Gap's Give and Get Program

Hello, out there!  LONG time no see!  I've been away for quite a while just living life to the fullest.  How blessed am I that I have the privilege of making that statement?!!  

Today, as I was reading a friend's blog, I learned that Gap has developed a program called the Give and Get Program, designed to raise funds for charities and, in return, rewarding it's consumers for their participation.   With just a click of a button, a charity of your choosing will receive 5% of the proceeds of your purchases while you get a discount of 30%.  That's pretty amazing!  It's a way of helping those in need while helping ourselves as well. 

Purchases can be made, November 11- November 14, 2010, at the following stores: 

Gap
Banana Republic
Old Navy
Banana Republic Factory Store
and
Gap Outlet in-store 

I chose The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 

 Click HERE to help a charity of your choosing :o)  

With ♥

Miti

 

Tees Into Rugs

As I was looking for inspiration for today's Thumbs Up, I ran into a really cool reuse project via Re-Nest by Laura @ Xoelle.  The project comprises of taking your old t-shirts and turning them into a rug.  

My husband has mounds and mounds of t-shirts that, honestly, have seen better days.  Some with raggedy necks and teeny tiny holes and spots here and there.  But now, I'm seeing them in a new light.

(don't worry sweetie, your t-shirts are not in any danger, I respect your private property and will ONLY take donations :o)  

I'm now realizing that he has a treasure in his dresser drawer.  I opened it and a ray of light hit my face.  There laid his t-shirt loot with festive images of Margaritaville and softies telling me that Life Is Good.  Life is good when you can re-purpose something old into something new and useful.  

Thank you Laura for sharing this great little project.

To See How Laura Turns This...

Into This...

Click Here.

 With ♥ Miti

(Thumbs Up Thursday, where AWESOME GREATNESS comes to light.)

Puttin' IT on the Ritz

The light bulb in my head lit up when I made an interesting discovery today. It's something that had crossed my mind but I'd just shrug the thought away.  So, when I saw Dana implementing it and making it into something great, I knew it'd be worthy of a Thumbs Up. 

Here's a little background info for ya... 

Growing up, my mom ALWAYS stressed the importance of cleaning your plate.  I usually didn't have any problems with that.  And just as the world turns, somethings just never seem to change.  I'm STILL cleaning my plate.  I can't seem to bring myself to trash the left-overs.  Maybe it's me thinking of the poor starving kids in the world OR maybe it's me just loving to eat.  But, as much as I'd like to, I can't eat it all either. 

That being said, I'm left with a fridge on the verge of a left-over EXPLOSION.  You better watch out cause you may just get a BIG'O'TUB of homemade buttercream icing smack you right up-side your head. For some reason, I ALWAYS seem to make more than I need and that's what I'm left with.  LOTS AND LOTS OF SWEET, CREAMY BUTTA.

That's what makes today's little discovery so awesome.  Icing's not just for swirling on a birthday cake anymore.  It also fits perfectly nestled between two buttery Ritz Crackers.  How simple is that?!!  It's a little sweet and a little savory and it sounded so good, I HAD to try it.

Image Source:   Made, a creative collection

So, I reached for the huge tub of icing and made myself a little batch.
Here's my final result with a minor tweak.

No Ritz.  No problem.  Little Keeblers worked just fine.
 THEN
I popped them in the freezer and, in a matter of minutes, they magically turned into mini frozen treats.

Aren't you tempted?  I sure was. 

No longer will my buttercream sit in the cold, waiting for the next cake order to come in.  With a wink and a smile, I'm putting it to good use right away...

YUM-OH!!!

With ♥ Miti

(Thumbs Up Thursday, where AWESOME GREATNESS comes to light.)

My Easy-Peasy, Handy-Dandy Scrub

It's no secret.  Everyone wants to have skin as soft as a baby's bottom.  Even you men out there.  Don't deny it...  You know it's true....  But did you know that it doesn't take a trip down the skin care aisle to get it.  The only place you need to head is to your kitchen cupboard.  Amidst all the culinary ingredients, lies an ALL NATURAL Easy-Peasy, Handy-Dandy Scrub.

Here's what you'll need:

• Granulated Sugar
• Olive Oil

(Equal parts of both)

THAT'S IT!  JUST TWO INGREDIENTS! 

And for the easy-peasy part:

• Just mix...
• Scrub your hands...
• AND RINSE!

Oh yeahhh.....

You feeling it???? 

Just LIKE a baby's bottom but without all the fuss 

(and none of the poo).

With ♥ Miti

(Thumbs Up Thursday, where AWESOME GREATNESS comes to light.)

Cheap, Beauty-Full Hair Color

Welcome to my first edition of Thumbs Up Thursday.  If you haven't heard yet, Thursdays here on the Five Moms are now going to be dedicated to nothing but awesome goodness.  Scratch that!  awesome goodness.  Let's say AWESOME GREATNESS instead.  I think it'll be more fitting.  Eventually, I'd like to add a linky, but for now, I wanna just get the ball rolling.

Today, I'm starting off by giving two BIG THUMBS UP, one is for diy hair coloring and the other is for Garnier Nutrisse.  

Doing your own hair color is really not that hard and, in my book, the end result beats the high prices at the salon.  I know what you're thinking.  The professionals do it best and a whole lot fancier.  True, but I'm just keeping it real.  The cost of going Pro is just ridiculous to me.  And I figure if Sarah Jess is willing to put her hair behind it, well then it sure is good enough for me. 

But, LET ME TELL YA, this little box right here is a whole lot more than just "good enough".  

In my opinion, it's pretty great!  I tried it for the first time about 3 months ago and fell head-over-heels IN LOVE!  So, instead of putting a large chunk of money down the stylist's drain, I'm opting out for a $7 box of Nutrisse.  My color of choice is their darkest brown, Sweet Cola, and since I'm sportin' a fresh coat of it on my head, let me just put into words what this box can do for you.   It will be soft.  It will be luxurious.  And most importantly, the gray will be gone and gone quickly! 

Can you say VA.VA. VOOM??!!!  

You will, once you try it!  If my camera hadn't gone KAPUT the other day, I'd show you the evidence left behind.   But, if you can't take my word for it, just look at what it did for Sarah Jessica's do.  I'd like to say it's BEAUTY-FULL!  And, I must say, it feels just as fantastic as it looks. 

So congratulations Garnier!

This Thumb's for you!

Much ♥  Miti

{tell me, what AWESOME GREATNESS have you discovered lately?}

My Thumb Idea

Hey Everyone!!!  It's been quite a while since I last posted.  I'm sure many of you can relate.  After all, it is summertime, time to enjoy the sun in your face.  Although, I have been a bit busy lately with a 4yr old and a house being built, my excuse for absences goes a little further than that. The problem is I've also been hit in the head with a dose of blogger's block.  I really want to get back in here and just share whatever it is I wanna share.  So, I've been searching for a little inspiration and I think I've come up with a little bit of a theme for me to get my creative juices flowing again on Thursdays. 

I'm calling it Thumbs Up Thursday.  It'll just be me locking my thumb in the upright position and giving recognition to some pretty awesome ideas and finds.  Some will come from me (I hope).  Some will come from others (maybe even you).  Some days it'll be recipes that are out of this world.  Other days it'll be about creativity at it's best.  I've even thought about making it a linky.  So, in true hitchhiker fashion (in no way, shape, or form am I encouraging that) pull out your thumbs, give it a lift, and praise something worth praising.

Of course nothing is more worth my praise than the Lord above, who has given me endless blessing.  Some came in the form of prayers answered, while others were not.  But, NEVERTHELESS, He is looking out for me and I praise Him ALWAYS ♥

With ♥ Miti

My Good Way to Spend Summer List

 

There's 104 days of summer vacation then school comes along just to end it....

Oh yeah, that catchy little tune has recently been engraved into my brain thanks to a certain little someone.   And although we won't be giving any monkeys a hot shower..

or climbing up the Eiffel Tower (bummer), I'm pretty sure that our summer won't be wasted away (unless...someone wants to take me to Margaritaville and help me search for a lost shaker of salt, but that wouldn't be a waste, would it???).  Sounds like I DO have summer on the brain.  So what's a girl (and a boy) to do all summer long????

1.   Wonder how can I make the MOST of it (in true Phineas and Ferb spirit)

2.    I could unplug the TV during the day and enjoy the sunshine with Mason.

3.    Drive myself CRAZY and take him to Cheeky Judges (aka Chuck E. Cheeses).

4.    Wonder WHY did I follow through with #3...

5.    Rest after winning (just barely) the excruciating Battle at Chuck's.

6.    Take a deep breath and continue on with our little summer vacation staycation.

7.    Make the world go round by taking my BIG BOTTOM self to the gym.  (Alright what's up with all song references???)

8.    Think like The Little Engine That Could and say, "I think I can!  I think I can!"

9.    Dream about the buns of steel that will never be.

10.  Continue with Zumba just because I LOVE IT!

11.  Take Mason for some swimming lessons.

12.   Figure out how I'm gonna be "right there" for Mason and not drown myself.

13.   Survive Mason's swimming lessons (I hope).

14.   Enjoy time with my family from Costa Rica.  (Note to self:  they are coming to you, not vise versa :o(

15.   Watch lots and lots of Phineas and Ferb (on a rainy day of course).

16.    Wonder how Phineas and Ferb give a real life monkey a hot shower with such ease while I struggle with a so-called monkey of my own.

17.   Try to remember how to blog.

18.    Become an American Costa Rican Picker by picking someone else's trash for some treasures, followed by picking strawberries.  We'll just make a day of it.  Why not????

19.    Get robbed by someone named Carmike and take Mason to see Toy Story III and be glad I did.

20.   Wonder where the time goes.  Summer's going by so fast!

21.   Be happy that the end of summer is drawing near.  After all, the end of summer brings the beginning of a brand spankin' new home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

22.   Score on more awesome deals at my favorite home improvement store, LOWES.
        Current savings so far.... $436 on 5 light fixtures  CHA CHING!!!!

23.   Wait anxiously for MOVING DAY!!!!

24.    Jump for JOY cause it's MOVING Day!!!!!

25.    Fall in love with our new playroom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

26.    Give thanks to God for all He has given me and my family ♥.

What's on your summer list?

Yours (truly).

Miti

Need some blog inspiration?  Visit Mama Kat for some motivational prompts.

I'm So Sick of It!

Last time on Five Mom's and a Blog, Nan was talking about having a sickness and it's sad to say but I have one of my own.  I like to refer to it as the crafting bug.  

This is what it looks like.

Lately, it's gotten bad, not because my house is oozing with creativity.  I wish that were the case!!!  It's more in my brain and in my computer, evidenced by all the saved files.  Every time I see a neat little project, I snatch it away and put in my crafty little crafting file, where they'll be saved for all eternity.  It is a sickness cause I just can't seem to stop doing it.  And there just can't be anything right about owning a sewing machine for several years now, loving it like it were a child of my own, all the while never having threaded it's needle.  It's sad :o(   I know and I'm sure the mere thought just sickens you sewing goddesses.  But the reality is this - I'm a BIG SCARTY-CAT!  I'm too afraid of hurting it, so I just let it sit in solitary confinement. It's for it's own good.  Where's Martha Stewart when you need her????  not here :o(

I don't have proof, but believe me, the projects are there.  My computer can attest to it.

Ever since I could remember, I've always enjoyed making things and have always wanted to own a boutique shop in a quaint little town.  Oh man, the possibilities would be endless.  Everything would be homemade with love.  Awwwww.....

Maybe it could look something like this.

OR THIS!

 Or how about something pretty in pink?

Or maybe I should open my own little Esty shop?

The thought has crossed my mind MANY a times.  Like I said, crafting is a sickness.  So, what's the remedy? Maybe I just need a place where my brain can have a little piece of mind and my creative juices are welcomed with opened arms.

Have you ever wanted something so bad?

Stay tuned.  Maybe sometime in the future I'll have a GRAND OPENING to announce.

Miti

Future owner of Miti Homemade

(in my dreams)

Some Motherly Advise

I'm sure you all know what Sunday is...

That's right!
Mother's Day!

This is definitely a holiday worthy of celebrating. And I'm not saying that because I'm a mommy myself. With 4 years of motherhood behind me, I still have plenty of learning to do before I can earn my Greatest Mommy Award. My mom, however, has had her little trophy for quiet some time. To be exact, she's had it for as long as I can remember. I know that I've got a great mentor to rely on if I need any advise. If my little guy is feeling under the weather, I know just who to call. It never fails. She always has the best old-fashion, homemade remedies, like mixing one part olive oil + one part honey + a little splash of lemon juice to sooth a nasty cough. Believe it or not it tasted really good and it worked like a charm! Sometimes the remedies are a little out there like when she told me to grease him down with Vapo Rub. Yeah, that's nothing new, but then she tells me to wrap him up in newspaper! ??????? Don't ask me... Since the first trick worked, I didn't have to resort to that one. I gotta say, though, I'm kinda curious.....

My point is this. A mom would not be a great mom if she didn't give advise to her children. It's part of the motherhood territory. One day, God willing, I'll be giving my children advise on how they can be the greatest parent ever. I just have to remember everything that my mom has taught me and then pass it on.

So tell me...
What great advise has your motherly mentor passed on to you?


Your's (truly),
Miti

I'M A BE... A BUSY BEE!

Hey ya'll!  Hope all is well in your lives.  I haven't been blogging much lately cause I've been pretty busy myself.  There's t-ball to take Mason to on Tuesdays and Thursdays.   It's definitely worth the one hour round-trip just to watch him practice.
I LOVE IT!!!

Last week I had 2 cake orders...

One was a Hotwheels cake and the other was a pair of roller skates.  Now I'm here posting when I should be working on another cake but I've missed hearing from my bloggy friends so here I am...

 

When I'm not taking my little baller to the ball field, I'm taking my big behind to the gym for some Zumba on Mondays and Wednesdays.  And on top of all that I"m planning Mason's Batman birthday party.  Which brings me to another busy weekend.  I'll have a wedding cake and Mason's birthday cake to complete back to back.  I'm trying to stay ahead of the game, though.  The party has been booked at Chuck E. Cheeses Judges and I finished his invitations.  But y'all know how crazy the kids birthday parties are.  I love planning his birthdays and I try to do more than just hand the party off to the professionals.  I'm just one of those crazy obsessed, creative types that can't leave it alone.  Sometimes I wish I wasn't.  There's still lots to be done, but I'm sure I'll be going non-stop no matter how much I plan ahead.

So that's my life at the moment.  

What's going on with you?

The Busy Bee,

Miti

Fooling Around with Family Fun

Are things a little off today?  Are people acting just a little strange?  Then oh oh, sounds like they're trying to pull a fast one on you.  

Haven't you heard???

It's April Fools Day!

But, don't you worry cause I've got the perfect cure for mischievous behavior.  Give those pranksters a little dose of their own medicine.  Make sure you wear your long sleeves today cause we're gonna fill them up with lots of trickery fun!

Click on the images below and let's start fooling around with some family fun!

GOOD ONES, HUH???   

This post was brought to you by Family Fun Magazine, their creative readers and MITI (as the messenger).

Delivery Dreams

Remember when you were a kid and the sweet sound of an ice cream truck came to your ears?  Well, somethings just never change.  Kids still go crazy for the ice cream truck.  

Today the One-Minute Writer asked what delivery truck would have you adults out there running towards it like a mad barbarian. 

My vote goes for Starbucks Coffee!!!!!!!!!!

What would the delivery truck of your dreams deliver?

Miti

Quirky Is As Quirky Does

Today I came across a fun meme.  It's called Top 3 Thursday and it was brought to me by Confessions of a Working Mom and The (Un)Experienced Mom.  Each week they set the tone for your Top 3 lists.  This week's theme is all about getting in touch with all our QUIRKS.  At first I thought, man, I've got nothing.  My brain was drawing me a ______(blank)_______.

I said to my brain, "Brain, don't fail on me now!  Work with me.  I need a post and I know there's got to be something a little off about me.  It's pretty obvious to everybody else so surely you'd be smart enough to pick it up too.  They don't call you a brain for nothing! So, come on get with it!" 

After having that little pep talk with Brain, I started getting these images of me doing some pretty quirky things.  They may not be the most outrageous things imaginable but  for a girl that's as laid back as me, it's not gonna get too weird anyway.

So, here's what's on my TOP 3 QUIRKY THURSDAY LIST!

1. I can't stand to be barefoot.  I hardly ever kick off my shoes and relax my feet.  My shoes are with me til the very last minute of the day.  Socks are really dear to me too.  I've got to have some on my feet 24 / 7.  But not in the shower of course or on the beach.  Too bad though.  That would have really been quirky.... 
2. I can't stand stepping on a wet floor (of course with my bare feet).  YUCK!!!!  Just thinking about it makes me cringe.  But you know what, now that Brain has me thinking about, wet floors are gross with or without bare feet.  I wish the hubby would dry up a little more before stepping out of that shower.  (shiver, shiver)Wet socks are gross too! 
3. I think I think too much....... if I were a contestant on American Idol, I'd be as stiff as a doorknob.  (stiff as a doorknob....is that how you say it???)  I don't even know if any of that sentence above makes sense at all.  Maybe I don't think as much as I thought I thought.  Ok, I think my brain has officially punched out for today.....

So now it's your turn.  What makes you QUIRKY?  If you wanna post about it, make sure you link up with the two ladies above.

This QUIRKY post was brought to you by Miti

Google, You're Fired!

I'm so frustrated right now! I no longer have googly-shmoogly eyes for Google. Today, I got the urge to update my cake website, but guess what?! Somebody decided to take my little website and mess it all up. It's a good thing I checked in today because if I hadn't, there's no telling how many people would have clicked in and right back out. It is such a mess that I'm considering telling Google, "YOU'RE FIRED!" He decided to play hooky and pawned off all my hard work to a Mr. Google Sites. WHAT! Does he think that just because they have the same first name, everything's gonna be just dandy?!

He doesn't fool me. I can tell a difference. The margins are off. There's duplicate photos. The headings aren't where they should be and everything is sqooshed together. And now this new guy has the nerve to even put surveys on MY website.

OUR SURVEY?????

EXCUSE ME!!!
I didn't approve this!!!

AND I DON'T know who YOU think you are, but there's no US and you're NOT helping me one bit!

How could he just take control like that?! Does Google NOT remember how LONG it took me to put it all together?! And NOW he wants ME to clean up his mess?!!!!

So, now I have a BIG decision to make. Should I stick it out and try to work things out with this new Mr. G. Sites or should I just say, "YOU'RE FIRED!", and be done with it. That sounds like a better option. Besides, who needs the hassle when I could hire Mr. Blogger to keep up with all my cakes. He seems to be doing a great job here and at Pieces of Me.

What do y'all think?

Sincerely FRUSTRATED!
Miti

Kids Grow Up Way Too Fast

Even before they're born, they're rushing it!

Just a word of advice for all the young & the restless out there, enjoy being a kid cause one day you're gonna wake up with gray hair, bags under your eyes, wrinkles that can't be ironed, an achy breaky body, no energy, lots of bills, wetting your pants (again), forgetting your teeth on the counter and wishing you were young again.

Yours (truly),
Miti

Did I Do That???

We all have moments when we think to ourselves, "Did I just do that?" Some of those moments make you wanna crawl under a rock while others make you wanna climb the tallest mountain and announce it to the whole world. I've had my share of both and here they are.

• Blogged about bleaching the hair on my chinny chin chin and then some. Oh and don't forget about the picture. Oh boy, why did I have to bring that up again?
  

• I once told my boss that he resembled the company mascot. The resemblance was uncanny to say the least. The only difference was that one was a cartoon sailor boy. He got a pretty good laugh out of it, thank goodness.

• Gave birth to a little 7lbs human being. Wow, man, I did that?? How many men can say that?!!! Well, there is that one man, but let's just not go there, ok?!
  

• Peed my pants. It's true! I laugh. I pee. I sneeze. I pee. I even run to the bathroom as if I were a pull-up wearing two year old doing the potty dance. And apparently I'm not the only one with leakage problems. I didn't know it was part of the post-preggers package.

• And since we're on the subject, I'll go ahead and confess another leakage incident. First, let me ask you a question? Have you ever dreamed that you had to go and you searched and searched for a potty like there was no tomorrow? Well, I have and not only did I find that potty, but I actually used it too. I vowed that from now on I was going to pinch myself before I go.

• I'm also guilty of the toot and run. Come on. Y'all know what I'm talking about. You're in the store and all of the sudden it hits you and it just comes out. Then you try going under the radar and over two or three aisles. Don't deny it...
  

Hmmmm.... I'm seeing a pattern here. Maybe I should stop before I give y'all TMI. To late for that, right?! Well, for what it's worth (my dignity, for sure) I hope you at least got a good laugh out of my mishaps.

DID I JUST BLOG ABOUT ALL THAT????
Miti Anonymous Momma

I Got Bit by Some Kind of Bug

Today, I got bit by some kind of bug. It didn't make me sick. Oh, contraire! It put a little skip in my step. All it took was finding a little message on my Facebook. It was from an old high school friend and the message was as simple as her paying me a sweet compliment about my sisters and I. I won't mention any details. All I will say is that it made me feel good and it gave me a little boost throughout the day.

Isn't it funny how someone's kind gesture can turn your day around? Even doing something kind for someone else can lift you up. It's like that Liberty Mutual commercial. It just amazes me how kindness can spread like a wild fire. It's very contagious and I hope we all get bit by this kind of bug today, tomorrow, and always.

With Love & Kindness,

Well, it's 5:35 pm and I'm just now getting here to post. It seems like I've got nothing but a little invite for ya. My other little blog got all my bloggy attention today. Let me warn you! It's a LONG one!!! But I had to give thanks to some and praise to others. So please won't you come over? You might just make a new bloggy friend or two.

Miti

Going on a Blog Jog

Today I thought I'd do a little exercising. It doesn't involve going to the gym or doing any crunches. The exercise I'm doing today doesn't even involve any sweating. Why, you ask? Well, because I'm going on a blog jog and the only trainer I'm gonna need today is YOU. That's right! Today I'm exercising my mind and soul. I'll be jogging from blog to blog in search of some energy - POSITIVE ENERGY. Wanna come along? Here, follow my lead.

Jogging ............... Jogging ................. Jogging

GOTTA KEEP ON BLOGGING

Jogging ........... Jogging ............ Jogging

TODAY

I made a little trail for anyone who would like to join me. Here are a few things I picked up along the way that may put a positive spin on your life.

Trainers

• McCrakenx4...................Let snow bring out the kid in you. It's good for the soul.
• 2003beachbunch............A Happy Family is but an Earlier Heaven. (great quote!)
• A Daily Scoop.................Even when you're faced with the most unimaginable grief, have faith in God for he will see you through.
• Mother's Mayhem..........When a child is sleeping, looking so sweet and innocent, you realize that a messy room isn't such a big deal.
• Simple Days....................Let your personality shine. Your life will be much brighter.
• Chitter Chatter................Blogging isn't a waist of time because you always seem to run across someone you can relate to.
• The Farmgirl Life............Don't be lazy. Put the clean clothes on hangers and the dirty clothes in the hamper.
• A Little of This and a Little of That.......It's never too late to set new goals.
• Seriously, So Blessed........Giveaways are so much fun and there's nothing like great music to perk you up!
• Dreams Lived..................."Let's not say we aren't going to even attempt at being better people; that we aren't even going to address making changes in our lives. For when we stop trying to be better, that is when we become worse. We never stay the same. We are either growing or shrinking, moving forward or back. And unless we continue to progress, our families, our communities, our nation, our world won't progress." Words straight from her blog. I couldn't have said it better myself.

Man, that was quite a workout!!! I feel like a new woman. A very successful day with trained professionals of lives, I must say. Thanks to all of you. May you all continue to live your lives strong, happily, and proud.

With ♥
Miti

A Win-Win Situation

That's right!!! Since I was such a slacker in December, I've decided to choose TWO WINNERS for January's giveaway here at the Five Moms. The TWO LOVELY WINNERS will be receiving a custom header made to order for their blogs. How cool is that?!?! (ok, I know it's not as awesome as winning a gift card or a {{{hug}}} from Erica, but it's still pretty cool, huh...?) So, who are the TWO LOVELY WINNERS??? (Glad you asked cause I'm pretty anxious to find out myself!) It's all up to one handsome little G.I. Joe. Let's see who he picks. Good Luck Ladies and thanks for participating!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS
Christy Rose & Loren!!!

Can't wait to get started on your BRAND NEW HEADERS!
Just send me your email so that I can send a little questionnaire your way.

Thanks again to all,