Craft Project Thursday

Almost No Sew Hip Makeup Bag

 

Difficulty: Average

Age: 8 and up

Average User Rating:

Parental supervision is recommended

This hip and funky makeup bag makes a perfect homemade gift or any cool mom. A pretty fabric matched with a bright button makes for a lovely present that mother can truly use.

What you'll need:

• Sturdy fabric with pretty pattern, 14” x 8”
• Colorful button to match fabric
• Thread to match fabric
• Scissors
• Needle or sewing machine
• Permanent fabric glue

How to make it:

1. Cut fabric into two pieces, 9” x 8” and 5” x 8”.
2. Lay 9” piece of fabric right side up on table. Lay 5” piece of fabric right side down on top of larger piece of fabric. Line up bottom to bottom (8” side) on one end and glue the edges together (right sides together) with a thin strip of glue.
3. Now that the 8" ends are glued together, flip the fabric over so the wrong sides are facing up. For the non-glued 8" ends, fold the edge of the fabric over so that 1/2inches or less of the right side of the fabric is folded over the wrong side of the fabric. Glue on the inside of the fold to create finished edges.
4. With wrong sides still facing up, glue a seam along both long sides. All edges should now have seams.
5. With fabric laying wrong side up, take smaller end (5” x 8”) and fold it up and glue the wrong sides of the smaller and larger pieces together to complete the formation of the bag.
6. Fold long top flap (9” x 8”) down until it meets the top of the bag, glue the complete inside the flap so wrong sides are stuck together.
7. Use scissors to cut a button hole in the center of the flap.
8. Fold flap over the bag and use a pen or pencil to make a dot through the hole and onto the bag fabric for placement of the button.
9. Sew button securely onto front of bag.
10. Sew edges of button hole to keep them from fraying.
11. Close bag and secure button through hole.

Tips:

• Be sure to choose a sturdy fabric. It should feel fairly stiff and hold its shape.
• Instead of a button you may choose a fastener, available at discount department or fabric stores. For kids who are not comfortable using a needle and thread, you can have them glue the button on the outside for decoration, but use a piece of Velcro on the inside for the closure.
• Some permanent fabric glues are messy and take a long time to dry. Ask your local fabric store about the different types available.

Note: This project is brought to you by Kaboose

 

Happy Crafting!!!!

Tiffanie

Technorati Tags: Mother's Day,Craft Project Thursday,Almost No Sew,Makeup Bag

Wordless Wednesday

A Dream come True

Busy Busy Busy . . . .

This is what has kept me from posting the last few days. Our master bathroom is slowly getting finished. The walls are up, tile is picked out, the tub is in place. There’s lots more little things to be done but it’s exciting to think about having our own bathroom.  FINALLY!!!

 

It’s been five years since we had a bathroom that we didn’t have to share with the kids. Just thinking about no more toys in the tub to step on helps me not mind the dust, and mess that remodeling makes.

 

And the tub. . .oh the tub. It’s a Jacuzzi tub! I can not wait to use it. This bathroom is off limits to children 12 and under!! We will finally have a bathroom to ourselves, no waking up the kids when we get up early to take a shower. The luxury!! Can you tell I’m excited?

 

There will be more pictures as work progresses. I can’t wait to show you all the finished room. So that’s what we have been up to the last week or so. What’s up with you??

 

 

Tiffanie

Technorati Tags: remodeling,bathroom,busy

Craft Project Thursday

I was going to write a tutorial for you today but my supplies didn’t get here in time. Instead, I will show you these cute little plant stakes you and your kids can make together. Give them to Grandma for Mother’s Day!!!

Plant Stakes

These fuzzy bugs are so cute, they'll be a welcome (and amusing) sight hanging out in anyone's houseplants.

CRAFT MATERIALS:

Black pipe cleaner, cut in half

Black pompon

Large red pompon

Red pipe cleaner, cut in thirds

Multicolored spiraled pipe cleaner

Craft glue

Googly eyes

Mini red pompon

Thin craft foam ( in red and black)

Red and white spiraled pipe cleaner

¼-inch wooden dowel, 1 foot long

 

Time needed: Under 1 Hour

 

1. Create the ladybug's head and body by wrapping one half of the black pipe cleaner around the black and large red pompons. Twist the ends of the pipe cleaner together under the bug's body .

 

2. Slip the three pieces of red pipe cleaner between the black pipe cleaner and pompons on the underside of the bug. Bend to form legs .

 

 

3. For the antennae, slip the multicolored pipe cleaner under the black pipe cleaner on the topside of the bug, just behind the black pom-pom . Twist and shape it, trim the ends if necessary.

 

4. Glue on googly eyes and a red mini pompon nose. Cut a red mouth and black spots out of foam and glue them onto the bug.

5. To attach the bug to the dowel stake, tightly wrap the red and white pipe cleaner around the top of the dowel and hook the end to the underside of the bug.

Variations:
Kids can adjust the directions slightly to fashion a bumblebee or greenfly, or better yet, create completely new multilegged critters of their own.

 

Note: This project is brought to you by Family Fun

Happy Crafting!!!!

 

Tiffanie

Technorati Tags: Mother's Day,Crafts,Craft Project Thursday,Plant Stakes

Wordless Wednesday

 

I have the Fever!!!

Yes dear readers I do. With the warmer weather upon us, outside is calling me. We have spent many an afternoon digging for worms, riding horses, rolling down hills, and smelling flowers.

 

With the nice weather comes remodeling projects. Last weekend we (all five of us) dug a trench and buried wire, poured concrete (or "ponpreet” as Little Monkey calls it) all for a new post light for the side of the house. I’m so thrilled with it. I think it adds much needed charm to our house.

 

Over Easter we went to cheer on my parents at the local horseshow. They showed  two of their yearlings at halter and won 2nd and 3rd place!

 

The kids thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the horses, going on a hayride, seeing baby lambs, and chickens, and eating outside. It was fun but tiring. We all took a nap after we got home.

 

This week is a remodel week yet again. We are finally getting our master bathroom. YAY!! We spent last evening removing plaster and wood slats in the walls so we could insulate and replaced the rotted floor. There’s lots more work to be done and it will be done as money allows. I will have pictures during  the process and will probably be asking for your opinions on some design choices soon.

 

So now you know why I haven’t posted in a few days! Spring Fever!!! What are you doing to ease the Fever?

 

 

Tiffanie

 

 

Technorati Tags: Spring Fever,remodeling,projects,Easter,Warm Weather

Craft Project Thursday

Scented Bath Salts

What You Need

2 cups Epsom salts

1 cup baking soda

Large bowl

Lavender-scented oil

2-x-4-inch scrap of white cotton fabric

Food coloring

Cookie sheet

Apothecary jar

Ribbon

Baby spoon

 

 

How to Make It

1. In a large bowl mix 2 cups Epsom salts and 1 cup baking soda. Dab a few drops of lavender-scented oil onto a 2-x-4-inch scrap of white cotton fabric and stir through mixture. Repeat with drops of food coloring. Continue mixing scented oil and food coloring until desired scent and color is achieved. If desired, make two colors of salts to layer in a purchased apothecary jar (available in thrift shops).
2. Spread salts mixture onto a cookie sheet for several hours, stirring several times. Wash and dry the jar. Spoon salts mixture into jar.
3. Tie a baby spoon onto jar with ribbon.
4. To use, dissolve several teaspoons of salts in bathwater.

Note: This project was brought to you by BHG

 

Mothers Day is coming up (in case you were living under a rock). I love getting homemade gifts from my kids. Especially the ones that allow me to pamper myself.

 

                                              Happy Crafting!!!

 

 

 

Tiffanie

Technorati Tags: Crafts,Mother's Day,Bath Salts,Recipe

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

 

  

How was your Easter?

 

Don’t forget to enter to win a $20.00 gift certificate to Claire’s Closet!!!

Don't forget to leave a comment... Thank you!
And be sure to check out Mister Linky's blog!

Technorati Tags: Wordless Wednesday,5 Minutes for Mom,photography

Hurry up and Enter Already!!!

So today is the last day to enter to win the Sterling Silver Love Pendant and tomorrow is the last day to Enter to win a $20.00 Gift Certificate to Claire’s Closet! What are you waiting for? Go. Now. I’m not gonna beg!!

 

Ok

 

I’m gonna beg.

 

 

Shameful I know.

 

 

                                             Tiffanie

 

Craft Project Thursday

My four year old made this at school the other day. You should have seen the look on his face when he brought it to me. He was so proud of it. Want to make one with your child?

 

 

Materials

 

    Yellow Construction Paper cut in 1 inch strips

     Brown paper lunch bag (cause’ nests are brown ya know!)

     White paper cut in the shape of a bird

     Crayons

     Glue

 

1. Scrunch the open paper bag down and form it into a bowl.

2. Help your little one cut the strips of yellow construction paper

3. Cut out the white paper in the shape of a bird and have them color it.

4. Glue the strips of yellow paper inside the nest

5. Glue the bird inside the nest

 

And Voila!!! They have their very own nest! Be sure to give them lots of praise for doing a great job! Savor the moment you spent together.

 

 

Tiffanie

Technorati Tags: Craft Project Thursday,Fishful Thinking,Kids

Wordless Wednesday

 

Last week I got to connect with a friend from high school. I hadn’t seen her in 20 yrs!!! Even though it’s been many years we talked like it had only been a year or two.

Don't forget to leave a comment... Thank you!
And be sure to check out Mister Linky's blog!

Technorati Tags: Wordless Wednesday,5 Minutes for Mom,Photography

I’m a Coupon Addict!!!

Triple coupons at Harris Teeter were last week. I just had to show you my haul!! I got all that for around $12.00! Can you believe it?

 

I’m new at this coupon thing but I’m already obsessed. I’m telling ya my desk is piled high with coupons I haven’t cut out yet. And the first time I printed out coupons I went too crazy and ran out of ink.

Yeah I did that!

 

Now that I’m getting the hang of couponing I’m wondering if there is a way to save money with other things like jewelry, travel, clothes etc. Can it be done??? Where

do I find the coupon codes? Where do all these people find the great deals online?

 

I found the place! Coupon Trunk. Ever hear of it? It’s a site that has all the latest and greatest coupons from places like Payless, Land of Nod, JoAnn’s , and Amazon just to name a few. How cool is that.

 

Before I had to scour the internet looking for coupon codes which took me hours to do. And before I knew it my shopping window (a.k.a. Naptime) was gone. Now I can just go to one site. Choose the store I’m looking for and it will list the awesome deals.

 

Today I was searching for some accessories to go with my daughter’s Nintendo DS. So I went to Coupon Trunk and clicked on Best Buy and lo and behold there is a coupon code for free shipping on all DS accessories! And it only took me five minutes. And I had time to actually shop for once. This site was a huge time saver. 

 

I just thought you all should know about this cool site! Go check it out for yourself!

 

 

Tiffanie

 

Technorati Tags: Coupon Trunk,coupons,saving money

A Jewelry Giveaway!!!

 

Visit Sensible Finds to enter to win this Sterling silver pendant from Silver River Jewelry!!

 

Go. Now.

 

That is all.

 

 

Tiffanie

Technorati Tags: Giveaway,Silver River Jewelry,Sterling Silver

The Bella Update

 

It’s been a while since I have written an update on my niece, Bella. She is now five months old and doing well from her surgery that unraveled her intestines. She is still throwing up but not as much as she was in the early days.

 

Her mom tells me that she smiles, laughs, and can hold her head up. She’s also attempting to roll over!! I’m so glad to hear the developmental milestones. My son didn’t roll over till he was 10 months! She is still going to speech and physical therapy twice a week. And is a whopping 13 lbs now!!

 

I took this picture the other day when we were all together at my mom’s house. Bella is wrapped up in the blanket that Jennifer Paganelli of Sis Boom Daydreams sent her. Thanks so much Jennifer!!!

 

And in case you didn’t notice. . .I said I took that picture!! She is now able to get out of the house!! YAY!!! And get this. . .that cradle she is laying in . . . My daughter slept in it when she was a baby. She’s now 13!

 

Last week she went to the cardiologist to determine whether or not surgery was necessary. The four holes have not closed . So she will be having open heart surgery in about three weeks. And because of that no one but her mom and dad can hold her. They can’t risk her getting sick and having to postpone the surgery.

 

But I am so thrilled to get to see her face to face. No one was allowed to see her at all since the day she was born. She’s beautiful isn’t she?

 

My brother and sister in law continue to need prayers as they both deal with the stress of taking care of Bella, finances, and almost no work (he’s in construction). The bills are still piling up and insurance is astronomical for her. They are still waiting for Medicaid to be approved but it’s slow going. This is the second attempt.

 

Lots of people have asked me how they can help.  Prayer is the most important. And if you have the means and feel led to help they need gift cards to help them with shopping, diapers, wipes, formula (Enfamil), etc. . I had a widget on my sidebar for a while but somehow it got removed and life got away with me and I have yet to put it back up. I will work on that this afternoon. 

 

In the mean time please feel free to send encouraging words to them. Email me if you would like their address. Get your kids involved. Raise some money yourself. I’m in the process of working on a fundraiser myself for them. So stay tuned for that.

 

Keep on praying! Look how far she has come.

 

 

 

Tiffanie

Technorati Tags: Bella,heart surgery,pray

Children’s Books by Leslie Patricelli

Leslie Patricelli is the author and illustrator of a delightful series of bright and engaging children’s board books and full-length picture books. Leslie’s unique and fun artwork is always bright and accessible.

 

All the books star a diaper-clad baby giving a fresh take on everyday activities – from extolling love for a blankie to demonstrating “contrast” such as big and little, quiet and loud, and yummy and yucky.

 

Baby Happy Baby Sad gives a playful look at a pair of emotions that are a part of every baby’s day. This book is a favorite in my house. My boys absolutely love it. In fact they take it everywhere they go and read it to anyone who will listen.

 

 

            

 

           

 

 

Another one of Leslie’s books is Higher Higher. This book, like all the others (seven in all) have bright and fun pictures that are sure to engage your child. The sky’s the limit in this witty picture book about a child on a swing and the wonders of imaginations. This book has few words but is packed full of wonderful pictures. And if you look closely on the pages you will find the diaper clad baby.

 

The boys just had fun trying to find the baby in all the pages. Not to mention seeing all the possibilities of imagination! I will be getting the rest of the books soon. My boys love these books. They are easy to understand and i love listening to them talk about what they see on the page.

 

These books are perfect for ages 1-5. Your kids will love them!

 

You can purchase these books here.

 

 

 

Tiffanie

Technorati Tags: Leslie Patricelli,Children's Books,Baby Happy Baby Sad,Higher Higher,Book Review

Fishful Thinking

All parents want their kids to be happy and successful. Kids should have the chance to achieve whatever they want in life. Unfortunately, only 42% of kids believe that they will be able to achieve their goals. The Goldfish® brand cares about kids and wants to help inspire them to become the successes they were born to be. Through the Fishful ThinkingSM program, Goldfish provides parents with tools to help teach kids how to navigate obstacles, overcome failure and achieve what they want.

 

 Fishful Thinking^SM is a program designed to educate parents and teachers about the power of Optimism and its role in childhood development. The program, sponsored by the Pepperidge Farm® Goldfish brand, was developed by Dr. Karen Reivich, the co-director of the Penn Resiliency Project and a research associate in the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania and also the mother of four.

 

The Fishful Thinking program provides the tools parents need to teach their kids how to think optimistically about themselves and how to use their Optimism to overcome life's obstacles, persist in the face of adversity, and transform setbacks into manageable challenges. By teaching kids Optimism today, we are equipping them with the skills and strategies they can rely on to shine in the face of adversity for the rest of their lives.

 

I am a Fishful Thinking ambassador so stay tuned for lots of great activities to do with your kids. Let’s get our kids thinking positively!

 

 

Tiffanie

Technorati Tags: Fishful Thinking,Goldfish,Pepperridge Farms,Positve Thinking,Kids

Dressing Mommy

I’m a mom and we have a uniform. We don’t always get to take that shower, sweats are comfortable and a staple in our wardrobe. More often than not we have some kind of unidentifiable goop somewhere on our clothing.

 

I look back to my single years when I had a style. I was fashionable. I actually fixed my hair, wore make up and put on jewelry. What happened to me? Kids happened. But dressing down actually makes me feel tired, worn down, depressed. I have found that the more I take the time to dress myself, put on makeup and jewelry, the better I feel. I get more done during the day, I have a zing in my step and a smile on my face.

 

I feel better as a whole and because of that my kids are happier. So I this past week I have fixed my hair, dressed nicer than I normally do. Not dressy just better. This new mommy is now looking for new clothes to update my wardrobe!

 

Sears is offering 75-80% OFF ORIGINAL PRICES ON FALL & WINTER APPAREL from now till April 18th. How cool is that? I am so there! It still is a tad chilly here so the fall and winter stuff can still be worn. At least for a couple of weeks.

 

Isn’t this outfit cute? It will be great for going out with the girls for wine tasting or a hot date with my hubby. I’m tired of looking like I’m depressed. I want to get out of my funk and dressing better is the key for me.

 

 

   

 

 

Tiffanie

Technorati Tags: Sears,Clothing,Sale,Updating wardrobe

Craft Project Thursday

Colorful Easter Placecard Holders

 

Let the little ones help decorate this colorful Easter egg placecard holders. They are so easy to decorate using styrofoam eggs, paper and craft wire and your guests will be in awe that you made them.

 

I found this fun project at Craft Faves. All the crafts are fairly easy to do and the instructions are very thorough. I have all the materials and will do this project this weekend with my daughter.

 

Materials:

• Styrofoam:
  • Egg, 3"
• Mini pink/yellow ranunculus
• Bright green reindeer moss, small amount
• Silver craft wire, 20-gauge
• Paper, one sheet each: bright pink/multi-floral print tissue; pink card stock
• Fine-line black permanent marker
• Ruler
• Small disposable bowl
• Plastic spoon
• Water basin
• Paper towels
• Waxed paper
• Scissors
• Wire cutters
• Long-nose pliers
• Low-temp glue gun and glue sticks
• Thick, white craft glue
• Optional: disposable gloves; hair dryer

Steps:

1. Tear tissue paper into several approximately 2" pieces.
2. Mix one part white glue with two parts water in disposable bowl. If desired, put on gloves.
3. Dip one tissue piece into glue/water mixture and then smooth onto surface of foam egg. Continue until egg is completely covered, allowing tissue pieces to wrinkle and overlap. Repeat for all eggs. Place eggs on waxed paper to dry overnight or use hair dryer.
4. Cut 7" length from wire. Bend one end into tight spiral using pliers, leaving opposite end straight.
5. Glue flower to center side of egg as shown. Glue straight wire end into egg through flower center. With flower at top, glue small pieces of moss around base of egg to support it in upright position.
6. Cut place card of desired size from card stock. Write name on card and insert into wire spiral.

Happy Crafting!!!!

 

 

Tiffanie

Technorati Tags: Crafts,Easter,Styrofoam