If you’ve been reading the comments on my last post, “Great Gift Idea”, you’ll read that I commented that it looked like both toilet paper and cake were the most popular topics on my blog and that it was good to know.

Susan chimed in and said, “Toilet paper and cake… the essentials in life! I think that should be the next wall word design you put in your house, Jan! Haha!”.

So, with that said, I’ve taken it upon myself to put a wall word design above my bathroom and kitchen that reads, “toilet paper and cake”.  LOL!  So, that’s how it would look if I actually did it. 

Have you ever wondered what to give to your friend for his/her birthday or to help him/her celebrate something special?

I came across something that I think is a great gift idea.  It won’t break the bank, is fun, thoughtful, something no one would expect, and very tasty!

A couple of years ago, I came across a little Etsy store called Fat Daddy’s.  It sold cakes in a jar (cute concept, huh?).  Over the past couple of years, this little store has gotten very big and has changed its name.  It is now called Bangerang Bake Shop and is no longer on Etsy, but has a site of its own.

I’ve ordered three as gifts for others (my sister, Mom, and neighbor’s kid) and have ordered a few for myself, to of course try (had to make sure they were worthy of giving as gifts).  They are packaged very cute and perfect to eat all by yourself or share with one other (if you’re feeling generous).  There are quite a few flavors, even one that is sugar-free without the sugar-free taste, along with some holiday and special flavors.  There’s something for everyone.

Feeling really generous?  Give someone “The Cupcake of the Month Club” gift.  You would be SO loved (um, pick me, pick me).

I recently found some cheap paper sets for coffee and birthdays.  I haven’t had a chance to do anything with the birthday paper pack yet, but made some cards and envelopes out of the coffee paper pack.

I thought they turned out pretty cute for the little time that went into making them.  The paper is a bit too thick though, so the folds on the envelope look as if they were ‘sandpapered’.  Not the best thing to happen as it appears that the envelopes are about ready to fall apart (although they’re not). The paper is double sided, so the envelopes look like they have a liner in them (colored on the inside).

Just thought I’d share my latest creation with you.  More to come (when I get more time at my project table).

Yep, you read correctly, “Toilet Paper Origami”.  Go ahead, laugh.

I remember going to my friends house years ago and when I used her bathroom, she had the toilet paper folded into a point at the end.  Very fancy!  I loved it and thought it was sweet she would take time to do that for me.  Now whenever we have people visiting us, I take time to fold the toilet paper into a point.

Recently, I came across a blog post about toilet paper origami and it intrigued me.  There’s even a book out there on this subject.  I found a few tutorials online about toilet paper origami, so went to a couple of our bathrooms to try them out.  How fun!  I love stuff like this!  It’s like going to a hotel and they have their towels folded into a dog or something.

Thought I’d share my new silly find.

I’ve seen cute fabric soft blocks for babies and thought I’d try to make one over the weekend.  It was very quick to put together and I added some brown ribbon “tags” to grab on to.  I printed out a “b” (not large enough…wish I would have rethought that) and then traced it on some fabric, cut it out, and sewed it on (horrible sewing job).  Anyway, thought I’d show you all (should have gotten a picture of Brody with it).

I’m not sure if you know this, but I HATE to iron.  I mean, I LOATHE it!  I will say that just recently I figured out the steam button on my iron and can now do some real ironing.  LOL! I rarely iron and make Jason buy wrinkle-free shirts and pants when possible.  I do iron fabric though and for that reason, I love my iron.

Jason and I have talked about getting one of the mini ironing boards that come in the cabinet.  You can recess them into the wall.  I’ve had one on my wishlist for the past two years.  This year, I decided I was getting it.  I did some research to make sure I wanted to get what I had on my wishlist and found something so much better.  It’s a fold-able, full size ironing board.  I even painted the cover to match my wall (not that it’s any less noticeable though).  LOL!

I’ve been using it this week for the first time and absolutely LOVE it!  It’s so convenient.  I love having an ironing board in my craft room.  I used to have to set the ironing board up in the hallway or the loft area and it was so inconvenient (walking back and forth).

I will admit that it’s on the LARGE side and definitely sticks out like a sore thumb, but it’s functional and that’s all that matters to me.

I don’t ever remember my office being so messy in all my life (and these pictures were taken after picking up and putting away a few things).

We have family visiting from tomorrow until the 15th (both sets of parents at different times), so I have to get everything picked up and the house clean by tomorrow.  Just thought I’d share some pictures of a VERY messy room (does this bring back memories Mom of when I was a kid?).

So who would have thought at the age of 34 that one could still receive an Easter basket.  LOL!  Thanks Mom and Dad for such fun goodies!

Jason and I (well…more I than Jason) received several goodies to eat.  Brody got a very fun toy that he already loves and grabs for whenever it’s near him, along with five Easter eggs filled with money.   How fun!

Happy Easter everyone!  As Jason says, “Enjoy the empty tomb”.

I’m starting a third blog (I think I’m addicted).  This one is to help keep me accountable as I try to lose weight. I’ll post progress pictures, weight stats, etc…the ugly truth.

I had written a post back on February 24th, 2009 announcing a new blog that was coming.  Only days later I found out I was pregnant and had to put my program on hold (thank goodness they allowed me to do that).

My new blog is called, “THF girl“.  The THF stands for Total Health & Fitness, the new program I’ll be on.  My official start date will be Friday, April 16th.  I’ve already added a few posts, so head on over there and get caught up before I start to take off on my journey.

No laughing at the “fat” pics.

I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned Triangle Mommies on this blog before.  Months ago I was searching Google for local mommy groups and came across a site called Triangle Mommies.  I was hesitant, but decided I’d check it out, so I signed up for a free membership.  Since then, I’ve been on several outings and have met some great people (one person I even have a playdate with each week….”Hi Jodi and Natalie”).

I’ve used the forums to ask many questions of concern (being a first time Mom, I have so many).  I got so much support when I posted questions asking if others had to supplement with their child.  I was having a hard time coping with needing to supplement with formula for Brody (to read more on this, if you have no clue what I’m talking about, go here and for an update, go here).

Anyway, today I had an anonymous person put these flowers on my doorstep with the sweetest card letting me know that I’m not alone and have support from my friends at Triangle Mommies (and signed from The Secret Fairy for Triangle Mommies).  I couldn’t believe it.  What a wonderful network of supporting Mom’s.  I am overwhelmed by their generosity and kindness.  What a great way to put a smile on someone’s face.   What a way to make my day!  Thank you Secret Fairy (whoever you are).