Cherry Kisses

I know that these are "Special Edition" candies. But for the last few years, around Valentine's Day, I've seen these in stores. In fact, I usually buy a few bags. I leave one out. And put the rest in the freezer. That way, over the year, I get to enjoy these delicious candies.

But this year, I didn't see a single one! Not one. Has anyone seen them? Or are they forever discontinued? I hope not. Because these are honestly some of the best candies. Yes they are! Not as sweet as the chocolate covered cherries. But sweet enough to really enjoy. Oh, I hope I find some soon!

~Manders

Life Unexpected

Is anyone else upset that Life Unexpected was cancelled? I am. I just need to say it. Because all of my favorite shows keep getting cancelled. What are we supposed to watch? There are women out there that don't like the Bachelor. Or lots of the dumb TV shows that are out there.

You know, I think I liked this show, because it reminded me of the Gilmore Girls. A fun show to watch. Just like I liked Lipstick Jungle, Pushing Daisies, and Eastwick. Oh well. I guess the TV executives forget that some of us just like the "feel good" type of shows. Until I find another good show, I'm going to stick with watching cartoons with my kids.

~Manders

Happy Birthday Maribel

Our family just wanted to wish a very Happy Birthday to Miss Maribel! Today she is 4 years old. And if I haven't mentioned it before, Maribel and Lauren are best friends. Born just 2 days apart. They see each other at least 5 days a week. No lie! Both girls dance together, and love to spend lots of time playing together. Yes, today is a special day. Happy Birthday Miss Maribel! Love and kisses from our family!

~Manders

June Bride and Groom

Lauren just squealed in delight this morning. She woke up extra early. You know, still being on the high from her birthday and all. And she joined us in bed. While I feed the twins, I check my email, read some blogs, and always check Free Crochet and Free Patterns. This is the cute pattern that is available today!

Do I need to even tell you, we downloaded it. I'm no where near this level yet. But hopefully soon, we'll be able to get here. I would just love to make this little set for Lauren. Until then, we have saved the pattern. And showed Barbie and Ken the possibilities, for our future play time.

~Manders

Happy Birthday Lauren!

Today is Lauren's 4th Birthday! I just can't believe it. Where did all the time go? Honestly, 4 years ago, I was scared to death! Would I be a good mom? Would I know what to do? How would we handle going from a couple to a family?

But you know what? It was the best thing that has ever happened to Billy and I. 4 years ago, in Texas, we became parents. Our lives were forever changed. For the best! And we've had such an enjoyable time watching our little girl grow.

The things that I enjoy the most, are just cuddling with Lauren. She is the most loveable little girl. Crawling in her Little Pink Play House, it still tickles my heart. :) Watching Lauren play with her dolls, it just makes me think of our future. I know one day, she'll be an amazing mommy. She is just so loving.

And in the last year, while Billy and I tried to adjust to having twins, and a beautiful little girl, Lauren was just an angel. So loving to Abby and Robbie. Playing with them. Making them so happy. Reading a great book to her babies. I just love it!

This is a very special day. My sweet little girl is just getting so big! And I absolutely adore being her mommy. I couldn't imagine life without Lauren. She honestly has made me a better person. I thank God everyday for my family. And for my sweet little girl.

I just wish that time wouldn't go by so quickly. I feel like I'm not getting enough time with my little girl. But I'm honored to be her mommy. To be able to help her grow into a healthy, smart, and happy woman. I'm truly blessed. Happy Birthday Lauren! Your Mommy and Daddy love you so much. We're so lucky to be your parents.

~Mommy

Happy St. Patty's Day

Happy St. Patty's Day! Is it funny that I'm so excited about this holiday? I find now that I'm a mommy, I really enjoy every holiday. It's just so fun to get "into the holidays" with kids. I know, I'm probably a little crazy. But I'm excited about making my kids green pancakes today. And dressing up in green. It's just fun! I hope everyone gets some time to enjoy today. The twins and I are going to join Lauren at her Dance Class party. I'm thinking, this is going to be fun. :)

~Manders

Week 1: Let Our Crochet Along Begin!

Today we begin our Crochet Along. Every Monday we're going to check in. Post about our progress and our goals for the following week. And if you have any questions, please leave a comment on my post for the week, or on Lola's blog. We'll try and help you out.



Here's our Crochet Along Schedule. We're trying to allow progress over time. And still get our project done by Easter. Remember, you can join at anytime. You can also email me (MandersinLove at yahoo dot com) or Lola (SweetNightingaleSing at gmail dot com). And you don't have to follow our schedule. It's just a rough outline for all of us.

Week 1 (March 14-20): Buy supplies, print pattern, and work to Round 10.
Week 2 (March 21-27); Work Rounds 11-25.
Week 3 (March 28-April 3) : Work the handle.
Week 4 (April 4-10): Work ear #1.
Week 5 (April 11-17): Work ear #2.
Week 6 (April 18-24): Put your bunny basket together and enjoy!

I hope that we can work on this project together and enjoy! It sounds like so much fun. And honestly, I can't wait to start. I've got my yarn waiting for me to start. Is it bad that I'm looking forward to "Naptime" today? I hope not! Lola and I have received 24 emails together. So it sounds like there are lots of interested people out there. Now let's have some fun!

~Manders

Ruffled Tulip Doily

Today's pattern from Free Patterns reminds me of my grandma. She really liked doilies. Her house wasn't "overwhelmed" by them. But she would make a bunch of them. And change them with the seasons. Or I guess when she wanted new colors around the house. Because she always had different colored doilies up. Every time we'd go visit her. But I loved them! I loved how delicate and ladylike they looked. Maybe one day I'll be able to make some. :)

~Manders

Praying for Japan

My heart absolutely goes out to the people in Japan. I just can't imagine what all those people are going through right now. To lose everything. Their families, their home, to watch their country going through all of this. My heart just breaks thinking about all the pain that these people are feeling.

I pray that rescuers can get to the people that need help. I pray that the world will come together and help the Japanese. These people are going to need so much help and support. Including food and other necessary items. I feel such a pull to help. And to pray. Japan, you are in my prayers. God Bless all of you.

~Manders

Peachy Kitchen Twosome

My sister called me just a few minutes ago. She asked me if I could make these for her. It's the free pattern of the day from Free Patterns. She wants them in white. Or maybe a light blue. Why? Because our grandma always has these type of things in her kitchen. Since when does Lizzie look at Free Patterns? Not sure. But I need to get good enough to make my little sister something special for her home. :)

~Manders

Fun Crochet Patterns

Free Patterns has 4 really cute free patterns today. If you haven't guessed it, I really like their site! These will definitely go on my future project list. :)

Grand Prix Slippers: I'd love to make these for Robbie in a few years. :)

Teddy Bear Blanket Buddy: Maybe a Christmas present for my kids? I might be able to make 3 by then.

New Romance Afghan: Honestly, I like this for myself. But with different colors.

Baby Blocks Afghan and Bib: What a cute gift! Maybe if Lizzie has a baby soon! :)

I'd love to make any of these. For now, I downloaded them for later. You know, I need to start working on my skills. Crocheting is so much fun! And now that I'm getting better at crocheting, I'm starting to dream of all the possibilities. Hurry and go to Free Patterns today for all of these wonderful patterns!

~Manders

Plum Eyeliner

One of my favorite trends for Spring is plum eyeliner. I've always liked the color with my brown eyes. I especially enjoy this look for daytime makeup. The plum eyeliner is definitely a softer look than black eyeliner. Which many people say is too harsh for their liking.

Many women can't "pull off" the darkness of black eyeliner during the day. But they want a bit more drama than brown eyeliner. Other women like to try different colors to add some fun to their makeup. I find that plum is a very happy compromise. It's a splash of color. With just the right amount of darkness for daytime. And for the brown eyed ladies, it really makes your eyes "pop!"

Some of my favorites are MAC's Prunella, Sephora's Wild Spirit, Bare Escentuals' Plum, Urban Decay's 1999, Make Up For Ever's Shimmering Plum 4L, and even Revlon's Blackberry. Revlon's Colorstay eyeliners are a nice "bang for your buck." Especially if you're on the fence about colored eyeliner. I'd definitely give it at try!

~Manders

Nautical Dishcloths

I saw these dishcloths, and immediately thought of the 4th of July! Aren't they just fun? I need to find some cotton to crochet with. Because I'm absolutely making myself some! How fun would that be? If you like these, go to Free Patterns today for the pattern!

~Manders

Mary Janes

These are just too adorable! Baby Mary Janes. Oh my! I know that Lola has made some for both of my girls. But I just can't wait to crochet some for myself. Download the pattern today at Free Patterns. They are just adorable! And the pattern is free today. :) I'm going to see if I can make Abby a pair. I know that they are meant for small babies. But Abby is still pretty small.

~Manders

Teen Mom 2

As I mentioned earlier in the week, my family and I are in Las Vegas for about a week. My husband and his band were hired to work out here for a big event. And I come to do Lola's hair and makeup.

Beyond that, it's really an excuse for a fun vacation. Some time away from "real life." A little extra time to lay in bed with my babies. Oh, and some catching up on TV, while my kiddos sleep.

Cue the music. I'm catching up on Teen Mom 2. And wow! I'm not sure what else to say. So much is going on in this season. Much more than on Teen Mom.



I'm not sure why I like this show so much. But honestly, I'm just intrigued. And let's say it..."hooked!" I feel bad for Jenelle. To me, her mother never taught her how to do so many things. And never loved her. So you can't really blame her for everything that is going on. I really do wish that she'd "get-it-together" though. I think she has the ability to be a great mother. But she needs a little direction in her life.

I also feel bad for Kailyn. She has no place to run to turn. Or anyone to really turn to. She's in a horrible situation. But has no place to live. So she sucks is up. I don't agree with all the sneaking around. But I also don't like Jo's attitude and the way he feel like he "owns" her. He needs to concentrate on being a good dad and contributing to Isaac in a financial situation.

Chelsea, she just irritates me. Honestly, this is the "spoiled" kid of the bunch. She is never going to grow up because of her parents. She continuously puts herself in horrible situations. To sum it up, this girl has more problems than she knows what to do with them! I think she just needs to get a job. And needs to start supporting herself and Miss Aubree.

Of all the girls, Leah has it together the most. Corey has become a real man. Taking care of his family. They're on their way to getting married, they take care of their daughters, and they're sticking together. That's the most important part. I think a lot of that comes from the way they were raised. And the amazing support system that they have! Gosh, their parents are amazing!

Do you watch? What do you think of the girls? And their situations? Am I the only one that seems to be hooked on these shows? I know, I should be doing so much with my time. But I can't help but watch.

~Manders

Shoe Heaven!

I've been dreaming of these shoes for a while now. I've seen them on a few blogs. And one of my really good friends has a pair. So cute! I finally broke down yesterday. And I bought them! The best purchase of this trip!

I wore them last night to work in. So comfy. And really cute. I got them for $20. Because I had a coupon, and they were having a sale. Do I need to say anymore? These are a "must have!" Now let's see what else I can find to buy. I really do enjoy shopping in Las Vegas. :)

~Manders

Egg Animals

How adorable are these little guys? Can you tell? They're Easter eggs! Yes, little animals crocheted around Easter eggs. Lauren has requested 2 of each one set for her. And one for Maribel. I guess I should get started on them. Let's hope I can figure them out before Easter. If you'd like this pattern. Go to Free Crochet today, it's the free pattern of the day.

~Manders

Mini Menagerie

This has to be the cutest pattern from Free Crochet! I want to try and make a little set for my kids. 3 sets! I know that's going to take a while. But I'm sure I can do it. It might take a while. Say until Christmas? But I think they'd enjoy these little animals. Go get the pattern today at Free Crochet!

~Manders

Amigurumi Bunny Basket Crochet Along

Lola and I have been talking. And since a few of our friends know how to crochet, we thought we'd do a "Crochet-Along." Lola looked for a good project. Something easy for beginners, fun for all, and interesting enough for more advanced crocheters.

We've decided on the Amigurumi Bunny Basket from Lion Brand. What do you think? Would you like to join in?



If you would, please leave a comment on this post, or on Lola's blog. I think this could be fun! And we have a while before Easter. I'm thinking that this basket could be great for a kid. For their Easter Egg Hunt, or to have in your house. I might put candy or a plant in mine! I hope some of my wonderful readers will join in on the fun!

~Manders

Violet Rings

I really like this pattern. It's really different from the crochet blankets that you see. I really want to make this. So not only did I save the pattern, I also printed it out. Maybe that will make me start moving quicker.

But I'd definitely pick some different colors. Something to go with our den. It just makes me excited! Now all I have to do is go yarn shopping. :) If you want the pattern to, go to Free Patterns. It's the pattern of the day!

~Manders

Bunny Baskets

I was so excited to see these little baskets today! These Bunny Baskets are the free pattern today at Free Crochet. Just adorable! I've got to read the pattern. But I'd like to make one for each of my kids. I just can't help but smile when I look at them. :)

~Manders

Chloe Cap

It doesn't matter that we had a HUGE snowstorm, and SEVERE winter freeze a month ago. Today it's 80 degrees outside! I know. It sort of depresses me. Because I know, soon we won't be able to spend time outside. It gets that hot around here.

But I'm still dreaming. And I want to buy the pattern for the Chloe Cap. I should be packing. Our family is leaving soon. Billy and I are working in Las Vegas for a few days. Instead, I'm search Annie's Attic. For new and cute patterns. I really want to make this hat for Lauren. Please cold weather...return!

~Manders