grocery shopping

One of the most organized persons I know is the wonderful Mrs. Debbie Martens.  In an effort to become more efficent she generoulsly sent me her grocery store map of the North Ames Fareway store... and with her permission let me share it with all of you!  I don't know if this happens to you guys, but I get to the checkout line and I forgot one item that is at the opposite end of the store.  completely annoying esepcially when you have a little one about ready to erupt! :-) 

Enter Mrs. Debbie.

She has the list organized asile by asile.  You can copy and paste this list and tweek it to another store.   I usually shop @ Fareway & Aldi's.  So I will need to tweek it a little bit for each store, but she has made it so easy! 

I have been working at HARD at getting my recipes in a binder.  All in one place, by category.  Then, on Sunday evening I do a weekly menu---how cool would it be to have this list printed and just circle what you need and then when you get to the store circled ASILE BY ASILE as you pass them!  I am thinking this might take 30 mins every sunday night.  I found this cute {did I mention FREE} menu planner I've printed off about a dozen of... click here if you'd like the link to do the same.

Here the grand list of Mrs. Debbie is... (this is PERFECT for the Ames Fareway NORTH location--will need to tweek for downtown location or another store.) 

GROCERY LIST

I hope this helped, or inspired you!  I in no way , shape or form do this every week, I fail miserably and sometimes order a pizza when my planning skills tank, but I am sure going to try and do better!  Please let me know if you have any tricks or tips on grocery shopping/saving money/or your organizational tips! 

4th of july freebies

thanks to Lizard and ladybug for these free fourth of July freebie round ups!

pen n' paper flowers

(so simple - so cute)

The Party Dress  
(love the clean look of these)

Moo Moo's & Tutus 
(such cute designs)

Tweedle Dee Designs
(so so festive)

Bella Grace
(love the cherries)

Living Locurto
(these would be great for a 4th pool party)

Oh My Gluestick
(these shout 'USA')

paper and cake 

 (love the old-fashioned look of these)

less cake {more frosting} 
(so dang cute)

and my latest find...yellow mums
(love the patterns)

a few things that caught my eye...& 4th of July

this lovely flower totally caught my eye and when i looked through the tutorial

i am loving this!! such a fabulous idea that could be used year round. the hook makes it so easy to change out for all the different seasons/holidays :)

love it!

this is such a simple idea, but i love how clean and refreshing the look is. totally something i would enjoy in my home. just have to find some lovely glass bottles 

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BettyCrocker.com

 OR, need a super simple way to show your USA spirit? Check out here for these super simple ( & budget friendly!) yet fun ways to decorate your home.

 

Father's Day Gift! (free printable)

**RYAN & Jon please do not read!!**

With Father's Day right around the corner why not add some personalization to your gift?  Click here  for this FREE download to add some retro labels to your gift this Father's Day!

Check out here for a cute way one blogger decorated with the label. 

and for a cute card I came across this idea for making a cute/original Father's Day card. 

Enjoy this beautiful day! 

Few fun things + teacher appreciation/thank you gift ideas!

Few Fun Finds of the Week:

Bacon & Cheese Egg McMuffin Cups.

These would be perfect for a brunch or family get together--and the best part??? they only require FOUR ingredients.  yah! Even if you aren't a fan of runny eggs (i.e. my hubby! ;-)  you can still scramble them to make a mean morning dish.  Click {here} for the directions.  enjoy!

                             
Printable Family Wall Decor:

                       I thought this was really neat!   All you need is a fun 8 X 10 picture frame, a printer and a place to put it!  They let you print house of ... (2-7)   Click {here} for the details.

                              
numbered flower pots 
Click the link above to find out how to make the numbered flower pots.  I thought this was really a cute idea.  I will definitely be making one of these this summer!

I LOVED this idea! This would be a unique wedding gift, anniversary, or birthday gift! You can give that newlywed a lot of fun, creative date nights!

So many fun possibilities!! Click here to see the ideas/date ideas.

now...I am planning on making these for future wedding gifts.  Although I thought I'd switch it up a little bit instead of 'can of dates' I'm going to write on the can 'our first Christmas' and in the can include...

It's a Wonderful Life DVD
Two Coffee Mugs with hot chocalote mix

A Christmas cookie cutter

Sugar Cookie recipe

A Christmas CD 

A Mistletoe Toe

A Christmas ordainment that says 'our first Christmas'

ETC... (if you have any other ideas please let me know!!)

loved that idea!

Teacher Appreciation/Thank You's!

 With the end of the school year & church activities coming to an end, show your appreciation for all their hard work!!  Here are just a couple ideas.  

Beach Towel Gift:

This idea is so stinkin' easy but so thoughtful! All you need is:

Ribbon

Sunscreen

Magazine

Beach Towel

...you could even "boy" this idea up and get a beach towel, ESPN magazine with a red bull or something like that.  love it! Click {here} for the details!

One of my new favorite blogs it eighteen25.  They have the cutest ideas with free printables including step by step directions on how to get it accomplished.  here are just a few of the ideas.  check out their blog {here} to see what i mean!

BASEBALL CUPCAKES:
Thought these looked so cute! how fun would these be for a baseball party, or a baseball themed birthday party? Click on the link for directions!

baseball cupcake recipe

Super Easy Wheat Bread

Can't wait to try this recipe!  Click the link for the directions! Who doesn't love the smell of homemade bread?!

gumball cupcake 'how to' CUTE!

Click {here}to score some free printable birthday cutouts!  They have both boy & girl freebies.  What a cute idea flipping peanut butter cups and putting a printable on top!

Happy day to you!

printable bookplate

click {here} to print these free printable bookplates.  You could print them on sticker paper and give them as a gift set for a little girl!

On a personal note:

  I had to take a break from painting, pulling carpets, etc for a second.  Things are really starting to take shape--its looking better already.  We are *hoping* to be done by next Friday. (Lord willing!!)  However, I need a shoutout to my husband.  He is so stinking amazing & talented its hard to believe.  There isn't ANYTHING he can't fix or do.  okay, break time is over! 

Later!

i have a thing for buttons

aren't these cute?  i sure thought so.  a fun way to use your buttons and brighten someones day!  The colors on the buttons could go along with a theme, holiday or just because you have some laying around. Click here to download this print. (Each sheet makes two cards.) Cut the sheet in half and fold the two cards. Attach some colorful buttons with hot glue and round the card's corners if you want. 

enjoy!  

My postings may be a  little hit and miss the next month or so.  We have alot going on --remodeling, packing/moving (don't worry, not far!) ...but honestly with us thats just ever 10 months! But, we are getting closer to financial peace with each step of the way...Dave Ramsey would be so proud!

free fill in the blank printable invite!

download a free petal invitation over here.  This would be a fun idea for a neighborhood get together invite, small family get together, a girls night....or anything really.  This is a cute way to still hand out/send an invitation with the expense of buying them.  super cute.