Showing posts sorted by date for query Friday Favorites. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query Friday Favorites. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Friday, August 22, 2014

Feature Friday: Kendra @ Simply {Darr}ling


Hi! It's Jilly. This week we are spotlighting Kendra from Simply {Darr}ling! She's a sweetie and I can't wait for you to hear more about her!

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

7 Amazingly Delicious Hot Chocolate Recipes

Hi! It's Jilly. I loooove hot chocolate. Seriously. Nothing says Fall like a big 'ole mug of the stuff. My Hubby likes to spoil me by bringing me different kinds he finds at work or the store. Any kind of hot chocolate is great, but I've gathered a list of seven deadly sins  hot chocolate recipes for your enjoyment.

Proceed with caution, my friends, and don't burn your tongue!

Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe

Gingerbread Hot Chocolate from Coastal Living


Nutella Hot Chocolate from The Hungry Housewife


hot chocolate floats {taste this} at shaken together

Hot Chocolate Floats from Shaken Together



Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate from Cookies & Cups


Frozen Hot Chocolate, a la Serendipity, found at Tasty Kitchen


Oreo Cookie Hot Chocolate from SEWlicious Home Decor

Better Than Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate from Hi! It's Jilly

Better Than Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

There you go. Seven amazingly delicious hot chocolate recipes. Now go get your "hot chocolate" on! 

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Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Find Joy

Hi! It's Jilly. For the last week or two I've been having a really hard time. I don't know what the deal is. I just feel sooooo aggravated and frustrated with everything! I'm been feeling really down and burnt out, too. *sigh*

I've had many thoughts swirling around in my head. When I'm feeling aggravated, everything drives me insane. One little thing will happen and I will just completely lose it! Then, I feel guilty for yelling, but at the same time I'm so mad I don't even care. Then, I get depressed because I feel like I should be better than this.

Find Joy | Hi! It's Jilly


When I'm depressed I feel completely incompetent, like I'm a failure in every area of my life. I feel like I'm not good enough and I will never be good enough. Then I see all these moms around me who are amazing mothers, whose houses are neat, and it just makes it worse. I have the oldest kids among my friends, yet they seem to have things figured out. What's my problem?! Why can't I get it together?! I've had more time to "practice". What's wrong with me?!

Don't even go on Facebook. Then you're hit with all these "my kids are the most precious thing on the planet and I'm completely head over heels in love with them" posts, and the "I've gotten so much done today and it's only 8 am" posts. GAG. It sounds terrible, but I'm just not feelin' it lately.

Find Joy | Hi! It's Jilly


Maybe it's the fact that I have three eight year-olds who are almost constantly bickering with each other. "So-and-so won't stop making that noise. So-and-so BIT me. Why does so-and-so always get everything? Why don't we ever get to do anything fun? (Spoken less than 5 minutes after returning home from a super fun activity), I hate this place, I wish I had a different mother... "

Blah, blah, BLAH!! I can't take it anymore.

I mean, I love my kids, of course, but... ARGH!

I often compare having triplets with being thrown in the deep end of a pool without a life jacket. Everyone always says to me, "Oh, I can't imagine what it was like when they were babies! It must be so much easier now that their older!". To that I say... NOOOO!!

Find Joy | Hi! It's Jilly

When they're babies and they cry there are usually 1 of 3 things wrong- hungry, tired, or dirty diaper. Add in the gas bubbles from time to time. Now it's much more complicated. It's harder to keep your patience and not get weighed down by the bad attitudes, drama, and emotional rollercoasters, not to mention staying on top of the housework and laundry and meals (I swear they are "starving" every hour) and homework and extra-curriculars and...need I go on?!

I've been pondering how I can feel better and have a better attitude. In church on Sunday one of the speakers said, "We find joy when we help others feel joy." I loved that! It reminded me of the quote by James M. Barrie, "Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves."


When you are depressed it is really hard to feel joy, and it's hard to help others to feel it, because you're not feeling it. But, I need to be more aware of my attitude and how it affects my children's attitudes. And, I need to pray for strength and peace.

Ohmygoodness...as I was typing this post I was listening to Pandora, and the song "Never Alone" by Hilary Weeks started playing. These lyrics jumped out and grabbed me!
Cause when the darkness comes 
I'm a prisoner to my fears
Although I'm listening the doubt is all I hear
Then I reach for your hand 
and feel you reaching back
And the light returns
Now I have tears rolling down my face. The Lord is truly aware of each one of us! That song couldn't have come at a more perfect time. Talk about a tender mercy! Although I don't always acknowledge it, I am grateful for God's hand in my life, and His love and care for me. I need to rely on Him more. That is how I will get through this trying phase of motherhood!!



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Monday, August 12, 2013

DIY Doodle Book with FREE Printable!

Hi! It's Jilly. A couple weeks ago my son was bored during church. Ok, that happens pretty much every Sunday. Who am I kidding? ANYway, to help entertain him I started drawing random shapes on a piece of paper and told him to "complete" the picture. He loved it! So, I thought it would be cool to make a little book full of doodles for him and his sisters.

This project is fast and easy, my favorite kind of project! (Like my Upcycled Tights Wreath, Utensil Crock, and Superhero Masks)

And, I've already done the bulk of the work for you. All you have to do is print everything out! Woot!

DIY Doodle Book with FREE Printables. Your kids will love them!


The Official Tutorial:
1) Print out the doodle book pages, double-sided, on regular printer paper. Cut the pages in half width-wise, so your book will be half as tall as a normal sheet of paper.

       
2) Print out the cover page on colorful paper. You can use cardstock if you'd like it to be more sturdy, but it will be harder work for your stapler. Cut in half.

3) Fold the book pages and cover page in half. Line them up and trim if needed.

4) Staple near the bottom and top of the left hand side, as close to the fold as you can.

All done! That was easy, right?! Your kids will love them!

DIY Doodle Book with FREE printables! Your kids will love it!

Printables are for personal-use only. But, feel free to use them as much as you want!

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Friday, July 19, 2013

Friday's Letters: Dear Library, Makers of Hi Ho Cherry O, and Kids

Hi! It's Jilly. I love these Friday's letters. It's a fun way to think about what happened this last week. So, without further adieu...

Hi! It's Jilly: Friday's Letters

Dear Yes! Safe Choices for Kids,
Thanks for the free baseball game tickets. That was pretty cool of you guys. Too bad it was soooo stinkin' hot outside! We ended up leaving halfway through the 5th inning. But, we stopped at Burger King for ice cream cones on the way home, so it's all good.

Dear Library,
Thank you for the fun Explorer's Club program. They had a great time writing their names in hieroglyphics, playing senet, and getting wrapped like mummies. The kids are SO excited about Ancient Eqypt now, and won't stop talking about it! They can't wait to learn about 'asian' Greece next week!

Dear Makers of Hi Ho Cherry O,
If your game is intended for little kids, WHY are the pieces so dang small?! Seriously? Those little cherries are so tiny. Talk about a pain to keep track of! And, what about a choking hazard?! I may or may not have swept up and thrown away a couple pieces of fruit. Oh, well. Too bad.

Dear Kids,
You are silly. It's fun to hear you laughing and playing together. You guys like to take off with my phone and take a bunch of crazy pictures. I hope and pray to be more patient with you and remember the fun little people you are...and not let myself get too frustrated with your eight-year-old sibling squabbling!

Hi! It's Jilly: Friday's Letters

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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Feelin' Great in Eight, Part Deux

Hi! It's Jilly. On Monday I started a new round of the "Feelin' Great in Eight" challenge. It is an eight-week health and fitness challenge I'm doing with some of the gals from one of the mothers of multiples groups I belong to. During the last challenge I lost a total of 13 pounds and 16.5 inches all over my body! It's amazing to me the difference losing that much weight makes! I feel better in my clothes and much healthier.

Here are a couple of side-by-side shots to see the difference. (You're not getting a peek at the ones taken in just a sports bra and swimsuit bottom. No way, Jose!)

Feelin' Great in Eight Challenge Before & After | Hi! It's Jilly

Feelin' Great in Eight Challenge Before & After | Hi! It's Jilly

There was a two-week break between the end of the last challenge and the start of this new one, so I fell into some bad habits again. No exercising. Eating all the junk in sight. It was not pretty, folks. I ended up gaining back over THREE pounds in just those two weeks. Eek! So, I'm definitely glad to start a new round.

At first I wasn't sure if I wanted to do another round because I got SO burned out during the last couple weeks of the last round. Sad to say, I just didn't care anymore. I was tired of keeping track of everything and not being able to eat "what I wanted". But, now I realize that for my health I need to watch what I eat and exercise every day. I might not always want to do it, but I need to.

Man, being a responsible adult sucks sometimes. Ha ha!

I think the hardest part of this round will be getting in my exercise every day. With the kids out of school it's hard finding a good time to do it. I either have to a) get up and exercise before the kids wake up in the morning (NOT gonna happen. I already have a hard time getting up within half an hour of when they get up) b) take them to the YMCA so they can play in the gameroom while I workout (which can be a pain in the b.u.t.t) or c) workout after they go to bed (and all you mamas know how hard that is! After the kids go to bed I just want to veg!).

On the track | Hi! It's Jilly
Hitting the track during the kids' swim lessons. It was toasty out there!!

Another option could be working out with the kids. We have several workout and dance games on the Wii. Hmmm. That might not be a terrible option.

How do you guys get in your exercise every day?


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Monday, July 15, 2013

Rosemary Honey Dijon Pork Chops

Hi! It's Jilly. Need a great pork chop recipe? This one is quick, easy, AND delicious! It's my go-to recipe for pork chops. It is a variation of a lamb chop recipe I found in Our Best Recipes from Better Homes & Gardens.

Rosemary Honey Dijon Pork Chops from Hi! It's Jilly. Fast, easy, and delicious!


Rosemary Honey Dijon Pork Chops
adapted from Our Best Recipes

Ingredients:
2-4 pork chops
1 TB Dijon mustard
1 TB honey (I love raw honey)
1 1/2 tsp (or more!) snipped fresh rosemary, or 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed

1. Preheat broiler. Arrange chops on unheated rack of a broiler pan. In a small bowl, stir together mustard, honey, and rosemary. Spread some of the mustard mixture on top of the chops.

2. Broil chops 3 inches from the heat for 6 minutes. (It might take less, depending on how thick your chops are.) Turn chops over; spread remaining mustard mixture onto the chops. Broil for 6-9 minutes more, or until desired doneness.

The original recipe has you broil 2 zucchini, cut lengthwise, at the same time as the meat with the mustard mixture on top, too. I haven't tried it, so I can't vouch for it. But, I bet it would be awesome!

I hope your family loves these as much as mine does!

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Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Wordless Wednesday- Lick Brook Falls

Hi! It's Jilly. We went on a hike through gorgeous Lick Brook Falls in Ithaca, NY. It was SO beautiful! If you ever get a chance to visit upstate New York it is definitely a sight to behold! We loved all the waterfalls.

Our hike turned into a longer hike than'd we bargained for because we thought the trail was a loop...and it wasn't. We ended up by this other parking lot! So, we had to turn around and hike all the way back to our car! Although there was some complaining, the kids did pretty well. They are good little hikers!

Lick Brook Falls in Ithaca, NY | Hi! It's Jilly

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Monday, July 8, 2013

Tomato Can Turned Vintage Utensil Crock

Hi! It's Jilly. In the tiny kitchen in our apartment we don't have a lot of storage space. I was having a hard time fitting all my utensils in one drawer without having to fight the drawer every time. You know how it goes...the spatulas get stuck so you have to stick your fingers in there and try to push everything down just right to get the drawer to open!

I wanted a utensil crock, but all the ones I could find at the store were at least $15. But, I had a tomato can with this cool vintage label and thought it would be a really fun place to store my whisks, spatulas, and spoons!

Turn your old tin can into a utensil crock! | Hi! It's Jilly


I went over the label with a couple of smooth, thin coats of mod podge to give it a little extra protection, since it sits right next to the stove.

I love how it looks on my counter. I think it is so cute! For you East Coast folks, I got the can of tomatoes from Pricerite. All the labels on the Tuttorosso brand foods are vintagey looking. So fetch. Stop trying to make "fetch" happen! 

Tin Can Utensil Crock | Hi! It's Jilly


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Friday, July 5, 2013

Friday's Letters

Hi! It's Jilly. I thought it would be fun to participate in "Friday's Letters" today. Here we go...



Dear Fourth of July,
You were almost perfect! Hanging out with family & friends, good food, playing games, catching fireflies, and kids screaming at the fireworks...ah! You were such a great day! I loved it! The only thing that would have made you better was having my hubby there.

Dear Hubby,
I wish you weren't at Scout Camp this week, but it sounds like you are having a lot of fun. I had no idea you were a triathlete! We've been married eleven years and you're still surprising me! I'm glad you are having a good trip. It will be nice to see you tomorrow!

Dear Smelly Guy At Walmart,
If you are sitting in your car with the windows down and I can smell you when I get out of my car in the next parking space, it's probably time to take a shower! They sell soap at Wal-Mart. If you can't afford soap, I will buy you some. It would be a service to humanity. There's a splash pad at the park next door, or you could go to the YMCA. I'm sure they'd let you shower there. Thank you.

Dear Sister,
I'm glad you are visiting and could join us for the Fourth. The kids adore you. I'm excited to watch a delicious BBC period drama while texting our other sisters and screaming at the characters. Oh, and "She's The Man". Gotta get our Amanda Bynes/Channing Tatum fix. Let's pack lots of fun things into this last trip before you head off to Texas and Brazil!


Photobucket

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Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Wordless Wednesday: Picking Strawberries

Hi! It's Jilly. A couple weeks ago we met some friends for the opening day of strawberry picking! It was a beautiful day, but got hotter the closer it crept towards noon! It's amazing how much better fresh picked strawberries taste! Yum!

Wordless Wednesday: Picking Strawberries | Hi! It's Jilly

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