way too cool not to blog about :)

My very talented sister, made the front page of the Seattle Post Intelligence! Yes, can you believe-and for what you might ask?? Sewing. Crafting. Etsy. Being her talented self. Standing up for what she believes in. You have probably heard about the possible ban on homemade toys and such due to testing by the CPSIA ?? I should have blogged about this myself, since I felt strongly about it. But I didn't... I do feel toys should be tested for safety and I constantly watch the recalls etc. to make sure all the store bought toys in our home are safe for the kids. But homemade goods made with fabric, wood, etc. being tested too? That seems like a little bit much to me and would put tons of etsy sellers and SAHM-crafters out of business. (I even heard that this testing could possibly prohibit the buying of used children's items that had not been tested. ?) I do buy used kid's stuff from second-hand stores. Well the ban has been delayed! See here. Yeah for homemade goods, toys, and clothes:) She blogged about this a while ago, and somehow made the headlines from there:) If you have not checked out her etsy shop, you are missing out. She makes the cutest stuff for little girls:)

Handy Valentine Card

We made these fun cards to give to family members today. This was very simple and fun to do. I even made a few myself.

Here are the instructions:

1. Fold a piece of white card stock in half. Using ink or craft paint, carefully apply to your child's hand. I used craft paint and a sponge brush. My experience has been that paint works better for me than ink. Have baby wipes ready to wipe off the extra immediately after.

2. When applying the hand to the paper, turn the card paper upside down and/or backwards-so the card opens the opposite way of what you would normally expect. This way, your child will not have to bend their hand in an awkward position when stamping their hand heart. Have your child hold their fingers together instead of spread apart. This way the image will look more like a heart. The palm of the hand makes the top of the heart, and the fingers make the bottom of the heart.

3. Press the hand evenly and lift straight up when done.

4. Wipe off extra ink/paint with a baby wipe, and then wash the hand with soap and water.

Repeat the process with the other hand.

5. Let dry.

6. Use a black pen to add words or embellish. You could also stamp some words. I also used a red ink pad to ink the edges of the card.

7. Write a message to the loved one inside and you are done!

note: **My 3 and half year old could easily do this with my supervision. Trying to do it with an almost 1 and half year old...well...it sort of worked-but obviously not as well. I had to wipe his hands off right away:)

Storytime: Winnie in Winter

Are you tired of winter yet? Well Winnie is, in this story, Winnie in Winter. (Unfortunately, I just looked this book up on Amazon, and it is pretty pricey. I have had my copy for years, so see if you can find it at a bookstore- it is a darling story so snatch it up ;)) This is the cutest story about a witch named Winnie, and her cat, who are both tired of winter. So Winnie uses her magic to turn things into summer in her yard. Of course, everyone wants to come to her yard and enjoy summer!
And come they do.....soon, Winnie decides that winter isn't so bad and she will enjoy it while it lasts.

This story is so popular at our house, that we have had to read it every night for several weeks. It is so popular, that the mommy in this house, hid it away for a few days, so we could enjoy some of our other fun books:) If you can get a copy of this book, it is a keeper! I think your children will love the illustrations and the fun story- just as it is loved here at our house! Enjoy the rest of winter-- spring is around the corner- and I can't wait !

Money Saving Monday- Using Pharmacy Coupons

If you get the Sunday paper, then you are probably aware of Pharmacy coupons. Where I live, I have seen them for Target ($10), CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens ($25). Here is how they work: If you fill a new perscription, or transfer a perscription to their store, you get a gift card to use at that store, if you bring in the coupon from the newspaper. I have one that came back in December, for Walgreens ($25) that doesn't expire until February. I have used these at Fry's too, and saved $40 off of my grocery bill all at once-just for filling a perscription- that cost me $4. :) (The Fry's ones come in the mail). If someone in your family needs a perscription or a refill, look for the pharmacy coupons. Hey- it is like getting free merchandise just for filling a perscription-which is probably something you were going to do anyway. Happy Money Saving!!

S.O.S.- Sweets on Sunday- Congo Bars

This has been a family favorite bar-cookie recipe for as long as I can remember. I have so many great memories as a child, making these cookies. And I still make them- at least once a month.

We made them again for Sweets on Sunday. Here is the yummy recipe!

Congo Bars

2/3 c butter or margine melted and cooled
2 ¼ c light brown sugar
3 eggs
(When butter has cooled, blend these three together.)
2 ¾ c flour
2-½ tsp. Baking powder
½ t. salt (omit if salted butter)
Add these to the first mixture.
1 c. choc. Chips
1c walnuts (optional)
Also optional: raisins, coconut, or other nuts

Add choc. Chips and nuts. Spread in a well-greased pan (9 x 13) and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Cut while warm. YUMMY! These always turn out great!

Sabbath 1/25/09

I have not been enjoying my Sabbath posts lately, but I really enjoy quotes. So I am going to start posting a quote sometimes on Sunday, to help me and hopefully you too ;) This quote came from a CES fireside I watched on BYU T.V. a few weeks ago. You are welcome to download this quote if you like and print it out. Be aware, that it is in a 12 by 12 inch format, so you will most likely want to size it down to print it out. Happy Sunday ;)  PLEASE don't copy this, or publish it on your blog without LINKING back to me and giving me credit. THANKS :)

Feeling the Blog Love Again- thanks Lara ;)

Thank you Lara. Lara has inspired me to catch up on some very past blog awards. Sometimes I think these things are silly, but after having a hard week last week, this is very welcoming! And so... I am going to follow her example and award some blogs with a little award. (so sorry- I have like three of these from the past I need to pass on.) I will not care if you choose not to play, but I think that I am going to "share the blog-love".
Let me tell you about Lara. I have known her for as long as I can remember. My brother and her were born in the same hospital practically on the same day! Her mother is an amazing aerobics instructor, and actually taught me dance when I was younger. Lara and I were in Drama and Choirs together in High School- I believe A'cappella and Chamber/show choir. I remember we both had some little solo parts in our H.S. production of Oliver- singing together ... (ha ha- I have it on video somewhere-:))
I came across Lara's blog this summer, when I discovered a friend from high school died suddenly in a motorcycle accident. Someone had posted it on their blog, and linked to Lara. I was so happy to find her in the blogging world. Blogs can really be a blessing- if we allow them to be ;)
She is a darling wife, an amazing musician, and photographer. She is a great writer too-as seen on her blog :) Anyway, Thank you Lara. You can check out her blog here.
(I will post some pass-along awards on Monday;))

OH as part of this award, I must list 5 fabulous (if you want to call them fabulous :)) addicitons:
Here they are in no particular order:
1. Diet Dr. Pepper-but not when I have morning sickness during pregnancy
2. The Biggest Loser on T.V. and several other reality shows...
3. My children and husband- I love them so much I don't know what I would do without them :)
4. Making stuff- crafting...etc.
5. taking photos-photography

Maybe you will be next...:) I'll post some fabulous blogs w/ an award soon! Play if you want to;)

City Play Mat from a Shower Curtain

Using a shower curtain, from the Dollar Store, we made a city play mat of the places we often go to in our city. Although I would like to make a really cute canvas play mat, a new play mat is always fun, and this one did not take long to make at all- a few hours tops. Plus, this play mat cost ONE DOLLAR! Talk about affordable fun! ;) My son gave me lots of input so it was a joint effort :) He even colored a little for me!
Here is what you need if you want to make one of these at your house:
*Shower curtain from the dollar store (some are really flimsy, but it works)
*Clear wide tape- (any kind will do but packing tape is the strongest. We used packing and sealing tape. Both worked fine.)
*Card stock and a printer
*Markers, crayons

First, draw some roads and boxes. I just sort of followed the folds on the shower curtain. A permanent marker works best so that it does not rub off.

Next, use your computer to print out signs of familiar places you often visit, from your own photos, or using google images. Doing this will help your child learn some environmental print.

NOTE: Images off the computer are usually copyrighted, so don't use them for anything else. I think it is fine to print one copy for your own use in your home-but don't quote me on that- that is my understanding of the law. You can also take photos of places you visit and use those photos too. That way- you took the photo- you can do what you want with it ;)

We used crayons and markers to draw the buildings on cardstock, and put the signs on the buildings.

Next cut and tape the places to the shower curtain. Cover them with the tape so that they stay on well. Use toy cars, people, animals, for your play mat.

Since the shower curtain is flimsy, (hey it was only one dollar;)), use some books or weights to hold the sides and corners down when the children are playing on it.

Enjoy your new play mat! Visit all the places you love to go around town, without ever leaving your home! ;)

**My son kindly reminded me that we did not put "Trader Joe's, JoAnn's, or the Craft store- Michaels." Guess we will have to add those places too!

(MLO) My Life Organized- The Food Pantry

A few weeks ago, I organized the food pantry and cleaned out the refrigerator. The food pantry still looks great, but the refrigerator needs a good cleaning out once a week. As part of cleaning out the pantry, here are a few things I do:

*Since I shop sales, and buy things in large quantities, (all in the name of saving some $$), we usually have a 6 month-to-a-year supply of food.

In order to keep it rotating so that you don't end up with a bunch of expired boxes of food, we write the expiration date on the side of the box with a marker. (When I cleaned out the food pantry this time, I only found 3 cans of food w/ past expiration dates...so not so bad :))

*I always put the new food in the back of the pantry, and move the older food to the front.

*I keep a "grab-n-go" snack basket as seen above. This way, when we are in a hurry to go somewhere, (and we always take snacks), I can just grab a few items and stick them in the diaper bag.

*Categorize and use containers: I have everything in baskets according to category. For example: for baking, I have a basket w/ baking soda, baking powder, vanilla, salt, etc. So if I am baking, I just pull out the basket, use it, and put it all back. This way I don't have to dig through a shelf to find something. I keep all the crackers together, the tomato canned products, etc. etc.

What things do you do to organize your food pantry?

(MLO) My Life Organized- My Office- Before and After

NOW AND AFTER:

Not completely finished, but workable. You can actually see the desk top and the floor! The rest of the "paper clutter" will be tamed in small stages...

THIS WAS BEFORE:

Seriously, would you even want to step foot into this disaster? I didn't. Obviously one little guy enjoyed it...and enjoyed turning it into a bigger disaster...oh well... but a few hours of work changed it into something workable.....something that looks organized....and sort of is :)
AS IT IS NOW:
There is still more work in store- as you can see on the desk- bins to label and organize and figure out what to do with...but I enjoy being in the office now....:) yeah for getting organized and cleaning up!

Hanging Paper Hearts

Here is a fun Valentine decor-craft you can do with your kids.

You will need:

patterned papers, cardstock (I used the 12 by 12 size)

Scissors, paper cutter

curling ribbon or other ribbon

stapler

(hole punch- optional)

Cut the paper w/ the paper cutter into 1 inch strips. For variety, you can cut some larger.

To make a heart: fold a strip right in the middle and crease it. Then bring the ends together and staple, forming a heart. You can add another smaller heart in the middle or make larger hearts by using two strips of paper. You can also use two strips together when making a heart, so you have a pattern on both sides.

Staple or tie curling ribbon to hearts to hang up. You can also use a hole punch to punch a hole for the ribbon to go through.

Be creative! We made hearts in all different arrangements and hung them from our

ever-so-not-pretty kitchen light! It made it look lots better- and much more l-o-v-ely!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Candy Bubble Necklace

These candy leis, are always fun to make. We call them "bubble necklaces". "You could put anything in them, love notes, small toys, etc. We used conversation hearts, smarties, and chocolate!
You will need, scissors, plastic wrap, candies-or whatever you decide to put in them, and curling ribbon.

Lay out the plastic wrap. You will need more than you think. Lay the candy out in small amounts spaced evenly along the plastic wrap. Fold one side over, and then the other side, generously overlapping the plastic wrap. Twist each section shut before you tie with curling ribbon.

Twist the ends together and tie together. There you have a bubble necklace! These are fun to do for class parties, birthday parties, or for a family celebration or activity. Have fun!

Fantastic Give-A-Way at I Never Grew Up!

I Never Grew Up has a great give-a-way- a double stroller from Bumbleride!
Check out their products- they are very stylish & I love the colors!
I really need this...w/ #3 on the way :)

My love affair with Target continues....(i love target)

THAT'S RIGHT....it was 59.99 and was NOW 14.98!! I had to make a return at Target, and thought I'd just quickly check the baskets, etc. since I saw a laundry basket on clearance a few weeks ago- and wanted to see if it was reduced further.....WELL instead I came across something else....something amazing....something I have wanted/needed/wanted/needed for like EVER...but I was not willing to pay $59.99 or even what you see below-which was the first markdown:
NO... I wasn't willing to pay 41.98 either- too much- but for 14.98??? WHO ARE WE KIDDING!!
AND WHAT YOU ASK did I BUY for this AMAZING PRICE???








RED MICROFIBER STORAGE OTTOMANS!!!!
Since RED runs into practically every room in our home, RED could go anywhere and be used for anything!!!
AND here is how they are being used for now- TOY storage in the family room!


I LOVE YOU TARGET!!! :)
Thank you for helping me get my life organized...and being able to afford it!

(MLO) My Life Organized- Cleaning Up the Computer

Do you back things up on your computer regularly? This is a hard one for me to do. BUT...so important!! It doesn't really matter how much storage you have on your hard drive, things can happen and it can all be gone forever! This morning when I turned on our computer (which is ancient), it made this loud grinding sound. This isn't the first time it has done this. It has done this often lately. We have had our computer crash a few times in the past. However, I feel a crash may be upon us once again! AND SO....
I am on a mission to back things up like crazy!! This is a big job and could take me several days.
However it is a very important thing to do. I would really hate to lose all my 1000's of photos because I just did not back them up!! If you haven't backed-up your computer in a while, I challenge you to do this- organize your life and clean up your computer clutter! I am going to be doing just that....I'll let you know when the mission is accomplished :)

Shoebox Semi-Truck

I have been meaning to make a Semi-Truck out of a shoebox with my three year old for quite some time! We finally did it the other day- and instantly it is his favorite toy. :)

We used a shoebox, wrapping paper, stickers, Gatorade lids (headlights), empty ribbon holders (tires), pipe cleaners, scotch tape, and a razor blade and hot glue (only I used those last two items...of course)

When making something out of a shoebox like this, just use your imagination and creativity, and let your child give as much imput as possible. The words on the Semi-Truck- are ones my son decided he wanted it to say. He really wanted it to say "Target"-go figure- and a few others we just came up with using the leftover stickers. He also wanted a sunroof- so we made one. He has been having a ball playing with the silly thing!

Have fun making your own shoebox creations!

Happy Crafting with the kiddos!

Money Saving Monday! Sales + Coupons

Although I have been clipping coupons for 6 years now, I have not been very diligent about using them and organizing them lately. It only takes me about 30 minutes a week, to organize and plan what coupons to use- and I am here to tell you IT PAYS OFF! As part of being organized for this year, I am going to spend a 1/2 hour a week doing this. Today I shopped our local Alberton's Quaker Sale- and Here is the lowdown:

**Before food prices went up, Alberton's had this Quaker sale 10 for 10$. With coupons, back in the day, I could get the things on this sale for 75 cents each or less. BUT with the rise in the cost of food, the sale price this week was 1.57 each. **HOWEVER...using your coupons- from the newspaper, -and don't throw away the ones they print out for you when you buy groceries-I use those too (and sometimes they work for other stuff that is the same brand-so always ask the cashier if you can use it)- I got this stuff for $1 an item!!! In fact, all of this was only 20.25!!! Actually less than a dollar each!! Now if you are going to an Alberton's here, they only let you get one deal per transaction. But you can ring up as many transactions as you like. I did three. Without coupons, 7 items would have cost me $11- which is still a pretty good deal. But with coupons, 7 items cost me $7!

I don't think I have paid over $2 for a box of cereal in over a year- unless of course there is no sale and I buy it at Costco. I never pay more than $2 for a box of Granola bars, and in the past 2 years, we have not paid over a dollar for a container of oats. Now that is what I call MONEY SAVING!! If you don't clip coupons, and don't get the Sunday paper- DO IT!! You will save some moolah!

Storytime: Snowman Style

Everyday I have to tell my 3 1/2 year old that we can't build a snowman, because we live in a desert! He doesn't quite get it of course. We have been reading lots of snowman stories at our house lately-which is precisely why he really wants to build a snowman. Oh well, he can dream can't he? And in the meantime, we will keep reading about snowmen. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Missing Mitten Mystery by Steven Kellogg

This is a fun one-the illustrations are colorful and fun to look at. The story is simple, but imaginative. Imagine, growing a "mitten tree"...and always having several pair of colorful mittens!
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
This is a classic! It is a wordless picture book-great for young readers and developing literacy. Young children can tell the story by looking at the pictures. When I taught school, we made up the words, and every child made a page for a class big book, with words and an illustration.


The Biggest Best Snowman by Margery Cuyler
This book teaches us that even if you are little, you still can do "big things". The little girl in the story is often told she can't do things because she is little. With the help of her animal friends in the forest, she builds the biggest, best snowman~proving that she can do big things! A cute story especially for young children.
What snowman stories are you reading at your house?

Sabbath 1/11/09

"Keep CHRISTmas with you all through the year"

Making GLURCH (Creative Play for Kids)

This stuff is so fun, so easy, and so non-messy! If you are stuck inside on a cold winter day, make some of this with your kids for hours of play! We love to make GLURCH or OOBLECK (from Dr. Seuss)!
I originally obtained this recipe for a co-worker/teacher. Maybe you have seen GLURCH before, but it not, here ya go:) Sorry- I am not sure who gave it to me since it was years ago-but THANK YOU- WE love it!

Steven Spangler Science shows this recipe on this website, using the same things to make it. He also explains the history of Silly Putty and how it was made. Some fun facts can be found there!

RECIPE for GLURCH:
In a small bowl mix:
1 cup glue (8 oz. about 2 regular sizes of Elmer's glue)
3/4 cup water
In a large bowl mix:
1 tsp. "20-mule-team BORAX" (I found this in the cleaning section at Home Depo. I haven't seen it at every store.)
1/2 cup Hot water (I microwaved it for about 1 min.)
POUR GLUE MIXTURE over BORAX MIXTURE. Let sit for a minute and gently stir. Pour off any excess water. You can also use liquid starch. Please be aware that Borax, is laundry SOAP. Read the box, for precautions. In this small amount, it is harmless. :)

If you add food coloring, add it right away and mix in well.

This stuff is great! It sticks to itself, yet it is not sticky. It is a bit slimy, but not really. After playing with it, your hands are left clean-maybe a touch wet- but nothing sticks to your hands. Hopefully you can tell from the photos just what kind of a texture it has. It cleans up really well and you can't beat it. I think it is better than playdough! We love it! ENJOY!

**If you have children who still put things in their mouths, don't give this to them. I would wait until children are at least 3 to play with this, just so that they don't ingest it!**

Thrifty Valentine's Day Decor!

Now I know Valentine's Day isn't until February, but I love red and pink, and so I start early-plus it makes January a little more exciting! Here is my little table I decorate for the holidays. I would spread it out all over the house-but I have two energetic boys that would destroy it. So this way, it is up away from their little hands. :) The little mailboxes below the tree are from the dollar section at Target. I think I will do something with them for V-day w/ my 3 1/2 year old. The stitching pillows are ones that I have made in the past.
I made a "LOVE TREE" - sort of like my Halloween Tree from October. If I had a banister, I might just put these lights and garland there instead. You can make your own garland-with or without lights. I have had these heart lights for about 10 years- I picked them up on clearance at Target.(I heart Target.) I have used them for everything. (I even have ones that are LIPS:)) I ripped up some fabric, (less than $5 from Wal-mart) and tied it right onto the light string. If you don't have lights, you can tie it onto twine. Shoot, I might make one of these for every holiday. It is so easy, affordable and fun! I also bought a few wooden O's and X's at 40% off of course (1.20each)- to put on the tree because what is a "LOVE TREE" without hugs and kisses:)

This was my favorite project so far. Simple wooden letters- already painted white, I just sanded the edges, used some paper, buttons, and fabric scraps that I already had on hand, to decorate. I modge-podged the paper onto the letters. I loved this and it is so easy and inexpensive, I think I will make more in the future!
Please share if you have any thrifty Valentine's Day Decor at your house!
Happy Lover's Day :)

My Life Organized (MLO) Using Binders

I know we have the internet and computers- to save us from the "Paper Clutter Monster"- but for me there are some things that I would like to save on paper. I recently made use of the collection of 3-ring binders sitting around our house. I have quite the collection of "paper items"- music, visuals for teaching at church, Family Home Evening lessons, Magazines I just can't tear apart or throw away (The Friend), and large photographs that I switch out in my frames for each season. So in order to help me declutter and get my life organized, I created a binder system to help me find things easily. Just another way I am working on saying"bye bye" to paper clutter :)

Do you still use binders? If so how do you use them?

My Life Organized (MLO) Creating a Fun File

This month I am trying to get my life organized, and share with you some of the little ways that I have found to keep things in order- although I am not claiming to be an organized person. Organization has always been a challenge for me, but I really enjoy organizing and decluttering- so it is fun too.

A few years back, before blogging times, I realized that my love for magazines was cluttering up my life! I had to discard some magazines. So for a while I just threw them out. Then I came up with the "Fun File" where I could clip items that looked fun for teaching, family fun, cooking, crafts, etc. I created a folder for each month. I just clipped the activities and articles from my magazines, that looked interesting to me, and filed them away in the folder. Each month, I can pick up the folder and find fun things to do with my children and family. Some of the things I share on my blog, I often find from an old magazine- so it has proven to be a very valuable resource. So create our own FUN FILE....and see where it takes you this New Year! It will help you create fun in your family, while decluttering and organizing your life at the same time! Cheers!

The New Year's Baby

Growing up, we had the New Year's Baby come to visit our house on New Year's Eve. Of course I realized that this was unique to our family and our cousins. It was something my mother had in her family growing up and she continued it with us. I have continued this with my children, and it is really a fun little family tradition. We put our shoes under the tree or on the table if the tree has been taken down. In the morning, we find fun things in our shoe (from the New Year's Baby) to welcome in the New Year. Usually we would find things like a new toothbrush, a pack of gum, a calendar, and a box of cereal- that was our own! Being that my children are very little, I just saved a few dollar store things- that would have been in their stockings- for the New Year Baby. As you can see, we have some plastic dinosaurs, playdough, and CandyLand (I bought for $2 a year ago). Not anything fancy, just something to make the New Year fun! The interesting thing is, my son has a bunch of these plastic dinosaurs (88 cents at Wal-mart) and when he got some new ones, he played with his dinosaurs for 2-3 days straight. (Isn't it interesting...it really doesn't take much to make young children happy...yet usually, as parents we go way overboard-when all it takes is a small toy on an ordinary day to please a child)

Happy New Year!

Yoga DVD give-a-way :)

I use to do yoga at least once a week....then everything else got the better of me and I have not really done yoga for sometime. This give-a-way- is just what I need to get started again! OK...you can enter too if you want :) I Never Grew Up is a fun blog too- have a look :) Happy New Year!

Lookin' Fine in 2009!!

A few things I would like to "improve" upon this year....(there are more than 2 but 2 is what I am focusing/sharing.....ONE- wanting my home to look Fine for 2009 - which is what I have been doing the last 2 days- mission organize and declutter all the way~~~! (I will show some before and afters) Isn't there something about cleaning up C-mas and starting a new year that makes you want to do that?
This blog and this website are helping me in this department. (sorry to have abandoned you Flylady...but I shall return!)

TWO.... OK...so I can't really "diet" right now being that I am 14 weeks pregnant-and believe me- the weight has been coming on....(not good) ---
BUT... I can eat healthy and exercise- So I'll be sharing some little gems that I have found with you this month! AND..I am totally inspired by THE BIGGEST LOSER!! And after baby three, I plan to work on being just that - in my own way:)

What are you hoping for in 2009?