Toddler Talk: Say Cheese!

I made a fun little paper project for the kids a few weeks ago. You see for weeks before, they were turning all kinds of toys into cameras....holding flat-ish rectangular things up to their face and yelling, "Say Monkey!!" and "Say Cheese!"

I expanded on this idea to supply them with a more 'realistic' version of what they had created on their own. Now I know, you may say, "Why don't you just put some old, non functioning real cameras in the room for them to explore?"

Well, the answer is that I didn't have any of those. But I did have paper, scissors, ribbon and a laminator:

Sequins & Sofas: 5 Things

I took a little break from posting any legit content over the holidays (although I hope you enjoyed the cute Christmas snapshot of the best family in the whole world, mine!)...It's a new year and it's time to get the ball rolling once again!

Things I like:

1. Fingerless gloves- Now that the Polar Vortex of 2014 seems to be passing, I'm gonna bust these bad boys out! A gift from my bro-in-law, they are better than mittens when the Mercury hits above freezing...you can text (not while driving), tie your shoe, peel a banana...the possibilities are endless. Thanks Special K!

2. Avocados- That's all...just avocados. I LOVE THEM! You should love them too.

3. Arbonne CC Cream- I hosted a party awhile back and thought I would give this product a try. After all, the description said it was a 10-in-1 cream. 10-in-1!

I have to say, I have been using it for about 6 weeks and my skin has really improved! Arbonne products are pretty great...natural ingredients that actually help your skin instead of just covering up the imperfections. My friend Amy Van Akkeren is a consultant- and she is GREAT! If you are looking to try some product for yourself or want to host a party, look her up on Arbonne.com.You will not be sorry!

4. Origami Owl Jewelry- Ok, I am not some crazy 'in-home party products' lady. I swear. But this stuff is so cute! Somehow I found myself at another party and simply had to make a necklace of my very own. So....you choose little charms and trinkets to put into a see-thru locket, choose a chain and some dangles...all personalized and shiny!

I am planning on hosting a party of my own this February. If you know me, you will probably be getting an invite (so, sorry...or woo hoo- depending on how you feel about jewelry parties). Either way, you'll want to come...if only for the snacks and good company!

5. How I Met Your Mother- One of the best TV series ever created. If you have never watched and are looking for something new to stream, this is a sure fire winner. Ted Mosby, slap bets, a ducky tie, the yellow umbrella, a goat in a bathroom, Marshall and Lily, Robin Sparkles, the 'Bro Code' and Barney. Are you intrigued? It's amazing. Dare I say Legen....wait for it. Dary. Legendary.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Sequins & Sofas: Grandma Glam

I am fortunate to have acquired a few pieces of jewelry from my Nana and Grandma- both now passed but never forgotten:)

The first from my Nana:

This was a ring that my Papa got for her with all the birthstones of her 5 wonderful and perfect children. I had always admired it as a child and about a year after she passed away, my Aunt asked me if I wanted to have it. You see, Nana and I shared the very same birthday. So to have a 'birthday' ring from her felt quite special...I cherish it.

The second was from my Grandma:

The story goes that Grandma had lost her original emgagement ring while rockin and rollin at her Saturday night Keg Club gathering...she and her friend Audrey searched high and low for it all the night thru (even took the kitchen sink apart) with no success. So Grandma went down to the local jeweler that very next week and picked out a new set for herself- petite and lovely. My mama passed it along to me a few years ago....and I am honored to be its new caretaker.

It's fun to think of my Nana and Grandma wearing these sparkly pieces of beauty...I feel honored to wear them and to keep the memories of Nana and Grandma close to my heart.

Toddler Talk: Find It!

My Tods think anything 'Peek-a-boo' related is super hilarious (as I am sure yours do too.)

So why not add some peek-a-boo opportunities into their play space for them to discover.

I made what I am calling the 'Animal Peek-a-boo Wall' on the back of one of our toy shelves.

First, I found some photos of different animals (I later plan to switch out the photos with a different theme to keep things interesting) and contact papered them up on the back of the shelf, spaced apart evenly. Then I sewed up some rectangles of fabric, leaving a little sewn loop at the top for a wooden dowel to slide through. With about an inch of dowel sticking out of each side, I then used those ends as anchors for duct taping to the shelf. (You see, I had made a similar wall a few months back and simply duct taped the top of a piece of cut fabric to the shelf...it lasted about a week before those little rascals yanked the fabric from the tape).

The key is engineering and reinforcement...I wanted them to be able to tug on the fabric and explore as they desired without tearing the whole thing apart. So far so good!

It's been a big hit, especially for the younger ones. They keep coming back to see if that bunny or elephant is still under there....and they also get a little practice with fine motor & memory development.

Crafty Corner: Knock, Knock...It's Christmas!

It's true..now that Turkey Day has passed, it is completely acceptable (and necessary) to prepare for the Christmas season. What better place than my very own front door (ok, so I only actually have one door since I am an apartment dweller...but it somehow sounds more festive to describe it in this way. That's what Martha would do. Agreed?)

Back up a few months. I was doing some Duluth shopping with Auntie LaLa and I saw this:

Cute, right? I thought so too...until I saw it was $60.00!!!!!!

Sheesh. That's just crazy. But not as crazy as the crafting that's about to go down...boom:

A big metal ring from the craft store. $2.

A pile of fabric scraps. Free. (Fine, not exactly, I realize that I did indeed pay $ at one point for said scraps, but I already had them lying around...so....free.)

Cut a bazillion strips.

Tied some knots...many knots. Tied knots until the circle was complete.

Also, take note of my festive Christmas candy cane jammie pants...the proper attire for such a crafting event should never be overlooked.

Cost: Under $5. My door feels happy and ready to wish a Merry Christmas to all who pass through!