Back to School - Lunch Ideas - Part 1

The kids are going back to school, and if you are like me you are wondering what you can make for luches that are healthy and that the kids will actually eat.

Here are some ideas for a healthy new school year.

Make PB+J more interesting...


PB+J Roll up's by Shine Food


Play with your food...


Shape Cutter Dolphins, stars and even a boat by Lisa Storms


Skip the bread...


Peanut butter and banana wraps from Betty Crocker


Try homemade...




Make your own fruit by the foot.  For the recipe visit Super healthy kids


Let them know you care...


Write a message on a banana with a toothpick by Come Together Kids





Joke ideas for your child's lunch box by A Mom with a Lesson Plan

What are your favorite things to pack in your child's lunchbox?  I would love to hear!  You will be included in part 2!

Here's to happy and healthy school year!

Bridal Clutches - I was featured!

Bridal Clutches

I had a few more views on my Etsy site today, the Sweetest Memory and I took a look at where all the traffic was coming from.  I saw a new source today, Swann Soirees. 

When I visited their page, I was so excited to see my Bridesmaid Clutches included with some very talented designers! 

That's me under #7! 

It makes my day when others enjoy the designs I create.

The credits and Blog can be found here: Swann Soirees

I have never talked about my Etsy shop here on the blog.  I create bridesmaid and bridal clutches to coordinate with your wedding colors and style.  I love

Here are a few of my designs available.  These are also perfect for a date night, mother of the bride or groom, prom or other formal event!

My most viewed clutch: Elegant Ivory and Champagne Clutch

Smoky Pink with Rhinestones Clutch

Single Flower with Rhinestones or Pearls

Dramatic Ivory Clutches

When you order for your bridesmaids, each clutch comes tied with tulle and a blank note perfect for gift giving!

I am inspired by custom inquiries that push me to create new and better designs.  Right now I am working on a hair piece that will coordinate with a clutch, a clutch with a large bow and many, many more!

Know anyone getting married?  I would love if you shared my information.  Thank you!

Sweet Inspiration - Color Inspiration for my daughter's BEDROOM REDO

When my first daughter was born, we didn't know if our baby would be a girl or a boy.  So, when we painted the nursery I selected lime green walls.  I thought it would be a good gender neutral color, and wasn't pastel.  My first child was a girl, and so was our second.  I guess the gender neutral wall wasn't needed. :)

I loved the lime green for some time but after 7 years, it needs a change.  Our second daughter is into fashion, colors, (at Four!) etc. it doesn't fit her personality.

Here is the room now.

Here is my inspiration for her Bedroom Redo.

I love Greenish Blue walls with Pink accents.



via Daisy Pink Cupcake



via Project Nursery - Lila's Chevron Nursery



via Primitive and Proper



via Folkcity via Flickr


I would love to hear what you think!  Stay tuned for the painting of the room to be revealed!

Road Trip - Arizona Mountains

This weekend was spent seeing the most beautiful mountains and visiting family!  Arizona where I live, is an amazing and diverse state.  And there are amazing mountains everywhere!

Sedona, the Red Rocks (Saturday)

We didn't realize on Saturday we would be going to Sedona as we were driving up north.  My husband's Grandmother, who just turned 97!  was in the hospital last week and we were going to visit her.  She is one of the sweetest ladies, and she has such a sharp mind!  I love hearing her stories of how towns used to be in Arizona.  Camp Verde, Jerome...so amazing.

She was realesed that day to a rehibilation hospital, so instead we headed to Sedona to see her.  I couldn't help take pictures while my husband was driving of the gorgeous Red Rocks!

Cathedral Rock to the Right, Bell Rock to the Left

Cathedral Rock

Bell Rock

We stepped outside after dinner and caught the tail end of a Sunset!

I am glad to say Grandma is doing quite well, and will hopefully be going home soon! 

Tucson, the Old Pueblo (Sunday)

The next day the girls and I drove to Tucson to spend some time with my family.  This is where I grew up, and I am always amazed after being away how huge the mountains look!

The summer is an amazing time in the Southwest.  It is the time of monsoons!  Rain comes almost daily in Southern Arizona and brings much needed water to this dry, dry desert. 

Mt. Lemmon and the Catalinas

Can you spot the rain clouds and rain over the mountains?

Pusch Ridge

Fact:

Arizona and New Mexico receive up to half of their annual rainfall

during the summer monsoon.

Do you have mountains where you live?  What is your favorite point of interest where you live?

Thanks for taking a road trip with me! 

Patriotic Red Flower Pin

I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July with family and friends!  Yesterday, my daughter wore her new tank top, I thought perfect for the 4th.  But, it was lacking some red.  So, I quickly made a Red Flower Pin for her.  It took me 1 minute to make (a couple more to heat up the glue gun, and digging in the junk drawer!)

Supplies:

(1) Red or your favorite color Rosette Flower

(1) felt circle

(1) glue gun

(1) brooch pin

Glue felt circle on back of rosette flower. 

Glue Brooch pin (found this one in the junk drawer, score!  I know several stores and Etsy shops supply these.)

Just what it needed!

How about you?  How have you embelished your shirt?  You are welcome to share your link!

Have a great July!

Linking Up:

 

Sweet Inspiration - Patriotic 4th of July

So thrilled to have hit 200 followers this week!  Thank you so much!  To celebrate for the month of July, Blog Readers can save 20% OFF ALL ready to ship items in my Etsy Shop HERE.  Just use PATRIOTIC20 at checkout!

In celebration of 4th of July, I wanted to share some of my favorite patriotic things from fellow bloggers and Etsians.



Gorgeous party - Backyard BBQ featured on Celebrations at Home

Patriotic Paper Flowers by Live Laugh Rowe



Amazing Cake by Glorious Treats



Lovely Paper Confetti Rocket by Alpha Mom



Gorgeous Patriotic Setting.  Posted from Tumblr, artist unknown.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful 4th of July! 

The home of the brave, the land of the free.  Thank you to all the men and women who work so that we may be free.

Guest Post - Rusty Red Inspiration by Arcadian Lighting

I am excited to have my first Guest Post on my blog by Arcadian Lighting.  I love all things with good design, and I am in love with Rusty Red, the design topic today.  I use the color in my own home, and is one of my favorite colors.  Here is Jessica's lovely post.  Enjoy!

Hello! I'm Jessica, a writer for Arcadian Lighting, a wonderful online resource for affordable light fixtures from pendant lights to wall sconces. Every day I get to search for beautiful interior design inspirations and then share them on lovely blogs, like The Sweetest Memory. Thank you for letting me stop by, Kari!

Today, I'd like to share a collection of interiors featuring the warm and inspiring shade of rusty red. From deeper shades of brownish red to bright, bold orange reds, rust colors instantly create a cozy, inviting environment that is perfect for any room. I hope you enjoy!

The contrast between soft slate gray and rust reds add an unexpected twist to this cozy living room. The floral curtains and patterned pillows give the room a bit of texture, as well.

The deep rusty red carpet in this room is perfectly sumptuous, along with the velvet and silken corner lounge. A fiery orange pillow adds a great focal point.

Rich, elegant shades blend together beautifully in this entry way. The matching table lamps highlight the wonderful rusty red wall color.

The subtle flecks of rust red scattered throughout this modern bathroom add a brilliant warmth to the cool blue and silver color palette. The built-in shelving and contemporary sink are great features, as well.

The bright pops of rust red and orange really give this living room a fun, inviting atmosphere. The velvet upholstery adds a great textural quality to the room.

The monochromatic palette of this simple, modern bedroom is complemented by wonderful rust red accent pieces. A pair of white table lamps pop against the charcoal gray wall color.

From the brick wall, to the artwork, to the vintage rusty red sofa, this room is filled with warm red color. A mix of patterned pillows add a quirky touch.

This all-white kitchen and dining room certainly have a lot of character with its rust red Chippendale style chairs and hanging lantern. The oversized pendant light in the kitchen adds a brilliant, dramatic quality.  Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

What do you think of this fiery shade of red? Let us know in the comments! And be sure to stop by Arcadian Lighting for a brilliant pendant light or chandelier to brighten your home!

Thanks Jessica!  What is your favorite?