Blog it Forward Tuesday!

It's that time again!  Share the blog love and Blog It Forward!  Join the blog list below and follow as many blogs as you please.  Don't forget to leave a comment so they know you're new. 

Day 8...a picture that makes you laugh

30 Day Challenge is still going strong.  Day 8 is a picture that makes you laugh.

We are at one of our favorite pizza places here and that cool 'stache he has is from one of those bubble gum machines.  Everytime I see this I laugh!  He looks like the country singer, Alan Jackson.

Day 6 and 7 in the 30 Day Photo Challenge

Don't judge....I fell behind again. 
After linking up with Susie QT Pie's Scraps of Life I thought it would be no biggie...one post a day.  So, then life happened and knocked me back to reality. 
Day 6 is a photo of the person you would love to trade places with for a day:


Day 7 is a picture of your most treasured item....this was hard because I don't really have a treasured item.  Out of my "things" I hold close my photo albums, the jewelry I inherited from my grandmother because it all reminds me of her, my kids' baby blankets that my grandmother made, my books.
But most off I don't treasure things, I treasure my memories, my family and my faith.  Here is my most treasured ITEM in my home:


This Bible has helped me grasp the meaning of His word. It has been highlighted, underlined and stuffed with notes.  I love it.

Day 5 of the 30 day Photo Challenge

I didn't do my Day 5 yesterday! Oops! So I will have Day 5 this morning and Day 6 tonight....hopefully.
Day 5 of the Photo Challenge is a picture of my best memory:

This pretty much sums it up!  The births of all three of my children and the day I married the man I was meant to be with for the rest of my life. Might seem a little cliche but so very true.

I am linked up with Susie QT Pie's Scraps of Life for this challenge.

Glow Naturals Review and Giveaway

Let me start off with saying how much I love this company.  Glow Naturals is the parent company of Sparkle Naturals, that I did a giveaway for a few weeks back.  Working with Glow and Sparkle Naturals has been a dream. 
I fell in love with the Sparkle line for my daughter....and I'm still using it on G, he doesn't care that it has a purple cap.  So, I was excited when I received my package from GLOW Naturals with treats just for ME.  I was lucky enough to try out 3 products:

Radiance DMAE & MSM Facial Creme
Illuminate DMAE & MSM Facial Serum
Awaken AHA Facial Cleanser

I love them all already!  Always on the lookout for new moisturizers and face wash, this came at a great time.  I usually use Kiss My Face, Aveeno, or Olay for facial care but I was completely surprised with how much I liked these products. 
I must confess that I am a moisturizer addict.  I moisturize once in the morning and once at night and I NEVER forget.  If I do...I feel like I'm wearing saran wrap on my face, really tight saran wrap.  A little dramatic, yes.  But, true.  I tried out the serum first because that's what the tiny little directions said to do.  It was not as oily as I thought it would be.  It actually felt like a light weight moisturizer.  Slathered on the moisturizer after that.  Let me be clear in saying....only use a small amount!  I used way too much and looked a little bit like I had a fight with a jar of Vaseline.  The moisturizer did its job though!  When I woke up this morning, my face was still moisturized.  The Facial Cleanser worked out great too.  This one is made for dry skin, which I have plenty of on my forehead and cheeks right now due to this moody weather.   It was smooth and felt very refreshing, cleaning my face without drying it out.  All of these products keep your skin hydrated and fight signs of aging NATURALLY!                                                 
Glow Naturals has found a wonderful ingredient....DMAE.  Even Dr. Oz recommends it!  And we all know that Dr. Oz is the supreme Dr. of the world.  Go straight to Glow Naturals right... here and check out exactly what the Great Oz has to say about DMAE.  It just happens to be a super anti-aging agent!  You heard me...ANTI aging.   This is amazing stuff....it can prevent and REVERSE signs of again.  That's right, reverse those pesky crow's feet or laugh lines or if you're like me....the 11's in between your eyes.  DMAE is an amazing  breakthrough. 
Now, Glow Naturals is called naturals for a reason.  All products are natural, sulfate free, paraben free, vegan, and organic.  They are never tested on animals and made in the USA. 

Glow Naturals is offering many products from the ones I mentioned above to gift sets! 

Okay...it's giveaway time!!  Once again, GLOW NATURALS is being super generous and offering Staying Home and Staying Sane followers the same set of Glow Naturals that I was lucky enough to try but in their skin type. (dry, oily, prone to acne...)
   Facial Serum                           Facial Cleanser                  Facial Creme
Here's what you need to do to win these fantabulous products...yes, all THREE of them. This giveaway will end on March 2nd!  I will alert the winner and then Glow Naturals, they will ship the prize to you.  I'm so sorry all of my out of US friends!  Glow Naturals is not shipping internationally just yet.  This is only for my followers in the US.
A few MANDATORY entries: 
1. Be a public follower of Staying Home and Staying Sane and don't forget to leave a way to contact you.
2. Go to GLOW Naturals and tell me what else you would pick out for yourself or someone else.  Come back and leave a comment telling me what it is.

EXTRA entries:
1.  "LIKE" Staying Home and Staying Sane on Facebook (1 extra entry)
2. "LIKE" GLOW Naturals on Facebook (1 extra entry)
3.  Blog about this giveaway!  (3 extra entries) please leave me a link!
4. Share this giveaway on Facebook (2 extra entries) please leave me a link!

This is a wonderful giveaway with some great natural skin care...good luck!

Day 4 of the Photo Challenge

I'm on Day 4 of the Photo Challenge...not sure how I got there so fast, I think I did two in one day or something.
Day 4 is a picture of your night.
THIS is my night:

Grey's Anatomy, my laptop, a blanket covering my feet. I'm good to go. :)


Feel free to join the Photo Challenge at any time. I'm linked up with Scraps of Life.


Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been close with for the longest.

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.

Day 04 - A picture of your night.

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.

Day 12 - A picture of something you love.

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.

Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.

Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little.

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.

Day 25 - A picture of your day.

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.

Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.

Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.

Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.

Day 3 of the Photo Challenge!

Day 3 of the photo challenge asks for a picture of the cast from my favorite show.  For most people this would be super easy.  I, on the other hand, find this so freakin' hard! I am a TV addict.  I don't sit and watch TV all day but I do DVR like a thousand shows.  I'm not sure if I would allow just anyone to skim through my DVR listings.  Who wants to be judged by what they watch??? Honestly, I don't watch anything too bad....Jersey Shore, Teen Mom, Real Housewives Atlanta and New York.   Only History Channel, I swear.
So, my dilemma?  Which decade do I want to choose my favorite show from?  Put a smile on every girl from the 80's face with Rainbow Brite?  Take everyone back to the days of 5 lb cell phones and Zack Morris with Saved by the Bell?
I will keep it recent and go with one of my faves that is NOT a reality show.  Sorry, Top Chef.  The winner is....Modern Family.  I see myself in this family and that is a good thing. What's your favorite show? 

 I heart Cam and Phil.

Welcome Wednesday Blog Hop hosted by Take it From Me!

Take it From Me is hosting a Welcome Wednsday Blog Hop!!  This is a wonderful way to meet other bloggers and help others (and yourself) get follower numbers up!  I have just started doing Blog Hops, not sure what took me so long. What a wonderful way to support other bloggers.  This is the first time I am linking up with thwir post, so hopefully it works.
Follow their directions and add your blog link! Grab their button! And share some blog love!
Grab this linky and add your name to the list.  Follow back those that follow you.


Thanks again to Take it From Me for hosting!!


 

Day 2 of the 30 Day Photo Challenge

I am really digging this challenge thing.  It is forcing me to post every day even though I'm super tired....and watching Parenthood.  So, thank you to Scraps of Life for the idea.  Okay, so Day 2 of the challenge is to post a picture of the person you've been the closest with the longest.  Obviously, this doesn't mean my parents.  I am going to go with the next person in line though....my sister, Kayce.  My sister and I are 4 1/2 years apart...I'm the youngest, by the way.  As we grew up we were not the greatest friends.  I was the annoying little sister and she played the part, beautifully I must say, of the brooding teenager with a chip on her shoulder.
I wore side ponytails and Hypercolor t-shirts.  She wore black eyeliner and had asymmetrical hair.  We were on different planets.  When she was gone, I would sneak into her room with my friends and ogle the writing on her wall that she was allowed to have.  I never let her know that her coolness radiated through my neon, teeny bopper shell.....but when I knew she was coming to my school for PALS or Junior Achievement, I was pumped.  I loved that kids stared at her with  wide eyes.  She was what we all used to call a "new waver".
When my sister graduated and moved out, our relationship started to change.  That same motorcycle jacket wearing-eyeliner sporting-red lipstick before Gwen Stefani-cool sister is now a super successful business woman.  She is married and happy and still as cool as ever but sans the chains and bike jacket. 

30 Day Photo Challenge! I think I can, I think I can....

I stumbled across a wonderful challenge tonight on Susie QT Pies Scraps of Life, it is a 30 Day Photo Challenge.  Each day I post a picture of the challenge that is presented and if needed, the story to go with it. 
I just love this type of looking inward thinking!  I am not sure how many other people will appreciate this 30 Day Photo Challenge and what I have to offer it, but I am stoked about it.  Day 1 has the challenge of taking a picture of myself...and a list of 15 facts about myself.  Seems simple enough but we'll see how it goes.  Tomorrow will be a picture of me and the person I have been closest with the longest. 
I challenge anyone else to take this on, blogger or not.  Facebook it, Tweet it, email it.... :)
So...here goes:


This picture is from a Girl's Night Out a few months ago. One of my oldest friends is sitting beside me but I wasn't sure if she would want to be showcased on my blog. ;) According to the challenge, I need to list 15 facts....I'm assuming about myself.

1. I am a Christian.
2. My husband and I will be married 13 years this July....but we only dated 3 MONTHS before we were married.
3. I am a weirdly obsessive person when it comes to my grocery cart.
4. My children are wild, crazy, rambunctious, and so stinkin' original that they make my heart hurt.
5. My favorite scripture is Psalm 46:10......"Be Still and know" should be tattooed somewhere on my body...and it might be at some point.
6. I am a pop culture whiz!  Especially at 80's and 90's TV.
7. My feet are always cold.
8. I have a mental block when it comes to makeup or hairstyling techniques.  Burt's Bees is my friend.
9. I am a recycling junkie....there will be 2 bins at my curb every week..and they're probably full
10. I have a really loud laugh. Really. Loud.
11. I refuse to ever do Botox....I've earned these stripes, baby.
12. I want to be organized....but I am not.
13. Music, random dancing and weird accents are things that you are likely to hear and see when you walk in my door unexpectedly.
14. Tad bit obsessed with plaid.
15. I am happy with my life. My family. My friends. Right now...at this point in my life, I am peacefully happy.

Making cupcakes with Dr. Oetker

As a green blog I love to tell you guys when I've found a product that is Eco-friendly, organic, all-natural...or all three!  I started using Dr. Oetker Organics last year anytime I needed to make cakes, cupcakes or brownies.  I absolutely love them!  Simple organic cake mixes.  You know the drill; cake mix, eggs, oil.....
This is just a quick shout out to Dr. Oetker because they just helped my daughter make her first cupcakes.  She did this all on her own.  I only held the bowl while she scooped the batter into the cupcake liners.  We used red liners and of course, Toy Story for G. Tonight we used the Dr. Oetker Organics, organic Chocolate cake mix.    After adding and mixing the 3 ingredients, she poured the batter, waited 20 minutes and they were perfect!  (Why is it that when I use organic mixes for cakes, etc I feel like I can eat more??)
We used India Tree decorating sugar for the sprinkles and we went WAY off base and used Duncan Hines whipped icing. 
Definitely try these products!  India Tree has a ton of different colors to choose from and the ingredients are all easily pronounced!! Sugar crystals, beet juice for color, carnauba wax.  That's it, depending on the color.  Our periwinkle sugar used vegetable juice. 
Everybody picked out which cupcake they wanted....Tyler wanted the biggest of course, and G wanted the "baby" one.  Rhys was just happy to be eating a cupcake after already getting to the lick the bowl.  We put a dollop of icing on each plate and a sprinkling of decorating sugar too.  They got to use as much as they wanted, that was on their plate.
Fun time on a Sunday night! 

Tyler's super awesome invites I only had to pay shipping for :) Score!

Love Album Green St. Patrick's Day Card

Tell them you love them with Shutterfly Valentines cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Life Lessons?

Inspired by Parenting magazine's Shawn Bean in this month's Pop Culture page I decided to ask my own kids what life lessons they think I have taught them.  Bean, a father of 2 boys, asks his oldest, "What's the most helpful thing I've ever told you?"....his son replies, "Go poop at school." 
So, while my daughter was in the bathtub I asked the boys what life lessons they've learned from me.  After R got out of the bath, I asked her, even though she was in the middle of a "watch me!" moment with her baton.  I was pretty stoked that some of the important things stuck but who knows what tomorrow will bring.
When I asked Tyler...who will be 12 in just a few short weeks!....I was expecting some silly stuff like, you taught me not to pick my nose in public or only pee outside when no one's looking.  Don't get me wrong, I got some of those but mostly I'm just glad they listen to me when it counts.
Here are their responses:
Ummm.....you taught me, you know....equal rights and stuff  (score! pre-teen listens to equality speeches)
To be proud of my body
Be nice to others
To chill out (wasn't aware this was a life lesson, but if you lived with me one day, you would understand)
To play with bugs
ummm....everything
NOT to pull my pants down at school (this stemmed from a kindergarten "dare" incident...nice, I know....I get the whole body pride irony, ha.ha.)
Never start a fight
How to read and write
Not to hit a girl
be nice to animals

Then, I asked Griffin who is 4 years old...."Hey, Buddy, what has Mommy taught you that helps you?"
His response was.....
Karate!!!
and to go potty

seeing as though I don't know karate, that's pretty darn good!

Then came Rhys with her baton twirling and her bedtime outfit on (yes, an outfit she picked out to sleep in but not from her pajama drawer) and a routine planned out to show me.  So, when I asked her, "Is there anything in life that I've taught you so far that has been really helpful"..well, she was just plain annoyed that I intruded in her own little twirler half time show. 
Her response was....
To be a Christian
and then after some more thought...and annoyance she said......"you haven't even taught me anything, I don't think.  What are you doing anyway?"

OOF! Punch to the gut!  Okay, so, I get it, I know I have taught this child things.  I've taught her how to sit like a lady, how to do "frog flips" on the trampoline, how to pour "tea" into cups...repeatedly when she was 2, how to braid, how to curl her tongue....but at that moment she taught me a life lesson....

Every girl needs her moment....back off.

Stop by Parenting magazine and check out some of their wonderful articles. It might be a short magazine, but it gets to the point.

Valentine's Love List.....gotta' love the simple things.

I honestly can't believe it's almost Valentine's Day.  This year is already going by way too fast.  Which means my munchkins will eventually grow up....never mind all the times I've imagined sitting on a white sand beach just me and B while our 3 children are in college or at a wonderful, well paid job.....it still makes me sad.  This weather doesn't help either.  In Southeast Texas it is not supposed to be below freezing and looking a tad bit like London with all the gray skies and misty air.  So, I am cheering myself up with.....Girl Scout cookies that were just delivered yesterday!..... ahem, I mean, happy thoughts!! In the spirit of Valentine's Day I'm asking myself, what simple things do I just love?

• the goofy things 4 yr old G says when he gets in the car on our way to take the big kids to school.  Yesterday, he yelled out a random list of numbers and then said "Hit it, Mom! And, that means, GO!"
• the way R leaves notes on her marker board for me to read during the day while she's at school.....and the messages I write back. :)
• weird things T says when I know he isn't doing what I asked him to.  This morning it took him forever to get ready and I said rather loudly while giving him the "mom" glare, "I hope you are dressed! It doesn't take 30 minutes to put on jeans!" and he looked at the dog and said "Leni, quit trying to attack me, can't you see Mom needs me to get ready?!"  He says everything with a hint of seriousness which I find absolutely hilarious.
• freezing my butt off at the soccer field last night wasn't so fun but taking my nephew out to eat afterwards was.  15 years old and can still hug and say "I love you" to his aunt and uncle without gagging or rolling his eyes. Love that kid.
• the way our doxie, Leni, falls on the ground and rolls on her back and wiggles side to side every time you talk to her. And her eyes which have a ton of emotion, I think I can sometimes hear her saying....help me.
• having a great conversation with my oldest. On the way home from a basketball game the other night, after a display of not so great sportsmanship from a few kids during and after the game, we talked about learning how to deal in the real world and that I guess some parents just don't really feel like taking the time to prepare them for it.  He leaned over and said, "well, I'm glad I have you as a mom."  If you have a pre-teen, you know how rare this comment was. :)
• the amazing healing power Girl Scout cookies have. Don't like rub them on an open wound.....but do have one when you need to smile.
• warm socks...especially the ones from L.L. Bean that my sister gave me.
• my heater...enough said
• my awesome group of friends who are all so different and all funny in their own ways
• making Valentine's boxes....just made a kick butt one today with G.  He wanted a Hulk Smash (his words) box....so we did it.  Resembles Frankenstein a little but he loves it!
• A new issue of Family Circle magazine because they have really good recipes
• NEW episode of Modern Family coming on tonight!
• did I mention Girl Scout Cookies?
• my Crock Pot which is cooking up some wicked bad dinner right now....and it smells DELISH.
• my grandfather's emails. <3
• the fact that anytime we go anywhere for any amount of time, as soon as we walk in the door G says "Mom, I'm gonna hang out in my underwear, 'kay?"
• I bought another Burt's Bees Blemish Stick last night after being out for like months...this should appeal to anyone who has to look at me......ever.
• My hubby and his Afro puff hair that bounces when he talks, sneezes, laughs......
• My NOOK color which I kinda' l.o.v.e.
• the book Raising Your Spirited Child (eye opening!)
• my dishwasher
• dreams of my grandmothers
• hot coffee!
• Griff's hand in mine
• my sweatpants :)

Sparkle Naturals.....review and AWESOME giveaway

Sparkle Naturals is an amazing new line of natural skin care products aimed at Pre-teens, teens and of course, the young at heart.  Sparkle was the brainchild of Glow Naturals, which is a wonderful skin care line for women.  Sparkle is natural, organic, vegan and sulfate and paraben free!  I love this idea.  There are plenty of skin care lines out in the beauty hemisphere for the moms....and big sisters but now the little girls of the house with have a skin care and hair care regimen to call their own.  Sparkle is also great for teens and you can rest assured that they are using something that is gentle on their young skin. 
Sparkle beauty products are so fresh and pure, they are made from non-toxic, organic ingredients.  They are also free of synthetic fragrances (which is a huge plus for sensitive skin kiddos like mine), artificial colorants, animal products and absolutely zero sulfates and parabens. 
As a mom and especially as a "green" mom I know the effects that certain things can have on kids and adults.  Let's just say that the things they put ON their bodies are just as important as what they put IN their bodies.  The Sparkle line is such an exciting thing for girls with sensitive skin or allergies, these products are so effective yet they are not harsh like adult lines or other "kid based" lines.  Sparkle offers hair care, facial care, bath and body products and an really cool line of bath accessories.  Any girl from tween to full blown teen will be happy with these products.   As a mom, you might be fending your boys away from the foaming shampoo, as I did last night. 
Sparkle Naturals sent me package last week with some wonderful goodies.  We received the Foaming Shampoo, the Squeaky Clean Face Wash , and the cutest Butterfly Bath Sponge in pink and purple.  When Rhys got home from school, she about flipped her lid.  I told her I needed her help in reviewing some products and when she found out what it was she was super pumped.  Girls love feeling special and their very own collection of bath items will do the trick.  First thing she tried was the Foaming Shampoo.  Love, love, love the ease of this product.  She has super thick hair and we have to use quite a few pumps, which is fine.  I even tried this when I was bathing Griffin last night to see how easily it "suds'd" up and cleaned his hair.  He has thick hair as well, I did about 4 pumps.  It cleaned his hair really well!  If you've never tried hair care that are free of sulfates then you will need to know that they do not really "suds" up like regular soaps.  So, don't be alarmed when the shampoo isn't causing a huge bubble mountain on their heads. It is getting it clean and it doesn't need the artificial stuff to get it that way.  The foaming shampoo has been great for R.  She can pump it easily, which saves me from those "MOOOOOMMMM!" calls from the shower saying she can't get any out or that she needs help.  It cleans her hair great!  The Butterfly bath sponge was a big hit as soon as she saw it.  It is very cute and colorful and just the right size.  I like how tightly woven it is, I can not stand when the "pouf"s start to fall apart!  She now has her own bath sponge that the boys will definitely not be stealing.  As she hits these tween years I am trying to instill in her the care she needs to take in cleaning her body AND her face.  As a kid, I know that is not the most important thing on their list but they will thank you for the advice when they are able to avoid breakouts because they clean their face well every night.  She really likes the Squeaky Clean Face wash.  When she used it for the first time, she came and found me and told me to "feel her face".  It felt clean and fresh!  She was happy to be doing what older girls do and that makes me happy.  These products have definitely been a joy to try out!  R loves having all of her girly goodies in the shower....she's now asking for some more items to try out!  Sparkle Naturals is always Free Shipping on orders over $30 and I hear that free samples might find their way into orders, how cool is that?!  Take my word for it, Sparkle Naturals will be the next new thing that every tween and teen girl will want taking over their bathroom.  Wonderful company, great way to "vote" for Eco-friendly products in your home.




Now on to the really FUN part of reviews and giveaways......the GIVEAWAYS, of course!
Sparkle Naturals has been super generous and is offering the lucky winner 3 products of the winner's choice!! PLUS, even a treat for Mom.....Nurture Vitamin C Serum from their adult line, Glow Naturals!  I just think Sparkle Naturals rocks for this giveaway...thinking of mom too.  I love it!

I'm changing things up for this, there will be a mandatory entry but you can list ALL of your  mandatory and extra entries in one comment if you want.  Makes it so much easier for you! 

MANDATORY ENTRIES:
1. Must be PUBLIC follower....c'mon share the love :)
2. Go to Sparkle Naturals website and tell me 1 of the three products you would choose if you won.

EXTRA! EXTRA!!
1. "LIKE" Staying Home and Staying Sane on Facebook (1 extra entry)
2.  Blog about this giveaway....don't forget to leave me a link so I can see your wonderful work. ;) (2 extra entries)
3. "LIKE" Sparkle Naturals on Facebook (1 extra entry)

This spectacular giveaway ends February 15th at midnight (CST)!!
OH...and don't forget to leave a way to contact you.

Just in Time for Valentine's Day.....a Shutterfly Surprise!

Shutterfly wants to know what Valentine's Day means to me....and you!  So, when I found out I was going to do this blog post I started thinking about memorable Valentine's.  My husband and I have been married for almost 13 years and to be honest.....we've never made Valentine's Day to big of a deal.   About the most memorable Valentine's present from my hubby would be a Valentine's card that you open and it sings "Wild Thing".  Which by the way is a kick butt classic, take a listen and click the link.  You'll be happy you did.  My 2nd most memorable thing about Valentine's Day was the one where I threw our oldest son, who I had taken out of his pre-school days before his class Valentine's party, a Valentine's Day party at our house.  I worked my butt off to make construction paper hearts and hang them from the ceiling.  I made cookies and made it a huge deal so he would feel special.  He loved it!  Valentine's Day has taken on a whole new meaning since we've had children.  Instead of thinking of it as just a made up holiday that you want to ignore...take this one day of the year to go out of your way, over the top, goofy, and gaudy with your kids and spouse.  Make those heart shaped pancakes, hang up heart garland, take the Christmas wreath off the door (c'mon, it's February, it's time) and hang up some LOVE signs.  Smother your kiddos with kisses and hugs before school, no matter how many times they slither away from you or how many eye rolls you get.  Sneak notes in lunchboxes, briefcases or mailboxes.  If you are single....have a lonely hearts dinner, places set for all of your single friends and have a blast.  I will be enjoying my singing cards from B, my homemade cards from the kids and if I'm smart about dropping hints....maybe I will get a photo mug (HINT:I like the one that says I heart My Family) from them too!
Since we have had a kiddo around since our 2nd Valentine's Day, we've really made Valentine's about the kids.  The best part of Valentine's Day as a kid would definitely be the Valentine's you get to give to everyone in the class!  Plus, the super cool Valentine's shoe box with all the glitter and foam hearts you can heap on there.  The hardest part about finding Valentine's  cards is finding one for each of my kids.  With the age gaps; I've got one pre-teen, one tween and a 4 year old, you really can't just pick out the kind you think they'll like.  They have to be involved and it can't be too babyish for the big kids or too grown up for the munchkin.  Shutterfly has a great idea of Valentine's Photo Cards.  This would be a great thing for grandparents, aunts, uncles, close friends and other family.  If you're feeling super ambitious go ahead and snag a whole 24 for the class!  This would make a great teacher's gift as well.  They have so many ideas and designs; from funky to sweet you will find one that is perfect for your children or for your whole family.  If you were like me and didn't send out Christmas cards this year.....try sending out Valentine's Day cards instead! 
I love this one because it looks fresh and not too typical of Valentine's Day.

There so much more than cards and stationary though.  Shutterfly has a great selection of photo mugs, notebooks, mouse pads, magnets and so much more.  The photo mug would work for pretty much any adult you know....and even a hot chocolate lovin' kiddo.  Another teacher gift idea, you could get the class picture or a picture you took of your child and their teacher, pop it onto the mug and have it shipped before Valentine's Day!  There is even a package where you can have the mug filled with chocolate......yes, please!  And what grandparent doesn't want something with their grandchild's face plastered to it? Every grandparent wants that.  The magnets are my favorite for an easy, small gift.  My fridge is covered with cool magnets and pictures.  Think of it as a Valentine's stocking stuffer.


Now for the next holiday on your list....Shutterfly has you set! What is that next holiday? Just all of the Birthday parties that will fill the rest of your year!  Shutterfly has the cutest designs for photo invites and thank you notes. 



Whether you are having a large or small get together, these personalized invites and thank yous would really be perfect. 

Now for the FUN part!  GIVEAWAY TIME!
One lucky winner will receive a *top secret* code for 25 FREE VALENTINE'S CARDS!
Here's what you will need to do try to win this bad boy:
1. Be a public follower of Staying Home and Staying Sane MANDATORY
2. Tell me what Valentine's means to you! MANDATORY
3. Leave a way for me to contact you in case you're the winner! Without this, you will never know and I would have to pick another winner. MANDATORY

Extra entries:
Please leave an extra comment per entry.
1. "LIKE" Staying Home and Staying Sane on Facebook (1 extra entry)
2.  Share this awesome giveaway on your blog and let me know about it! (2 extra entries)
3.  Tell me something else you would like from Shutterfly (1 extra entry)


This giveaway will end in  just a few days, February 6th at MIDNIGHT (Texas time) :)
So get to commenting! And Happy Valentine's Day!