tHe fiCkLe piCkLe

Enjoying It.

2011-04-19T13:37:00.001-06:00

She finally came.

So I've spent the last few enjoying it...all of it!
I might be back at some point.
We'll see.
It was hard to put her down long enough to type this.
Getting NOthing done!
Nothing at all.
Just...enjoying it.

YOU Can Make a QuiLt...I have proof.

2011-04-01T11:05:00.002-06:00

I have wanted to attempt the quilt for quite some time now, but had absolutely no idea where to begin with one. Really, no idea. I was scared. So I put it off. Over and over again. But with a new little one coming I was feeling inspired to give it a go...somehow. I've come to learn that the Internet can 'teach' you to do pretty much anything. So I logged on and I searched and searched until I finally came across this, a beginning quilting series from Diary of a Quilter...she made me believe. She's got ALL the steps spelled out for you in black and white, from what supplies to start with all the way to binding your quilt...and she's so easy to follow! I was actually excited to get going!

So I went through my scraps...I didn't want to go out and purchase a bunch of fabric, just in case things went amiss. I knew I wanted to use different textures and patterns since I would be using this as a little tummy time mat for baby. So I got creative and pulled out some knit, minky, and even a ruffled pillow sham that I had left over from the nursery pillows.

I cut the back off the sham...

Then cut my squares with my rotary cutter...I used 5 inch squares.

Then it was time to lay out my squares in the pattern I thought worked.

Then following the instructions from Diary of a Quilter I started piecing my quilt and made rows with my squares...

And ironed my seams...the iron will become your very best friend during this project!

Next I sewed my rows together.

And it started to look like something that resembled an actual quilt. I added my borders and batting and backing and really started to get excited because there were now layers to my quilt. But the excitement came to a screeching halt when I learned that I had to baste my quilt. Huh!? I had never heard of such a thing! Who knew this step existed? And that there was spray and special basting pins involved. Well, I was on a roll and wasn't about to throw in the towel at this point, so even with being ill prepared and without proper equipment...I rolled on, with regular old safety pins. And I'll tell you, they worked just fine.

Okay, so this is where I started to get a little nervous. It was time to actually quilt...that is to say, SeW. Preferably in straight lines. And because I was a little lazy (and really anxious to finish) I totally skipped a step and didn't draw lines to mark where to sew...such a rebel. I just eyeballed my way through, and do you know, some of the lines actually lined up!

So at this point I am jumping up and down that I might actually see this thing through. All there was left to do was finish with a little binding. So I cut my strips and pinned...

And I FINISHED that quilt!

So there it is...PrOof.

Because if I can do it, YOU certainly can too!

Something for babY

2011-03-31T09:59:00.000-06:00

For those of you who don't know, I'm getting ready to welcome my 3rd baby (first girL) in just about...well, any day now. So as you can imagine there has been a lot of BabY on the BraIn as of late. Especially once I realized (about a week ago) that I have not 'made' anything for her yet. I also realized (about a week ago) that I was a little short in the blanket department...unless you count all the blue ones packed away in storage. So in this instance what would any rational 9 month pregnant woman do...take herself to the local Target to purchase a few...probably. But I'm a different kind of crazy and decided I would still try to make some instead. So that I did.

I found the fabric at Hobby Lobby. Love it. Also love the so very cozy minky...but must say it's a beast to sew!

I wanted to add a little something extra and turned this once felt flower Easter garland (also Hobby Lobby) into a little embellishment.

I probably should have prefaced this post by saying (and I know I've said it before...many times) I don't sew. Never have had a lesson (unless you count me sitting on my grandma's lap at the age of 7 'helping' her sew up a few pillowcases). I don't know the terms, don't know how to use a pattern, I'm really not quite sure if I even thread my sewing machine correctly...I'm totally winging it! But nevertheless. I don't think baby's even gonna notice. What she will remember (hopefully) is that the blanket that she dragged around for years and years when she was little was made with love...crooked lines and all.

Now call me cocky, but I finished the blanket and just couldn't stop myself. I still had a bit of fabric left so I made a few burpies to match... which, by the way, turned out to be trickier than the blanket for what ever reason?! It's a learning process...one that I may or may not ever tackle.

So the moral of the story for today is...go for it! Try something new. Something you might not have clue how to begin. Make some mistakes. Then try it again. So what if the lines aren't 'PerfeCt'. That doesn't stop me. And it shouldn't stop you either!

Stay tuned for my next installment...'CraZy Pregnant Lady That Doesn't Sew Makes a QuiLt'. Ha! Just the thoughts of it makes me laugh!!

Shabby Apple WiNneR!

2011-03-28T09:39:00.000-06:00

And the LuCkY winner is...

...Brianne...

Oh! I'm so jealous. I cannot wait to be back in normal clothes again.

So sick of wearing the same 3 maternity shirts and elastic pants!

Okay Brianne, I don't have a way to get in touch with you...so you have until the end of tomorrow to get back with me. After that, the dress is back up for grabs!

.......................

Huge thanks to Shabby Apple for the giveaway!

Our PLaYrOoM

2011-03-24T10:09:00.001-06:00

Remember clear back...oh, about a year ago...when I said I was working on sprucing up our playroom? A YEAR ago! Where does this time go? Well, with all of the spring cleaning (nesting) going on around here I was able to clean up enough to get a few pictures of the 'finished' room...still not where I would like it to be, but it will do for now.

The entire purpose of this room is to provide a place for my kids and all of their ~~mess~~ toys. This room is a bit separate from the rest of the house, it's a bonus room above our garage. I love that they have their space to play and make their messes and (the best part) if I don't want to, I don't have to go up there and see that mess. Out of sight, out of mind...I can choose to ignore it completely.

One of my favorite things in this room are my Ikea shelves. They are the perfect place to store lots of stuff and help keep things looking organized and clean. The big canvas storage bins work great to hide all the little nic-naks that need a place to be...they also are great to incorporate the colors of the room. I found these at Walmart and Target.

When we painted, I knew I wanted to put chalkboard paint somewhere in the room. We decided on doing a strip on the back wall...

I finally finished the ABC canvases that I talked about here.

Another good (cheap) storage solution: garbage cans. I found the blue garbage cans on the bottom shelf below at Target for $2.50 each. They're hard plastic and sturdy enough to handle my boys.

I found these paper mache letters at Joann's and covered them with scrapbook paper.

Also, talked about these owl canvases here.

And that's it. Our playroom...on a good day.

Believe me, it never looks like this! Usually the carpet is not visible.

Shabby Apple {Giveaway!}...just in time for SpRiNG

2011-03-22T16:46:00.002-06:00

I was totally ticked off when I woke up this morning and saw SnOw on the ground outside my door! Where are you spring? I'm dying for a little sunshine, green grass and lemonade! Anybody else with me?

Well, let's see if we can't lift the spirits a bit with a little (actually I would call this BiG) spring giveaway.

How would you like to WIN this dress?

Shabby Apple

has offered to giveaway this dress

(perfect for spring and a little lemonade sipping, I must say)

to one lucky fiCkLe piCkLe follower.

To enter, here's what you need to do...

1. If you're not already a follower of the fiCkLe piCkLe, now's the time to become one!

2. "Like" Shabby Apple on Facebook and leave me a comment saying you did so.

3. Finally, you must be a resident of the U.S.

And that's it.

After that go to Shabby Apple's website and check out the rest of the great women's dresses.

They've got everything you'll need for spring...and then some.

And if you hurry, fiCkLe piCkLe readers can get 10% off anything on their website when you use the code ficklepickle10off at checkout.

I can't get enough of the South Pacific Line...

I'm also loving their new Roamin' Holiday line...makes me want to take a holiday myself.

And did you know they have Maternity!?

So wish I would have known this before the 37th week of pregnancy!!

I'll be back on Sunday to pick a winner...good luck!

CraZy haIR DaY!

2011-03-16T12:22:00.000-06:00

As part of spirit week this week at our elementary they had cRazY hAir day today. Always a good day to express some creativity. This was actually the second crazy hair day they've held at the school this year and last time I kind of forgot about it until last minute and didn't get as CraZy as I would have liked. So this time my kindergartner was sure to remind me (over and over) that we needed to plan ahead this time, he was a bit disappointed in my lack of effort, I think. Apparently people get into this.
So when I coincidentally I ran into this post a few days ago over at Bee in our Bonnet I got SO excited. COULD NOT believe all the crazy hair! So awesome, you MUST check it out! Especially the girl hair!!

The InSecT inFeSted GraSs hair was the inspiration for us.
Ours wasn't quite as fancy, but fun nonetheless.

I just used a little hot glue to stick the lizards to a hair clip, then clipped them right in there. He tells me they stayed put until he had to take them out for gym.

He thought it was awesome to have "lizards eating his blue hair all day". Hopefully I was able to redeem myself this go-round.

Fun and easy way to get CrAzy for the kids!

LuckY LePrechauN haTs

2011-03-14T13:53:00.000-06:00

So it turns out that my kindergartener's school is having their spirit week this week and on Thursday (St. Patrick's Day) they're supposed to wear their craziest hats to school, along with their green. So when I saw this post at Kiki Creates...well, there was no question...

I had to make two for my little leprechauns.

I had full intensions of doing a tutorial on how I made mine...but then got too excited to get them done and totally forgot to take pictures of the process. So I'll do my best to tell you what I did...

Supplies you'll need:

1 sheet of felt in all colors...*except green you'll need 3 sheets

Sewing machine

Thread (could use coordinating colors, I just used white)

Ruler

Scissors or Rotary Cutter

Back around Christmas time I made a bunch of these hats for snowman kits and used the same idea when making these leprechaun hats. Only difference was that I had to piece together the tube part (the different colors of felt) of the hat.

Because I used the precut sheets of felt I cut 3" inch strips (2 of each color) then stitched them to together end to end making one long strip of each color (about 24" inched in length). Next I lined up my long strips in the color order I wanted, overlapping them about a 1/4 of an inch. Then I pinned each stripe in place. I liked the look of one raw edge showing on the outside of the hat, so I went with that rather than having the seams all on the inside. See pic below to get a better idea of what I'm talking about...

After that I sewed each strip together and ended up with one rainbowed panel. This is what I used to make the 'tube' of the hat. From there I just followed this tutorial to finish it up. Although, again because I used the small sheets of felt I did have to piece together the brim of the hat. To do that I cut out two half circles and stitched them together. Also I made the measurements a bit smaller to fit smaller heads.

So, for the brim I cut a 12" circle (or two 6" half circles)

and then cut a 7 1/2" circle out of the middle of the brim (the 12" circle)

My pannel for the 'tube' of the hat measured 22" long

And for the top of the hat I cut a 7" circle.

I hope that makes sense to someone. Next time I will definitely take pictures! Much easier to explain with a picture.

Anyway, If you can follow my crappy instructions, you might end up with something that looks like this...

Last step is to stuff it with a luCkY littLe LePreChaun.

It's funny, when you place them on their heads they can't help but do a littLe iRiSh jiG.

How we CeLeBraTe St. Patty's...

2011-03-11T10:59:00.003-07:00

How many of you have those pesky little leprechauns visit this time of year? They always seem to find us. We never know what we'll find when we wake up on St. Patty's Day.

So last year we set a trap...

We left a trail of lucky treats leading to a pile of chocolate gold and rainbow cupcakes (cause that's what their after, you know).

...but they escaped...

And ran wild through the house...

Turning things green...yep, even the milk!

They left green treats...

They messed with the furniture...strong little buggers!

And our breakfast (eggs)!

They splattered rainbow everywhere!

And left us a tricky little lunch...

And for dinner, a little Irish ale...our version anyway.

This year we're determined to catch one...my boys have been planning and scheming for weeks. Watch out little leprechauns! We're ready for you this year!

How do you celebrate St. Patty's?

the Nursery

2011-03-07T23:14:00.001-07:00

Okay here it is, for those that have been waiting...if there really were any of you out there...the BiG reveal. Can I say I'm feeling a little nervous and a bit of pressure!? First let me disclose that the room is still in a state of being 'sort of finished'. But really, is the decorating ever completely FINISHED...not around here. There are a few things I would like to try and include before baby comes, like a rocker of some sort and maybe a chandelier...if I ever find what I'm looking for (if you have ideas where to find either, please do share!!). But for now it is as done as it's going to get.

The main project of this room was the board and batten treatment we did on the walls. Initially getting the boards on the wall went pretty quick and without too much trouble. We, like many others of you who have board and battened, went to the Home Depot and had the MDF cut...relieving much of the time and work that could have been spent. After that we spent one weekend gluing, nailing, and painting. If it weren't for the custom made trim and the finish work we could have had it all finished up in one whirlwind of a weekend. Unfortunately making your own trim from scratch (couldn't find precut trim that I liked) and puttying and sanding then not liking the results and having to reputty and resand (3 or more times!) does take some time to accomplish. Needless to say, it did get done and I LOVE the results.

I should probably take a moment here to mention that I really had little (okay, nothing) to do with all the labor that was involved in the making of this room. That credit all goes to the hubs and my dad who put up with me and my 'ideas' through the entire project.

Okay, so on with the tour...

The paint color I chose for the upper wall is Glass Tile by Valspar. Yes it is a bluish color. And yes it is a little girl's nursery. The one thing that my dad voiced his opinion on. But you can see how much I listened...

The birdie canvas is from Pier 1 Imports and lamps I moved from another room (I found them at Hobby Lobby a few years ago).

I've been collecting different containers and buckets over the last few from all over to put on the cube shelves. Most of these buckets are from Target's dollar spot and the canvas bins I found at Walmart.

I made these create paper balls last year for another project. Thought they fit in the room nicely.

Because there is a lot of different patterns going on in the room with the bedding and different fabrics I couldn't decide what I wanted to do for curtains and finally ended up with plain old white panels...er, sheets. That's right, $4.00 Walmart flat sheets. Add a few curtain hooks and little fluff...you have very inexpensive drapes. And later on if I find something I like better I won't feel guilty about spending the $.

The furniture is all recycled from the basement and has already survived two little boys. I did, though, add a little fabric to the fronts of the drawers (just stapled it right on there) and added new knobs from Hobby Lobby to fancy up the dresser/changing table.

I've already mentioned the deal I got on the bedding once before...but for those who missed...I found the bumper pad and bed skirt for $8.00 a piece on clearance at Target a while back. Then I made a few pillows to coordinate and tie in all the colors of the room.

I used some of the same fabrics from the pillows to make a pennant banner...I can't get over these!

The chandi art I found at Real Deals.

Can't get over the pom poms either...made these from tissue paper.

This little table used to be navy blue. Looks much better covered in Glass Tile I must say. I'm thinking she needs a cute little lamp to go up top.

I borrowed the zebra rug from the playroom (originally from Walmart). Still trying to decide if I like it in the room or not.

And there ya have it...all ready for a baby, preferably a girl one.

Now that it's done I can focus on the less important things, like finding a car seat and other basics that have yet to be purchased...in my world decorating comes before the essentials. Priorities.

Rainbow Cupcakes...a How to

2011-03-04T15:48:00.003-07:00

I've had a lot of questions about these cupcakes that I made last year for St. Patricks Day since they were featured on Sister's Stuff today. So let me see if I can help you all out by answering a few questions here.

1. I used Airhead Extremes Sour Belts for the rainbows. You can usually find them in any candy isle. I recently found them in Target's dollar spot.

A trick when using these, they're usually a little soft and don't hold their shape when they're fresh out of the package. So I usually open up the package and let them sit for a day or two before putting them on my cupcakes.

2. To make the cake rainbowed I divided the batter (make sure to use a white cake mix) equally into 5 different bowls, colored each bowl of batter (colors of the rainbow).

...then spooned a bit of each color into the cupcake liner til it was 3/4 full. I used my mini cookie scoop (only filled about half full) to get them filled as evenly as possible.

This step does take a little bit of time, but it's worth it I promise!

Also, I used gel food coloring to get more vibrant colors.

And the final product. So fun to rip open that wrapper and find the rainbow surprise inside.

3. I use real butter for the frosting...gotta use the real stuff!

Easy Butter Cream Frosting:

1/2 cup butter (room temp)
1 lb. powder sugar (about 4 cups)
3 TBS milk
2 tsp. Vanilla

Cream butter til light and fluffy. Add sugar 1 cup at a time mixing well inbetween. Add milk and vanilla. Then whip until it's light and fluffy...really, keep whipping! Then I spoon my frosting into a quart sized baggie, snip one corner of the bag and pipe the frosting in swirls on top of the cupcake.

Hope that answers the questions.
Good LUCK...hee, hee...with cupcake making! Love these, they are one of my very favorites.

It's MarCh!

2011-03-04T09:33:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it!

Time is flying.

It's been nearly a month since I last posted.

A baby girl will be here soon.

Trying to finish things up before that happens.

Yikes!

Will it all be done in time?

Made a little St. Patricks print, or two.

Copy, paste, print...if you'd like.

I've got pics of the (sort of) finished nursery.

Hope to have them up soon.

Thats all I have time for now.

Be back soon...I hope.

VaLentine LeftOvers

2011-02-15T13:31:00.001-07:00

So, how was yours? Full of love I hope. We had a nice day. Filled with lots of treats. Just how Valentines should be.

Thought I would post a few pics of the treats we handed out. I know a little late, but I bothered to take the pictures...so, save them for next year. Or, adapt them to work for St. Patty's...change heart shapes for shamrocks and pink for green, easy as that.

My preschooler took a few of these Valentine SmOre Pops last week for his treat. He's a huGe fan of anything smore so as soon as I found these (can't remember where, sorry!) I knew I had to make them. And they were a cinch.

First: I cut the gram crackers with a metal heart shaped cookie cutter. Really wasn't as hard as it sounds. Just make sure you apply even pressure when your pressing down.

Second: Place your cut crackers on a cookie sheet add a few marshmallows (I used the pink heart shaped ones...kind of a nice twist with the strawberry flavor).

Third: Sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of the marshmallows. Probably would have been just as easy to put a square of chocolate bar.

Fourth: Place in the oven and broil for about 2 minutes...but watch them carefully! You can end up with charcoal quicker than you think...not that I would know :)

Fifth: Plop another cracker on top of that melted, gooey goodness. Stick in a lolli stick if you'd like and enjOy!

I wrapped a few up in a cello bag and tied with a little ribbon for easier transport.

Now for a treat for the teachers. These we handed out yesterday along with our Framed VaLentines. I've seen these a few places but most recently on eighteen25, which is also where I found the printable. These were super easy to make and so, so cute to look at. I love anything covered in sprinkles!

I found the cute takeout boxes at Michaels...they're probably on clearance now.

Didn't get a great picture of my cookies, but you get the idea and I was originally going to try this recipe, but ran out of time. So, I bought the cookies at the grocery store (oriental food isle) melted some candy melts and dipped one end of the cookie in the candy then in the sprinkles.

Then I boxed them up and handed them out...but only to the teachers that we're fortunate to have. Totally kidding. Love them all.

And another super fun treat that could be used any time of the year...Pudding Parfaits. We made these for an Activity Days treat. They were yummy and again, so cute! I didn't take any pictures of ours, but I found the idea here and am borrowing one of their pictures...hope they don't mind :)

We did ours with chocolate cupcakes and added marshmallows and chocolate chips to the layers. The girls loved them! If you want all the details on how to make them visit Bee in our Bonnet, they'll tell you how.

Framed VaLentine {4 the teachers}

2011-02-07T15:45:00.002-07:00

We ♥ our teachers!

They do SO much and work SO hard for our kids! I think they deserve a nice little Valentine, too.

So this year we're giving our teachers a framed valentine. I found the ABC I ♥ U print here (while you're there look around, she's got a TON of cute prints...all free). I loved the ABC theme and thought it would be perfect for the teachers. I picked up the 8x10 frames at the dollar store, used a piece of coordinating scrapbook paper for the mat and attached the print with glue dots. Then to add an extra little touch, I cut out a felt heart and attached it with another glue dot over the ♥ on the print.

EasY peaSy LemOn sQueeZy, as my 5 year old would say. And easy on the pocket book, too!

If you'd like, wrap them up and make them look more like a gift...

And don't forget the tag...

And there you have it, a super sweet Valentine for the teachers.

Something they can keep out all year to remind them how much their students ♥ them.

Game Time.

2011-02-06T14:01:00.001-07:00

(found the printable flags here via be different act normal)

Who are you rootin' for today?

GreeN oR BLaCk?

Me, I say go PaCkLerS!

I'm just excited there's a reason to make cupcakes.

Love Note Baskets {Activity Days}

2011-02-04T11:53:00.003-07:00

Can you believe I'm already posting another activity!? I haven't even had this one yet and here it is up and ready to go. I'm never this far ahead of schedule!

Let's just say I've got a serious case of the gotta-get-everything-done...and gotta do it NOW.

{N-E-S-T-I-N-G}

So in keeping with the Valentines theme I decided that it would be appropriate for Activity Days to have a little lesson on Loving One Another. Okay really, I wanted an excuse to use this SO CUTE idea from Becky Higgins. LoVe this! She always has the most amazing ideas...and GREAT printouts.

I printed up her free printables here (I did have to make up my own card for the lOve note instructions).

Then found these cute lOveY note pads at Target.

I lOved Becky's recipe card box idea, but couldn't find any that were in my price range (really cheap). So when I saw these heart shaped baskets at the dollar store 2 for a buck...I figured for the price I would make them work.

I added a little ribbon and scrap fabric to fancy them up. Then tied the cute lOve notes tag to the handle.

I found these frames at the dollar store, too. Thought the looked pretty decent for the price...and even better once I put the cute print in them.

Edited to add: sorry! originally forgot to link the Love One Another print...fixed now :)

For our activity we'll make up our lOve noTe baSkets and talk about the importance of letting those around us know how much we lOve them. I think this would make the perfect activity for FHE on Valentines (since it does fall on Monday this year!).

So go now and make up your own lOve baSket, share some lOve with the ones that you lOve.

RoCkiN' Classroom Valentines

2011-02-01T16:07:00.003-07:00

We finished up our classroom valentines today. My litttle guys were big helpers in getting them together. They both sat down and wrote their names on every card...24 of them for my 5 year old! And he even added his last name and a heart for the dot on the i. All his own idea. Very cute.

We went with a RoCkiN' theme this year...and not until I was finished with them, did I remember that I did the same theme for last years valentines. Oh well. New year, new class. I must like guitars.

And to spice things up, we attached (just stapled them right on) a little treat to the back...PoP RoCks! What else?!

I originally had planned to do ReD for the boys and PiNk for the girls, but then decided once they were made up that the pink ones look way too girly for little boys to be handing out, so we bagged that idea and went all red. There's NO way my 4 year old would have been down with all that pink.

I found this mat stack at Joann's (half off) when I was looking for scrapbook paper to back the prints with. They were perfect! And already cut for me, bonus.

And as a little extra we made up a few treat bags and added a sticker to seal them.

And just like that we're ready for V Day.

Want to print some of your own?
Right click, copy, paste, print. And have a RoCkiN one.

...and since I made the pink one...

HappY {Heart} DaY Photo Card

2011-01-31T16:09:00.001-07:00

I like to send out Valentine photos of my boys every year to family and some of our close friends. Well, I had almost forgotten about it this year until I saw this post at eighteen 25. Love everything they do! And I knew as soon as I saw them, this was what I was doing this year. Only problem is...I can't decide if I should do them together...

Or each individually...

Decisions, decisions!

'Bee' a Great BabYsitteR {Activity Days}

2011-01-27T20:56:00.001-07:00

I've been a slacker in getting my Activity Day activities posted as of late...my apologies. So while I was putting this one together I thought I would make a better effort of getting a few pictures and getting it posted.

All of my girls will be turning 12 this year...I'm slowly loosing them all to YW :( I thought it would be a fun idea to make babysitting kits, since 12 seems to be the standard age when you start to get those babysitting calls. So you can imagine how excited I was when I came across THIS little kit at Wendy's Activities. So cute and full of great ideas...and, did I mention it was already done and put together! All I had do was print. Love it when other people do the work for me!

I printed up these pages...

Added them to these folders.

Purchased these bags (Old Navy...$1.00).

Found a few supplies for some of the games (a lot of them from around the house).

Then for the activity we went over a few of the pages in the kit and then put together our games.
I now have 8 {almost} 12 year old girls who are excited to get out there and get babysitting.
Such a fun and effective way to introduce the whole babysitting experience.

pillows.

2011-01-25T13:15:00.002-07:00

So the trim has yet to be put up (can't show you the walls we fancied up quite yet), but I couldn't wait to get the crib up and start putting things together a little. I've been sewing a bit. And by bit, I mean pillows...that's about as tricky as I get at this point. So, NO. I did not make the rest of the bedding...so wasn't ready to branch that far out! Sewing still scares me quite a bit. But pillows yes. I can do pillows.

And before I get nasty emails/comments...they are purely for decorating purposes. I will fully and entirely remove any suffocation device before placing baby in the crib. Thanks for your concern, though.

Okay, so I've seen SO many cute pillow ideas floating around out there and have been dying to whip up a few. Starting with this twisted flower pillow...

Now, I haven't got a tutorial of my own for you...cause really I just made it up as I went, that and...I'm so not qualified to be telling you such stories. I did, though, find this tute (after the fact) that is probably a much more sophisticated way of doing it than my way.

And while I was there I also found this awesome tute on how to make pin-tucked pillows! So I had to try. And can I say...I'm impressed with myself?!

Never mind that I started with a too small piece of fabric and had to do a little piecing together (hence the ribbon and bow)...I still think it looks like I might have known what I was doing when I put it together :)

Now this one I came up with on my own...I do do that from time to time. I've always loved pillows that tie on the side. Everything looks better with a bow, doesn't it? I also love the look of having a mismatching fabrics on front and back. So I gave that all a go and came up with this...

Found this cute fabric at Hobby Lobby and thought the nursery rhyme theme was PerFeCt for a nursery! So I didn't add anything to the front as not to distract from the Cat and the Fiddle and Humpty Dumpty. How fancy to have a pillow that you can read!

And finally. My attempt at a 'stuffed animal'. Certainly not my best work. But it was fun to attempt anyway. It took a bit more effort than I was hoping for and I ended up improvising quite a bit (hot glue!). Maybe next time I'll look for a pattern rather than trying to fib my way through.

Now let me tell you about the bumper pad and crib skirt. I bought this set about a year ago (Target clearance). Are you doing the math? Yes. Before there was a baby...and way before it was known to be a girl. I know I'm crazy like that...let me explain. $8.00. Yes sir. I paid $8.00 for the bumper and $8.00 for the crib skirt! For a grand total of...$16.00. And in looking at bedding sets over the last few, I've realized that's quite a DeAL. I wasn't sure how I was going to make it work, because it wasn't exactly what I was going for. But again, $16.00. I figured I would make it work. Adding the pillows and mixing and matching the fabrics has helped to make the look I was more going for come together.

I do have a few things I would still like to do before we're finished up. For instance...see that big blue ruffled pillow in the back? Didn't make it, but found a set of two at TJ Maxx for about $10. I have BiG plans for a quilt for the second sham. We'll see if I have to break out the hot glue for that one. Wish me luck.

NoTe: As I'm getting ready to post this I'm thinking to myself...I wonder if there is really AnYOne out there who could possibly care this much about stinking pillows. Really quite a lengthy post on such a subject. I apologize.

More {LoVeLy} Prints

2011-01-24T15:20:00.001-07:00

I can't stop myself. I have quite the collection of V-daY prints going on.

I've been inspired by others out there in blog land and made up a few of my own to share...

They look great in frames...

Or if you don't want to decorate with them, shrink them down and use them for Valentines!

Found the Keep Calm print here.

V-daY PriNt {free}

2011-01-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

Plain and simple.

Happy Valentines...and then some.

(right click, copy, paste, print).

Progress {a littLe peek}

2011-01-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

The hubs had a long weekend this past week...so I was sure to take advantage. We've made a bit of progress on the nursery. Just need to get a few pieces of trim up...then the fun begins! I've been out shopping for fabric and have a few things in the works. Be back soon to show you more...

A PiRatE PaRRrtY!

2011-01-06T17:00:00.001-07:00

Over the holidays my 3 year old turned 4. Yes. A VERY busy time of year for us!

I have really had to make a point of acknowledging this kid's birthday where it lands itself in the middle of the BiGGesT holiday of the year (4 days before Christmas). And although it feels hectic and crazy getting it all together, I don't want to ignore his special day. It's not his fault his parents are stupid and didn't plan ahead!

This year the little man decided on a PiRAtE PaRrrtY.

So we invited our friends...sent them a message in a bottle (found at Oriental Trading).

Loved these because they came with the lables and sand. They also came with the invitation, but I decided to make my own...just so they'd match everything else I was doing.

I even burned the edges of the paper for the full effect...it was a pain, but worth it.

Can I say, there is a ridculous amount of pirate stuff out there to take advantage of. The kid did make it easy on me in that reguard. Decorations were easy to find, and I actually had a lot on hand and didn't need to go out and buy a ton of stuff. I was able to use the fabric banners from our last shindig.

I found somewhere online (can't remember exactly where) where they had a table set up as you walked in the door with all sorts of pirate garb to get dressed for the occation...so I copied.

Found these printable hats free online...but I can't remember where. I tried to go back and find them, but couldn't. I hate it when I do that. But I loved the girl skullies with the bows!

I found the boys bandanas at Oriental Trading and just used polka dot fabric for the girls.

I also made a few felt mustaches on sticks. Which, I was surprised, the girls loved just as well as the boys

For the table I used a bit of burlap down the middle with shredded brown paper and coins and jewels sprinkled everywhere.

The balloons tied to the chairs added a lot to the decor and the kids loved them.

I also used regular old mason jars, filled them with shredded paper and stuck two Jolly Roger flags (Oriental Trading) in them.

I also found the treasure map place mats and cute little treasure boxes at OT. The boxes had cute pearl candies inside.

Borrowed the big PirAte ship from our toy room.

I wanted a little back drop for the serving table, so I used a bunch of scrap fabric I had lying around and pinned it to a bulletin board (we had this party at the church...needed the extra room...dang winter birthdays!). I tried to billow it up so that it looked something like sails on our "ship". I strung a little rope and hung my piRate prints from them with clothes pins.

I never did get a picture of the serving table all finished but we had the bucket filled with ice and had Squeeze-Its (or Deadman's Punch) to drink. I made the ship cupcakes and found the awesome sails and cupcake wrappers here. I think these were my favorite part of the party! Something about a cute cupcake.

I used this yummy recipe for the chocolate frosting. Mmmm.

And the favor bags and favors...

The bags were just brown gift bags that I tied a little scrap fabric and burlap onto. I also tied a name tag and a wooden pirate cutout that I found at Joanns.

Some of the 'TreASuRes' they found along the way.

And finally...the paRrrtY.

We started with a relay game where the kids lined up at opposite ends of the room. They had to race to 'walk the plank' then 'swab the deck' and push the 'cannon balls' across the deck to their teammate.

We had 12 kids ages 2-5 and most of them were able to handle the game...although pushing those ballons did get a little tricky for some of them.

Next we had a TreASuRe HuNt. We started with our maps and our favor bags, then set off to find our loot.

My birthday guy showing me his map.

Our hunt lead us around the church to different rooms where we found all sorts of treasures. I put a 'clue' (picture of each stop on their map) on each door so they would be able to find their way on thier own.

Here they are dashing through the halls...

The map lead them right back to where they started...at the BiG treasure box filled with pirate beach balls and ring pops.

For our last game we had a TreasuRe DiG. We filled up our big tin buckets with sand (100 lbs each...don't ask me how we got them there!) and buried all kinds of jewels, coins, necklaces and rings.

Then I gave each kid a card with the number of jewels, etc. they had to find in the buckets and had them dig for their buried treasure...

The FavOriTe game by far. The boys loved digging in the sand, and the girls lOved the jewles!

The crazy bunch having their cake and ice cream...

The Captain of this ship.

The Capt'n...and everyone else opening presents.

And a little game of PiRate, PirAte, SkuLLy (or duck, duck, goose) 'til the mom's came to pick up thier little mates.

All the mateys and their mustaches. ArrG.

It was a fun one to put together, and I dare say the kids had a gOod time.

New YeaR...NeW thiNgs HapPeNinG

2011-01-04T13:32:00.001-07:00

I do believe I have failed to mention something.

A baby.

Coming soon (like in 3 short months).

Here.

To join our humble abode.

And guess what else...It's a girL!

I get to do PINK!!

BiG things are happening here.

New nursery.

New clothes, shoes, accessories...

Hope to share some soon.

Til then.

P.S. do share if you know where I can find some nursery inspiration.

Merry Christmas.

2010-12-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

Wishing you all

LoVe . JoY. PeaCe.

this holiday.

Festive Flowers

2010-12-13T10:14:00.002-07:00

Okay, I have one more gift post and then I'm done...I promise. Then it's possible you may not hear from me until after the hOLidaYs. I need to enjoy some of it!

So, I still needed a little something for the teachers, something nice yet festive, just a sweet little treat...cause they do work so hard and totally deserve it! So I came up with these FeStiVe fLoWers.

I found the cute boxes at Target (dollar spot, again!) which fit Pepperidge packaged cookies perfectly!

So I stuffed a few with those and added a HoLLy FloWer pin.

For another twist I did a few in BLuE ...

These I filled with truffles (cause EVERY teacher deserves a little chocolate!) and added a 'Have a SwEeT Christmas' tag.

And finally, for the Moms...

My mom has asked for a few of these probably a million times but I've never gotten around to making any for her...sorry Mom! So she (and my mom in-law) is getting a whole slue of them for Christmas.

I'm not adding tutorials because, well, I really don't have the time (maybe another time)...but if you look you can find them EVERYWHERE online. Or even better, make up a few of your own. The possibilities are endless with these things. So go on, get festive with your flowers!

Stuff It! {Neighbor Gift}

2010-12-09T09:56:00.000-07:00

If you're running short on time and still need those neighbor gifts...here's a quick and easy one. Just StuFf iT!

Step 1: Pick up a cute stocking where ever stockings are sold (pretty much anywhere this time of year, found mine at Target).

Step 2: Gather up some festive goodies.

Step 3: Stuff it.

Step 4: Hand them out to neighbors, friends, teachers...Wish them a Merry Christmas! Hope your Christmas is stuffed full of good things!

Step 5: Check that one off your list!

Just Add Snow {Neighbor Gift}

2010-12-07T10:46:00.002-07:00

So I'm sure by now you've taken care of the family gifts (if not, it's go time people!) but have you thought about the neighbors yet? We're already into our second week of December (can you believe it?) and there isn't much time left.

I've been busy the last few working on my neighbors gifts...if you get started NOW you may have time to whip up a few of your own!

I found this idea last year a little too late but cataloged it as a definite tO dO...LOVED IT. I thought it was a great alternative to the standard old plate of cookies...and something you can use over and over, year after year.

the SnOWmAn Kit...

just add snow.

First step: whip up a few hats. I used this tutorial to make them. I was seriously scared of screwing these up...but they actually turned out pretty easy and quick to make up...so I made 20!

Next step: the scarfs. Rather than going to the fabric store and buying a yard of fleece for $7.00 a pop (the cheapest I ever found it), I headed to Old Navy and bought 2 fleece blankets for $4.50 each (Black Friday sale...but I went after the crazies had left). I cut them into 6 inch strips and voila...9 scarfs per blanket. And they already had the fringe cut! Can't get easier than that.

Next to fancy up the hats a bit I added ribbon and made a few of these felt flowers to attach.

Then I wrapped them up. I cut a circle of cardboard for the bottom of the hat and stuffed them with a little tissue paper...got them ready for delivery.

Boxed up all of the BiTs aNd piECes.

The BiTs include: A feLt CarrOt Nose stuffed and glued to a chopstick...I'm feeling pretty smart about this one! I had a million Pei Wei chopsticks just sitting in my drawer unused. They turned out to be just the right size and they're already pointed at the end. I originally was going to use dowels and sand the ends to a point...but the chopsticks are free if you like Chinese food!

*A side note...I did try to go get a few more at Panda, but they weren't as good quality. I didn't end up using them because I thought they might break easily when jamming them into the snow.

And for the other bits, 2 BiG GoOgiLy Eyes, 3 BiG buttOns, and 5 black rocks (for the mouth)...the decorative kind you find in the flower dept. I got mine at the $ store...they were nice and BiG, too!

I packaged them up individually. Then put them all in a box for safe keeping.

And last, a tag...

just in case somebody didn't get it.

Sometimes you have to spell these things out.

It feels good to have that one checked off my list...

Now if we can just get our snow back! What good is a Snowman Kit with no snow?!

MiXin' uP the ManTeL

2010-12-03T12:45:00.002-07:00

I decided this year to mix things up a bit and do something a little different on the mantel. Here's an idea of what we looked like last year...stars brightly shinning...

And this year it looks like this...a WinTer WOndeRLanD...

I opted not to decorate our playroom tree this year...lazy...so I had a bit of extra to add to the family room decorations. I added a bit of blue to the standard red and green and I'm thinking I kind of like it. It's a little more whimsy and fun. Reminds me of something off of the Elf movie...witch happens to be one of our all time favorites.

A lot of the big snowflakes came straight from the dollar store (last year)...and most of them in a package of at least 2 or more (we're talking CHEAP).

I think I was originally inspired by this cute print by eighteen25 (pic below) for the color combo.

And just a few more bits of the rest of the room.
A little ball ornament can go a long way!

And because I just couldn't give up the stars...they're still shinning brightly, just in another room.

Fun to mix it up once in a while, easy way to get a new look with NO money spent.
How are you mixing it up this season?

Dear Santa {Printable}

2010-11-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

Am I the only one who loves having a little blackmail to hold over my kids head this time of year? This is me the entire month of December, "Santa's watching you!" Or, "Santa knows if you've been naughty." And of course, "He knows when you are sleeping!" The countdown starts tomorrow (officially). Its time to get those letters out. Need a free printable letter for Dear Old Santa? Check this one out!

InDiAn cORn favOrs and MaYfLoweR MuffiNs

2010-11-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

So as I've mentioned, my 3 year old is having a Thanksgiving Feast at preschool next week and as part of that feast they are going to have some games and crafts for the kids to do. A friend of mine and I were put in charge of doing a game...have you ever tried to come up with a game for Thanksgiving? It's tricky. Thankfully, she's a teacher and had lots of stuff to work with. We came up with "Don't Eat ToM {the tuRkeY}!"...our version of "Don't Eat PeTe!" So since she's doing all the work getting the board together for the game I thought I would make a little favor to hand out to the kids...cause games ALWAYS need favors, right! I was so excited when I accidentally came across this post at It's Always a Party at the Parkers...her and I would get along just fine!! I loved all of her ideas. But I was super stoked when I saw her InDiAn cORn favOrs! So cute and so easy!! I totally printed off my FREE printables and got to work.

Made up a few of my own...

And to take full advantage of her creativity, I think I'm going to turn my PB&J muffins into little Mayflower Ships...

(I used scrapbook paper for the bottoms of the ships rather than printing them out).

Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins

2010-11-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

My little guy is having his ThanKsGiviNg fEast at preschool next week...really, it's gonna be quite the feast! His teacher is so fun and creative and has come up with the idea of having each kid bring a taste of one of their favorite dishes for everyone to share with their friends. Then they'll all sit down to their own special tHanKsgiViNg feAsT. She's also going to have a recipe book made up of all the goodies to give to each kid. SO fUN!

So I was dying to ask my little guy what his favorite dish that mommy makes was, until...he came back with,"Peanut Butter and Jelly!" Oh, great! PB&J. And he was not about to back down, he wanted to share Mom's delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with everyone. Really I can't blame the kid...I'm no cook that's for sure, but I thought we should at least come prepared with something that actually had a recipe. So we compromised and came up with Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins. He still gets a PB&J (essentially) and I get to fill like I'm actually fulfilling my duty as the mother.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins

Ingredients:

• No-Stick cooking spray
• 2 cups All Purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup Creamy Natural peanut butter, stirred, OR 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1/3 cup Pure vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup Seedless strawberry jam OR strawberry preserves
• 1/4 cup sugar

How to make it:

• HEAT oven to 375ºF. Spray muffin pan with no-stick cooking spray. Stir together flour, salt and baking powder in a large bowl. Add milk, eggs, 2/3 cup sugar, peanut butter and oil to bowl. Combine ingredients on low speed of electric mixer, just until moistened. Do not over beat.

• FILL prepared muffin cups evenly with half of the batter. Place 2 level teaspoons jam or preserves in the center of each muffin. Evenly divide remaining batter between muffin cups. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup sugar. Bake 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool in pan 5 minutes.

ThankFuL TReEs: ActiVity DaYs

2010-11-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

This week for Activity Days we talked about living in ThANksGiViNG daily and how we should be thankful each day for the blessings that we have...not just at Thanksgiving time. I found some cute journals at Michaels for a buck and gave them to the girls to use as Gratitude Journals. I told them that they need to try to write in their journals each day for the rest of the month (if not longer).

I glued a printout of this scripture inside to remind them of blessings of living in ThaNksGiVinG daily...

(thanks again to A Bushel and a Peck for this idea!)

As a craft we made ThaNKfuL trEes to take home and share with their families.

I made a few thankful for tags for the girls to take and have each family member add to their trees.

I used mini clothespins to clip them to the branches.

Their challenge was to go home and share the message of living in ThaNkSgiVinG daily with their families for FHE (one of the ideas for Faith in God requirements) and have everyone add their thankful for tags to the tree.

And to finish them off we added a few leaves.

I printed a bunch of leaves on one page and used my 2 inch punch to punch them out, added a loop of raffia to hang them and then backed them with another circle of card stock.

A fun way to teach the importance of living in ThAnKsgIviNG daily.

The trees can be used year after year. We have a tradition of taking ours out every November and adding to the branches. So fun to go back and look at what everyone was thankful for in years previous.

tHanKsGiViNg PriNtaBLe

2010-11-09T13:14:00.001-07:00

It's simple. It's easy. It's free.

Copy. Paste. Print.

You can find the Keep Calm Print here.

A HaPpY HaLLoWeEN...

2010-11-02T09:27:00.000-06:00

We had a good one.

And we've got the treats to prove it...

These little sharks went out...

And they attacked!

Dad even got in on some of action...this way he gets to claim his share of the treats.

A veRy HaPpY HaLLoWeEN indeed!

How was yours?

PoiSoned ApPLes: Activity Days

2010-10-25T13:35:00.001-06:00

So here's another not so quick but easy idea for Activity days.

I wanted to do something festive and a little creepy for Halloween for my girls this month. I found these way cute (and a little bit creepy) beaded spiders. At first I wasn't sure if they were going to be too complicated, but the girls had fun making them even though they were a little time consuming. I enjoyed the craft time very much, it was a nice {QuiEt} activity. They had to concentrate a little to get those little beads on there!

And to add a treat to the tricks (there must ALWAYS be a treat) we did caramel apples. Cause really, who isn't down with a little caramel apple this time of year.

Have you used the Kraft Caramel Bits yet? I recommend. They melt quick and you don't have to mess with those stinkin' wrappers!

We carameled and sprinkled our apples...

Made our spooky spiders...

Ended up with a tricky treat...PoiSoned ApPLes.

MonSteR EyeBaLLs

2010-10-21T18:25:00.001-06:00

I've been on a desperate search for a cute little Halloween handout and found this idea here. LOVED it! I did exactly what I was told and ran to Michaels to find the fun little eyeball stickers...but of course, as my luck goes...they were sold out. Believe me I searched! Very sad, I took myself home ready to give up on the idea...when it came to me...I can make my own stickers! And so, that's exactly what I did.

Whipped up a few EyEbaLLs in Photoshop...

(copy, paste, print...if you're interested)

Made up a few tags to match...

I cut out the eyeballs and ran them through my Xyron (sticker maker...although I'm sure a dab of glue or glue dots would work just as well), stuck them in a cello bag with a piece of cardstock in the back to make the bag a little more stiff. Then I stuck the tag on front and there it was...MoNstER EYeBaLLs for my little monsters to handout to their monster friends.

Now if EyEbAlls aren't your thing check out another idea from it is what it is...witchy hats. So cute! I still may have to make a few of these...

I'm thinking moNster eYebaLLs for the boys, wiTchY haTs for the girLs...

Another Feature!

2010-10-19T09:00:00.001-06:00

If I was on top of things I would have told you that CoOper'S BiG ToP PaRty was featured on Catch my Party's "Party of the DaY" last week...but I'm lame and seem to be behind in everything these days, so I didn't. So this is me telling you now. And if you don't believe me you can go here to see for yourself, or don't...whatever. I do suggest (again) that if you are looking inspiration for AnY kind of party you MUST visit their site. Tons of great ideas!

Okay, in other news...I promise to have some sort of "ReaL" post up soon. And as in soon, I mean sometime before Christmas...

;)

CraFtY SeasOn

2010-10-07T10:54:00.002-06:00

Look at me, 3rd post in 3 days...I don't know what's gotten into me! I'm on a roLL. I think it has something to do with the fall season. Something about pumpkins, the cool air and soup simmering on the stove makes me want to craft. So I've been in the mood and decided just today that I just may break down and make something, not sure what yet...to be continued. For now, because it's just not right to post without a pic, here's a look at my house all HaLLoWeENeD up...have you got your spook on yet?

Made these paper covered stars last year.

And this bOo burLaP baNner...

I've added a few new skulls this year.

Still one of my favorites...

And another SkuLLy...

My 3 year old asked me why I put the noodles in there (the spanish moss)...

I'm starting to think I may have as many haLLoWeEn decorations as Christmas!

PLaNniNG a PaRtY?

2010-10-06T09:46:00.006-06:00

So I'm sitting here eating my breakfast rice krispie treat this morning (I can count it as breakfast cause there's cereal in it, right?) looking through emails and I pull up one up from Jillian at catchmyparty.com (thanks for filling me in, by the way) who tells me I've been featured on one of my very favorite blogs...DeSiGn DaZzLe.

Have you been there? If not you must go! This is where I ~~steaL~~ get a lot of my party inspiration, not to mention kids room decorating ideas...really good stuff! I really cannot believe that my party made the cut. Very flattered to be in such creative company.
And if there isn't enough inspiration there for ya, you need to go here or here for even more party inspiration. I had no idea of this site/blog until this morning...and could totally have used it before now! Tons of great ideas!!

I'm always happy to learn of new blogs to visit and had to share these with you with you so you can benefit, too!
HapPy PaRty PLanNinG!

sOmetHiNG gOoD

2010-10-05T13:09:00.003-06:00

Okay, so it's not that great...but it is something. I figure that at the rate I've been blogging, I can call it good.

Are you in need of a little HallOweEN treat? Or something to spoOk things up a bit? I made a couple of prints in photoshop to put out as decoration in my house and thought I would share.

Print them if you dare...ooOoohaHAHhaaaa...

(Good to print up to 8x8)

(good to print up to 5x7)

Found the FREE digi kit here.

Did you know?

2010-09-10T13:43:00.001-06:00

Did you know that if you make your email address readily available to people (say on your blog), they just may send you an email and expect a response!

Hah. Just something I learned today. Thought I'd share.

Apparently just because I don't check my email, doesn't mean they don't keep coming...and coming.

It's obvious I've been a slacker.

No posts to speak of for nearly a month and even before then they've been very spotty.

Not checking the email, for no good reason other than laziness.

And you know what else, I don't think I've touched a single craft in weeks (*GaSp*).

So here's the disclosure:

I'm being lazy, because I've decided sometimes I'm entitled.
I'm sorry I haven't responded to emails...and let's be truthful...I really don't intend to (unless I owe you money for orders that I won't be filling).
Which leads me to the next item...I'm really NOT taking orders. Really.
And thanks very much for the offers, but I haven't and won't be participating in any boutiques this fall...except maybe attending them.
Lastly, I'm willing to be anybody's friend who wants to be mine :) Thanks for the kind comments!

Hope that clears it up for everyone. Don't mean to be mean. Just trying to cover it all in one short post here...again, laZy.

I really do appreciate those who humor me and this blog. You are very kind, all of you.

We had a PaRtY!

2010-08-16T15:38:00.001-06:00

We had a party.

It was a success...or good enough anyway (never does go exactly as planned).

The kid was happy.

I'm happy to have it over with.

Here's how it went down.

First we invited a few people...

The people came...

We had a little CaKe...
I decided to get brave and attempt making the cake myself this year. And after a lot of consulting with others and a bit of stress involved...we had cake.

...and CuPCaKes

I nearly poisoned a few children with the red frosting. I had to use a LOT of red food coloring to actually get RED. Wasn't really thinking about how they might taste. Always choosing fashion over function...oops!

And a little CandY...

...PoP cOrN...PeaNutS...

...CiRCuS PeaNutS...

Then we played some GaMEs...

SpiLLed the MiLk...

ToSseD BeaN baGs aT the CLoWN...

FisHed the PoNd...

ToSsed the RiNGs...

Had a CLoWn ReLaY...

RaCed the DuCKs...

Got DuNked in the TaNk...

Won PriZes and FaVOrs...

We had everything a clown could need, bow ties, red noses, BiG sunglasses, BiG flowers, whoopee cusions, trick cameras and gum (the spraying kind), a few noise makers and of course gold fish (yes, real ones)...

I made a few flowers for the older girls and adults that helped. THANK YOU ALL!!

Missed a few of the deCoRAtiONs...

I didn't get much of the decorations up due to the hurricane force winds we had. That's right, we had a party in the wind :P

Had a little of this...

But I did manage to get my pennant banners up (and they even stayed up).

I didn't get tables decorated as you can see above. A lot of the decor stayed in the house and didn't get used : ( Guess that just means we'll have to have another carnival : )

...that is if the RinGmASteR allows it.

What can I say, I'm one lucky girl to have this guy who puts up with me. Here he is after the circus (and I mean it literally!) sopping wet (from being dunked in the dunk tank), covered in frosting (from kids faces) managing to put a smile on his face so that I can get a picture of his shirt. What a guy!

And that was that.

We had a party.

Now I can put these feet up (for a couple of months anyway) and rest for a bit.

One more year, one more party down.

Planning a PArtY!

2010-07-30T09:00:00.001-06:00

Oh goodness, it's been a while! I've been a very bad blogger lately.

Let me try and explain...we've been planning a party

(for some of you I needn't say more, you know what all that involves and the absence makes complete sense...and for those who don't get it...well, let's just say we take our parties seriously around here).

The little guy's turning 5. So were having a carnival.

Hope to have more details for you soon!

Oh, hi there...

2010-06-25T10:15:00.002-06:00

It's been a while. And while there are several reasons as to why I have not been here wasting my (and everyone elses) time, I'm gonna wrap it up in one nice little package and blame it on

SUMMER.

We've been having a bit of it here...and enjoying it, too.

So here I am, checking in. Saying hi. And letting you know it may be hit and miss here for the next few...but I'm sure you can handle it. I hope you're having some of your own summer.

In the mean time here's a great Father's day gift idea...hee, hee...a little late, I know...but whatever. Father's day comes every year, right?

We (Activity Day GirLs) made this little snack to give to our dads for father's day...another quick and easy one.

A little root beer, a little microwave popcorn, some curly ribbon and another cheesy saying...here's what you get...

"RoOt rOot for DaD!"

"You're the beSt PoP around!"

The Tags: print, cut, apply...

Rip oFF

2010-05-29T10:30:00.002-06:00

Okay, I totally ripped off this shirt.

Sometimes I need a little inspiration, so I look around in other places to help me get creatative...I'm not the only, am I? I found this one here...

(Mini Boden USA $24.00)

And then I made this one...

(Walmart & a little time and effort...less than $4.00)

I'm loving how this one turned out.

Another HaPpY customer.

He calls it his Sk8 boaRd Dude shiRt.

If you're looking for a tutorial on the freezer paper stenciling, start here.

I also borrowed the embroidery idea from her...lover her, she's pretty much genius.

Fun Freezer Paper Tees

2010-05-28T13:42:00.004-06:00

So I've had these on my desk (er, craft table) for quite some time now waiting to be finished up.

Another take on the tee. Freezer paper stenciling. Have you seen these around? I've seen them here and there and thought I would try my hand at them. They are so fun and not too hard to do! I've made a couple of them now and will show each one for the next couple of days as to not make this post super long.

First I found some plain front tees (Walmart...my boys LOVE the muscle tees) and a bit of fabric paint (Joanns). I already had the freezer paper from previous projects...so I was off to make my tees.

I decided to start with a shirt for my 3 year old. He has outgrown his favorite t-shirt (finally!), a pirate t-shirt, but he cannot bring himself to 'hang it up' for good...still tries to sneak it on, EVERY DAY, and I'm afraid it is no longer containing his little belly. So to make this transition a little eaiser for him (and me) I made up a new pirate shirt using this template for the skull and crossbones.

Here's how it turned out...

After I stenciled the skull I added some applique...

And then a little embroidery stitching...

He is a huge fan! He tells me almost daily, "I wuv my new pirate shirt, Momma!"

And that's good enough for me. ArrGh.

Teacher Appreciation Gifts

2010-05-24T22:01:00.002-06:00

My little guy is graduating from preschool tomorrow morning. So because he will be saying goodbye to his preschool teacher for good, I thought we'd whip up a little something to tell her thanks for all she has done over the past two years. We love Miss Amy!

I came up with a couple of these ideas on my own...and couple I borrowed from others (thanks for sharing).

I decided to go with the apple theme. When I think teacher, I think apple. So what better to go with the apple theme than cute little bag of...

Apples!
I used a small paper lunch sack trimmed it down a bit, folded the top over, then filled it with a few apples and attched an apple sticker to the front of the sack. Quick and easy.

Now if you're looking for something a little more cheesy you could whip out the corny sayings, such as:

You're "Simply" the best (Simply Apple Juice)

Or, You're "MaG"nificent! (ABC magnets)

Or what about, You're o"Fish"ally the best! (Sweedish Fish)

Or if you're like me and don't know where to draw the line, you could load it ALL up in to a trash can and attach a tag that says...

Learning with you was no "Waste"

Now if you need a little help getting started, here's an apple tag to get you going.

Print. Cut. Attach. Done.

And if you're feeling cheesy...

Moms and Muffins

2010-05-20T23:05:00.000-06:00

We held our "Moms & Muffins" breakfast this past weekend for the Activity Day girls.

It was lots of fun and I think everyone had a good time (I never really know...preteens are hard to read...almost as bad as their teenaged friends). We did have a good turn out, everyone came in fancy hats as was requested. The party was meant to have a tea party theme. So we had breakfast with our moms (muffins, obviously), gave awards for their decked out tea party hats, and then took pictures of the girls with their moms.

And now I can say...one more down.

Anyway thought I would share a few pics of the decorations.

First, here's the invite I made up in Photoshop.

I know! 8:00 in the A.M.!

That's so early for me to up and functioning correctly. But schedules had to be worked around. Busy girls.

Here's a bit of an overview of the tables.

And a little bit closer in on the details.

I used a lot of decorations from around the house (cheap) but did have to fluff it up a bit further. I made pink pOm PoMs (already had the blue and green) and strung a few paper doilies, then made a few of the rosette balls (above)...and there you have it, ready for a party.

It's a Matilda Jane Party!

2010-05-17T22:17:00.003-06:00

My cute friend is having a Matilda Jane Party this weekend at her home.
If you're in the area you MUST come have a look...seriously THE cutest stuff ever!

Seriously!

Here are the details:

Hostess: Tiffany George

When: Saturday, May 22nd

Time: 11am – 1pm (Open House)

Place: 2611 N. 3375 W. Plain City

RSVP: 801-941-8319 (Call if you need directions)

Don’t Forget: Bring your daughters and enter them into the MJC Cover-Girl Contest

If you are unable to attend, but would like to place an order, feel free to call or email our Trunk Keeper, Becky. You can shop online at www.matildajaneclothing.com and then click on ‘the goods’. You can choose from any of the categories. Instead of adding items to a shopping cart you’ll add them to a wish list and you can print it off and bring it to the show or email it to becky at beckyj@matildajaneclothing.com and she’d be more than happy to help you place an order on Tiff's show.

Becky Jeide
Matilda Jane Clothing

Utah Trunk Keeper ID# 203

801-360-3109

Go have a sneaky peek...

www.matildajaneclothing.com

More for Mom

2010-04-28T13:37:00.003-06:00

As promised here is a bit more for Mom.

Along with the flowers we made for our mom's, my Activity Day girls are going to 'make' a jar of bath salts. Homemade bathsalts was my intention in the begining. I wanted to make them from scratch using Martha's recipe...

You need only four ingredients to make these moisturizing exfoliants. The base can be made from either Epsom salts or sugar, depending on whether you want a large or fine grain. Color the scrubs with shades that are in keeping with some of the scents you use -- pink with grapefruit, for example, or green with eucalyptus. Makes about 2 1/3 cups.

Tools and Materials:

2 cups Epsom salts or organic cane sugar

1 cup carrier oil

8 drops essential oil(s)

1 drop food coloring

Special equipment: plastic pipette, canning jars

Great idea, huh? Yes, but then I went to look for all the supplies and ended up not finding everything I needed and realized that it was probably cheaper to buy it done for us already in a big bag like this...
Edited to add: I found these at Walmart

All we need to do is add some food coloring to add a touch of color,

Top with our flowers and we're done.

Don't know if I can qualify that as a whole activity...but I figure it will leave us time to write a nice letter to our mom's that we can attach to our almost homemade bath salts :)

It's the thought that counts, right?