Wednesday, May 30, 2012

VBS: Victoria Falls Decorating Ideas

YAY! It's time to decorate my room for Vacation Bible School! This year I need to recreate Victoria Falls, so I'll need clouds, rainbows, waterfalls, and rock walls. Here's what I've found and/or figured out so far...

Clouds

DIY Clouds by ohcrafts.net  

Waterfalls & Rock Walls


Source: scbaptist.org via Mikki on Pinterest






Rainbows

I think I'll try stringing together swim noodles to make a rainbow that spans the room. Check back to see how that goes!



And More...

I thought I'd get one of those styrofoam airplanes to hang from the ceiling, too. You can find more ideas on my Victoria Falls VBS Pinterest Board.

UPDATE:


This is how my room turned out. You can read more about it here.






Monday, May 28, 2012

Flock Together Blog Hop 5/29

Welcome! To participate, simply...

Flock Together1. Link up: Click on "Click here to enter" at the bottom of this post and follow the Linky Tools directions. In step 4, I recommend selecting "Auto Crop" and "From Web."

2. Find new friends: Click through the blogs and follow the ones you love (Linky Followers, Google+, RSS, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, e-mail, etc.). Kindly pass by the ones you don't.

I try my best to follow EVERYONE who joins the hop, but it helps if you leave a comment letting me know you're new here. Also, please sign up for Linky Followers! It's a great alternative to Google Friend Connect.
    This week's Fine feathered Friend is Janine at

    "True Aim will provide you with the latest educational news and information, teaching tips, book and movie reviews, lesson materials, and discussions to help you discover the True Aim of Education - ensuring that you have what it takes to hit your mark."

    Janine's blog is made up of an impressive variety of posts relating to family and children. Her insights about current educational trends and information about educational resources will be worthwhile reading for both homeschool and public education families alike. Check her out and consider following her this week!

    Want to be featured as next week's Fine Feathered Friend? Click here to find out how. It's free and easy.

     
    Enter my LOW ENTRY giveaways ending soon (click here)!


    Need a little help?
    • If this is all new to you, click here.
    • If your goal is to find friends and gain followers, may I recommend that you set a goal to find and follow a minimum number of blogs that interest you. Check back throughout the day to visit late entries that might be just your cup of tea! Leave a comment if you follow, and consider following back those who follow you.
    • If you see empty boxes with red x's instead of pictures in the linky, try clearing your cache (Go to Tools > Internet Options > Under the General tab and Browsing History section, click "Delete"> check Temporary Internet Files > Delete > then refresh or reload Mom's Best Nest).

    Saturday, May 26, 2012

    Children's Sermon: "God's Toolbox"

    Here's what I found for this week's children's sermon! Click on the link to see the details.

    Title: "God's Toolbox"

    Source: Creative Bible Study

    Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

    Supplies Needed: Toolbox filled with regular tools such as hammer, screwdrivers, wrench, etc. Also, include other "tools" such as a whisk, wooden spoon, pen, ruler, and Bible.

    Monday, May 21, 2012

    Flock Together Tuesday Blog Hop 5/22

    Welcome! To participate, simply...

    Flock Together1. Link up: Click on "Click here to enter" at the bottom of this post and follow the Linky Tools directions. In step 4, I recommend selecting "Auto Crop" and "From Web."

    2. Find new friends: Click through the blogs and follow the ones you love (Linky Followers, Google+, RSS, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, e-mail, etc.). Kindly pass by the ones you don't.

    I try my best to follow EVERYONE who joins the hop, but it helps if you leave a comment letting me know you're new here. Also, please sign up for Linky Followers! It's a great alternative to Google Friend Connect.
      This week's Fine feathered Friend is Brittany at


      I love being an Ohio State Buckeye, even if it is in the big city. I'm told I can have a very strong southern accent at times-That's one of the many things that happens when you're raised by a southern belle up north! My source of strength comes from the creator of the universe, my provider, my comfort, my rock, Jesus Christ. My hope is to encourage other girls like me that they are not alone on this journey of life & that we can share it together! There is bound to be a variety of things presented on this blog-creative things, devotion things, and just plain life things. Come back & visit!




      What a pleasure to have "met" Brittany on last week's hop! I really enjoyed learning more about her through her "Meet the Belle" page, but I caught my breath when I read that her target audience is "girls like her." :) I'm old enough to be her mother :) No matter, I look forward to reading her posts, too! I plan to take her up on her invitation to "Come back and visit," and I hope you will too. Go check her out now, ya hear?



      Want to be featured as next week's Fine Feathered Friend? Click here to find out how. It's free and easy.


        
      Before you go, enter my easy entry giveaways (click here)!



      Need a little help?
      • If this is all new to you, click here.
      • If your goal is to find friends and gain followers, may I recommend that you set a goal to find and follow a minimum number of blogs that interest you. Check back throughout the day to visit late entries that might be just your cup of tea! Leave a comment if you follow, and consider following back those who follow you.
      • If you see empty boxes with red x's instead of pictures in the linky, try clearing your cache (Go to Tools > Internet Options > Under the General tab and Browsing History section, click "Delete"> check Temporary Internet Files > Delete > then refresh or reload Mom's Best Nest).

      Thursday, May 17, 2012

      Aardvark Strainer Giveaway & Review (Giveaway Closed)

      Want to add more fruits and veggies to your family's diet? Or maybe you'd rather indulge in a premium root beer float? Either way, the Aardvark Multi-Purpose Strainer can meet these needs and many more! Developed as a way to make a perfect root beer float, the company has found that it's perfect for many other uses, as well. We decided to try it out by making yummy root beer floats and by preparing a healthy snack of fresh strawberries.

      root-beer

      rinse

      chill



      Trial 1: A Perfect Root Beer Float

      When I was growing up, my daddy often had me prepare root beer floats. He still makes them for us when we visit, so now my children are fans of root beer floats too! For that reason, we were more than happy to test the Aardvark Strainer. We performed a side-by-side comparison of a float made the conventional way (Glass A) with a float made using the strainer (Glass B).



      STEP 1
      We set up the Aardvark Strainer, 2 glasses, room temperature soda, vanilla ice cream, and an ice cream scoop.

       
      STEP 2
      We placed ice cream in Glass A and the Aardvark Strainer, filled with ice cubes, in Glass B. The Aardvark Strainer is so slender that it fits in just about any container. The holes end about half-way up, so anything you pour through it will not spray out above the container.


      STEP 3
      We poured soda in each glass. We were unable to place as much soda in Glass A as we did in Glass B due to froth overflow. Remember that Glass B has no ice cream in it yet, so the main thing to notice at this point is the difference in froth.


      STEP 4
      We removed the strainer and added ice cream to Glass B. Quite noticeably, Glass A looks like it's been through a whirlwind, while Glass A looks so neat! You can also see that more ice cream has melted in Glass A than in Glass B.


      So, how did they taste?

      Conventional Float
      • Froth was overflowing
      • Much of the ice cream had softened or melted, creating a creamy root beer mixture
      • Root beer was barely cool, at best, and that even varied from sip to sip.
      "Aardvark" Float
      • Less froth
      • Very little ice cream melted, even to the last drink, causing there to be much more distinct root beer flavor
      • Root beer was COLD

      Trial 2: Preparing Fresh Fruits & Veggies

      The next time you need to rinse the Tommy-toes for your toddler, the grapes for your girls, or the blueberries for your boys, wouldn't you rather do it this way?

      Since using the Aardvark Strainer, I've found that I'm serving my family more fruit and vegetables. I love how easy it is to toss berries into the strainer, rinse them, and pour them into a cup. My preschooler used it recently to wash the vegetables for our salad. It's size is very manageable for her small hands! 


      The Bottom Line

      At a cost of only $9.99 (plus shipping), the Aardvark is an economical way to meet many of the needs in your kitchen. The claims were found to be true in our trials, and we will continue to enjoy using it in the future, especially to prepare healthy snacks for my children and myself.

      To find out more about this product, visit https://www.aardvarkstrainer.com/ or visit their Facebook page.


      The Giveaway

      Enter below to win 2 Aardvark Strainers (ARV $19.98)! That's one for yourself PLUS one for a friend!

      A few reminders...
      1. Click on "Enter to Win" to choose between entering with your email or by using Facebook.
      2. For the Facebook entries, you must enter your Facebook name, so we can make sure that all entries are valid.

      This giveaway ends on June 7, 2012 (12:01 a.m. EST 6/8/12) and is open to US residents only. Winner will be notified via email within three days of the end of the giveaway. If he or she does not respond within 48 hours, another winner will be selected under the same conditions.

      I received this item free of charge in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR 255.
      a Rafflecopter giveaway


      THE WINNER: Congratulations to entry 543, Jennifer C.F.! I've sent a message via email, so please respond in the next 48 hours. Thanks to everyone who entered!

      Monday, May 14, 2012

      Flock Together Blog Hop 5/15

      Welcome! To participate, simply...

      Flock Together1. Link up: Click on "Click here to enter" at the bottom of this post and follow the Linky Tools directions. In step 4, I recommend selecting "Auto Crop" and "From Web."

      2. Find new friends: Click through the blogs and follow the ones you love (Linky Followers, Google+, RSS, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, e-mail, etc.). Kindly pass by the ones you don't.

      I try my best to follow EVERYONE who joins the hop, but it helps if you leave a comment letting me know you're new here. Also, please sign up for Linky Followers! It's a great alternative to Google Friend Connect.
        This week's Fine feathered Friend is Xazmin at This is the Year!

        Crazy mom of 4! I've been married for 16 years, and have 1 handsome son and 3 beautiful daughters! I am a stay at home mom with grand aspirations of actually living up to the title "homemaker". Join me on my journey to become more prepared, more fit, and more organized!

        Xazmin is a new friend who so kindly posted the hop last week! I've enjoyed reading and getting to know her through her posts, which are so enjoyable to read. She'd got a great sense of humor, and I frequently found myself smiling! She's a blogging veteran and one can learn a lot about good blogging by perusing her site. I hope you'll drop by and consider becoming a follower.


        Want to be featured as next week's Fine Feathered Friend? Click here to find out how. It's free and easy.
          
        Before you leave, click here to ENTER MY GIVEAWAY for a set of Stress Less Kitchen Tools, valued at $143!



        Need a little help?
        • If this is all new to you, click here.
        • If your goal is to find friends and gain followers, may I recommend that you set a goal to find and follow a minimum number of blogs that interest you. Check back throughout the day to visit late entries that might be just your cup of tea! Leave a comment if you follow, and consider following back those who follow you.
        • If you see empty boxes with red x's instead of pictures in the linky, try clearing your cache (Go to Tools > Internet Options > Under the General tab and Browsing History section, click "Delete"> check Temporary Internet Files > Delete > then refresh or reload Mom's Best Nest).

        Saturday, May 12, 2012

        ♥♥ My Muddy Mama ♥♥



        While this picture is nearly 10 years old, it frequently crosses my mind and makes me smile. It captures my mama so well.That's her, in a hole that she dug, fixing a pipe she laid!  I don't remember the exact circumstances of this photo, but it had something to do with her beloved (and quite impressive) fish pond. Do you see the bliss on her face? She has a long history with dirt, and that mud is a badge of honor!

        Recently I asked her about the early years of television, to which she should have been a witness. Her response was that she didn't remember spending much time watching it. She was much more interested in playing outside in the dirt.

        She's also shared a story about how her sister ran all the way from the pasture to the the house to tell on her for saying a bad word. What caused her to spew that 4 letter word? She'd been making a mud pie, and it had broken apart.

        Another time I questioned her about her cousin, Sue, who's now a university professor. She recalled how, when they played together, Sue was usually engrossed in a book while my mom was working on her outdoor playhouse, creating a carpet from moss she'd gathered.

        It's no wonder that for years all she wanted was a little Bobcat dirt mover thingy (sometimes I just can't find the right word, you know?). When we'd ask what she'd do with one, she say, "Oh, I just want to be able to move dirt here, and then maybe there." Fascinating - and a little unique?

        Oh, how I love my mama. With the exception of my husband, I've no closer friend. She's passed to me some of her interests, such as crafting, playing the piano, and yard sale-ing (I make these words up as I go along). Although I live over 2 hours away from her, I always enjoy and treasure my time with her.

        As I reflect on our relationship and her influence on my life, certain occasions come to mind immediately...
        • I can see her going to the piano one Sunday in church, beckoning me to follow. While I protested loudly and all the way down the aisle, I sang "Jesus Loves Me" and "Jesus Loves  the Little Children" that Sunday, just as we'd practiced over and over again. At 3 years old, it would be the first of many times that I would sing for my Lord in the years to come.
        • I remember her sitting on my bed providing comfort and scripture to me as I cried because I was concerned about whether or not I was really saved. I would depend on and remember that counsel for many years later.
        • She was my Girl Scout leader from 3rd -12th grades and was tireless in her efforts to organize wonderful trips to places like Washington, DC, sell ridiculous amounts of Girl Scout cookies, and help us pull off colossal events such as a well-attended medieval fair. She sewed many of my clothes until I began to get overly concerned about being "cool" and having name brands. Then she saw that I had one precious pair of Victoria Vanderbilt jeans to wear as I began junior high school. She later made my prom dress!
        • She put together a beautiful wedding for me and my first husband. This included a last-minute rescue of my wedding dress which hadn't turned out as well as we'd hoped when she'd hired a professional seamstress to make it!
        • A month later, she became a strong base of support as I began to lose my husband to cancer.  Five months later, she was a rock for me as I was left weak from the grief of losing him. This period of my life is a bit of a blur, but I'll always remember the day I stopped mid-sentence in the middle of a story, realizing I'd already told her that story. Then I realized I'd told it several times before. I looked at her face and saw compassion and patience as she waited for me to continue. I realized that she'd been enduring these repetitions for my sake. She was letting me talk it out, something I later learned is very important for those who are grieving. 
        • Within two years, she was shaken when I suddenly became ill. She cared for me daily and took me to the many doctor visits and tests required to determine that I had multiple sclerosis. Then she set out to find all she could about the disease and how to live with it the best way possible.  
        • Laden with supplies (including everything from cross stitch kits to finger sandwiches), she traveled over 2 hours to care for me when I was placed on bed rest with my first pregnancy. It was then I learned that, although a grandmother loves her grandchildren, it's her own children that concern her the most.
        I could go on and on, and rarely does a day pass that I don't think of her as I mother my own children. God gives us all the mothers we have, and I am so thankful, so very thankful for mine.

        If reading this made you think of your mama, talk with her today about something, anything you treasure about her!

        Friday, May 11, 2012

        Ergonomic Kitchen Gadgets Review and Giveaway! (Giveaway Closed)

        My mom has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for over ten years. When I purchase gifts for her, I try to find things that might make her daily life easier and more comfortable. That's why I was excited to have the opportunity to review a set of "Stress Less" food preparation tools by Trudeau, designed to reduce the strain on hands and joints.  They're even providing an identical set for a giveaway! The set will include all of these products:


        Stress Less Rotary Cheese Grater
        Stress Less Pizza Cutter

        Stress Less Garlic Press





        Stress Less Easy Grind Pepper Mill






        Stress Less Easy Grind Salt Mill






        Stress Less Safety Can Opener





         Stress Less Safety Can Opener
        This "smooth edge" can opener is a wonder! I already have one by a different company and have really enjoyed using it. However, I refrained from buying one for my mom due to the wrist-twisting movement it required. In contrast, the Stress Less Safety Can Opener has a handle tucked neatly inside of it that unfolds and extends so that no wrist movement is required. If I can bear to part with this product I'll give it to my mom. If not, I’ll purchase one for her. She’s really excited about the crafts she sees in her future by recycling smooth edged cans! This product has a 5 year warranty.

         
        Stress Less Easy Grind Pepper Mill and Salt Mill
        My family rarely has the luxury of freshly ground salt and pepper. Our experience with these gadgets was remarkable in several ways. First, the operation of the mills was made comfortable due to the handle that eliminates the wrist-twisting movement required of many mills. Second, the mill grinds the salt and pepper into fine particles, allowing the user to control the amount and placement of the salt and pepper so that everyone’s individual preferences may be met. Finally, and very much worth mentioning, the design is beautiful and adds beauty and style to my modest kitchen. These products have LIFETIME warranties!











        Stress Less Garlic Press
        If you're a "real" cook, you probably press your garlic using one of these gadgets. In our family, we rarely use fresh garlic, but we were able to enjoy using this little device for something else entirely! After my daughter used it to squeeze lemon wedges into her ice water, she excitedly commented, "Now there’s no pulp or seeds in the water!” It worked easily and was designed to be a breeze to clean up, since the compartment in which she placed the lemon wedge separated from the pressing plate. There are also rubber “feet” on the bottom of the handle, which would allow one to brace it on a countertop for better control. The product has a LIFETIME warranty!


        Stress Less Pizza Cutter
        There are so many reasons to be impressed with this gadget! The user grips it near the hub of the cutter wheel, which reduces the effort required to cut.  Also, I was surprised to find that the blade separates from the handle so that the blade can be washed. This product has a LIFETIME warranty!





        Stress Less Rotary Cheese Grater
        Although we’ve never owned anything like this and were a bit intimidated, we had no problem using it! Again, the turning mechanism uses an extended handle, so there’s no wrist-twisting. The cheese was grated into fine particles with little effort, and we were impressed by how this intensified the flavor. Cleaning up was a breeze, as a reverse turn of the handle released the barrel from the handle. This product offers a LIFETIME warranty!





        The Bottom Line
        1. High Quality: I’ve never seen such quality in kitchen products. While not heavy, they do feel "solid" and different from the gadgets in my kitchen. It’s no surprise that the company provides a 5 year warranty on the can opener and a LIFETIME warranty on all of the rest.  
        2. Beauty: Matte black with chrome accents, these products are really pretty additions to our kitchen.   
        3. Innovative Design: These devices are incredibly, UNBELIEVABLY designed. I repeatedly found myself thinking, “Wow, that’s a great idea!” whenever I’d notice a detail that was sure to make these products easier to use.  For example, rubberized feet on the bottom of the garlic press allow those with limited hand strength to press against the counter. 
        If you’re in the position to bless someone who has limited hand mobility or strength, perhaps due to lupus, arthritis, or multiple sclerosis, these products would make wonderful gifts. I plan to bless both my mom and mother-in-law with them, and I expect that we’ll be talking about them for years to come! You can find more information about these and other food preparation devices at http://www.shoptrudeau.com .

        The Giveaway
        For a chance to win your own set of these great gadgets, with a retail value of $143, just use the Rafflecopter entry form below. This giveaway ends on May 31, 2012 (12:01 a.m. EST 6/1/12) and is open to US residents only. Winner will be notified via email within three days of the end of the giveaway. If he or she does not respond within 48 hours, another winner will be selected under the same conditions.
        I received this set of gadgets free from the Trudeau Corporation in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR 255.

        The Winner! 
        Congratulations to Jemima P.! You can see the winning entry if you log in to the Rafflecopter widget. Thanks to all who entered!



        a Rafflecopter giveaway

        IMO Fridays: My Favorite Bible

        Disclaimer: I've no ties to the publishers or retailers listed in this post. I purchased the product myself, and these opinions are 100% my own. If you like the product, it will be up to you to determine how and from where to get it, as I'm not interested in being compensated in any way :)

        I really, REALLY like my Bible, The Inspirational Study Bible by Max Lucado. It divides the Bible into passages that can be read in 5-20 minutes. Then, for each passage, it provides background information, a devotional excerpted from a trade book, practical application, and suggestions for further reading. I highly recommend it!

        Tuesday, May 8, 2012

        The Flock Together link has been sick!

        Wow! I stumbled across a mistake I've been repeating since April, and have I ever learned a lesson! Unfortunately, the link on the Flock Together Tuesday Blog Hop button hasn't been working because of it!

        You know how you can click on a link under your list of labels and it will take you to the all the posts with that label? Well, I created a label called "Flock Together Tuesdays," with the intention of having the button always take you to the latest post about it. But in order for it to work, you have to set the label of each post to "Flock Together Tuesdays." Since I failed to do this on every blog hop post since early April, the link hasn't been working.

        Thanks so much to those of you who've found the hop despite this issue and apologies to those who've  tried without success to find it!

        Monday, May 7, 2012

        Flock Together Blog Hop 5/8

        Welcome! To participate, simply...

        Flock Together1. Link up: Click on "Click here to enter" at the bottom of this post and follow the Linky Tools directions. In step 4, I recommend selecting "Auto Crop" and "From Web."

        2. Find new friends: Click through the blogs and follow the ones you love (Linky Followers, Google+, RSS, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, e-mail, etc.). Kindly pass by the ones you don't.

        I try my best to follow EVERYONE who joins the hop, but it helps if you leave a comment letting me know you're new here. Also, please sign up for Linky Followers! It's a great alternative to Google Friend Connect.
          This week's Fine feathered Friend is Heather at This Girl's No Expert
          I am many things to many people… I am a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend… But my absolute favorite roles are wife to my amazing husband, Stephen, and mommy to my three little girls. This girl’s no expert, but who is? We all do the best we know how. One thing I do know is my husband and kids KNOW how much I love them and at the end of the day, that’s what matters to me.

          I am starting this blog to share my experiences. I love to make people laugh. I love to write. So I’m hoping this blog will be a mutually enlightening experience, both for me writing it, and you reading it. I hope you enjoy reading “This Girl’s No Expert”. This girl’s no expert… but I have experiences like you wouldn’t believe… And I can’t wait to share

          Want to be featured as next week's Fine Feathered Friend? Click here to find out how. It's free and easy.

          Need a little help?
          • If this is all new to you, click here.
          • If your goal is to find friends and gain followers, may I recommend that you set a goal to find and follow a minimum number of blogs that interest you. Check back throughout the day to visit late entries that might be just your cup of tea! Leave a comment if you follow, and consider following back those who follow you.
          • If you see empty boxes with red x's instead of pictures in the linky, try clearing your cache (Go to Tools > Internet Options > Under the General tab and Browsing History section, click "Delete"> check Temporary Internet Files > Delete > then refresh or reload Mom's Best Nest).

          Sunday, May 6, 2012

          Becoming a "Cool" Godly Woman!


          While reading my devotional on Proverbs 1 today, I was struck by the following statement on the effect wisdom has on us...

          "...we look at life through lenses of perception, and we respond to it in calm confidence."
          From Living on the Ragged Edge by Charles Swindoll

          It reminded me of a certain type of Godly women that God has allowed to influence me in my Christian walk. These women are NOT moved by circumstances. When confronted with an issue or comment that dramatically shifts their situation, they're somehow able to maintain their peaceful, calm demeanor. They stay "cool" under pressure.

          I've always been in awe of this, as I tend to be easily excitable, as indicated in my overuse of exclamation marks in my posts ;) Now, I do fairly well in grave situations, times in which I'm immediately aware that God is all I have and all I need. But I need help in being able to keep my cool in other situations...whether faced by a wonderfully happy turn of events or by one that incites anger or by one that elicits worry. I know in my soul that He's still all I have and need, but in those times, it's so easy to allow my flesh to rule.

          So, I think God gave me that simple statement to assist me in those areas. It boils down to perception and confidence. To reach my goal of becoming a "cool" Godly woman, I'm asking God to help me continually think about 2 things:

          1. God is watching. Remember THAT He sees and HOW He sees the situation. "The eyes of the Lord are everywhere" Proverbs 15:3 

          2. God is in charge. No matter how things look or sound, He'll have His way, and that way is perfect. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10 NIV

          If you know any women like those I've described, thank God for them, and tell them how much you appreciate their Godly example!