Category Archives: LIfe

This is Sherry Aikens life and struggles.

Cheap Solution for a Muddy Backyard

muddy backyardCheap Solution for a Muddy Backyard:  My dogs track in mud from  my backyard every spring.  During the winter the dogs barely step off the patio in the cold to do their business.  So my grass well is no more by the end of the winter.  So once the thaw happens, my back yard turns into a muddy mess. My daughters birthday is in March and it is usually the 1st really nice day.  Which means I have 15 kids running in and out of my home in the mud.   So several years ago we decided we needed a solution for our muddy backyard.muddy backyard

Cheap Solution for a Muddy Backyard:

Straw/ Hay

We purchase Straw or hay depending on the garden centers recommendation.

  • Straw has seeds so wit will make weeds in your lawn-  For us we have not been able to get grass (because of the dog urine) to grow in that area beside the weeds in the straw.. so it is ok for us.  Straw is the cheaper solution about $13 bale
  • Salt Hay does not have seeds  so it will not make weeks in your yard.  Salt hay cost about $17 a bale

What I love about this Cheap Solution for a Muddy Backyard is the straw/hay actually will decompose as the spring and summer come so by early summer it the mud and hay are all gone.

1 Bale of straw / hay did a large area  I used the entire bale

No more muddy shoes or paw prints in your home .. your welcome. muddy backyard

Tips on getting childrens ears piercing

girl with earingsChildrens ears piercing:  When I was 8 my mother took me to get my ears pierced.  I will never forget my sister and I went the Rockaway mall to Bejewled a store on the upper level.  They had white seats with chrome arms and orange and pink walls  it was 1979.  My sister and I got them done the same time.  The earring lady sat us down.  Then one ear at a time we had the gun placed to our ears.  Sliver studs.  We we so proud and could not wait till we could wear all the earrings they sold in the store.  My mother made sure we twisted the post every day.  I remember once having to take them out .. the hole started closing up and my mother put the stud back in. ouch!!

Childrens ears piercing

So the time came when for my daughters birthday, after months of waiting for her birthday she got her ears pierced.  My mom came down for her birthday so it was perfect we all went it was like a right of passage for her to get her ears done.   So here is a video of that day a year ago,  they did a dual piercing:

So a year later what did I learn..Children’s Ear Piercing

My Top Tips on getting children’s ears piercing :

 

  • My daughter was 8 years old I waited because I wanted her to take the the responsibility for the earring.  For us the age 8 was perfect.  I never had to get involved with the daily care of her earring when she got the piercing  for the most part.
  • Try to have both done at the same exact time it avoids they chicken out on the the other ear.  Claries did great!
  • The solution must be used on a regular basis twice a day. Keep them clean
  • Twist the earrings
  • Earrings change after 6 weeks we were told my daughter could switch her earring to another Post/stud earring. We stuck to this.
  • We did not want my daughter ears got pussy  from the cheaper “fun” earring, so we did avoid them.
  • Watch how tight is the earing back.   my daughter became very concerned she would loose the back or the earring them so she pushed the back on to tight.. the ear got sore
  • If the  cheaper earrings hurt take out immediately and switch to better sterling silver studs.
  • “I cant get the earring through the holes mom” She was not great at changing earrings.. she could never get it through the hole.
  • Wait for dangles till 6 months..We did not around month 4,  because of her concerns and cheap earring.. I went and purchased sterling silver mini continuous (tiny) hoops at Target.
  • The little silver hoops solved many problems,  she could swim with them,  her ears could get air so there was no pressure on her ears from the backs.

My advice is wait  till they are 8 and go with little hoops non dangle  after the 5-6 months of the studs.

Have fun! pierced_earrings_013_001-5a

 

10 Birthday Surprise ideas for Kids

Unique kids birthday surprise ideas: 10 Great Ways to surprise your child on their birthday and creating a birthday tradition.  Every year since my son has been in school on his birthday I have shown up at school with balloons one for each of year. boy and balloons This year since he is in 7th grade I did  not go to the school with the balloons… (I don’t want to be uncool parent) So instead  the dog and I pick him up at the bus, fully loaded with 13 red balloons.  He still smiles and is happy on his birthday because, it is his special day.  I see me sending balloons to his office when he is 30.. it makes me giggle at the thought.  So for me the balloons have become a birthday tradition in our house.  My kids have come to expect their surprise of balloons and mom making a fool of herself.   As my son gets older I am looking for  new ideas to celebrate his teenage years that are  affordable birthday surprises. Here are some other ways to make you child feel special on there big day!

10 Birthday Surprise ideas for Kids

 

    1. Balloon at school pick up:  if you wear a costume it makes it extra silly (I wear a superhero cape every year from BabyPop my  superhero cape  store)
    2. Flowers: My daughter has been getting flowers since she has entered kindergarten.  I asked her if she wanted Flower or Balloons a few months before her 6th birthday.  She said flowers.
    3. Decorate house overnight: My friend Hillary does the decorating of the house while her kids are asleep. When they get up the morning of their birthday it is the land of streamers.
    4. Birthday Food: make a favorite meal or breakfast.. When I was a kid one day a year my mom would buy Cookie Crisps cereal .. our birthday cereal and we would also get  our favorite dinner
    5. Birthday Plate: make one at a local ceramics shop like at Color Me Mine  or Hallmark makes one if you can find it
    6. Birthday balloon avalanche from My Dream Sample box
    7. Birthday balloon box form DIYSTUDIO.com
    8. Power of Silly String: This year I attacked him with silly string while he played his new video game.. I also bought 2 other cans so the kids could have a silly string fight in the backyard.. my son said he loved it. My daughter then requested it for her birthday. I loved this idea for Teen birthday surprises. I might have to wake him up with silly string.
    9. Confetti: never underestimate a good mess
    10. Trick Candles or Sparkler candles:  I know this is old school but kids love the ideagirl with flower

What special things do you do for your kids birthday?

boy and balloonsDisclosure : this post contain affiliate links

Little Passports

True Blue Friendship & JJill Giveaway #jjilltrueblue

So when JJill asked me to talk about a True Blue Friend, as part of the true blue collection and contest.  I decided to write about my friend Hillary at Myscraps.  Hillary is an “adult” friend,  you know a person who you become friends with while you’re an adult. We met 3 years ago through blogging. We ran in the same blogging circles for quite sometime, but never new each other twitter acquaintances.  I met her the 1st time at a event .    About 2 weeks before we met, I heard through social media that Hillary’s husband had a serious healthy issue,  he was young, and luckily survived.

The day we finally met, it was her first  time out after the traumatic time.  I was in awe of her strength, and resolve regarding what her family was recently through.  We had a brief chat and that was that.  Then, Hillary ordered an item from my online store.. I learned that she lived 3 miles from my home.  Wow! how great that a fellow blogger lived so close by.   So much to her surprised I hand delivered the item. (Picture me, showing up to her house.. I did not tell her I was coming.) Then I suggested we should drive to events together.  That is me,  I am a in your face type of person.   So we started traveling to blogging events together more and more.2 women

I consider my friendship with Hillary to be unique, then that with my other friends. Most of my friends know me as a bubble positive person. In last few years because of life (job loss, illness, and other issues.)  I feel much less bubbly and less positive,  because life has been hard.  I feel like she has not always gotten the “Good” Sherry,  which makes me sad for her,  because “fun” Sherry is better … just ask anyone who knew me in college. (Yes I just talked about myself in the 3rd person.)

I feel that really speaks to Hillary’s character as a person, to be close to someone when they are at their lowest is not always easy.  One Instance was the day that I found out we were moving 2 hours away.  I went to her home, and she hugged me providing support. Thankfully I did not move.

We have a unique friendship because we are very different.  Hillary is very creatively organized and a self proclaimed skeptic.  Me, I am not organized, more of a dreamer.  One thing I cherish about Hillary is when I come up with something kinda scattered she says .. “Now this is why I love you.”  She makes makes me pause and think.  I embrace that we are so different in the details but agree on so much of the big things. Like today, we noticed  we both avoid drama, basically because we don’t have the time.

Hillary is also a true blue friend because she has not know me my entire life.  She does not know why I do this or say that,  Hillary does not have the long time investment or years of knowing my history.  Uniquely, she sticks by me when things are tough, listening, and not judging. I really think you are provided people in your life when you need them. I consider Hillary a true blue gift.

She is a True Blue Friend.

True Blue Friendship Challenge:  Win a JJill Jeans for you and a friend!!!

True blue is a phrase that is defined as follows: completely faithful and loyal to a person or cause. We use the term often in conversation, especially when referring to a true blue friend. This February, J. Jill is celebrating true blue in every form from classic denim to friendships that last forever.

  • J.Jill’s denim is inspired by artisan patterns in the color blue — toile prints, indigo tiles, pen and ink sketches–and was  designed into indigo and softer shades of blue (e.g., Atlantic and Periwinkle) for a fresh perspective for you. You’ll also find a variation of mixed motifs, deep denim washes and lighthearted intarsias throughout the new denim collection.
  • Authentic Fit Slim Boot-Cut Jeans — These create a lean silhouette. These jeans have a slimmer, slightly flared leg opening creating a flattering, balanced fit for both shoes and boots, and the higher rise is perfect to tuck in shirts and maintain a smooth silhouette –.Jill recommends a brightly colored button up with cami underneath. If you’d prefer a longer top to create a long,lean line – try an A-line shape cardigan that mirrors the flare of the jeans.
  •  Slim Boyfriend – This type of denim is like your favorite boyfriend jean but now more straight and streamlined for a more feminine fit. Straight fit through hips and thighs for a silhouette that flatters every body. J.Jill’s tip – play with both proportions and volume with the slim boyfriend, both slim and fuller-volume tops work well. A streamlined top has a slimming effect (especially in black!) over the straight shape of the slim boyfriend jeans, whereas fuller tops create a visual balance with the straight bottom.
  • Tried & True Slim Ankle – These were inspired by the classic and timeless ankle silhouette, and conform beautifully to a woman’s shape with the ankle-length seam falling in just the right place. Pair with a longer length top with either a little or a lot of volume — either works! Try tunic for a slim, lengthening effect, or a more voluminous sweater over a stretch cotton tee for a flattering layered take.
  • Tried & True Slim Leg – These jeans are super flattering thanks to J.Jill’s cotton-stretch fabric for a great fit, recovery and comfort. The dark color elevates the look, and the slim leg looks great with heels, flats or tucked into boots. These jeans are a perfect complement to tops with an A-line shape or hem interest. Pairing them with an anorak would make for a classic look with balanced proportions, or try a high-low hem to create interest on top while slimming and elongating the bottom.

How to Win of JJills Facebook Page:

JJill is  running a True Blue Facebook contest They are encouraging people to post photo of themselves and a friend to J.Jill’s timeline and tag it with hashtag #jjilltrueblue, or upload a photo of yourself and a friend to instagram with hashtag #jjilltrueblue and tag J.Jill’s instagram (@JJillstyle). JJill will select one person each day to receive a gift card for a pair of jeans for themselves and a friend and a grand prize winner will receive a two $250 gift cards – one for themselves and a friend.

How to win on my blog  Superexhausted: 

I Invite you to “comment” on below, telling me about you true blue friend.   One follower who comments will be selected to win J. Jill jeans for themselves and their true blue friend.  Yes could win for you and your TrueBlueFriend a new pair of JJill Jeans.

Contest ends 2/26/2014

Linking back to musingsofahousewife Fashion Friday

Disclosure:  This post is part of me being a JJill Styler.  I will be receiving denim  in exchange for this post.  I really believe in the JJill brand and the quality they design and manufacture and all my opinions are my own.

Online Shopping Tips

online_shopping_tips

Online Shopping Tips : Every holiday season I watch and and plan looking for the best on line deals.  Then excitement sets in Black Friday Deals, Cyber Monday,  Latest and great lowest prices.  Just last night I got caught up in a purchase for 25% off and a free-ship.   Yea another site had the items at a lower price with free ship.  So off we are to cancel the order.  So I want to share and remind myself of my rules to online shopping.

Online Shopping tips :

  1. Shopping Plan: Have a plan, if it is a paper list, Pintrest Board, or Amazon wishlist : Know what you are looking for.  If you use an Amazon wish list .. it tells you the price you added the item to your wish list, then  what is the current price and if it changes the saving difference.. I was surprised how many of my items went down.
  2. Compare: Spend the time price shopping and comparing prices.. I know it seems like time consuming but think you are not driving to the store.
  3. Order Early: Order Custom items 1st ! Like Frames,Blankets, Shirts, Frame,  If you think you want something customized order early ,  because gives the seller time plus if a mistake is made gives the seller time to correct.
  4. Shopping Email Account: Do create a separate shopping email- so you can sign up for those newsletters and sale emails.  So they dont clog up your inbox but you still can get the deals.
  5. Watch shipping deadlines.  Many sellers will have normal holiday cut off,  then after a certain day rush processing and shipping fees come into place.
  6. Avoid the hype:  My husband wanted a video game,  A  big box retailer offered it in store at $20 off but another on line retailer offer it for the same price. The prices on many items will reduce as the holiday get closer.
  7. Coupons Codes: Stop check for coupons a simple search in your Google search bar for “thestore.com coupons 2013” can save you 10-40% and free ship so worth
  8. No Hassle Rebates: Do sign up for rebate sites like Ebates these sites allow you to earn more back when you are already shopping at these stores.  You sign up for the account, then look up the site and shop.   Also if you are already on the site you can look up the store on ebates click through ebates and your cart will still be loaded.   Ebates and site like Ebates are shopping portholes,  How it works is the Online retailer pays Ebates a percentage,  they take a cut and then also give money back to you in the form of a rebate.   This is on top of any coupon codes you are already using.  It is a win win.   Ebates gives you rebate on most retailers like Amazon, Target, QVC, Macys and more.   Also when you share ebates you can earn more. So I will share my ebates with you, go sign up so worth it,  I earned $20 last night.Ebates Coupons and Cash Back
  9. Security: Avoid sites where they say a Security is not current.  A retailer should always have there security rank current.  If a pop up window comes up and say the site is not secure .. leave.
  10. Avoid: A retailer should never ask you to give them your credit card in an email.  Also if you purchased with a retailer and making a return,  they should never ask for your card for the return.  They can return it through the original transaction. NEVER email your credit card numbers.  Also do trust paypal.  As a retailer for years on my superhero kids cape store,  I can tell you pay pal is secure and will assist you if you have a problem.
  11. Safe Packages: When shipping to your home and you are not home you might want to have a secure place to have the packages be left (behind a stack of wood, or a bench) or have the items shipped to a more secure place neighbor, work, or grandmas.

I love online shopping because it make life easy and my family happy.  Because they are not stuck in lines at a store.  Try some of these tips and your holidays will be much more enjoyable.. because you can shop anytime.    I am off to find that great item for my kids..

Disclosure this post contains affiliate links.. which I earn a small amount that is basically enough to buy coffee at a fast food chain.

Kid Place NJ Zoos : Space Farms

Kid Place in NJ : Space Farm is a great place for Kids in North New Jersey.  When I was a child, I use to go to Space Farms with my parents.  I loved it because you got to feed the animals.  Guess what you still can!  I took my kids this past week and it was a blast.   My son said it was “The best zoo he has every been” too.   The reason it is a a place where you kids interact with the animals and it is not a commercial trap.  The Zoo is clean, well kept and reasonable priced. space farms front entrance

My kids were feet from a Bear and were able to  feed him cookies too (we threw them into the cage).  See him isn’t he cute.  This was my moms favorite part.bear

They also get to feed the deer.. which is the best.. because there are a lot of different variety of deer.  They follow you like dogs.space farms deer

I would recommend

  • Bring a lunch, and drinks  there are many eating areas for you to sit in the shade.
  • Go on a cooler day: Fall is perfect because the animals are out and moving.
  • Be aware the Lions to roar  so it is fun and makes you aware they are wild animals.lion
  • Visit soon so you can see the baby tiger.  Space farms Female tiger has had 10 cubs over the years.  this is the last time she is having a baby so go and see..baby tiger
  • Buy the deer feed at the admissions desk, I would get 2 bags..$1.50 a bagfeeding deer
  • Make the walk to the lama.. I never touched one before since most spit ..  she is very friendly and treat to touchboy petting a lama
  • Make sure you go upstairs and look at the museum rooms.. My kids enjoyed seeing the vintage and antiques.  The bear is Goliath the worlds largest bear on record.  He was alive when My Mother visited as a child and when I did as a child.  He died in 1994 .. but he is still at space farms, just stuffed my Mom and I thought it was good to “See” him again. space farms museum
  • They also have a huge museum of vintage cars so allow all day if you hope to make it to see them.
  • Visit the parrots-  there is one who repeats your name. .. My daughter loved him he kept saying her name,
  • Dare yourself to get up close and personal with the animals .. Like no other zoo. Yes I did get this close to the ostridge.. I was worried he would peck me through the fence.. he didn’t. ostridge

Check out my videos of my kids feeding the deer.

Space Farm is located in Sussex County New Jersey.  It is trip into the NJ country side off RT 15.. be sure to use a GPS because it not easy to find without it.

Space Farms Zoo & Museum
218 Route 519
Sussex, NJ 07461

Open Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Last Entrance at 4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Last Entrance at 4 p.m.
April 6 thru October 31

Adults (13-64) – $15.00 plus tax
Children (3-12) – $10.50 plus tax
Seniors (65+) – $14.00 plus tax

American Girl Birthday Party Ideas

american girl doll party American Girl Party Ideas:  For my daughters 8th birthday I threw her an American Girl Birthday Party.  Here are some of the ideas we used for the perfect tea party . First off we did not call it an “American Girl Party”  because not every girl had an American Girl doll.   So we called it an Doll party .. bring your own doll.  I had extra dolls the girls could borrow for the day.

American Girl Birthday Party Ideas :Prep

I made a few thing and then had some crafts for the girls to do:

I went to the thrift store and purchased a tea set, along with tea pots, and lacy table linens.  Super inexpensive  ($12 for linens and tea set) and add the real feel to the party cost as much as buying paper stuff and it became a tea set for my daughter.   I also purchase real flowers for the center of the table. tea table  set up

I made American Girl Party Hats the pattern is found here at Make it do.com it is a scrapbook paper pompoms and glue,  one sheet makes about 4 hats

party hats for AG dolls

Cupcakes Stands  I followed www.tammymitchellphotography.com to make the mini cupcake stands,  the parts were purchased at AC Moore look for the package of disks much cheaper than buying loose  12 cost me under $10:Mini cupcake stand

I also made every doll a dress to wear for the party it was also a American Girl favor.   I won lie my fingers did hurt after making such small clothes.  I made the pattern myself post coming soon or refer to my free patterns for American Girl Dolls.

Tip: I found an old vintage suitcase to display the dresses.  When the girls arrived  they could pick a dress for the doll to wear at the party.

american girl doll dresses

Food Ideas for American Girl Doll Party:

  • Tea sandwiches:  Peanut butter and Jelly, ham and cheese,  cucumbers and cream cheese-  I own the tiered stands if you don’t and what to make them Joy Hope  crafts has a great tutorial on how to make a  colorful tiered cake stand.tea sandwiches
  • Cup Cakes and mini cup cakes –  I bought cup cake wrappers and the mini wraps normally used for candy for the mini doll cupcakes.  Wilton makes these and they are superCupcakes and a hat
  • For tea we used pink lemon aid- in the thrift store pots

American Girl Party Crafts:

We had the girls make a few simple crafts like coffee cups from doll diaries… I went to burger king and got the ketchup holder  for your condiments cups.  Pipe cleaners are about .69 each. The small dollies I found at the craft store. coffee cup

We also go the girl a American Girls Cards Historical Craft Pack so they can make cards.  I found these at Micheals,  Ac Moore or here on Amazon.  The cards are a 21 pack of cards for about $12 on amazon so enough for the girls to make 1-2 cards each depending on size of party. party craftsamerican girl cardsAlso another great Craft idea is the American Girl Doll Picture Frame  with a little mod podge, American girl catalog, and in expensive wooden frame.   Take a picture of the girl with her doll at the party and send it in the thank you note. american_girl_frame_001 (102 of 3)

  • It was a super fun day for all the girls.  American Girl Party was a hit.   We start out making some crafts,  because the dolls need a cup to drink. Them girls were super quiet once they started the tea party polite pass in the “tea ” to each other.  Very Adult.  Then they went and played with their dolls in a large group. girls at a tableamerican_girl_party_001b(160 of 81)

Be sure to check out my other posts:
Easy American Girl Doll CraftsMaking American Girl  Doll ClothesAmerican Girl Picture Frame  for under $3.  Great party craft

Harry Potter Theme Birthday Party Back drop with PDF

Tips on getting childrens ears piercing


This post may contain Affiliate links
Little Passports

Jerseylove- Wordful Wednesday

jerseylove_001 (158 of 64)This Past weekend I was down the shore In New Jersey with 40 Bloggers sharing love with the Jersey Shore.  Which is back in Business. We  spent the day at Djais Belmar and donated $5000 Belmar fund 100% goes to displaced families from Hurricane Sandy.  Part of the donation came from the Bloggers and the other Part came from D6 Surf Skimmers.
Here is a reminder of the damage that is still present down the shore:
belmar_nj_post_sandy_001 (102 of 4)

If you would like to Donate Funds to the Belmar Fund for Displaced Families

Please do so By visiting www.belmar.com

Disclosure:  My hotel stay and food was provided by CaesarsAC, D6Surfskimmers, and Djais Belmar, Travel was paid for by me  for this social good weekend.  I was not paid monetary for this trip and the opinions are my own.

Her First Dance

girl in a poodle skirtWhen I was a little girl my parents had a jukebox in  the garage.  My parents were products of the 50’s.  So my sister and I had birthday parties centered around the 50’s worth late 70’s music.. we danced in the garage.  This past week my daughters school had a school dance that commemorated the 60 years the school has been open. It is being torn down this summer to make way for a new school.  I was excited to find out about the dance.  My daughter could dress in a poodle skirt. Fun times.   I made the skirt the afternoon.  I also had a crinoline I bought for a Christmas dress that was never used.  I also had a poodle and everything to make a skirt..

She was so excited when she got home.girl in a poodle skirtgirl in a poodle skirt

I love watching kids have such a unexpected surprise.

May Is Maytag Month Want to win a Washer & Dryer from HH Gregg

Maytag_001 (106 of 15)
(Disclosure this was a Blogger Maytag event I was not Paid for the event, the opinions are my own)

This Past week, I was introduced in to the Maytag new line of appliances at HHGregg this week.   Like the new Maytag washers the front loading washers have a fan to dry the inside of the washer so you don’t have the must smell.  Want to win a laundry set check out the end of my post to how you can win one of 31 sets of washers from HHGregg   that is one for every day in May.

Maytag is a US company that Mainly made here for the US consumer.
Maytag_001 (111 of 15)
Also The new Aqua Tech technology that can clean a oven at 200 degrees in 40 minutes including cool down time. How the oven uses a little water to get under the backed on particles the forces them up. So cool you don’t have to vacate the house when you clean your oven. I also learned about induction cook tops which is a metallic heating system that works be tween the heating element and the pan the class never get s hot but it can heat water in 90 seconds.

We also learned also learned about the great accessories you can buy for your appliances.  The Produce Preservation kit $12.99 which will keep our produce fresher 4 days longer. by absorbing the Produce Preserver absorbs the ethylene.  Such a cool way to save your food.   We also received samples of Affresh Cleaners  which I love the stainless steel wipes because they keep my Refrigerator looking shiny and fingerprint fee longer than reg cleaners.   I use Affresh Cleaners normally so i was happy to try out the dish washer cleaner and washing machine cleaners to care for the inside of my washers.

So this month May 2013  you can Save  at HHGregg Maytag products.. up to $250 off laundry or up to 15% on kitchen.   check out Maytag for more info.

So you want to win one a Washer dyer pair from HHGregg and Maytag?  Enter on HHGreggs Facebook page,  You can enter 3 times a Day .  Also Check out the Maytag Fun  videos.
Maytag_001 (105 of 15)

Disclosure:  I attend this Maytag event I was not paid to attend.  I provided my own transportation.  I was provided a sandwich and swag bag same as the other bloggers.