WINNER!

The winner of the Brittany Chavers Studio rose necklace giveaway is comment #93 by Selma. Congratuations! You are one lucky and envied winner!

Featured Seller: Cindy from Moon Beans Gifts & Jewelry

I met Cindy through the LDS Etsy team. She is a great promoter and artist. Some of my favorite things from her shop, Moon Beans Gifts & Jewelry:

Here is a little more about Cindy and her shop:

About Cindy
I'm a busy mom of three teenagers, married to wonderful guy for 21 years now. I'm originally from Texas, but I came out to college in Utah, met that great guy, and never left!

About Moon Beans Gifts & Jewelry
 Moon Beans Gifts and Jewelry specializes in cute and affordable jewelry for little girls and in unique, very wearable jewelry for ladies.

Our Utah workshop consists of mom Cindy and teenager daughters, Sarah and Ellen. All of us have various crafting experience, Ellen working two years as a jewelry student and apprentice, Sarah as crafter and designer, and Cindy as hands-on grunt and web specialist. Our three very different tastes give us an eye for new designs and great patterns.

Crafting
I've always been a crafter. When my kids were little, it was sewing toddler clothes, Halloween costumes, doll dresses. Then when I had time, I started scrapbooking. Now I've taken on the challenge of creating great-looking jewelry at affordable prices. I especially like working with stones. I love the way they feel when I work with them and they way look when they're done. My favorite pieces are the ones using rough stones. But sometimes I like to make something out of felt - back to the sewing, I guess!

Interests
When I'm not busy crafting, I love reading. I'm a super fast reader. My goal is to finish 200 books this year, and I'm sticking to my schedule pretty well. I also love making and eating dessert.

How to Reuse Cookie Sheets

Reusing regular household items is an easy way to save money and go green. But coming up with new ways to use things is not so easy. What in the world can you do with grubby, stained cookie sheets besides throw them away? A lot more than you think! Here are some ideas for how to reuse cookie sheets.

USE AS A TRAY

Clean the cookie sheet and glue on fabric. Use the decorated cookie sheet as a serving tray for food, like sandwiches or tea. Cookie sheets, decorated or plain, also make great TV trays for eating on the couch or floor. Use the more unsalvageable cookie sheets as clearing trays when cleaning up after a dinner party.

Use an old cookie sheet to carry things from one place to another. For example, if your kids want to color outside, put the paper and coloring utensils in the cookie sheet and carry it outside. The paper will stay clean in the cookie sheet and in place with magnets and the crayons won’t roll all over the yard.

Do messy crafts on the cookie sheet for an easy cleanup afterward. Cookie sheets work great for glitter projects, finger painting, play doughh, or anything involving glue.

Use as a drip guard when cooking in the oven. For example, if you have an unsteady hand, put your pumpkin pie on the cookie sheet first before putting it in the oven. The drippy mess will be a lot easier to clean off a cookie sheet than the oven.

OTHER USES

When on a picnic, your cookie sheet can double as a serving or eating tray and a card table. Simply turn the cookie sheet upside down for a slightly raised table.

Decorate the cookie sheet with patterned paper and ribbons to use as a magnetic board (see photo). Drill a hole in one handle and hang the cookie sheet in your office or kitchen to post reminders and lists. Or make it kid friendly for your kids to use it with their magnets when you want them out of the kitchen.

Paint or glue on a target to use the cookie sheet as a cheap magnetic dart board. Drill a hole in one handle to hang it up.

Sugar Radar



photo by Kasey Albano

I'm positive toddlers are built with an internal sugar radar. Several times in the last few months my son has seen me eat something he's never seen or eaten before but knows is sweet and delicious and will whine for some. He doesn't do that when I'm eating a fruit or vegetable he hasn't seen or eaten before. How does he know? The aroma is somewhat of a giveaway, but not all the time. Funny how he went from refusing to eat his birthday cupcake to recognizing and wanting treats.

Guest Post: E Hernandez Designs

Welcome to Emma Hernandez of E Hernandez Designs! Emma makes fun stationery and address stamps:

She has written an honest and refreshing post for this blog:

Finding Time for ME

After my oldest child was born, I decided to take a year off of work (I was an elementary school teacher, so I was lucky to have that option). I stayed home for that year, and 4 years later I’m still home. I now have 2 beautiful, amazing girls. But, the truth is, even though I chose this, sometimes I am bored by it. I mean, really bored by it. For example, I’m usually in bed by 10 p.m. My to-do list consists of doing laundry, making grocery lists, and cleaning out closets. I talk about potty training and feeding schedules. I worry about balancing the budget, making sure to get dinner out on time, and if I can find a babysitter so I can go to a dentist appointment by myself.

These are all important things that help my family go round. But I have been thinking about this routine a lot recently. Do I love my family? YES. Am I happy? YES. Am I fulfilled as a person and as a woman? Not completely.

And then I read this statement from Kristen Houghten in her book And Then I'll Be Happy! Stop Sabotaging Your Happiness and Put Your Own Life First:

“Motherhood should never be a case of "self-identity" theft. You need to make the right choices that will ensure a normal and respectful relationship between you and your children. Learn how to enhance your children's lives without neglecting your own. There are ways to be a good parent without neglecting your own needs, wants, and goals.”

I want my children to know that because I love them, I take care of myself in all ways--physical, emotional, and spiritual. So, I’m now on a quest and I’m excited! I’m looking forward to rediscovering myself. I’m not quitting being a stay-at-home mom. I’m just going to make sure I prioritize more time in my day for ME. ☺

Check out the blog E Hernandez Designs for more great posts, including a guest post by me!

Cool Names I'm Not Dumb Enough to Give My Kids

We all know what quirky names celebrities give their poor children. Here are a few words I think would make pretty names but would never actually use. Before you think I'm too weird, remember that many traditional names are also words, such as Heather and Jack.

Meadow
Sequoia
Ballerina
Sailor
Soliloquy
Canyon (I've heard of a boy with this name)

What names do you like but would never give your kids?

Brittany Chavers Studio Rose Necklace Giveaway [CLOSED]

I don't remember how I found Brittany Chavers Studio, but I sure do remember why I love it! Brittany makes elegant, fashionable jewelry; her 4000+ sales are proof positive. Here's more proof:



She also has another Etsy shop, Dashing Destash, for those of you who like to make your own jewelry.

Brittany Chavers is giving away this aqua rose necklace to one of you lucky winners!

Mandatory Entry: Visit Brittany Chavers Studio and tell me your favorite item.

1 entry: Like Brittany Chavers Studio on Facebook.

1 entry: Follow Brittany Chavers Studio on Twitter: @bchaveresstudio

1 entry: Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect.

1 entry: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook.

1 entry each: Post this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on Thursday, April 26. The winner will be announced Friday, April 27. Please leave your email address in one of your comments so I can contact you if you win. This giveaway is open worldwide. Good luck!