Share Your Love of Knitting by Teaching

Share Your Love of Knitting by Teaching

The Author of this post is Rory Reilly

I have enjoyed knitting ever since the first time that I saw my grandma sit down and show me how to make my first blanket. The joy that I felt for accomplishing the task of making a blanket for the first time is something I will never forget and it is a big reason why I want to spread my love of knitting to the next generation.

I have two daughters who have both sat beside me on a cool summer night while I was knitting away on the front porch swing. I treasure those special times because I know it's only a matter of time before my daughters find something they would rather do besides spend time with mom. That's why I went online using CLEARTVBUNDLE.COM to find some new youthful patterns to teach to my children.

I started by letting each of my girls pick out a scarf pattern and then I started teaching them how they can knit them all by themselves, with just a little help from mom. Both of my girls started out slow, but now they both know how to knit and I can only hope that someday they will share their new talent with their own children.

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You Look Like An Angel

I saw this commercial on tv today. It is 100% Isaac. "You look like an angel. You walk like an angel. Talk like an angel. But I got wise... You're the devil in disguise."

Seriously, I could see him doing this to his cars. Too bad that the interior of the Nissan Altima doesn't shield against crazy kids. No, that is the parents job I suppose.

I need a break from my children. lol

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Family Update!

Brian with his brothers Justin and Jake

It's September!!! Can you believe it? The air is turning drier and cooler (PRAISE BE TO THE LORD) and the farmers are harvesting their corn. Yes, you read that right. We had such a dry and hot summer, that some corn is already down. WOWSERS. This is our first harvest on the farm, I think we are in for a treat of loud elevators for the next 3 months. I will take it though.
About us: Our ministry is really doing well. Starting to get the nuts and bolts of what makes our kids tick. Also getting to know some of the other families as well. We love the teens just a little too much at times. They become my prayer life obsession and I have to remind myself to pray about other things too. Several of them have been adopted into our family, and Abbie and Isaac always ask if they can come stay at our house. Reminding me that we do have a bed for them! This is a picture of "our" Jordan, enjoying a poke at my belly.


Abbie finished up the 4-H season well. She had 2 projects go to State Fair, so of course we had to check them out! She won a 1st place for both of them. Quite happy. She has being doing great with her new school work. 4th grade is easier than 3rd she says. Of course, she is just now starting the actual non-review of 3rd grade. lol She just had her check up and is in the 55th percentile for weight and the 35th for height. This has stayed the same for the last 8 years. lol.


Isaac: Lands Alive. Remember how stubborn Abbie was at a younger age? Isaac is just as absent minded as she was stubborn. That boy is always doing something to get into trouble, and yet, he really didn't mean to! lol I tell you, we have such issues sometimes. A lot of energy for his little 5 year old body. He started Kindergarten this year, which does seem to help. Also, Brian has been trying to keep him occupied doing physical activities. Isaac's current loves are: Star Wars, Captain America, and Adidas. Neat combination huh? He also went for his checkup last week. Got his K-5 shots, and didn't cry. In fact, he didnt even flinch for 2 of them! He did, however, use his "rifle" as his cane the rest of the day. lol. Isaac was in the 70th percentile for height and the 30th for weight. Flip Flop kids! Another love: climbing trees. See if you can see his black eye:

Little Baby ___________: Poor child, I have no idea what to call it!!! We will know what she/he is in 2 weeks, until then...it will be ____________. Together little baby and I will enter our 5th month this week. I can feel it moving at least once a day now, and I am looking quite large. Last week, we heard 2 heartbeats. It took the Dr awhile to decide if one of them was mine. He decided it was. lol. Glad that Brian was not in the room, he might have passed out. Also, my Crohn's has come out of remission as well. No wonder I felt so yucky before!!! It is making for one sick momma, and continued weight loss. Currently under my pre-pg weight. But, I am very grateful that the dr's are taking good care of us both. Little Baby is now around 5 inches long from its crown of the head to rump (bottom). About the size of a large baked potato...which coincidentally, sounds amazing at the moment!

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Pop Up Displays Review!

I have always had a very high interest in these things! It is so much fun going to a convention, concert, or whatever and seeing these elaborate displays set up. One of my favorite ever, is Titus' display for the Titus Justus Band. The things is just amazing. What am I talking about???
Pop up Displays!

Pop up trade show displays are used at trade shows, events, job fairs, retail stores and anywhere a large portable display wall is needed. Pop up displays come in a variety of shapes and sizes and you can add graphics to them or order them graphic ready. If graphic ready, you velcro graphics onto the fabric skin of the display.

Pop ups are easy to set up and transport. The frame opens up like a EZ UP canopy or an accordion. You then hang either fabric or graphic panels to the frame and you are all set up. Also, the case can convert to a podium stand by using either a graphic or fabric wrap to surround the case. A plastic or wood top is added to finish off the podium.

Custom pop ups are available with internal shelving, back lighting, different shapes, monitors, dye cut graphics and more.

Backlit pop ups are like a giant light box. Special panels and lights are hung behind the display and a large transparency graphic is hung on the front.

Table top pop ups are available for budget conscious end users and are built in miniature.

Graphic mural pop up trade show displays feature graphic "skins". Their fabric counterparts feature velcro receptive fabric to allow users to attach detachable graphics to the face.

Bubble kits allow back lit graphics to extend in front of the wall to give a different look.

3D pop up displays offer a unique way of displaying graphics and are the easiest to set up.

Visit a trade show and you will see tons of pop up displays being used in the various forms. The most unique ones exhibit custom designed graphics for higher impact and better results. Picture pop ups at a trade show sort of like a billboard along a freeway. It only has a fraction of an instant to attract attention.

You can check the different types of pop up displays, including pop up booths, at camelbackdisplays.com

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Stone Street Soaps Winner!!!!

We have a winner for our Stone Street Soaps Giveaway!!!!

It is Laura Wiese #16

Laura Wiese said...

Ha ha Kristi! You crack me up! :-) I definitely want to try the lavender and tea tree shampoo! I SO want some body butter and some vanilla soap. I'm hungry just thinking about it! No, I won't eat any of it I promise! I also liked SSS on FB :-D

Congrats Laura!!! I will be email you this evening with the gift certificate code.

COMING SOON: Cotton Candy Bows Giveaway!!!!!!! Look for it within the next week. :)

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Educational Design Shows

Educational Design Shows

The Author of this post is Darius Boone

Everyday I find myself falling into the same routine; wake up, make breakfast for my kids, shower, workout, click on my www.Direct.TV and veg out to HGTV. I love all of the design shows! Not only do they hold my attention but as a working mother going through the home buying process, I find "Design to Sell" and "My First Home" to be the most educational programs for young families out there.

In the area I reside, "My First Home" starts around eleven o'clock. It couldn't be a better time. Both the kids are napping, my husband is home on his lunch break and it is the easiest time of day. Not only are the programs on HGTV educational but they are very relaxing. Once my brain is flowing with all of these creative ideas, I am relaxed and ready to conquer anything about to stand in my way for the rest of the day (scrubbing marker off the walls and plenty of dirty diapers)!

My plan for tonight? Make dinner, bathe kids and fall asleep to "My First Sale".

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Blue Sky Scrubs: Review

Who doesn't love the idea of lounging in jammies all day long? Hmmmm... that is just a great thought. That is one of the main reasons that I always thought I would love to be in the medical field. I would love to go to work in comfy clothes...aka...scrubs.

So, when I was asked to do a review on Blue Sky Scrubs new website, I gladly accepted. :)

Blue Sky Scrubs offer cheap scrubs without the cheap material. They come in a HUGE variety of colors, including my favorite olive green. They can also customize your nursing scrubs! This is a huge bonus for us shorty girls. How many times we have to hem our pants that we just spent $30 on? In addition, they offer darling lanyards for your name badge...which just might make it onto my Christmas list for some of the nurses in the fam!

So, if you are looking for where to buy cheap scrubs, you really should try out Blue Sky Scrubs. Maybe get an olive green one in my honor???

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Crsip.

I have been waiting for these days since the beginning of July. Crisp, Cool Air. Air that carries the smells of the surrounding area. The smell of the sweet corn behind my house. The smell of the Persimmon Tree. The smell of the grass growing wildly around my little pond. That AIR! This summer has been so hot and humid that the air only carried heavy smells that just made me sick. Today, windows are open...and the air is here!

Days like this are clothes line hanging days. They are playing baseball barefoot in the backyard days. They are days that will likely end with a bonfire in the backyard. Days that carry children's giggles through your open windows. They are the days that you Praise the Lord for the glorious end of Summer and the transition into fall. Mmmmmm. I think change of the seasons is one of the best gifts God could give us.

Now, off to hang out the next line of laundry. Good thing we have a 3 liner and LONG line. All linens and pillows are getting washed today. Mmmmmm. Seriously no word to describe that feeling other than...MMMMMMMmmmmm.

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Fresh Clean Room...

You know that euphoric feeling after having a baby? The one that makes you forget all about the pains of labor and pregnancy? I can't wait for those feelings to come!!!!

I do not know if I have ever been so sick in my life. Honestly, I am not trying to complain. And, I am grateful for this little baby, I just can't get past the nasty feeling. I really wish that I could just stay in a hotel room with room service for the next few months. A nice clean room, that doesn't have any strange smells like Brian's feet, the stinky dog, leftovers in the fridge, or a glass of juice that Isaac left out. Someplace that can deliver me breadsticks or greenbeans with butter at any time of the day. A room that has fresh clean water...that I can actually drink!

Ok, enough wishing. I suppose that I will just clean up my bedroom and stay in it for awhile!!! Praying that my new GI dr and OBGYN will be able to make it all go away soon! Until then, going to dream about a nice, clean, non-smelly room. Off to take some Dramamine or Fennegren. Oh which one tonight??? :P

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Stone Street Soaps Review and Giveaway!

I am pretty much in love with this store. Seriously, they offer only good things that make you feel like a clean, pampered lady who is getting ready to be tucked into bed on a nice winter's eve. So, when the owner, Carissa, offered to sponsor a giveaway, I literally yelled! :)

Carissa is a long time friend of mine who suffered from skin troubles. In her search for a great soap, she came across a local crafter who sold hand made soap, and immediately fell in love. Eventually, this love caused her to research how to create her own soaps! Now, Carissa and her family run Stone Street Soaps and sell their soaps worldwide!

A little about the soaps: (Taken from Stone Street Soaps website, since I know nothing about the process of soap making!!!) All of our soaps are homemade using the Cold Process method and made with natures finest natural ingredients. Some of these ingredients come from our own backyard! Stone Street Soaps isn't just your ordinary soap. Most of our recipes have been customized to meet the needs of family, friends, and our customers. We understand that everyone has different skin care needs and take great pleasure in creating natural homemade soaps for your enjoyment and skin care needs. Our promise to you is to treat you like family.

What is the Cold Process Method and how are your soaps different: Cold Process soap has been around for quite some time, and generations upon generations have used this method to create high quality natural soaps. Now you can walk down the bath aisle at the store and find many varieties of soap. If you are like me, I was unaware of how commercial soap was made, adding the detergents and excreting the natural glycerin created when soap is made. The process is far from simple, and if you read the ingredients on the package, you will see they are far from natural. CP or Cold Processed soap is Lye, Water and Natural Oils and when combined, create a chemical reaction called saponification which creates soap! I believe in a superior natural product, which is why each of my soap recipes go through a series of tests before it makes it out to the marketplace. First PH testing to make sure the soap is at its mildest form. Secondly, it is tested on me and family because I would never sell anything to the public that I wouldn't use on myself and family. Lastly, it is tested by my advisory board because I am always looking for ways to improve and learn.

Carissa sent me 3 wonderful products to review. At first I was really just expecting some great smelling soap. Stone Street Soaps is SO MUCH MORE than that! All of the products were well packaged, which made me feel as though I was sent a luxurious gift from some fancy boutique!


The Brown Sugar Vanilla Bar Soap was by far our favorite. I am normally a liquid soap girl, but this bar soap is just so yummy. To say that the soap leaves your hands feeling soft, is an understatement. My hands were baby bottom soft for HOURS after washing them once! Also, the scent is not over powering like most scented soaps. You can't smell it in the room next door (which is a BIG plus to me), but the light and airy scent stays on your skin for quite some time. Since I can not give you a whiff right here, I will just say that the Brown Sugar Vanilla Bar puts you in the mind of warm, brand new, cushion-y socks on a cold winter's morning. Seriously comforting without making you feel like you have to go bake cookies. lol


As I said before, I LOVE body/liquid soaps. They are just incredibly practical, and make me feel feminine. No clue why that is, but it is a fact. I tried the Pink Flowers Body wash. Again, it was just the perfect blend of fragrance and I felt amazingly clean and beautiful after using it. Kind of like the feeling of fresh cut flowers sitting on your perfectly clean table. (It is a rarity in my house...flowers and clean table...so it is special!) BTW---I came back to add that this stuff is amazing to shave your legs with!!! It leaves them amazingly smooth and no nicks. ;)


Finally, I had the pleasure of experimenting with the Body Butter. This stuff is just plain amazing. If you have ever had dry skin, and wished that you could just rub a stick of chapstick all over it to make it feel soothed and smooth...then this stuff is for you. Although, the body butter is MUCH lighter than chapstick! lol. Actually it was extremely light and you barely notice it. Brian was even surprised by it's non-stickiness. (He normally despises this kind of thing and the whole chapstick scenario makes him sick. :P) I used the Midnight Raspberry, which smells quite similar to the Bath and Body Works raspberry...but totally lacks the fruity, sickening sweet smell. Again, just a complete clean experience!!!

So... Guess what? Carissa wants to offer one reader a
$20 Gift Certificate to Stone Street Soaps!

How to enter: (Mandatory)
1. Go to Stone Street Soaps and tell me the 1 item that you HAVE to try!
Good luck choosing one.

Want Extra Entries?
Leave one EXTRA comment for each entry

2. Follow abowlofcheeries using Google friends on the side. If you are already a follower, leave a comment telling me that.

3. Sign up for Stone Street Soaps Newsletter here! Again, if you already subscribe, let us know!

4. Like Stone Street Soaps on Facebook And once more...even if you already "like" SSS, leave a comment!

5. Blog about this giveaway, and make sure to send the link!

Giveaway will end on August 31st at 11:59 pm (EST).
Please remember to leave me a way to get in touch with you, if your email address is not linked to your google account.

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