Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Indoors Activity: Sand Box
My 2 yr old loves playing in her sand box and lately it either raining, snowing, too windy or too cold to have her sit outside.
So this morning I improvised and made her an indoor sand box. Using craft sand which you can get at stores like Michaels or Walmart, I put one bottle of sand (8oz) into a 13" pyrex casserole dish. I gave her some fun kitchen utensils like a spoon, measuring cup, baby food jar and other items. I set it up on a bath towel to catch major spills and vacuumed up the rest.
She loves it. It's nice and warm inside. So it was perfect. I will store the sand in a Tupperware with some utensils I'm not attached to and save it for easy retrieval for another day.
So this morning I improvised and made her an indoor sand box. Using craft sand which you can get at stores like Michaels or Walmart, I put one bottle of sand (8oz) into a 13" pyrex casserole dish. I gave her some fun kitchen utensils like a spoon, measuring cup, baby food jar and other items. I set it up on a bath towel to catch major spills and vacuumed up the rest.
She loves it. It's nice and warm inside. So it was perfect. I will store the sand in a Tupperware with some utensils I'm not attached to and save it for easy retrieval for another day.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
BIG beach waves without the BIG Price: tutorial
So the other night when I couldn't sleep I decided to browse the infomercials and see what new crazy quackery people were buying into.(Credit card near by of course) There was a commercial for a hair styler called the Topstyler (Click HERE) the "c shells" as they are called work like hot rollers but the twisted hair inside is a more natural wave than spiral. For 3 easy payments of $40, it can be ALL YOURS! While I LOVE this idea, it's not in the budget to spend $120 to smush my locks between two hot plates. HEY WAIT A MINUTE!!! Here is my "cheat" to beachy waves without the BIG prices. If you don't have a flat iron, you can score a good one online for about $40. (Click HERE to see a Chi)
You will need a good Hair Spray(flexible hold is best), hair clip (too hold parted hair segments) and your straightener.
Take a small segment of hair, starting at the base of your neck. (Clip up the rest)
Space your middle and pointer fingers slightly apart (makes it easier to remove hair)
Tightly wrap hair around your fingers
Pinch the segment of hair so you can remove your fingers. Hold close to the root.
Clamp the loop of hair. (I have thick hair and my iron is on high and I did 25 sec.)
Release hair and spray.
This would be SUPER cute with some fabric rosettes on a headband or clip. JUST SAYIN'
;)
You will need a good Hair Spray(flexible hold is best), hair clip (too hold parted hair segments) and your straightener.
Take a small segment of hair, starting at the base of your neck. (Clip up the rest)
Space your middle and pointer fingers slightly apart (makes it easier to remove hair)
Tightly wrap hair around your fingers
Pinch the segment of hair so you can remove your fingers. Hold close to the root.
Clamp the loop of hair. (I have thick hair and my iron is on high and I did 25 sec.)
Release hair and spray.
This would be SUPER cute with some fabric rosettes on a headband or clip. JUST SAYIN'
;)
Monday, February 13, 2012
Valentine's ideas
To get your adorable, romantic, and Valentiney creativity flowing. Here are my valentines this year.
For the coffee or York Mint lover in your life - "You were MINT to be my valentine." also use mint gum, mints, etc
For teachers, instructors, educators, tutors or coaches- "STICKING by you keeps me Sharp" (post-it notes and Sharpie marker)
For kid's- I hate doing candy, they get so much of it and with the allergies out there I rather not risk it. Bubble tubes with a hand drawn bubble wand & bubble image "You blow me away..."
For the hubs that likes things spicy.- "I think your HOT!" Big bottle of his favorite hot sauce.
GET CREATIVE!
For the coffee or York Mint lover in your life - "You were MINT to be my valentine." also use mint gum, mints, etc
For teachers, instructors, educators, tutors or coaches- "STICKING by you keeps me Sharp" (post-it notes and Sharpie marker)
For kid's- I hate doing candy, they get so much of it and with the allergies out there I rather not risk it. Bubble tubes with a hand drawn bubble wand & bubble image "You blow me away..."
For the hubs that likes things spicy.- "I think your HOT!" Big bottle of his favorite hot sauce.
GET CREATIVE!
Don't be THAT girl Monday! #3
Some of my posts are funny, others inspiring but this one may have a different tone.
While shopping today, a mother was yelling at her children. I'm going to guess the ages of these two boys to be 2 yrs and maybe 5. Now don't get me wrong, I reach the end of my fuse and sometimes raise my voice to get my 2.5 yr old's attention, however, never in a public place and never like this. I heard her a few aisle over, she wasn't even near me. It was bad enough that the elderly women browsing oatmeal next to me, abruptly snapped her head toward me and said "what in world was that?"
My "don't be THAT girl" this week is, don't be the GIRL who loses her cool. This women was SCREAMING and there was some profanity involved. "Shut the "H" up!" "Will you stop "F"ing around!" Shock and disbelief would be the understatement of the day. To yell like that in public at all is sketchy but at young children? YIKES! Now the kids were being hell raisers, snapping back, whining, hitting each other so lets just say obviously the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
You can't let it get to you like that. Behind closed doors we have time outs, apologies, consequences and such. In public, there has to be a strategy to get in and out without sounding the "call CPS!" alarm. You set the example, if you want your kids composed in public, be composed. If you want them quiet, distract them. If they get fussy, occupy them. Interact with them, have them look for things, count things or let them eat a lollipop while strolling the aisle. You don't want to be the crazy lady screaming at her children in front of everyone, keep your composure. If they are nagging, bugging or harassing you.... OUT SMART them! You should be well prepared to do this. "I want the Lucky Charms, I want them, I want them..." PUT THEM IN YOUR CART!! Just cause they are in the cart doesn't mean you are buying them. When you go to check out tell the cashier, you aren't purchasing them. DONE! They want to scream then.. GO FOR IT, we are on our way out!
Jo and I look for things, wheres the pink cereal box? Let's buy 5 apples. She helps. If she gets cranky, I give her, her video game or my phone which I downloaded her favorite cartoon episodes from itunes on.. THANK YOU iPhone! This is a lifesaver out at dinner too. She watches Olivia, I finish shopping. People will not be as annoyed by your kids as they will be by you yelling and carrying on.
Remember-
Interact with them- Play a game, have them help, talk
Distract them- Give them something to do- video game,
Occupy them- Lollipops, cookie, whatever works
Outsmart- "fine, we will put the cookies in the cart"
Warn- Let them know you are unhappy with their behavior
Don't be THAT girl looking crazy and decaffeinated. Yes, you're pissed, irritated, tired, frustrated... I KNOW, been there done that. These steps and some preventative measures like a lollipop on hold in your purse should be steps before ever resulting to screaming. All else fails take the extra step and shop where there is a coffee shop inside, load up in espresso while shopping and sip the whining and annoying all the way to checkout.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
SHARE YOUR LAUGH
Today's Share your laugh post goes to Tanya B. She writes:
Totally Brunette,
Today is my anniversary so as my kids are getting ready for school this morning my 10 yr old daughter says Happy Anniversary mommy! Then I hear her ask my 9 yr old son "don't you have something to tell mommy?" I heard him whisper in a loud tone "is it valentines day all ready?"
Typical man... our anniversary has been the topic of the house for days, she had just said it, and here he still didn't know what today was! - Tanya
In one ear and out the other with the men in our lives. They have what I call "selective hearing"
"Babe- the dishwasher needs loaded."
"Honey- Where's my jacket?"
No response to either
"Hey, I was going to grill this steak then cover myself in chocolate sauce."
"Ok, sounds good......... WAIT WHAT!?"
They hear what they want.. and remember what they want for what it's worth. In any case.. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY and thanks for sharing your laugh!
** Share your laugh with me and I'll shout it out and post it. Use the contact tabs on here or my FB page. **
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
DIY- studded heels
I love studding! On cloths, belts, hats, bags, jewelry and oh yes, SHOES! Here's the thing, some of my favorite studded "patterns" are on some very expensive designer items. Since my wallet can't handle THAT kind of damage I decided that instead of burying my dream of someday owning studded heels, that day would be TODAY. Super easy! I used this pair of coral pumps from Payless a steal for $15.00!
You Need:
Shoes- (leather or rubber, I don't think suede or velvet will hold as well)
I found these great Beige Pumps at K-Mart- CLICK HERE)
Iron on studs- (Like these- Click HERE)
Strong Glue- (Like E-6000- Click HERE) [Warning be in a well ventilated area the fumes are pretty strong and don't let this dry on anything you don't want it to!]
Scissors-
Here we go!
Make sure the surface of your shoes are clean & dry. Peel studs from backing. The tops of the studs will still be on a film, use that film to layout your design.
Remove from shoe, trim film, adjust studs on film if needed and add dots of glue to the cups of the studs.
Place film back on shoe. Stick film to shoe to hold studs on while they dry. (Thank goodness for the film or I would have been holding A LOT of studs on) Remove film carefully after 45 minutes. If the glue still isn't dry (adjust studs back to their place and add more glue if needed) ALLOW to completely dry for at least 12-24 hours.
**If you get glue where it shouldn't WIPE with a wet rag or paper towel then rub with finger tip to remove residue.
Here they are!
I did studs on just the outer backs of the heel and 2 off balanced rows on the toe. You can cover the whole shoe, just do straps, stripes, around the heels, only on the toes. WHATEVER! STUDS are here to stay, here's some pictures for inspiration and this is a great way to breath new style into old shoes.
HAVE FUN! BTW some rhinestones & studs would look awesome on your summer flip flops!
You Need:
Shoes- (leather or rubber, I don't think suede or velvet will hold as well)
I found these great Beige Pumps at K-Mart- CLICK HERE)
Iron on studs- (Like these- Click HERE)
Strong Glue- (Like E-6000- Click HERE) [Warning be in a well ventilated area the fumes are pretty strong and don't let this dry on anything you don't want it to!]
Scissors-
Here we go!
Make sure the surface of your shoes are clean & dry. Peel studs from backing. The tops of the studs will still be on a film, use that film to layout your design.
Remove from shoe, trim film, adjust studs on film if needed and add dots of glue to the cups of the studs.
Place film back on shoe. Stick film to shoe to hold studs on while they dry. (Thank goodness for the film or I would have been holding A LOT of studs on) Remove film carefully after 45 minutes. If the glue still isn't dry (adjust studs back to their place and add more glue if needed) ALLOW to completely dry for at least 12-24 hours.
**If you get glue where it shouldn't WIPE with a wet rag or paper towel then rub with finger tip to remove residue.
Here they are!
I did studs on just the outer backs of the heel and 2 off balanced rows on the toe. You can cover the whole shoe, just do straps, stripes, around the heels, only on the toes. WHATEVER! STUDS are here to stay, here's some pictures for inspiration and this is a great way to breath new style into old shoes.
HAVE FUN! BTW some rhinestones & studs would look awesome on your summer flip flops!
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