do one of the attractions the cost is (3-12$11.95, Adults $19.95)  We have been to all of them numerous times and love to go whenever we have the chance.  We live here and never get tired of them!
   

Now if you are feeling like a little drive....Sometimes we head up to Sweetwater, Tennessee and visit the Lost Sea (5-12 $9.95, Adults $18.95)   It is inside a cave and the temperature is 58 degrees all year long, so bring a jacket!  The kids love it!  Now after we leave the Lost Sea

we always go by the Mayfield Dairy. (4 Mayfield Lane, Athens, TN 37303) You can take a tour and see how the Mayfield products are made and after the tour you can visit the gift shop and of course get ice cream!  They are not open on Wednesdays, but the other days 9-5.  The kiddos love the hair nets they have to wear.

Another cool day trip is Dollywood.  Dollywood has over 40 attractions at least 15 shows and right now they are celebrating the Festival of Nations.  Next week they are open from 10-7 and a one day ticket will cost 12-59 year olds $65 and 4-11 $52. 

Chattanooga is a great city to visit and even a better place to live.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!  Hope to see you next week!!

Lisa B!  Hope I see you out and about in my fabulous city!

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SHE Exfoliates

Hey Ya'll! Earlier this month I decided to get my first spray tan - more to come on that later, but I was super nervous! My plan was to go the day before my birthday, so of course I wanted it to look extra flawless. I researched Pinterest and Google for tips on how to get the most from a spray tan, and the number one tip was to exfoliate. I have super sensitive skin to begin with, so I wanted to make sure the products I used were gentle enough for me, but also prepped my skin for the best result. I came across a DIY body scrub, and it was amazing! Also, one of the best parts, it only required 3 ingredients. Most likely you already have the ingredients in your home. After I used it the first time, I was hooked, and have used it multiple times since then.

Images via Google

 To start, find a container with a lid (mason jar, storage canister, etc.). Add 2 cups of white, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of baby oil, and 1/4 cup body wash. Mix the ingredients together and you have a body scrub that will last multiple uses. That's it! The final product will look slightly runny, but mix it up before each use, and it will work perfectly.

I found it's easiest to use in the shower. Apply the scrub to damp skin, massage it into your skin with either your hands or a loofah, and rinse. I used the scrub all over, except for my face. Once you leave the shower, make sure to moisturize your skin to keep your skin hydrated and looking luminous. As soon as I used the scrub I was hooked, it truly made my skin feel brand new.

Now that shorts and tank top weather is almost among us, you want to make sure your skin looks great. Try this scrub out, and your skin will thank you! Let me know how you liked it in the comments!

DIY Body Scrub

2 cups white, granulated sugar

1/4 cup baby oil

1/4 cup body wash

xo ~ Brittney

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SHE Shops Target

 

Hey Y'all,   

Hope you had a great weekend! We sure did.  Sunday afternoon I headed out to one of my "happy places".... Target.  Don't you just love to shop at Target?!  I like to get my buggy and stroll up and down most all of the aisles and just see all the cute displays. This task generally requires popcorn and an icy (I'm not a coffee drinker).  Watch out around the $1.00 bins.. those items seem to just jump in my buggy. But who can resist them! 


image via Bing

I shared before how I love to save money ~ doesn't everyone? But I know some of you don't have a fondness for "coupons".  I get that they aren't for everyone and apparently Target does too.  Target offers Cartwheel , an app for your smartphone that gives you a discount on certain items. They change weekly/ monthly and you gain more spaces the more you save.  You select items from the "cartwheel" departments and it works like a coupon when you check out. You simply show the cashier your "cartwheel barcode" and save money.  Very easy!  You can also just scan items as you add them to your shopping cart and the app will let you know if the item is available to add to your cartwheel. Works great if you are a spur of the moment shopper too ~ no prep needed. If you want to do a little prep work check out Target's mobile coupons- very easy to use too.

Target also has a "mark down" schedule, did you know this?  The store marks down certain categories Monday - Friday:
Monday – Electronics, Accessories, Kids Clothing, Books, Baby and Stationery
Tuesday — Domestics, Women’s Clothing, Pets and Market (food items)
Wednesday — Men’s Clothing, Health and Beauty, Diapers, Lawn & Garden items and Furniture
Thursday — Housewares, Lingerie, Shoes, Toys, Sporting Goods, Decor & Luggage
Friday — Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware, & Jewelry

Also a fun thing to know (if you think saving is fun), while strolling sipping and enjoying your treat... check out the end caps. You know the end of each aisle, they put lots of marked down items there.

This week all Target clearance items are 60% off, PLUS starting today save an extra 10% off all Kids' clearance with code EXTRA10.  So if you get the chance to stroll through your local Target store this week download your Cartwheel and check out the cuteness!





The links in this post contain affiliate links and we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.

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SHE Got Schooled for St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Some of you many know a lot about this holiday and some of you may not know anything. So today I'm going to share a few facts with you!

• St. Patrick wasn't Irish (I know.. what??) He was actually English.
• St. Patrick didn't get rid of all the snakes from Ireland. It makes for a good story, but it's actually Ireland's geographical location that causes them to not have snakes.
• According to legend, St. Patrick used a three-leaf clover to explain the holy trinity. This is more than likely the reason the clover is a popular symbol of the day.
• The official color of Ol Pat is blue, not green! Artwork shows him in blue vestments (the type of robe he wore). It is said that green came around as a symbol of the "Emerald Isle."
• In Ireland, the holiday was a dry one until roughly 46 years ago. I know that seems odd seeing as the holiday is known for drinking here in the states, but it's true! From 1903-1970 it was a religious holiday, meaning that all pubs were shut down for the day.
• The St. Patrick's Day that we are used to (think parades, green beer, dressing up), began right here in the states, not in Ireland.
• Finally - corned beef and cabbage isn't a traditional Irish dish (from what I've heard). It is said that early Irish-Americas were poor and beef was cheap and cabbage was a springtime vegetable. So that is the meal they would celebrate with.

I hope you feel a little smarter after that. Do you have any facts about the day that I missed?

I hope you have a fun and safe holiday.

xo Courtney

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Everything SHE Needs Market

 

What is the Everything SHE Needs Market?  It is a Market where a SHE can find everything SHE needs.  We will have all kinds of awesome vendors to teach you about their products.  Things you may need and some things you may just want.  Vendors who sell makeup, jewelry, clothes and food items.  Things like insurance, while it may not be the most exciting thing a SHE needs, it is important.  We will be having demonstrations throughout the day.  Demos about how to measure cooking ingredients correctly to protecting yourself with self defense techniques and items. 

We are trying to make this market fun and informative for all our fellow SHE's.  If you know any awesome SHE's we are still accepting vendors and would love to have your recommendations.  Also, if there is something you would like to see demonstrated we are open to hear your suggestions. 

 

We can't wait to see you at the Market!

 

Put in your calendar, June 25th from 10-6 at Camp Jordan!

(FYI the Bass Pro Shop is suppose to be open so drop all the HE's there and come shop with us!)

Lisa B

I can't wait to shop with you!!!

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SHE Crafts: DIY Easter Topiary

Hey Ya'll! Easter is almost here, so it's time to decorate! Today I want to share with you a DIY Easter topiary. It's so cute and super easy to make. With one quick trip to Hobby Lobby and Target (for jelly beans only!) you should be ready to get started.

I started by taking a wooden dowel and putting it in the center of my styrofoam ball. It should look like a giant lollypop.

Next, I wrapped white ribbon around the dowel, but you could also paint it if you prefer. I used my hot glue gun and glued the first end of string at the top of the the dowel right beneath the styrofoam ball and then wrapped until I got about an inch from the bottom of the dowel. I then glued the end of the string with hot glue to the wood.

At this point I wanted to let the ribbon set before I started making the actual topiary, so I painted the clay pot white. You can do this whenever, but doing it earlier allows it time to dry completely before you need it.

Now I was ready to glue the jelly beans to the styrofoam. I placed my styrofoam on a paper plate and held the dowel at the top and began hot gluing jelly beans from the bottom and worked my way up.

Sitting it on the plate allows you to turn the topiary like a lazy-Susan and makes it easier to work with! About halfway through the process I stuck the end of the dowel into some floral foam, and stuck it in the pot. I still sat it on the plate for "spinning" purposes but it made it easier to work on the top section.

I added some green Easter straw to cover the foam, and kept gluing!

I tried my best to alternate between colors so there isn't a section of mostly blue, green, etc. But feel free to decorate however you prefer! I opted for the pastel jelly beans but you could definitely use the brighter colors. It's all up to you!

Once every part of the styrofoam ball was covered, I let it dry for an hour to set and moved it to my kitchen table.

Materials

1 Styrofoam Ball

1 Wooden Dowel

Ribbon (Optional)

Hot Glue Gun

1 Clay Pot

Paint & Sponge Paint Brush

Jelly Beans (2 Bags for Medium Ball)

Floral Foam

Easter Grass

It was super easy and looks so cute! I hope you give it a try!

xo ~ Brittney

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