Small Business Saturday #shopsmall

{Shopping Small}

We ❤ #smallbusinesses and all of you customers who support us in our endeavors! 

Starting #CameraCoatshas been one of the most challenging, crazy, difficult, heart wrenching, amazing, educational, and one of the adventures our family has been on. Through this company we've been able to help our youngest son get the speech services, helped employ some amazing adults with disabilities, and employ some of the best local moms to create our products. 

Enjoy 50 % today! Code: small15  PLUS we have some great new styles ready for you! 

Check out our new padded small camera/lens drawstring pouches! How cute are these?!

Or our cute camera straps! 

Yes, we ❤ small businesses. And if you're looking to connect with some awesome small shops here are a few of our local faves! @theblueberryhill @urbanfarmandfeed @houseofoleary @abitofbeck @sageandharper @geocityjewelry @katiedudley.photo @cleansimpleeats

Happy Holiday Shopping!
Emily

+Emily Ashby

Amazon's Deal on Nikon 3200 + 2 great lens'!

{Great deal on a Nikon D3200!} 

I normally don't just post deals, but when I said this I just had to share it! If I didn't already have this camera I would snatch up this deal so fast! The kicker? Those 2 lens' that come with it!

I'm loving my D3200!  It takes great videos and photos. 

So, if you're in the market for a beginners DSLR this might just be your day! :)

And if not, that's okay! Have a great Thanksgiving anyway! :) 

Love, Emily :) 

+Emily Ashby

Great Tailgating Products For Football Games!

{Tailgating Products}

We are well into football season here in Utah and our teams are doing pretty well! How about your favorite teams?!

Today on KSL at Noon I'll be sharing some great tailgating products that will  make your experience even more yummy! Great food is a staple for a great football party!

{Coleman Roadtrip Grill}

Who doesn't love a good coleman grill! You use one when you go camping...why not add a killer grill to your tailgating party? 

 And look how portable it is!

Here are a few more great features! 

This is the perfect grill for tailgating, picnics, or even for use in your backyard 

Portable grill sets up in seconds 

Easy to transport, folds to compact size with large handle and wheels for easy pulling 

Authentic grilling taste, open-flame drip-through grilling, large grill space

Easy-to-clean 

Provides steady heat, even in the cold! 

Propane-powered, InstaStart™ Technology for matchless lighting 

Retail Price: $189.99 at www.Coleman.com

{Portable Table}
Finally a picnic table that is easy to transport anywhere you go! This great table is from a site call American Tailgater and is just one of many great products!

A few great features...

• Easy to fold up and take with you!
• Folds up into an easy carry container with a a travel handle
• Has a hole in the middle so you can add an umbrella to block the sun 

Retail price: $79.99

Available at www.AmericanTailgater.com

{Camera Bag}

And you have to bring your camera to every awesome tailgating party to capture those memories! Camera Coats make it easy to protect your camera while its around your neck or thrown into your purse or bag of food! 

 A few more features of Camera Coats;

• Easy to travel with!
• The sturdy buckle attaches to your camera strap so you won't lose it!
• Strong Velcro closure keeps your DSLR nice and cozy

Add some great food and you're well on your way to a great tailgating party! Have fun! 

+Emily Ashby

Real Acorns for your Fall DIY Decor

{Real Acorns} 

Real acorns for that DIY Fall Decor can be hard to find, but not if Ethan is around! Last fall around this time he started collecting acorns to sell on this Etsy Shop and you would not believe the response he got! 

He had people purchasing acorns from all over the country and the world! I guess acorns are hard to come by in the Middle East.  I suppose the desert is not the best place to find material for a fall wreath or Thanksgiving table setting. ;)

 And look who's shop is open and ready for business again this year! Ethan has collected a good little stash again so if you're in the market for an acorn or two...

But what will you do with them? There is always the fall wreath option or creating a little DIY Craft for the mantel.

Last year I posted a few Fall DIY Decor ideas that might inspire you to create something amazing! 

{Pumkin Carving Ideas)

And while we are in the spirit of autumn I just had to share these picture from last year's Halloween pumpkin carving at the Ashby home!  Mindcraft pumpkins were the design of choice. I wonder what they will carve this year! 

And Aidan had a thing or two about the experience...

{Happy Fall!}

+Emily Ashby

Activewear & Gear for any Athlete! Product Review KSL TV

{Happy Athletes}

You don't have to be a high profile athlete to enjoy some great products this summer! I've gathered a few great items that will make being active easy, fun, and actually yummy!  

I'll be talking about these great activewear and gear ideas on KSL Ch 5 in SLC today and will share the link as well! Let's go get 'em! 

{FlipBelt} 

I give this little belt 2 thumbs up! When go out jogging or hiking I hate having to try and figure out what to do with my phone & keys...this FlipBelt makes it easy!

Features: 

• Singular, tubular waistband that allows runners to carry their phone, keys, money, inhaler and more comfortably while running or working out
• Can comfortably fit the iPhone 6 Plus
• Slip it on, flip it over, and you're ready to go! Comes in various colors and sizes.

Retails for 28.99 and can be purchased online at www.flipbelt.com

{Hytail Hat by ADActivewear} 

Finally I can wear a high ponytail and a hat at the same time! 

Features:

• With its wide back and high arch, hair can be worn in a high ponytail, with or without a hair band.  
• The recently released sleek Athletic Hytail is made with breathable moisture wicking material enabling you to keep cool and looking good at the same time.

Original line retails for 19.99 and new athletic line retails for 24.99 and can be purchased online at www.adactivewear.com

{Belly Sport Bra by Bao Bei Maternity}

Just because you are pregnant doesn't mean you have to be uncomfortable while you workout! 

• The Belly Sport Bra supports the Abs and takes pressure off the lower back
• Great for woman who wish to stay active during their pregnancy and we are even seeing a lot more pregnant women running marathons
• Created by a Pilates instructor and women's health expert the belly bra is redefining maternity supportwear

Retails for 48.00 and can be purchased online at www.baobeimaternity.com 

{RX Bar} 

Wait what? It doesn't taste like cardboard and its actually good for you? I've tried each kind and the coconut and peanut butter are my favorite! My brother Travis and his wife Tanya love that they are Whole 30 approved! 

·  They refer to their bars as the "real food protein bars" and are Made from 8 ingredients or less, 

·  RXBARs provide a high quality, natural source of glucose by using dates and figs--as opposed to cheap artificial sweeteners 

·  fewer runners report cramping from eating RXBARs because they are easier and more natural for the stomach to process. Ingredients include egg whites, almonds, fruit, and other natural flavors 

·  runners who favor a clean, "whole" diet prefer RXBARs because they match the food their eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner

·  the natural ingredients in RXBARs don't leave runners with the dry mouth feel that is caused by some artificial sources of glucose like gels

Box of 12 retails for 25.99 and can be purchased online at rxbar.com

Now let's go get active! 

+Emily Ashby 

ALT Summer Conference 2015

{Altitude Summit}

Looking forward to attending this social media/blogger/business conference next week! I'm especially excited because I'll be speaking at it as well! Are you coming? Come find me! 

I'll be dishing about Google Anayltics along with the amazing Lindsay Peterson. Yahoo! 

If you can't make it...no worries. I'll be sharing everything here! You can also follow me on Instagram (@emilyjanashby) or on FB (www.facebook.com/toadstreasures).   

Can't wait to share all that I learn.  

+Emily Ashby 

Travel Activities and Game Review | KSL TV + Emily Ashby + Giveaway

{Summer Travel Games & Fun}
Did I really just say summer?! Its really that time of year?! Hurray!

Sometimes just thinking about going out of town for summer gets me through the lone and dreary winter. And now I'm even MORE excited for our trip!

Why?

Because instead of the boys playing games on our phones and kindle fire tablets we'll be engaging in some good old fashioned fun!  Real conversation, games, and other great activities!

Melissa & Doug, TravelKiddy, and Kid-O have all sent me some amazing activities to review and share on KSL TV & I can't wait to share them with you.

Are you ready for some fun ideas?! Let's do it! If you want to see these in action you can catch me on KSL Ch 5 TV (NBC affiliate) tomorrow...Wednesday March 11, 2015.

{TravelKiddy.com}
Let's start with some sweet activities from TravelKiddy.com. This family-owned and operated company that started online in 2009 with their fun-filled Travel Kiddy Essentials Adventure Kit...

And each order that is placed on their website includes a Bendi friend. Customers are encouraged to post picture of Bendi's adventure on Instagram using this hashtag: #bendiadventures. They also include a free copy of their Kids Travel Activity Book. Their blog is full of family travel tips & tricks, infographic, ebook, or whitepaper to help make family travel easier.

This month their site includes the Spring Packing List.   Other favorites include our Kids Travel Activity Book and our Ultimate Guide to Family Ski Adventures. How fun is that?! 

Here are a few other games that are worth playing: 

Family Road Trip! 
This fun game asks questions about the trip, opinions, preferences, and brings the family together through good old conversation! Look out Social Media..."REAL" Social may be on its way back! :) ($.9.99)

Magnetic Hangman & USA Magnetic Map Play Scene

Don't worry about grabbing a pencil! Just grab your magnetic hangman zebra game. Or should we call it hang-zebra! :) ($5.99)

This USA map has magnetic states for you (or your kids:) to help learn state geography! Each state also has an icon to represent it so that we all can learn more about that part of the county.  ($9.99)

TrayKit Backpack for Air or Road Travel

If you want to put your own travel activities kit together here is the perfect solution. This cute backpack/bag attaches easily to an airplane tray or the back of a car seat. You just fill it with your child's favorite toys, games for spring break, and activities and off you go! Aidan (6) will be sporting this bag in a few weeks and he's thrilled.:)

 To wrap up these great products from TravelKiddy.com are for those that love to their brains...

Around the Word Double Draw:

Grab your pencil and a little concentration and see if you can copy these drawing from around the world! I think I'll be trying to test my skills with this one! :)

{Kid-O}

Next up...the A to Z Magnatab! Kid-O has made practicing letter writing fun with the magetic letters and pen. Just trace over the letters with the special magnetic pen and the magnetic balls pop right up! Yay! When you want to write the letter again just push the magnet balls with your finger. 

You can take the Magnatab everywhere! Where will you go? The beach? On a plane? Your favorite restaurant? Regardless of where you go you'll keep those kids busy in a thoughtful way. ($29.99)

Love it. You find it at The Red Balloon toy store if you live in the Salt Lake area, or you can check out their site to find a store near you. 

WIN ONE!

How would like to win one of these best selling Magnatabs? Just go to the Kid O Facebook page, Like it,  share your favorite summer activity, and you'll be entered to win! Winner will be notified on St Patricks. 

May you have the luck of the Irish with you! :)

{Melissa & Doug}

Melissa & Doug. I've saved one of our favorite toy makers for last.

Over 25 year ago they started their company in the garage of the home where Doug grew up! Melissa & Doug means quality, long lasting toys in the Ashby home and I'm thrilled to be sharing some great travel activities and games with you.  You can find all of these online at 

USA License Plate Game

Taking one of the post popular family car games to the next level! This wooden board with rotating license plates will make sure that no one cheats plus helps everyone learn the geography of the states! ($19.99)

Fashion Design Activity Kit

Did you have one of these when you were a kid? I always wanted one but never got one...fortunately my best friend let me use hers. It inspires creativity and allows each girl to channel her authentic self into her fashion.  ($16.99)

Love this one for old times sake! 

Hangman for Travel

High quality wood hangman? Yep! Just flip the pieces over and over again for hours of fun!

Alphabet Lacking Cards

Lacing is so great for the small motor skills of little ones. Concentration is a must while lacing these sturdy wood cards...and that just might mean some peace and quiet while on the road, on the beach, or out to eat. ($29.99)

{Safe Travels}

Did you get some good travel activity and game ideas for Spring Break? I'm looking forward to some great conversations while enjoy time together in the next few weeks. Hopefully my Mindcraft loving little men will feel the same...:)

XOXO

+Emily Ashby aka Toad

Photo Contest for Spring! Let's Inspire Each other!

{Spring Photos}
Looking forward to those spring pictures? We are! Let's inspire one another by sharing our favorite spring photos & have a fun for all contest! Everyone is invited...hobbiest or Pro!

Here's the link to Facebook to add and enter! We'll be giveaway away 3 sets of Camera Gear just in time for Spring Break! A Camera Coat, camera strap, and lens/small camera pocket! (Value: $85!)

Can't wait to see what you love about Spring!

Here are some of my favorite Spring photos from the past.

Which one do you like best? Tell me in the comments! :) 

+Emily Ashby

Easy Easter Grass DIY...Easy and Fun | Plus KSL TV & a Giveaway!

{Time to Grow}
If you plant those grass seeds now you'll have plenty of grass for Easter!

Talk about a fun DIY to do with your kids, grandkids, or even by yourself. ;)  We all get a bit restless waiting for Spring so this will help pass the time and give us all something to look forward to!

Catch me on KSL Ch5 (NBC affiliate) in Salt Lake tomorrow at noon for these ideas plus some more planting options!

(Note: Pictures were taken from my previous Easter Grass Post.) 



Here's what you'll need:

You may also want to grab a little helper--I LOVE my little helper & he LOVES helping.:)

We added a little bit of water to the potting soil to prepare it for the seeds. However, don't add too much or it will turn to mud and the seeds may not make it (ask me how I know):).

I have to admit, I'm not a "green thumb", but I figured that grass grows all over the place without any help--what do I have to lose?:)

You can pick up some grass seed anywhere garden supplies are sold.

Just put some seeds in each of your "planters":
Don't worry about covering the seeds with dirt if you don't want to--they do fine just like this!

Now pick a sunny spot for them to grow...a kitchen window works wonderfully.

Patience is surely a virtue. But don't worry, you won't have to wait too long. {10-14 days or even sooner if you got the quick growing grass!}

And in the mean time, relax & enjoy a some Cadbury eggs.  Mmmmmmmm.

And before you know it--you'll love what you see! These little sprouts came up after only 4 days! You go little guys!

And in 2 weeks we had grass growing all over the place!

This was the fastest, and most detailed mowing job Bob has ever done! {hee, hee}

OOh, looks great! Now what?

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Leave a comment on this post letting me know what your favorite thing about Spring is and you will be entered to win a nice little Easter Grass Kit!

Yes, if you win I'll mail you your very own seeds, plastic eggs, and dirt! So you'd better hurry and make a comment!!

Happy Spring!:)
+Emily Ashby