chicken alfredo
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Chicken Alfredo ~ My Husband is Obsessed!

ByMariel

So, this is actually an old post. I mean REALLY old… one of my firsts on the blog! The pictures were literally so horrible that I can’t imagine that one single person would ever want to make it. But, since the recipe is a fave in my house, I figured it was worth a little redo and re-post.

It’s not reasonable to go to Olive Garden every day, so every woman needs a fab and easy chicken alfredo recipe. I found this one online, way back in the days, can’t remember where (I think maybe All Recipes or one of those big collection sites.) But, it’s fabulous. My husband, a self-proclaimed alfredo snob, swears this is his favorite. He says just as good, probably better than the O.G. Whoo! That’s always fun to hear. 🙂 Served with a green veggie and some garlic bread… mmm, baby.

disney student
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Disneyland Student Group Travel Options 101 (she: Kim)

ByKimberly w/Get Away Today

School is back in session and at Get Away Today, that means student group travel planning begins. Last year I was lucky enough to go to the Disneyland Resort to learn all about the different programs they have available for students. I couldn’t believe how many different programs they have and how awesome and affordable they are! Before going on this trip, I really didn’t understand the differences between the programs, but now they are crystal clear. If you are involved with student travel in any way (teacher, advisor, chaperone or even just a parent of a traveling student), read on to learn what I call “Disneyland Student Group Travel Options 101.” I’ll cover the basics for each of the four student group ticket options.

personalized bucket
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DIY Spray Painted Flower Pail (she: Carmella)

ByCarmella

Before I share my very first craft with you {gulp} I wanted to let you know a little about me. I am a southern girl, born and raised in Alabama. I spent some time traveling this great country of ours but finally settled again just outside of Nashville. I met the man I would later call my husband just two weeks after I moved here and the rest, as they say, is history. Fast forward many years later and I am now a momma to three beautiful kiddos that keep me very, very busy. Two and a half years ago… somewhere between the diaper changes and play-dates… I began to feel like I was starting to lose myself a little. What I needed was a creative outlet… and from that thought, the Creative Carmella Blog was born. Also known as my “happy place”, the Creative Carmella blog is my little corner of this blogging world where I share stories about our life, DIY crafts, and all things creative. Finding my creativity again also opened the door to jewelry design too, you can see the designs that I have for sale now HERE in my online shop.

Now, on with the craft!

Today I am sharing with you how to pretty up a tired metal bucket.. with my favorite paint, spray paint!

utah activities
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Top 10 family activities in Utah (she: Allison)

Byallison l.

Utah is known as the Beehive State because when Mormon pioneers settled the state, they strived to emulate the industry and perseverance of the honey bee. The state was originally named Deseret, which means “honey bee.” When Brigham Young pulled his wagon over the hill and declared “This is the right place,” he was probably not thinking about family entertainment. Over 160 years later, however, The Beehive State is one of the best places to find high-quality, family destinations.

Here are my top 10 family activities in Utah (that you can only find in the Beehive State):

handprint apple tree
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Handprint Apple Tree ~ Fun Fall Art Project For Kids (she: Brooke)

ByBrooke

Hey, it’s Brook from Blissful Roots again. I’m going to have to jump on the fall bandwagon and say, “I LOVE FALL!” It’s my favorite time of the year. My mom always loved fall, all three of my boys’ birthdays are in the fall, there’s Halloween, pumpkins, apples, leaves, fall baking- what’s not to love? So, today in honor of fall I have a fun autumn art project for you to do with your kids.

I’m not quite sure where I came across this idea, but I’ve been doing it for several years with my boys. Even though they’re getting a bit older, I think they still get a little excited about making this art project every September. Actually what they really love is the squishy, gooey feeling of the paint on their arm, hands, and fingers. We’re usually trying to avoid paint on body parts, but not for this activity. This is a perfect fall art project for kids!

gift ideas
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The Ultimate List of Gift Ideas!

ByMariel

Remember Gift Idea Central?? I’ve had it up on the blog, then I took it down for a while, and NOW it’s back up… to stay!

You know how I’m obsessed with reading reviews and finding fantastic products, right? You know how every time one of my six kids has a birthday, I share my fab finds, right?? You know how every Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, there is an entire series on the blog to help you find gift ideas for men and gift ideas for women, right??? WELL. THEN. You know that my Gift Idea Central, the place where I save all of these gift ideas, is the ultimate pin to have on Pinterest.

Have you pinned it yet??

curry chicken
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Slow Cooker Curried Chicken and Chickpea Stew

ByMariel

On a recent family vacation to Bear Lake, my sister-in-law (and lovely assistant), Rebecca, was in charge of dinner for the night. She made this fabulous meal that everyone devoured and I realized this girl has been holding out on me! I instantly demanded she give me all of her good recipes, and like a good assistant should, she did. I guess I’ll keep her around a little longer. 🙂 Anyway, this Slow Cooker Curried Chicken and Chickpea Stew is one of the recipes she emailed me. My kids love Indian food and I love an easy meal in the slow cooker, so I knew this was just the one to try first. Yes, my friends. Yes. It was scrum-diddly-umptious. I’m sure she’s freaking out right now because it probably looks different than her recipe. Last minute, I was feeling naughty and dropped a bar of cream cheese in the stew to make it more of a creamy gravy, rather than a soup. But, it was awesome both ways. We were taste-testing it with the cream cheese and without, and none of us could decide. So, I’ll share the recipe as given and if you want to add cream cheese, feel free. The only other change I made, okay, well two… I forgot to buy onions, so I just gave a few shakes of dehydrated onions. Also, because I don’t do tomato chunks, I used crushed tomatoes instead.

D.I.Y. Rake Necklace Hanger by The Thinking Closet
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Easy DIY Rake Necklace Hanger (she: Lauren)

ByLauren

I’m on the living room couch, half-sitting on some slippers. To my right is a bowl of grapes, a random hanger, a pair of shorts, and half of a throw. The other half is on the ground. In front of me, the coffee table is covered in mail (which has been there for days), a kitchen timer, a hair clip, a bottle cap, and oh yeah – – a bag of mozzarella cheese that really should be in the fridge. And that’s just the surrounding area. And I don’t even have kids yet.

Have I painted a vivid enough picture? Does it sound like your home, too? Oh, good.

As messy as I am, I’m a person who craves having organizational systems…

‘Your Great Idea’ Link Party!

‘Your Great Idea’ Link Party!

ByMariel

Hello, weekend! It’s been a busy week, in all aspects. We’ve had some great giveaways on the blog (you can still enter to win the Polaroid Camera and Pick Your Plum Grab Boxes.) We’ve had some great idea posts: Lego Party Favor Bags, Back to School T-Shirt Tradition, and 15 Ways to Save Money on Utility Bills.

As for me, I’ve been spending the weekend up in the lovely Spokane, Washington. Who is on Instagram?? You can follow my adventures on there. Last night, we drove down to Silverwood amusement park, in Idaho. The family had a blast!

Sassy Steals Giveaway ~ Win a Polaroid 300 Camera!!!

Sassy Steals Giveaway ~ Win a Polaroid 300 Camera!!!

ByRebecca

Is that not the cutest logo you’ve seen in a long time!?! I love, LOVE it, and I LOVE all the fun deals (I mean “steals”) that get featured daily on Sassy Steals! In preparation for this giveaway, I signed up for their daily email featuring all their new steals. I’ve actually really enjoyed opening up my Sassy Steals email each day to see the crazy, fun and unique things that are offered. There’s stuff for me, my kids and my home … all in one place!

Pick Your Plum Giveaway!! Two $50 Grab Boxes!

Pick Your Plum Giveaway!! Two $50 Grab Boxes!

ByMariel

Who loves Pick Your Plum?!? Um, me. There’s a new deal every single day, and it’s always something super fun. Let’s see… I’ve bought shirts, cute mini chalkboard signs to label food, washi tape, fold-over elastic to make hair bands, and so much more. Good stuff, I tell ya. I’m so happy that they invited me to give away TWO Pick Your Plum boxes, filled with their goodies. One for you, and one for a friend. Sound fun??

It’s quick and easy to enter, just click on Full Article to get the scoop…