FREEBIE FRIDAY: Country & State Art Prints

It's FREEBIE FRIDAY and today's featured printable comes from Jenna at Q.A. Design.  I've been trying to come up with something fun to do with a wall in the girls' playroom and when I saw her downloadable state and country art prints, I knew I'd hit the jackpot.

Aren't they fabulous?  I love the color combinations - just popping them in a simple white frame will make a huge impact - and with 65 different options to choose from, there are so many ways you could group them - states you've visited, the countries your family is from.... the sky's the limit!

Hope you enjoyed today's pick and for more fab freebies for the holiday and beyond, check out my Freebies and Printables boards on Pinterest!

ANYTHING GOES THURSDAY: My Real Job Revealed

I've gotten a few e-mails asking what the "real" job I often reference is so for ANYTHING GOES THURSDAY, here's a little peek at what I'm up to when I'm not blogging here.

I co-own a production company called MAD FUSION which specializes in producing content for television and the Internet.

I've currently got six amazing projects in various stages of development which I can't wait to share with you guys, and recently wrapped a series of webisodes for NickMom called "Mom Shopping Network" which spoofs products created for mothers.  Here's a peek at a few of my favorite spots:

Mom Shopping Network - Bathroom Breakaroo
Get More: Mom Shopping Network - Bathroom Breakaroo

Mom Shopping Network - Pretend You're Perfect Kits
Get More: Mom Shopping Network - Pretend You're Perfect Kits

Mom Shopping Network - The Motivator
Get More: Mom Shopping Network - The Motivator

Mom Shopping Network - Kid-Proof Couture
Get More: Mom Shopping Network - Kid-Proof Couture

So when I go MIA from AFOMFT for a bit, it's probably because I'm off somewhere producing something new for Mad Fusion.  I'm trying to find the balance between doing both but I'm learning that running your own business sometimes means putting everything else on the back burner.  I promise not to let it happen too often, though!

If you'd like to keep up with what we have coming down the pipeline at Mad Fusion, you can follow us on Facebook or Twitter, and for more of the Mom Shopping Network, visit NickMom!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY: Teacher Appreciation Edition

Did you know that April is Teacher Appreciation Month?  Now you do!  And here are ten fun ways to show your child's teacher just how thankful you are for everything they do.

Simple DIY I'm Loving, Part 1:  This flower pot from Mariah at Giggle Galore is easy to make and oh so sweet!

Simple DIY I'm Loving, Part 2:  Head on over to The Idea Room for the how-to for this darling chalkboard mug.  Fill it with a gift card to local coffee shop or some hot cocoa and you're good to go.

Cake That Keeps on Giving I'm Loving:  What's Scrapping shows you how to transform school supplies into something fabulous!  

Life-Saving Idea I'm Loving:  Hit up your local Dollar Store to get lots of goodies to make up a survival kit for your favorite teacher.  Funky Polka Dot Giraffe has a great list to get you started.

Super Sweet Teacher Treat I'm Loving:  Take a page from Simply Savvy and make a candy-gram every educator is sure to love.  The message alone brings a smile to my face:

I SKORed big when I got you for a teacher. 

Don't SNICKER, but I think you're great! 

You are MOUNDS of fun and you have brought me so much JOY. 

I think you ROCK. (pop rocks) 

Thanks BEARY much (gummy bears) for always being so JOLLY (jolly ranchers) and

 for helping me become such a SMARTIE. 

Teachers like you are worth a MINT. (york peppermint patty) 

I'd be a NERD if I didn't thank you for helping me put the PIECES (reeses pieces) 

of the knowledge puzzle together. 

You are Might Magnificent. (m&ms) 

Thanks for a great year!

Cute Take on Chocolate I'm Loving:  It doesn't get any cooler than these edible chocolate chalkboards from Hungry Happenings.  And they're a lot easier to make than you may think.

Picture Perfect Present I'm Loving:  Print out this free download from Positively Splendid, add a picture of your kiddo and pop it into a frame for a gift from the heart that won't cost an arm and a leg.

From the Heart Art Idea I'm Loving:  Some crayons + a canvas x a hairdryer = some beautiful artwork.  Add a message inside the heart telling your teacher how great she is for a personal touch.  {NOTE: This is an image from Pinterest that doesn't seem to have a source.  If anyone knows where it originally came from, please let me know!}

Thirst Quenching Gift I'm Loving:  Lisa Storms came up with this great gift idea that's not only practical but fun too!  A thank you note and some drink packets inside of a reusable straw cup, topped off with a cute printable.  Fantastic!

Bag I'm Loving, Part 1:  I love love love these personalized tote bags from The 36th Avenue!  Desiree used vinyl to make hers but you could also try iron-on transfers too.

School-Worthy Bouquet I'm Loving, Part 2:  Fill a vase or mason jar with some magnetic letters like  One Charming Party did and regular buds get a scholarly twist.

So there you have some of my favorite ideas for educators.  For more fun finds, visit my Teacher Appreciation Pinterest Board.

And I'd love to hear about the things you're loving right now!  Share the app, movie, book, craft idea, TV show, whatever that's got you giddy in the comments and your picks might be included in next week's TEN ON TUESDAY feature.  And for more of my favorite things, check out my Pinterest boards!

Please note that this list is made up of things I actually use, read, watch, try, etc. and truly enjoy.  These opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any way to share them here.

AND THE WINNER IS....

Congratulations MAUREEN!  You've won an Organizing Utility Tote from Thirty-One!  I love mine and I'm sure you will too.

Please e-mail me at afomft@gmail.com by end of day Thursday, April 12th to claim your prize. If I do not hear from you by then, a new winner will be chosen.

FUNDAY MONDAY: Spring Into Fashion {GIVEAWAY}

Spring seems like it's finally sprung which means so many wonderful things - flowers are in bloom, the kids can play outside and, of course, adorable new clothes for us mamas!  I've got my eye on quite a few must-haves this season and they all have one thing in common - color, color, color!

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And what better to sport with all of these bright and bold clothes than a great neutral piece of jewelry?  Something like this:

So pretty, right?  I love the combination of frosted and gold beads, and the extender clasp means you can wear it shorter or longer.  And because I think it's the perfect springtime accessory, I've not only added one to my closet, but I'm also giving one away to a lucky AFOMFT reader!

To enter to win, just post a comment here telling me what you're most looking forward to this spring. (this is mandatory). For additional entries:

• Follow AFOMFT on Twitter (@AFOMFT) and tweet the following: Enter to win a fabulous necklace to add to your spring wardrobe from @AFOMFT! http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Blog or post on Facebook about this giveaway with a link to this post (worth 2 entries so please post two comments) and make sure your comments include a link to your status or blog post.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry (two if you've blogged about the giveaway) and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. All entries must be posted on AFOMFT as a direct comment to this post. Comments on Facebook will not count as entries. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and ends April 16th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on April 17th. If the winner does not contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

And if you haven't already, don't forget to enter to win a fabulous Utility Tote from Thirty-One - the giveaway closes tonight!

Happy Easter

From our family to yours!

FREEBIE FRIDAY: Easter Goodies! {FREEBIES}

Looking for last minute Easter printables?  Here are some sweet ones you won't want to miss.

My Little Gems has a fun Don't Eat the Peep game your kids will love.

This springtime banner from Sandy Toes and Popsicles is the perfect backdrop for dressing up your holiday table.

I love this Egg Hunt set from Design Editor - there are even bunny bucks you can put in eggs so kids can "buy" the treats they want!

Hope you enjoyed today's picks and for more fab freebies for the holiday and beyond, check out my Easter Goodies and Freebies and Printables boards on Pinterest!

ANYTHING GOES THURSDAY: Chick It Out!

I am BEYOND obsessed with the color yellow this spring, as evidenced by newest purchases - this yellow bag:

These bright sandals:

And these fun jeans: 

So it should come as no surprise that I'm also crushing on all the cute Easter chick ideas out there!  I love this simple way to dress up M&Ms from Creative Food:

These cake pops from Sweet Indulgence are too adorable for words.

Brown Paper Packages has the how-to for chick-alicious Oreos.

Chick cookies are simple to make, thanks to Diamonds for Dessert.

And you can stash some sweet treats inside these easy peasy egg-carton chicks from Paper, Plate and Plane.

Doesn't all that sunny yellow and chicky cuteness put a huge smile on your face?  Mine too!  If you're looking for more ideas that these, visit my Easter Goodies Pinterest Board!  And tell me, what are you obsessed with this spring?

TEN THINGS TUESDAY: Easter Edition

With Easter just a few days away, today I'm sharing a round up of bunny-licious ideas I'm loving right now!

Egg Hunt Idea I'm Loving:  Looking for fun twist on the traditional Easter activity?  Mommy Savers shows you how to add some glow to the goodie hunt!

Easter Breakfast I'm Loving:  Kitchen Fun With My Three Sons has the sweetest idea for kicking off the morning - Peeping Pancakes!  

Easter Meal Idea I'm Loving:  Give your table some Easter flair by letting the kiddos decorate wooden cutlery.  {via Kidspot}

Easter Decorating Idea I'm Loving:  Making an Easter egg garland is as simple as can be when you buy the cheapie plastic eggs that already come with holes in them!  Honey & Fitz has the full how-to.

Super Simple Easter Treat I'm Loving:  Take a page from Brown Paper Packages - mix some chocolate eggs, pretzels and marshmallows in a bag, add a "Bunny Bait" tag and you've got an easy goodie for your kiddos or their classmates.

Easter Surprise I'm Loving, Part 1:  These bunnies are super cute but your kids will love unravelling them to reveal the goodies hidden inside!  Find out how to make your own over at Martha Stewart.  

Easter Cupcakes/Cookies I'm Loving:  I adore this super sweet idea from The Adventures of Sweet Sugarbelle!  By adding ear-shaped cookies to vanilla frosted cupcakes, she's created the cutest bunnies ever.  And how fun is the cotton tail booty?

Peeps I'm Loving, Part 2:  I detest Peeps.  I don't know why - I just do.  But this cookie version of the Easter staple from Love From the Oven just might change my mind.

Easter Props I'm Loving:  Looking for a way to entrain your little ones on Sunday?  Just print out these bunny props from Frog Prince Paperie and they'll be hopping around for hours.  

Easter Craft I'm Loving, Part 1:  After you've dyed all the eggs in the house, try this fun project from Meet the Dubiens.

Easter Craft I'm Loving, Part 2:  Does it get any cuter than this yarn egg chick from Be a Fun Mum?  I think not.

So there you have some of my favorite Easter ideas.  For more fun finds, visit my Easter Goodies Pinterest Board.

And I'd love to hear about the things you're loving right now!  Share the app, movie, book, craft idea, TV show, whatever that's got you giddy in the comments and your picks might be included in next week's TEN ON TUESDAY feature.  And for more of my favorite things, check out my Pinterest boards!

Please note that this list is made up of things I actually use, read, watch, try, etc. and truly enjoy.  These opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any way to share them here.