Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Organizing and Cleaning Part 1

If anyone knows me they know I LOVE to organize and clean ! So I figured I would post a few organizing and cleaning tips in the months of May and June  to kick off the spring cleaning season! I have several bloggy/etsy friends who chimed in to help me with awesome tips, ideas, items and downloads !!!



The Green Shop is stopping by to help me with my first blog posting on these topics!



Introducing The Green Shop:


Go Green with reusable dusters instead of disposables. Save money and the environment!

The fleece duster is great for dusting your house, cleaning TVs, computers, electronics, and more.

Each reusable duster is made with 4 layers of anti-pill fleece fabric and fits snugly on your handle. It has openings on both ends so you can turn it around for more dusting!

Wash in the machine with your regular laundry (works best without fabric softener). Use it again and again!

This listing is for two reusable hand duster refills. Handmade in the USA. Each item will vary slightly from the picture. Handle not included. 

★ Item ships within 24 hours of payment ★

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"It is wonderful! Works better than the ones you buy (andbuyandbuyandbuy). It picks up and holds the dust and I love the softness. Great item, great shop, great price."

"Exactly as described. Quality craftsmanship!"

"These Fleece Dusters Really work and I love them! ... great service, fast shipping, too!"

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Please Recycle stamp by BlossomStamps
*Swiffer® is a registered trademark of The Procter & Gamble Company. I am not affiliated with this company.

Have any questions? Contact the shop owner






So I went to my local dollar store and found this...



Brand name product..yup for a $1.00! So I bought this and brought it home..

So this is the wand...


And this is the actual duster. BUT it is a one time use duster. Once you use it you have to throw it away. Now for a dollar I guess that isn't so bad…BUT if you purchase one of the Green Shops reusable dusters you won't have to throw away the wand! 


So the green shop sent me one of their reusable dusters. The packaging was super cute and "green"!


The Green Shops reusable duster fits perfectly on the wand.. as you can see it has the same two sewed lines to fit onto the wand perfectly!




Now I can use this wand more then once! Once I use it I can throw it into the wash and get it cleaned and reuse it! It is a FABULOUS idea!


If you compare the two products…the swifter duster that comes with the wand and the Green Shops reusable duster you not only see the thickness difference but also the quality difference! Plus you can use the Green Shops duster more then once unlike the swifter duster!




So head to your local dollar store and see what YOU can find and repurpose! 

I am loving this product!!

Please stop by the Green Shop and let her know Simple as 1-2-3 sent you!!

 Here is a printable that I found. Print it, laminate it and write on it what you will be doing on each day! Or you can put the printable in a word document and type into it like I did! =)


 I have mine hanging on my calendar so that I can follow it daily !



Here is what mine looks like-



Enjoy!

It is as Simple As 1-2-3!




Monday, May 12, 2014

The Best Baked BBQ Chicken

Yummmm right? This is the best baked BBQ chicken ever! My neighbor gave me this recipe and I make it for almost ever BBQ we have! It calls for three ingredients… THATS IT!



  • Chicken Wings or Thighs
  • BBQ Sauce (whatever kind you like!)
  • McCormick BBQ Spice 

Place the spice on the chicken and bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 40 minutes to an hour!
Then take the chicken out of the oven and place the BBQ sauce on top of the chicken. Put the chicken back in the oven for another 15-20 minutes!

That is it!! So EASY and YUMMY!!!

Happy barbecuing !!


Enjoy!

It is as Simple As 1-2-3!


Mother's Day Celebration

"I love you forever, I like you for always, as long as I am living my baby you will be!"

This mother's day is extra special for me since it is my first mother's day as a mom!
This little peanut made me a mommy on 4-4-14 and I  couldn't be more excited and happy to have this little girl in my life!


Sarah makes beautiful cards for all holidays! She illustrates and designs all her cards and pays close attention to detail! I thought this card would be great for my sister-in-law who just had her first baby in December! I thought it was super cute and a great way to say Happy Mother's Day!!


Introducing Helloclacky:

Whether it's a birthday, wedding, or even just to say hello to a friend, nothing beats the nice surprise of receiving a personal handwritten card from someone you love.

I'm Sarah and I started my shop helloclacky because I wanted to create unique, contemporary and quirky designs to anything you find on the streets. I lovingly design and illustrate all the cards myself and each one is printed professionally on heavy uncoated stock.

If you see anything you like or would like something bespoke, please get in touch at helloclacky@aol.co.uk

Wildoaks Woodworking makes beautiful custom made wood art! She made this beautiful sign for me to give to my mom for mothers day! My parents are building and moving to a new home and I thought this would be perfect for there new screened in porch! She makes beautiful products! Everything from holidays to baby signs to cutting boards ! She does an impeccable job and is wonderful to work with!!



Introducing Wildoaks Woodworking:

Welcome to the woods, home of lake, cabin, family rules, custom, vintage, primitve, subway signs and Typography Word Art ~ signs to decorate your home! Thanks so much for stopping by! We hope you will sit and stay awhile.

Friend our facebook page watch for specials and new signs.

ALL items are MADE TO ORDER . . . . please refer to below production time (especially when ordering HOLIDAY/SEASONAL/GIFT items - THIS TIME OF YEAR IS VERY BUSY!! Orders are filled in the order they are placed) or convo me with questions. If you don't see a color, style or item you are looking for let me know . . . I DO SPECIAL ORDERS. If you would like to order multiple items convo me for the best shipping rate. If you do not specify a color scheme when ordering a scheme similar to the sample picture in your listing will be made - so PLEASE leave your choice in the message to seller section at checkout. THANK YOU!

PLEASE let me know in ADVANCE (before you purchase) if you need an item/order by a specific date. (see production time below for more details) 

RUSH orders will now require a "RUSH FEE" . . . please convo me BEFORE PURCHASING!! This moves your order up in line and delivery for/by your needed date.
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PRODUCTION TIME - read thoroughly and note business days and vacation/holidays: 
PLEASE allow a MINIMUM of 10-12 business days from clearing of payment for your items to be handmade with love and then shipped. 

Our elves in our shop (my husband and myself) we work full time and this is our hobby we love to do...

During busy times/holidays/or when life just happens it CAN TAKE A DAY OR TWO LONGER - date of sale does not count) If you need your order by a certain date PLEASE PLEASE let me know BEFORE you purchase, I can not guarantee delivery for rush dates requested after purchase. I fill orders on a first come first serve basis . . . unless other arrangements have been made PRIOR to order. Again, if you need something by a specific date please convo me BEFORE you purchase, so there are not issues after you purchase if the delivery/need by date is not possible.

**Large orders (including 3+ items and wholesale orders) do take a little longer to fill, convo me with questions** 

If a specific font isn't chosen then I will use my creative license to select one.

We (husband is my "wood guy") cut, sand, stitch, paint and finish EVERYTHING in the shop so that is why we need the production time stated below, it is fun but time consuming. 

If a color scheme isn't chosen and info left in message to seller section at checkout a color scheme close the one pictured on your order/receipt will be made. 

On occasion I make an error {I am human, haha}, please let me know as soon as you get your order so it can be fixed!

If you are ordering from an APO I CANNOT GUARANTEE any delivery dates!!!! 
I am not currently shipping outside of the US!

My items are primitive (wood can have imperfections/knots, etc 

Also, I ship to the ETSY address. I ship USPS 

Please visit out other store @https://www.etsy.com/shop/Timberlinewoodworks?ref=search_shop_redirect

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Darrin, Tracy, Crystal & Johnny



How cute is this set up? Amanda makes awesome printables from mother's day to graduations! She even does customizable add-ons ! The colors are super vibrant and perfect for our mothers day luncheon! 



Welcome to Amanda's Parties To Go! I want to help make your next birthday celebration not only personalized and pretty but stress-free, too. I offer budget-friendly DIY party packages, full of all the designs you'll need to decorate your home and party tables for your little one's big day. 

Printables are super easy to use.... just order your party set and the files will be sent directly to your email inbox for you to print at home on your own printer or at a print shop such as Office Max or Office Depot.

I am a work-at-home mom with a passion for creating beautiful, fun and memorable parties. I pinch myself every day that my little shop has allowed me to have a creative outlet while helping to provide for my family, too. I pour my heart and soul into every design and every customer's order. I hope that you love how party printables can make a beautiful, customized party in no time at all!

Thank you for visiting Amanda's Parties To Go!

Amanda Parker
Founder & Party Stylist

Here are some photos from my mother's day BBQ!


























My mother-in-law made this beautiful picture of my daughters feet for me for mother's day! I loved it!!










Mother's Day was such a special day and I truly enjoyed working with all of these ladies!! Thank you so much!! Please stop by their shops and let them know Simple As 1-2-3 sent you!!!


It is as simple as 1-2-3!

Enjoy!


Sunday, May 4, 2014

Teacher Appreciation Week: Keep Calm & Teach On

So this week is teacher appreciation week and I have a few bloggers and Etsy shop owners who chimed in to help me celebrate! I find this to be one of the most special weeks! Not only because I am a teacher but because my life has been touched by so many teachers from my mother-in-law, to my cousins to some of my closets friends! Remember you have one of the most important jobs out there! Celebrate and appreciate all the teachers in your life this week!!






She made these adorable binder clips for me! If anyone knows me they know how I LOVE to be organized !!  I am sure it will add to my OCDness but they are sooooo WORTH IT! She makes the most adorable items from binder clips to teachers gifts! She was wonderful to work with!!



So Sweet Gift Boutique:

I have been making some of the things in my shop for a while for my friends and family. I think I first was introduced to making crafts when a girl I once worked with handed me a box full of goodies. (Thanks Danielle!) It was like heaven in that box. Seriously, I think I heard the angels singing and the world was paused for a moment when I opened it. It had all kinds of scrapbook paper, ribbon, stamps, and so much more. I fell in love with DIY crafts and my mind started going and coming up with ways to personalize simple things around my house or my kids rooms. I make everything now for my customers just like I was making it for myself or a family member. I just hope everyone loves them as much as I loved making them. Every time I make something new, it's like opening up that little box of heaven again. That is why every single item I make is Handmade with Love and always always SWAK (Sealed With A Kiss). Muah!

I am now a Stay At Home Mom needing to make an extra income while my husband is working full time and going to school full time. It's almost like being a single mom again but now instead of 1, it's 3. Scary! It has been difficult but making all the crafts in my shop helps me with my sanity.


All items are handmade and come from a smoke-free home.


Personalized and homemade Clipboards, Paperclips, Dividers and Post it Holders and other "SWAK" gifts made with love and attention to detail. 

Clipboards are great gifts for teachers, coaches, nurses, and even students for homework. They are also great to hang a picture, or a recipe in the kitchen. You can use them to hold grocery lists, or even for church. All clipboards can be personalized for that special someone.



Lots of new gift ideas coming soon. Be on the lookout!

Follow me on IG: @sosweetgiftboutique 







Introducing The Educated Owl

She makes the cutest printables!! She made this adorable "Keep Calm & Teach On" printable for me!! She also makes the most beautiful letter wreaths!! When you get one of her items she also sends you a free printable, usually seasonal! I received a spring printable…LOVED it!! High quality and super easy to work with!!

The Educated Owl:

Welcome to The Educated Owl. I am honored to have been featured in Parents Magazine Canada, Emmaline Brides and all across Europe on Christian Greeting cards. Check out my new Instant Downloads and enjoy your prints immediately. All Prints are now available in sizes from 5x7 up to 36x48. If you see something you would like in a different size then what is listed please message me!

Welcome to my shop! I am a first grade teacher who loves teaching and crafts. After months of making prints and wreaths for my friends and family I decided to start sharing my projects with you here at The Educated Owl. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make your experience as enchanting as possible.

Currently my production time frame is at least 14 business days from ordering to shipping for monogram, beaded, burlap and ribbon wreaths (It could be sooner or longer!). If I need to order a specific supply to complete your item this may add an additional week to the time frame. If you need your item before that please let me know, and we can work something out. I really want to make sure everyone gets a perfect item. :) Each one of my items is handmade by me, no two items will look exactly alike! 

For prints, drafts are sent within 24-72 hours, usually much sooner, but if you are ordering a custom print it may take the full 72 hours. I ship within 1-3 days of receiving your approval. Please check your Etsy conversations for drafts. Drafts will not be sent to your email account. If you do not receive a draft after 3 days of placing your order, please message me. No prints will be mailed until I get your approval, so please remember to check for messages. 

I love doing custom orders on prints, I can match your bedding and do any theme you are looking for, please message me with your ideas. 

Please check back often as I am always adding new fun things!

Check out my new blog at: http://theeducatedowl.blogspot.com/


Introducing Sprout My Party she makes such cute printables for boys, girls, teachers and even weddings!! She made me this cute printable that I plan on giving to my teaching assistance in my room for part of there end of the year gift!! They do so much for my classroom and students and I don't thank them enough! They truly are appreciated !!!  I thought this printable was super cute and a great way to say THANK YOU!



Sprout My Party:

Sprout My Party is owned and operated by Megan Thomson of West Melbourne, Florida.  She is the mom to 4 young children; ages 8,7, 3 and 2.  Megan began selling printable invites, announcements and cards after creating these items for her own children for years.  She decided to branch out and offer some of these items on Etsy and it wasn't long before the business became a success.  

Sprout My Party custom invites and party packages are a wonderful way to make the birthday child feel very loved on their special day!  We all remember searching for those little personalized key chains and bike license plates and being SO excited to find our name (or SO disappointed to see that our name was too unique to find!) Custom party packages allow every child to "find" their name on their invitations and party items.  

Attention to detail, superb customer service and extraordinary printable designs are the hallmarks of Sprout My Party's success.  Come see for your self!  Please visit Sprout My Party on Etsy:  www.sproutmyparty.etsy.com and on Facebook: fb.com/sproutmyparty


Introducing Lill's Loft:

From fabric banners, to custom name banners she does it all! She sent me this adorable banner for my reading corner in my classroom!! The quality is wonderful and the attention to detail is impeccable !

Lill's Loft:

Hi All! Thanks for having me! I am Gillian from Lill’s Loft. I specialize in custom fabric banners. You can personalize your banner with any name, saying, or number. It is the perfect way to make any space or event your own! I use fabric that is fused to a stiff backing, so letters hang straight and will last for you and your family. All letters are created from high quality hand-cut fabrics.
I am an elementary school teacher and mother of two boys. I believe that children need to feel that their space is their own and feel proud of it. That is how custom banners came to be! I love creating with others, so please contact me and we can make a banner that is perfect for your needs. I am so excited; I would like to offer Simple as 1-2-3 readers 10% off items in my shop. Use the code SIMPLE10 at checkout for 10% off.

Make sure to like Lill's Loft on Facebook, for updated items and sales!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lills-Loft/173466842679426



Introducing  Libby Kate Smiles

She makes super cute invitations and cards for all sorts of occasions, teachers included! She sent me two demo cards to review and the quality was amazing! She has a fast turnaround rate and will work with you on colors and design! The inside of the card is blank so you can write whatever type of note you want to write whether it be a thank you note or a simple thinking of you note! Her designs are super cute and fun for any kind of teacher!!



So a huge thank you to all the bloggers and etsy shop owners who chimed in to celebrate this amazing week! THANK YOU to all teachers! I know we don't hear it enough but you are so appreciated!! Remember you touch a life everyday! Smile you never know whose day you are making!


It is as simple as 1-2-3!