Once Upon a Crafty Mom

Valentine's Day Crafts

2013-02-10T23:11:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I have been preparing a party for my 3 year old son and all his friends. My computer is down so I don't have access to all my step by step pictures, just pictures from my phone of the finished product. Hopefully my computer is up and running soon so I can post the good stuff :)

This is my sons crocodile Valentine's box. Please excuse the dishes in the background. Making this crocodile box was way more enjoyable then dealing with dirty dishes.

This is the craft I'm going to give the kids to do at the party. I bought some pre-cut heart shaped card stock, and pink sparkly yarn, both found at Michael's. I hole punched around the edges, tied the yarn to the heart, and started threading. Of course, this is just an example I came up with. The kids can thread their yarn however they please. I also wrapped a little tape around the end of the yarn to make it a little easier for the kids to thread.

These are heart flowers I made for decoration at the part. The foam heart are from the dollar store, and everything else I had (coffee can filled with rice, foam letters, and skewers)

More Valentine's Day crafts etc. Coming soon...

Plastic Canvas Christmas Ornament

2012-12-26T17:15:00.000-08:00

My 2 year old (almost 2 and a half) has been trying to help me sew. He keeps crawling up into my lap while I am using the sewing machine. The only way to get any of my work done was to provide him with a task. As I was thinking back to what my Mom might have done when I was little I remembered plastic canvas. It comes in many colors and sizes and can be found in most craft or sewing stores near the yarn. The fabric store I went to had pre cut out shapes with a clean edge. However if you want to make more than one it is a lot cheaper to buy a sheet.

Supplies:
Plastic Canvas $0.59
Green Yarn (7 foot) $2.99
Brown Yarn (3 foot)
Scissors
Plastic Needle $1.99 ( I bought children's needles in the needle section. They do sell plastic canvas needles next to the plastic canvas but I thought the one I picked looked nicer. It came in a 2 pack and was the most expensive option.)
Note: While this needle is not sharp it is still firm and pointy and you could still stab yourself in the eye. Don't pull the needle through the canvas toward your face. Don't let your kid stab their eye!

Cut out your tree. Mine is about 6" tall and 4" wide. It is not symmetrical because I am lazy and didn't bother to measure. But I figure it's OK because real trees are rarely symmetrical anyway. Save canvas by alternating which end is up when cutting out multiple trees.

I like to trim off any bumps on the canvas before I start. Do this on the bottom strait side only. I'll show you later how to handle the angled sides while sewing. I have about 7 foot length of green yarn.

I like to start to the left of the trunk leaving about 3/4" yarn and looking the yarn around it. This way you don't have to tie a knot. You can tie a knot if you want but then there will be a bump. When you reach the corner do two stitches in the same hole. One wrapped to the bottom and another wrapped to the side. It just gives it a cleaner look.

When you reach a hole in the canvas that is partially cut just skip it and sew one square farther into the tree. This will give your tree a nice tapered look.

At the top leave a loop before continuing down the other side. This will be to hang your ornament. Don't worry if you forget you can just tie a loop on later. I like to do three stiches in the top hole.

Now that you have reached the trunk just continue strait across to where you started. No need to cut the yarn when you are done.

Not if your child is like my 2 year old they have been eagerly waiting for their turn to play with the needle. I think it helps if they watch you do the border instead of preparing it while they are napping.

I held the tree and told his to pick a hole to push the needle through. I made sure to have him push the needle away from his face. We are a family who would like to keep our eyes. :) After pulling all the yarn through I would turn the tree over and repeat from the other side. That way the yarn doesn't wrap around the outside.

The far left tree is the finished product. With some brown yarn I filled in the trunk after my son was done sewing.

Variations:
1. An older child could fill in the entire tree just like the trunk.
2. I bought red yarn with the intention of using it for garland or ornaments. I wasn't sure how to make that look good so I skipped it.
3. Add small bells or pony beads for ornaments while stringing the yarn all over the tree.

It's a great way to introduce a young child to sewing.

Guest author,
Jessica Baker

DIY Christmas Wreath

2012-12-16T21:54:00.003-08:00

I've always wanted an extravagant Christmas wreath on display for the holidays. Well turns out the extravagant ones aren't cheap, and if it's real- forget about it. I chose the next best thing and made my own for only $10.00 with the exception of a gold bow I already owned. Micheal's pretty regularly has sales on all of their holiday products. I scored a medium sized wreath, and enough goodies to spiff up my wreath, all for half off. The different variations to decorate your wreath are endless with the amount of supplies Michael had to offer. I think that was the hardest part of this project was trying to choose all the little decorations. I must have been in that isle for about an hour. Ultimately I chose a traditional theme, and added simple things I liked that reminded me of Christmas. This project was super, super easy. I literally just fluffed my branches, organized my decorations how I wanted display them on my wreath then attached each item one by one. Some of them had wires that were easy to twist around branches, and some were hard plastic that required a little tweaking into the framework to make them stay. The great thing about this project is that nothing is permanent. If you decide you don't like something you can always take it out, or change your theme next year. Happy holidays!

I ended up taking out the silver holly and replacing it with some more pine cones. I thought the silver kind of stuck out like a sore thumb.

Kipper Picnic Birthday Party

2012-12-10T22:42:00.000-08:00

My son's 3rd birthday party was last October. I let him pick his party theme, and he chose Kipper the dog. Kipper is a wholesome British cartoon about the many adventures of Kipper, and his friends. We just love the cartoon but there are no Kipper party supplies available in the US- that I could find. Even the UK only has a hand full of pricey Kipper party supplies. So I sought out Kipper parties on the web. I came across two blogs with Kipper parties. One was for a girl, and the other had really cute decor but nothing to do with Kipper except for one picture of Kipper. Needless to say I was on my own with this one, and starting from scratch. If our children only knew what we do for them. Staying up until 2 a.m. making Kipper puppets, pinwheels, and trying to get the printer to work the way we want it to:) And I will gladly do it every year until he's to old for birthday parties. That will be a sad day for me. Just to see the joy and excitement on my son's face melts my heart and makes the whole party planning fiasco worth it. The funny thing is that it's only a couple months after his party and we haven't watched Kipper since. Wouldn't you know it :)

To limit the party from going in to many different directions I chose our favorite Kipper DVD ( Pools, Parks, and Picnics) and just pulled ideas from that. The added picnic theme worked to my advantage because my house is way to small to comfortably host a party for 20 people. We live in Washington so we were extremely lucky the weather held out until October. In fact it was a beautiful sunny day, perfect for a picnic.

For the party decorations I used a blue checkered picnic pattern with ants, as well as a green one. I printed the pattern on card stock and made invitations, two banners, pinwheels, and a golf flag with the number three on it. I also made two blue and green balloon columns, and Kipper hand puppets.

For the food I picked out things that I would take on a picnic while also keeping the toddlers in mind. I ordered croissant sandwiches from Costco, I had plastic shot glasses filled with ranch dip and veggies, a lot of strawberries, a variety of flavored chips, and party popcorn. For drinks I kept it simple ( water, Capri sun, and lemonade).

This was the first year so far that I didn't make a birthday cake. I made cupcakes with ants carrying watermelons, and apple pies instead. I thought it went better with the theme. Although I was a little disappointed with how my cupcakes turned out the kids never seem to mind. Luckily I didn't get any close up shots of those ;)

I had games/activities for the kids that were all relevant to the Kipper Pools Parks and Picnics DVD. As the kids arrived they each got to pick a folded paper party hat to decorate and wear. I provided foam stickers, feathers, jewels, string, tape and glue dots. The first game we had to catch butterflies from a tree. I found butterfly coasters on clearance that were white and silver. I colored everyone in different patterns of colors, tied string to the branches on and scotch taped the butterflies on the end of the string. The person with the most butterflies got a prize as well as the person with the purple butterfly because that was the color of the butterfly Kipper catches. I would suggest giving the younger kids a head start if you have mixed ages. I didn't and the winner was the oldest with eleven butterflies, and most of the toddlers ended up with only one. For the second game everyone got to play par 3 putt putt golf. Everyone hit the ball until they got it in the hole then got a prize. We got the putting green with the hole and ball return at the Goodwill for a few bucks, and used the putter and balls from my sons plastic golf set. Last but not least we did a treasure hunt. I made all the clues to look like treasure maps and hid them accordingly. I even lucked out with a couple of the same hiding spots as the DVD. The clues led them to a DIY cardboard treasure chest where they found their loot bags. This game was a favorite with the kids.

I hope this is inspirational to all those parents planning a party for their little Kipper fan. Have fun.

Invitations

I did a post card style invitation, mostly because my printer wasn't printing the way I wanted it to. I also had my son participate in stuffing the envelopes. We added some bug foam stickers for the kids that were purchased from the Dollar Tree. A big thanks to my friend Katherine for putting all the images together for me so all I had to do was print :)

Patterns and Images

I printed these patterns out on card stock to make my banners, pin wheels, a golf flag.

I used this image to put on my mini brown paper bags full of party popcorn.

This image of Kipper was used for one of the banners and the loot bags.

Loot Bags

The kids really liked their names in the big sparkly letters.

Balloon Columns

These were relativity easy to make. I used my husbands concrete tampers as my base, and structure. Here is a great You Tube video to learn how.
http://youtu.be/hQL5lJegmHc

DIY Kipper Puppets

I made these Kipper hand puppets with brown paper bags and construction paper. I got the idea from a web site but a template wasn't provided so everything was done freehand. Although these are hand puppets I used them as decoration to top off my balloon columns.

Cupcakes

These are not the actual cupcakes I made, but where the inspiration came from. I didn't get a close up shot of mine, and they weren't as nice as these ones. I used dark chocolate covered raisins on mine because the almonds were big enough to become a choking hazard for the tots. I had problems with the watermelons falling off, coloring the frosting for the legs, and applying it.

Games and Activities

Decorate your own party hat activity.

Catch the butterflies game.

Treasure hunt.

The loot.

Party!

Extras

I was going to use these images to make picket signs to put at each game and activity station but I never got around to it.

No Cut Pumpkin Decorating for Toddlers

2012-10-29T22:25:00.003-07:00

Mr. Pumpkin Head! Finally a use for all those Mr. Potato Head pieces that don't get played with. We added a few of our own accessories to transform Mr. Pumpkin Head into a pirate. We even put a skull and cross bones temporary tattoo on his side (not seen in the photo). This is a perfect way to get the littler ones involved in the tradition of carving punkins until they're old enough to help drawl and cut out a Jack-o-lantern of their own. I would suggest puncturing some holes ahead of time for each piece. This way the little ones can feel some sense of independence by putting it together with little help. Happy Halloween boys and Ghouls!

Halloween Candied Popcorn

2012-10-10T23:43:00.000-07:00

I made these cute little popcorn snack bags for my toddler's Halloween party. The kids were running around with there little pumpkin bags in hand munching on their popcorn. I'm personally not a huge popcorn fan, but I just love snacking on these. And as usual they are cheap and easy to make (pop, melt, mix, sprinkle).

Ingredients:
-Halloween sprinkles (I used the black and orange balls, but any sprinkle will do)
-6 oz candy melts or half a bag (I used white candy melts but you can use green or purple if you want to get funky with it)
-3 personal sized popcorn bags (I used the all natural pop secret kind)

Step 1:
Pop your three bags of popcorn and put them in a bowl.

Step 2:
Melt your candy melts in the microwave in 30 second intervals- siring after each one.

Step 3:
Poor the melted candy on top of the popcorn in the bowl. Then roll your sleeves up and mix it up with your hands.

Step 4:
Once you feel like you got a pretty good coat dump it all onto a baking sheet. Spread it out evenly then start sprinkling. Add as many or as little sprinkles as you want. Let set for about 10 minutes then they're ready to eat...or store in cute little pumpkin bags:)

Tips:
-Don't overcook the candy because it will start hardening again.
-Keeps best in a plastic zip-lock bag.
-If you put them in a paper bag and they get to warm the candy will melt and leave what look like grease spot on the bag.
-I also made these for my son's birthday party, but with multicolored sprinkles.

I found these cute little drawstring pumpkin bags at the dollar store.

Free Jake and the Never Land Pirates Activity Kit

2012-09-18T00:20:00.000-07:00

So many of my friends toddlers including my own are now into pirates, and Jake and the Never Land Pirates more specifically. This activity kit is a great way to fuel their imagination while learning with their favorite characters, not to mention it's free. Yo ho mates away....

fhttp://toysrus.triaddigital.com/Programs/11_DSN_32853_DisJrHubPhs2/JakeAndTheNeverlandPiratesActivityPack.pdf

DIY Sock Bun Accessory and Hair Style

2012-08-30T22:09:00.001-07:00

I've been seeing these fabulously messy but cute sock bun hair styles everywhere lately. I've seen a ton on Pinterest, in fassion magazines, and on the trendy teens at the mall. I had no idea until recintley that a sock was actually used to make a sock bun. I just thought your hair looked like a rolled up sock hens the name sock bun, and that you must have really thick hair.. That was until I came across this accessory for sale on one of my favorite wedding web sights. It was a sock bun accessory! I took one good look at it and thought why on Earth would anyone pay for that when you can just make it yourself, and in literally a few minutes. I have to say, although I love this look, it is not for everyone. I can't pull it off however it looks darling on my mother. So after basking in my glory of my creation I find out that DIY sock bun tutorials are all over the internet already- figures. I thought I'd share my version.

My beautiful mother Cathlene was kind enough to let me play with her hair, and model for a few pictures for me. Thanks mom. OK, and here is how I made my sock bun...

-You will need an old sock, knee high and a pair of scissors. If you don't have a knee high cut a section out of some old pantyhose. You won't need much.

-Cut the toes off the sock and the knee high.

-Roll the sock up, then feed the knee high through the sock and roll the knee high up around the sock. I used the knee high to hold the sock together tightly, and to camouflage the white. I have brunette hair and didn't want the white of the sock to show through. If you have lighter hair you can use a lighter colored stocking. Now you can get started on your sock bun hair style (below).

How to ware it...

Put you hair in a ponytail. I did a low ponytail on my mom because her hair is short and it made it easier for me to handle. If your doing your own hair a high ponytail will be the easiest. Just feed your hair through the sock, pull to the end of your ponytail and start rolling. Spread your hair out to cover the stocking as you roll.

Pin any loose ends...And there you have your sock bun :)

Toddler Sleep Training Clocks

2012-07-27T23:26:00.001-07:00

I have yet to meet a mom who hasn't had sleep problems with there child at one time or another. I know I have. It's like a roller coaster ride...It seems like as soon as I get comfortable with my toddler sleeping through the night he starts waking in the middle of the night or early morning. And it always seems to fallow one of those nights that I stayed up way past my bedtime catching up on my favorite show- Figures. So when I saw these kid alarm clocks I thought of, well me, but also all of my sleep deprived mommy friends. What a wonderfully clever tool to not only train our kids when to go to bed and wake up, but it also doubles as a learning tool to tell time. How cool is that. I'm sold!

Kids Sleep Clock - Sleep Training Clock For Kids

Fun Alarm Clocks For Kids

A Children's Sleep clock helps to train them to wake up and fall asleep with ease.Using the Kids Sleep Clock is also a fun way to teach time It is a child sleep trainer clock that will become a favorite with all kids.

It is useful to parents and fun for the children to have a clock for kids that show when to get up and when to go to sleep like in The Good Nite Lite The Good Nite Lite assists children to understand the concept of nighttime and daytime.It reinforce the benefits of appropriate sleep patterns and educates children to stay in bed until it is morning.

The children will love the sleep enhancing clock with Child-recognizable "sun" and "moon" visual cues.

Plush Owl with Night-Light and Music Naptime timer

Owl Kids Sleep Clock

OK to Wake! plush Owl with Night-Light and Music Naptime timer
It's OK to Wake Up !
The cute owl alarm clock helps you to teach time to kids.They will soon learn when it is time to get up with the owl's face brightening up to a green light and when it is time to wind down with the owl's face glowing a soft yellow.
The owl plays sweet lullabies in 6 different tunes and your kid will have fun pressing the owl's tummy to hear it hoot "Hoo-hoo!"and it's OK to wake up!
You can also set an alert for nap times in this owl clock.

Bedtime Clock For Kids

The Playskool in the Night Garden Go Glow Time Bedtime Trainer is a fun Bedtime Clock For Kids.It makes following bedtime and morning routines easy.

The bedtime routine trainer features a large clock face that transforms from night to day so your child knows when its time to get up, encouraging them to stay in bed until morning.

The 'In The Night Garden Go Glow time Clock' teaches simple number recognition and also functions as a soft glow night light.

Kid'Sleep My First Alarm Clock

Kid'Sleep My First Alarm Clock, Pink
Get it now!!

This is a time teaching alarm clock that fosters independence by giving the kids the importance of having their own personal alarm clock.

An interesting feature is the alarm arm which is inverted so that children can see how long it is until they have to wake up.

The 3 different alarm sound choices are chirping birds, a cuckoo or a train sound.

There is also a small Kid'Sleep feature - when the sleeping child is lit, kids know to stay in bed and sleep a while longer. When the awake child is lit, kids know it is time to wake up.

My First Alarm Clock shows the time in both digital and analog .

The Kid'Sleep My First Alarm Clock is available in Blue too!
Get it now!!

The Kid'Sleep Clock

The Kid'Sleep clock has many benefits, as a night light, wake-up indicator for young children and an alarm clock for older children. It helps young children have an understanding of when it is time to get out of bed and when it is not. It is a great tool for nighttime self regulation, and the result is that both parents and children get more sleep.

Kid'Sleep Classic, Blue

The Kid'Sleep Classic helps kids stay in bed until it is time to get up. If the sleeping bunny's picture is lit, kids know to stay in bed. When the awake bunny is illuminated, it is okay to get out of bed and start the day. The Kid'Sleep Classic has dual nighttime/naptime settings and an optional alarm (which is a very sweet bird chirping sound followed by a rooster crowing), in addition to three levels of brightness. The Kid'Sleep Classic comes in blue (bunny) or pink (cow). The Kid'Sleep products do not require kids to have color recognition. They naturally relate to the sleeping or awake animal.

Kid'sleep Globetrotter, Green

The Kid'Sleep Globetrotter helps kids stay in bed until it is time to get up. If the sleeping sheep is lit, kids know to stay in bed. When the awake sheep is illuminated, it is okay to get out of bed and start the day. The Kid'Sleep Globetrotter has an optional alarm, which is a very sweet bird chirping sound followed by a rooster crowing. The Kid'Sleep Globetrotter is wonderful for everyday use and for travel.

Kid Sleep Clock on eBay

Bid Now!!!

★ Gro Clock Sleep Trainer Night Light Lamp for Children Baby Kids GroClock ★

Current Bid: AUD 76.87

Time Remaining: 22 days, 6 hours, 35 minutes

Kids Sleep Classic Clock with Rabbit

Current Bid: $10.50

Time Remaining: 20 hours, 39 minutes

Kids Bedroom Sleeping Lightnight LED Time Projector Digital Alarm Clock Lamp

Current Bid: $4.70

Time Remaining: 1 day, 15 hours, 46 minutes

Sky Star Night Sleep Light Projector Lamp Children Bedroom Alarm Clock W/music*

Current Bid: $0.95

Time Remaining: 1 day, 3 hours, 8 minutes

Star Light Projector Kids Bedroom Sleeping LED Nightlight Lamp Music Alarm Clock

Current Bid: $7.65

Time Remaining: 19 days, 14 hours, 44 minutes

Monkey Alarm Clock

Monkey Alarm Clock BabyZoo Sleeptrainer

This unique and cute Sleep Trainer shows in an intuitive way when your child is allowed to get out of bed or still needs to catch some sleep:
Eyes Closed - "I should be sleeping", Eyes Open -"Rise and shine!":

The solution for early rising children!!
How does it work? At bedtime, show your child that Momo is going to sleep. With one push on the button you close Momo's eyes. You whisper: "Ssst, Momo is sleeping. Be quiet now otherwise you wake him up." Then you explain that as long as Momo is sleeping he/she needs to stay quiet and try to catch some more sleep. Only when Momo opens his eyes, it is time to wake up!

Available in another color choice too:BabyZoo Sleeptrainer with red and blue frame

My Tot Clock

My Tot Clock is the first all-in-one sleep clock, alarm clock, nightlight, timeout timer, and activity timer for tiny tots who can't yet tell time. The magic of My Tot Clock is that it changes color to teach little ones when it's time to sleep (blue light) and when it's okay to wake (yellow light). Parents set the routine!

My Tot Clock, with its child-friendly analog clock display, also plays bedtime stories, lullabies, fun wake-up music, and even white noise to make the traditionally stressful bedtime and morning routines more enjoyable.

No more negotiating before bedtime! My Tot Clock also includes a light blue light for nap time or quiet play time, a red light for timeout, and a green light for any positive timed activity like potty training and picking up toys. Managing important tot time has never been easier!
My Tot Clock: Helping Small Children Sleep Better...So Parents Can Too!

My Tot Clock - Tot Clock Treasure

Tot Clock Treasures plug into My Tot Clock to play bedtime stories, lullabies, wake music and white noise.

Choose your bedtime story to enthrall your toddler!

Goldilocks & The Three Bears

The Town and Country Mouse

The Little Red Hen

The Town and Country Mouse

The Princess and The Pea

My Tot Clock - Tot Clock Treasure: Goldilocks & The Three Bears

My Tot Clock - Tot Clock Treasure: The Hare & The Tortoise

Usually ships in 24 hours

My Tot Clock - Tot Clock Treasure: The Little Red Hen

Usually ships in 24 hours

My Tot Clock - Tot Clock Treasure: The Town and Country Mouse

Usually ships in 24 hours

My Tot Clock - Tot Clock Treasure: The Princess and The Pea

Usually ships in 24 hours

My Tot Clock Faceplate

Check out the choices in My Tot Clock Faceplate

Changeable faceplates make My Tot Clock even more fun for tiny tots! Match My Tot Clock to your child's interests or bedroom theme!

My Tot Clock Faceplate: Princess Design

My Tot Clock Faceplate: Dinosaur Design

Usually ships in 24 hours

My Tot Clock Faceplate: Sports Design

Usually ships in 24 hours

My Tot Clock Faceplate: Butterfly Design

Usually ships in 24 hours

My Tot Clock Faceplate: Noahs Ark Design

Usually ships in 24 hours

Stoplight Sleep Enhancing Clock

Stoplight Sleep Enhancing Clock, Red and Blue Sports Car

The Stoplight Sleep Enhancing Clock is a fun and simple way for toddlers to answer their own question, "is it time to get up?" At a young age, toddlers know their colors and understand that red means stop and green means go.

The Stoplight Sleep Enhancing Clock features a friendly, beautifully-crafted sculpted figure next to a stoplight. The stoplight features red and green lights that can be easily set by parents. A digital clock and optional beeping alarm function are also included. When the red light is on, kids will understand that it is still time to sleep. When the green light turns on, kids will know that it is time to get out of bed. Recommended by pediatricians.

Stoplight Sleep Enhancing Clock, Groovy Car with Butterflies

Its About Time Stoplight Sleep Enhancing Clock

Miss Kitty Riding a Scooter

Its About Time Stoplight Sleep Enhancing Clock, Miss Kitty Riding a Scooter

Amazon Price: $37.95 (as of 07/26/2012)

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

It's About Time Stoplight Sleep Enhancing Clock

Mr Puppy Riding a Scooter

It's About Time Stoplight Sleep Enhancing Clock, Mr Puppy Riding a Scooter

Amazon Price: $38.37 (as of 07/26/2012)

Usually ships in 24 hours

Time To Wake Up Clock For Kids

Trying to find a way to make waking up fun for your child?

This interactive Slumberbug alarm clock will do the trick....
The Eyes close when alarm is set
The Eyes flash when alarm sounds
The Eyes are open when alarm is off

Involve your child in his wake up routine with the
Advance 0.6-Inch LED Interactive Slumberbug Alarm Clock
BUY NOW

School Kids Light Up Clock - Multi Color LED Alarm Clock

Equity by La Crosse30222 Multi Color LED Alarm Clock
BUY NOW

The fun, multi-colored display on this clock makes it a great choice for the bedside of a school-aged child or teenager.The time is displayed in 3/5-inch high digits in red, orange, yellow, and blue LED against a black screen. For distinguishing between times before and after noon, a PM indicator dot is provided. Likewise, an alarm indicator dot notifies the user that the alarm function is on. Reluctant risers benefit from the snooze function, which silences the alarm for nine-minute increments. In addition to engaging the snooze function, the snooze bar on top of the clock doubles as a nightlight.

Teach Me Time Talking Alarm Clock

sleep training clocks for toddlers

American Innovative Teach Me Time! Talking Alarm Clock and Nightlight

Teach me Time! is the educational bedside clock that advances as your child grows. From ages 3-5 Teach me Time!'s color-changing nightlight teaches kids to stay in bed until its "Ok to wake!" The nightlight timer is programmed to turn on and off at any time of the day. Parents can customize the "Ok to wake" time, when the glow color changes from yellow to green.... "Green means Go!" From ages 5-7, the Teach me Time! interactive, talking game helps school age kids learn to tell time on both anaolg and digital clocks. The game is designed to create a dialog between you and your child about time, keeping you involved in the learning process. The Teach Me Time! game is fully adjustable - five difficulty levels allow you to restrict which times are displayed (for example, just "round" hours) so that you can start simple and progress in difficulty as your son or daughter matures. For children ages 7 and above, Teach me Time! is a fully functional alarm clock with a snooze function- just like mom or dad's!

OK to Wake! Children's Alarm Clock and Nightlight

Product Features

* OK to Wake! glows green when it is time for young kids to go see mom and dad in the morning.
* OK to Wake! includes a special built-in nap timer independent of the regular alarm settings.
* OK to Wake! is a fully-functional alarm clock with snooze
* OK to Wake! comes with two interchangeable bezels: Bug and Flower.
* OK To Wake! comes to life with fun animations of smiles and winks whenever the alarm is soundin

Tattoo Stand for Kids

2012-07-18T22:53:00.001-07:00

Lemonade is for chumps. :)

I love this idea. It's a nice change from the traditional lemonade stand. And what kid doesn't love temporary tattoos.

Free Superhero Potty Chart Printable

2012-07-18T22:24:00.000-07:00

I found these cute free superhero potty charts that would make a great motivational tool especially paired with the Superhero Potty Time book. I wish I would have found these for my son earlier. Now we are working on not saying I want, and replacing it with a may I please. So I think I'm going to take advantage of the free superhero manners chart instead. Enjoy!

Visit this link for the free download: http://www.colourmethere.com/2011/11/04/free-superhero-reward-chart-printable/

Cheap and Easy Homemade Ice Cream

2012-07-15T21:31:00.000-07:00

What you will need:

2c half and half
1tsp vanilla extract
2tbs sugar
1/4c salt
1 bag of ice
1 sandwich bag
1 one gallon bag (optional)
1 27.08oz container with lid (we used an old Folders coffee container)
tape

Serves 2
***Don't worry if you are a little short on any of the ingredients. It will still turn out amazing***

Step 1:
Measure out the first three ingredients (half and half, vanilla, sugar) and dump them in your sandwich bag. Squeeze as much air out of the bag without spilling- then seal.

Step 2:
Fill your container half way full with ice then cover with half of your salt.

Step 3:
Place your sandwich bag full of ingredients in the center of your container then fill the rest with ice. Use the remainder of your salt to poor on top.

Step 4:
Put the lid on and tape it up to make it extra secure (I used painters tape). Do it qickly before the container gets to cold, or the tape wont stick. If your doing this inside and your afraid of the container busting open you can use a gallon bag for steps 2 and 3. Then place the steeled bag in the container. So If it does bust open your not left with a mess.

Step 5:
Set a timer for eight minutes then take your container and start rolling. My 2yr old and I sat on the floor in the living room and rolled it back and fourth. You can even go outside and roll it down a hill. Have fun with it.

Step 6:
After your eight minutes are over, open everything up, and enjoy your delicious homemade ice cream.

Originally when I found this recipe it was for "hand shaken" ice cream in a bag. We tried it that way with the kids a couple of times but it was messy, and hard work. The bag was heavy and hard to shake so the kids lost interest quickly. Besides that our poor little fingers were freezing, the bags either got a whole in them from our vigorous shaking and perspired so punch by the time we were done I had one huge puddle on my counter top. Also, after shaking ten minutes with the bag tycnech the ice cream didn't come out nearly as solid as when it was rolled. However if you don't happen to have a Folgers can or some kind of container on hand a gallon bag will do. The most important thing is that you have fun doing it. Enjoy!

BabyGanics Sunscreen Selection for 2012

2012-07-06T22:01:00.001-07:00

So I just wanted to make things a little easier for those of you who read the 2012 EWG report on Sunscreen and are concerned about witch sunscreen to buy for your family. Unfortunately the healthier brands are hard to find in stores, and pretty pricy. However, I did find this one by BabyGanics at Target, in the baby section. It ranks a 2 out of 10 on the 2012 EWG report, and it wont cost you an arm and a leg. Seems to be doing it's job protecting my sons skin from the sun but minus all the harsh chemicals. I copied and pasted all the information available on this product from the EWG site (below). Enjoy!

BabyGanics Cover Up Baby Sunscreen for Face & Body, Fragrance Free, SPF 50+

BabyGanics by BabyGanics

OVERALL SCORE	Data: Limited
UVB PROTECTION (SPF)	EXCELLENT
UVA PROTECTION	GOOD
UVA/UVB BALANCE	MODERATE
SUNSCREEN STABILITY	EXCELLENT
HEALTH CONCERN	MODERATE
OTHER CONCERNS	-

Sunscreen UV Absorbance

Absorbance is the capacity of the sunscreen to absorb UV radiation before it reaches your skin.

Sunscreen Ingredients

OCTINOXATE	7.5%
OCTISALATE	5%
ZINC OXIDE (sunscreen grade > 100nm)	11.7%

Read what's on your label. Other formulations may exist on the market. [See the ingredients used for this report.]
Label directions: Apply generously and evenly before sun exposure and as needed Reapply as needed or after towel drying, swimming, sweating, or perspiring Consult a doctor before using on children under 6 months of age.
Label warnings: WarningsFor external use only. When using this product: Keep out of eyes. Rinse with water to remove. Stop use and ask a doctor if: rash or irritation develops and lasts. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed seek medical attention or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Where to purchase

Shop with EWG on Amazon.com	Amazon.com product page
Body Sense	buy now

About the ratings

EWG provides information on sunscreen products from the published scientific literature, to supplement incomplete data available from companies and the government. The ratings indicate both efficacy and the relative level of concern posed by exposure to the ingredients in this product - not the product itself - compared to other sunscreens. The ratings reflect potential health hazards but do not account for the level of exposure or individual susceptibility, factors which determine actual health risks, if any.
Learn more | Legal Disclaimer

Ingredient	Hazard Score	Concerns
OCTINOXATE active ingredient 7.5%	Data: Fair	Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Enhanced skin absorption, Biochemical or cellular level changes
OCTISALATE active ingredient 5%	Data: Fair	Allergies/immunotoxicity, Ecotoxicology, Enhanced skin absorption, Use restrictions
ZINC OXIDE (sunscreen grade > 100nm) active ingredient 11.7%	Data: Fair	Cancer, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Ecotoxicology, Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes
WATER	Data: Robust	n/a
GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE	Data: Limited	Ecotoxicology
CAPRYLIC/ CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE	Data: Limited	Ecotoxicology
PROPANEDIOL	Data: Fair	Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
CYCLOPENTASILOXANE	Data: Limited	Cancer, Neurotoxicity, Endocrine disruption, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Ecotoxicology
CETYL ALCOHOL	Data: Limited	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Ecotoxicology
CETEARYL ALCOHOL	Data: Limited	Ecotoxicology
POLYSORBATE-60	Data: Limited	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Contamination concerns ()
DIMETHICONE	Data: Limited	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Ecotoxicology, Use restrictions
DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER	Data: None	n/a
GLYCERIN	Data: Fair	n/a
TOCOPHERYL ACETATE	Data: Fair	Cancer, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Ecotoxicology, Contamination concerns ()
SODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE	Data: None	n/a
BEESWAX	Data: Limited	n/a
LAURYL PEG/ PPG-18/ 18 METHICONE	Data: Limited	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Contamination concerns ()
TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE	Data: Limited	n/a
XANTHAN GUM	Data: Limited	n/a
ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN	Data: Limited	Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
DISODIUM EDTA	Data: Fair	Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Enhanced skin absorption
POTASSIUM SORBATE	Data: Limited	Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
PHENOXYETHANOL	Data: Limited	Allergies/immunotoxicity, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards, Use restrictions

Healthy Strawberry & Blackberry Snack Wheels

2012-06-04T23:25:00.002-07:00

I try my best to provide my toddler with a healthy variety of snack foods. Sometimes I find myself struggling to come up with new ideas, and not reaching for something prepackaged. So I was very pleased with myself when I put this colorful delight together to switch things up.

My son's eyes light up when he see's this colorful snack. I think he thinks they are some kind of "special treat". I used whole wheat mini bagels, Philadelphia cream cheese (you can use light to make it a bit healthier if you prefer), strawberries cut in 1/8in slices, and blackberries cut in half. Toast your bagel if you prefer, smear a small amount of cream cheese once they've cooled, then pace your fruit, and voila.

Healthy Facts About Strawberries:

They give you whiter teeth. Ever heard of strawberries and baking soda as teeth cleaner? Try it. Put 1 large strawberry in a blender together with ½ teaspoon of baking soda and blend well. You can also mash the strawberry using a fork and mix the baking soda in. Use it like toothpaste and spread it on to your teeth gently. Leave it for 3-6 minutes and cleanse your teeth with water afterwards. Just make sure you brush your teeth with your preferred commercial toothpaste after so there won’t be strawberry stain or taste left.
Strawberries also prevent constipation and even colon cancer because they wash away harmful toxins in our intestines.
Strawberry consumption also increases memory.
Strawberry has antioxidants that protect our immune system. So try a strawberry dipped in melted chocolate for a double boost of disease-fighting antioxidants.
These red berries also keep our eyes bright. Studies on eyesight reveals that eating at least 5 strawberries a day could keep your vision clear.
Pregnant women may also get a good amount of folic acid from eating strawberries.
Strawberry is low in calories (32 kcal/100g) and fats but rich source of many health promoting phyto-nutrients, minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.
Strawberries have significantly high amounts of phenolic flavonoid phyto-chemicals called anthocyanins and ellagic acid. Scientific studies show that consumption of straw berries may have potential health benefits against cancer, aging, inflammation and neurological diseases.
Fresh berries are an excellent source of vitamin-C (about 98% of RDI), which is also a powerful natural antioxidant. Consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents, counter inflammation and scavenge harmful free radicals.
The fruit is rich in B-complex group of vitamins. It contains very good amounts of vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and folic acid. These vitamins are acting as co-factors help body metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Strawberries contain vitamin A, vitamin E and many health promoting flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta carotene in small amounts. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease process.
They contain good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, fluorine, copper, iron and iodine. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells. Iron is required for red blood cell formation. Fluoride is a component of bones and teeth and is important for prevention of dental caries.

Healthy Facts About Blackberries:

Blackberries are one of the top ten foods containing antioxidants.
Blackberries are packed with polyphenols helping to prevent cancer and heart disease.
Blackberries are filled with anthocyanins (antioxidants which give blackberries their deep purple color) which help in memory retention and the risk of hypertension.
Blackberries are said to strengthen blood vessels, help fight heart disease and help improve eyesight.
The high tannin content of blackberries help tighten tissue, relieve intestinal inflammation, and help reduce hemorrhoids and stomach disorders.
Ohio State University found that blackberries may protect against esophageal cancer, a cancer caused by gastric reflux disease.
Blackberries have shown to protect against other types of cancers. They contain phytoestrogens (plant estrogens), a compound believed to play a vital role in preventing breast and cervical cancer.
Blackberries are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Manganese and fiber.
The high fiber content of blackberries help reduce risk of intestinal disease and the risk of developing diabetes.Blackberries are a healthy food choice that kids and adults love. They are a great way to refuel after a hard workout and help aid in fighting obesity. See a recipe for Blackberry-Blueberry Cobbler from my site last year.

Five Retailers Agree to Stop Sale and Recall Tots in Mind Crib Tents Due to Strangulation and Entrapment Hazard

2012-05-17T22:07:00.001-07:00

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Communications

Washington, D.C.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2012
Release #12-179

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Five Retailers Agree to Stop Sale and Recall Tots in Mind Crib Tents Due to Strangulation and Entrapment Hazard
One Death and Serious Brain Injury Reported

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and five retailers are announcing a voluntary recall to provide refunds to consumers who own crib tents and play yard tents made by Tots in Mind, Inc.
CPSC is warning parents and caregivers who own these products that infants and toddlers are at risk of serious injury or death due to strangulation and entrapment hazards presented by these products. Tots in Mind recalled the play yard tents in July 2010 and offered a repair kit that is no longer available. The company is no longer in business and has stopped all sales. CPSC staff urges parents and caregivers to stop using these crib tents and play yard tents immediately. Do not attempt to repair these products.
CPSC is aware of 27 tent failures including one fatality and one serious injury that occurred between January 1997 and April 2012 from crib tents and play yard tents made by Tots in Mind, Inc. In 2008, a two year old boy died after becoming entrapped between the bottom rail of a play yard tent and the top rail of a play yard. The fatality was reported in a prior recall with the firm in July 15, 2010.
In 2007, a two year old boy sustained a catastrophic brain injury when the crib tent affixed to his crib tent inverted and the product’s broken rod trapped him at the neck. The remaining 25 reports to CPSC involved inverted crib tents—entrapments between the tent and the crib/play yard or failures of the tent fabric and zippers. Three of these 25 reports also resulted in injuries; in one such case, a parent reported finding her child turning blue and entrapped between the product and the top rail of the play yard.
Since Tots in Mind, Inc. is out of business, retailers who sold these products have stepped up to offer refunds or store credit to consumers. The crib tents and play yard tents can present an entrapment and strangulation hazard to infants and toddlers if the dome portion inverts inside the crib or play yard, or if the product becomes partially detached from the crib or play yard. The recalled products were sold at numerous retail stores including Bed Bath & Beyond/Buy Buy Baby, Burlington Coat Factory, Toys R Us/Babies R Us, Walmart and online on websites including Amazon.com, for between $60 and $85.
Consumers should contact the store listed below where the crib tent was purchased to receive either a refund or store credit, depending on the retailer. If consumer is unsure of where the crib tent was purchased, see return policy for individual retailers below on their website:

Amazon.com [Amazon.com]
Bed Bath & Beyond / Buy Buy Baby [bedbathandbeyond.com or buybuybaby.com or (800) GOBEYOND]
Burlington Coat Factory [burlingtoncoatfactory.com or (888) 223-2628]
Toys R Us/Babies R Us [toysrus.com or babiesrus.com or (800) 869-7787]
Walmart [walmartstores.com or (800) 925-6278]

The recall includes various models of about 330,000 crib or play yard tents. Consumers can identify their tent by the 2”x 1½” label with Tots In Mind logo located on the non-mesh portion near the top of the tent.

No model names or numbers are located on the tents, however they can be identified by the pictures below and the Tots in Mind logo on top of the tent:

Original Cozy Crib Tent

Cozy Crib Tent II

Portable Play Yard Tent

Portable Playard Tent
Original Cozy Crib Tent
Cozy Crib Tent II
Crib Tent for Convertible Cribs
Portable Playard Tent Plus Cabana Kit

---

EWG's 2012 Sunscreen Report

2012-05-15T23:06:00.001-07:00

The sun is finally starting to make a regular appearance here in the Pacific Northwest. Most of us are probably searching high and low for the sunscreen we bought last year, or plan on picking some up the next time we're out. Before applying last years sunscreen, or purchasing more, I would highly recommend checking this link out. You may be surprised at what you find.

Before I became a mom i wouldn't have thought twice about what type of sunscreen I was using. It's just sunscreen, right? Well, after much research I found how hazardous sunscreen is. I honestly had know idea and couldn't believe what I was reading. I mean, can you believe this stuff that we've been slathering all over our skin and our children's skin for years could potentially be more harmful then exposing our bare skin to the sun. What's even more disturbing is that these sunblock manufactures don't even have to list their indigents on the bottle. If that's not a red flag then I don't know what is. And what's even more disturbing and disgusting is that they stamp the pediatrics seal of approval right on the label as some marketing tool giving moms the false impression that their product is the healthy choice for their family. That's right, just because a bottle may have the words "approved by pediatricians, hypoallergenic, or baby" printed on the front does not mean they're chemical free.

EWG's has an extremely resourceful website with a ton of useful information and tips. Best of all, it offers this tool you can use to look up any sunscreen, and the info available on it. It will tell you anything from the UVA/UVB protection, ingredients, health risk, to providing an overall hazard score. As you can imagine as soon as i found this tool I was off gathering all the sunscreen in my house. None of them scored well, might I add. I was really surprised how my Neutragina Baby sunscreen was listed as a moderate hazard. It just goes to show sometimes you can never be to careful. I'm extremely grateful I found this website and i will be referring back to it yearly to stay updated. I hope this post helps all parents make a healthy choice of sunscreen for their family.

All Sunscreens | EWG's Skin Deep® | 2012 Sunscreen Report

2012 Hall of Shame

Children’s Sunscreens That Fail the Test

EWG’s research into this year’s crop of sunscreens revealed that many products advertised for babies and kids are formulated with safer, more effective ingredients than those in other products.
Still — buyer beware! There are still many children’s products that don’t meet the mark. Here are a few shameful trends and products in the 2012 sunscreen crop:

Hormone-disrupting chemical in children’s sunscreens

Some 65 sunscreens advertised for babies and kids contain oxybenzone, a synthetic chemical that absorbs the sun’s rays but also readily penetrates the skin. It can disrupt the body’s natural hormones. It can also cause allergic reactions.
Experts warn that children are at greater risk from oxybenzone and other hormone-disrupting substances than adults. They absorb more of the chemical relative to their weight. They may not excrete it as easily. And their developing bodies are particularly sensitive to hormonal changes.
Typical offenders:

Banana Boat Kids Quik Blok Sunblock Spray Lotion, SPF 35 – 4% oxybenzone
Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70+ – 6% oxybenzone

Plenty of safer sunscreen chemicals are available.

Sunscreens that boost skin tumor risk?

Foods rich in vitamin A are good for the body. But applied to sun-exposed skin, this common sunscreen additive may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions, according to government studies. Why is vitamin A (shown as “retinyl palmitate” or “retinol palmitate” on labels) allowed in sunscreens made for use in the sun? Good question.
Almost 40 sunscreens advertised for babies and kids contain retinyl palmitate, including:

Banana Boat Baby Tear Free Sunblock Lotion, SPF 50+
Arbonne Baby Care Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
Australian Gold Baby Formula Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 50+

The FDA has yet to rule on the safety of retinyl palmitate in skin care products, but EWG recommends that consumers avoid sunscreens with this chemical.

Skin cancer risk starts young

Sky-high SPF products may protect from sunburn, caused primarily by UVB rays, but they leave children vulnerable to skin-damaging UVA rays. Without the warning signal of sunburn, children stay in the sun too long, and UVA damage builds up. Parents who see a high-SPF label on the bottle may think it’s safe to allow their kids hours of sunburn-free beach time, but risks associated with sun exposure begin in childhood and accumulate over a lifetime.
The FDA wants to limit SPF claims to “50+” to cut down on the false sense of security higher numbers like this can impart:

Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Beach & Pool Sunblock Stick, SPF 70

EWG recommends avoiding products labeled higher than SPF 50. Reapply sunscreen often regardless of SPF.

Sprays that could coat the lungs

Aerosol spray sunscreen packages will soon be required to display FDA-mandated warnings such as “use in a well ventilated area” and “intentional misuse… can be harmful or fatal.” These cautions highlight growing concerns that sprays pose serious inhalation risks. Spray sunscreens also make it too easy to miss a spot, leaving bare skin exposed to harmful rays.
Two aerosol sprays marketed for babies and kids:

CVS Kids Fast Cover Continuous Clear Spray, SPF 50
Rite Aid Baby Continuous Spray Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50

A cloud of powder

Loose powder sunscreens emit a plume of airborne particles. When inhaled, they can potentially damage the lungs over the long term. If there’s a chance you can breathe it, don’t buy it.
Some brands of loose powder sunscreens contain particles of titanium dioxide, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” when inhaled. Powdered sunscreens may also contain nanoscale and micronized zinc oxide, which can cause lung inflammation and worse.

GO!screen Natural Mineral PowderBlock Brush-On Sunscreen, SPF 30 is advertised as “great for kids” on the front of the bottle. It contains zinc oxide particles.

EWG recommends that sunscreen users stay away from inhalable products – sprays and powders – and use creams and lotions instead.

Children’s products… sometimes better, but not always

For some brands, the only differences are on the label – not inside the bottle. We found that 16 brands in this year’s crop feature products that list the same ingredients for both baby and adult sunscreens – down to the exact amounts of active ingredients. Among them:

Aveeno Baby Natural Protection Mineral Block Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
Aveeno Active Naturals Natural Protection Mineral Block Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Stick, SPF 55
Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Stick, SPF 55

Do sunscreen towelettes work? The FDA doesn’t know…

This baby sunscreen advertises “maximum allowable protection for babies” but comes in the form of a towelette. In its 2011 sunscreen rules, FDA says it doesn’t have data to know if wipes are safe and effective sunscreens.

Baby Blanket SunBlankie Towelette SPF 45+

15 minutes is not “immediate,” especially for children

The front of a Lavera sunscreen box claims the product is “effective immediately” and there is “no need to wait.” But the side panel warns, “apply… 15 minutes before sun exposure.” Which is it?

Lavera Baby & Children Sun Screen, Medium, SPF 20

EWG recommends that consumers read labels. Ignore claims, follow warnings and directions.

And for moms: beware of super-hyped, super-pricey moisturizers with sunscreen

La Prairie Cellular Radiance Emulsion, SPF 30 (retails for $267 per fluid ounce)

Consumers who shell out the bucks for pricey SPF-labeled moisturizers rarely get the sun protection they expect. There are plenty of sun care products that sell for less than $3 per ounce and offer better sun protection than those that cost up to 90 times more.
And a Sunscreen Hall of Shame wouldn’t be complete without –

The Food and Drug Administration

Starting December 2012, new FDA rules will bar sunscreen labels from using the terms “sweatproof,” “sunblock” and “waterproof.” Products that advertise “broad spectrum protection” must pass an FDA test. The agency is considering restricting SPF ratings to no higher than “SPF 50+. “
These actions might be impressive – if it were the 1990’s. But it isn’t. The FDA has more work to do to ensure that sunscreens meet the highest standards for safety and skin protection. We estimate that almost 90 percent of this year’s crop of sunscreen products can pass the FDA “broad spectrum” test with no reformulation. Half of all sunscreens that meet FDA’s standards for “broad spectrum” protection filter so little UVA radiation they would not be sold in Europe. There, manufacturers voluntarily comply with a European Union recommendation that all sunscreens provide meaningful UVA protection in relation to SPF.

Happy Mother's Day!

2012-05-13T09:47:00.001-07:00

Free Mother's Day Card Downloads

2012-05-09T12:29:00.003-07:00

Don't forget this Sunday is Mother's Day. Show all those special moms in your life you appreciate them with a unique card. I found several I really like that you can download and print from your computer at home. Happy Mother's Day! Enjoy!

http://www.larissaholland.com/mmmcrafts/MommaBirdCards.pdf

http://www.faroucheshop.com/Farouche_Mothers_Day_card_templates.pdf

http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/web/pdfs/pdf1/0503_mother.pdf

http://www.ontobaby.com/printables/mothers-day-card-free-printable.jpg

http://stuffstephdoes.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/2012_mothersday_printouts1.pdf

https://www.box.com/shared/deebcz5kxr

Free Bridal Shower and Wedding Invitation Templates

2012-05-07T00:33:00.000-07:00

Hopefully you don't find yourself scrambling last minute to make bridal shower invitations as I was, but if you do I found some great resources that I wish I would have found a whole heck of a lot sooner. So here is a gift to all of my fellow maids/maidens of honor who need some stylish bridal shower invitations, and fast. Or my fellow brides on a budget who would like to save a little coin on their invitations. You can buy a pack of 50 cards plus envelopes at Micheal's for $10.00 (grab a 40% coupon on their web sight to make it $6.00). Make sure you have enough ink in your printer's ink cartridges, input your information in the templates provided, download, and print. I don't think it gets much cheaper or easier then that. Enjoy!

P.S.Most of the templates colors and fonts are interchangeable.

http://www.weddingchicks.com/freebies/invitation-suites/tecustom-bicycle-wedding-invitation-set/

http://www.weddingchicks.com/freebies/invitation-suites/fly-away-with-me-invitation-suite/

http://www.weddingchicks.com/freebies/invitation-suites/kites-free-printable-wedding-invitation-suite/

http://www.weddingchicks.com/freebies/invitation-suites/bunting-invitation-suite/

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT010144780.aspx#pg:2|ai:TC030003044|

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT010144780.aspx#pg:3|ai:TC030005595|

http://www.do-it-yourself-invitations.com/free-printable-bridal-shower-invitations.html

Sausage and Zucchini Stuffed Red Peppers

2012-04-18T23:43:00.002-07:00

These stuffed red peppers are scrumptious. Everybody who's tried these loves them, even the picky eaters. My fiance lights up when he hears we're having stuffed peppers for dinner, and my mom is always taking the leftovers to work with her. Every time I go to make these I have a hard time finding the recipe, even though I should have it memorized by now. I figured it might be a good idea to make a easy to find hard copy. Plus, something this delicious needs to be shared. Please try this recipe and share it with the ones you love. They will love you for it;) Enjoy!

I served the peppers on a bed of whole grain brown rice with garlic bread on the side.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds sweet Italian sausages, casings removed
1 1/2 cups coarsely grated zucchini (about 1 large)
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
1/4 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
4 medium-size red bell peppers (each about 4 to 6 ounces), halved lengthwise, seeded
Fresh rosemary sprigs

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix first 9 ingredients in large bowl until well blended. Fill pepper halves with sausage mixture, dividing equally and mounding slightly. Arrange in 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.)

Bake peppers uncovered until tops are browned and thermometer inserted into filling registers 165°F, about 1 hour. Transfer peppers to platter. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and serve.

Serves 8

Stamped Bunny Cupcakes

2012-04-08T19:04:00.001-07:00

This was my first time using fondant on cupcakes and I am very pleased with the way they turned out. I don't typically like the flavor of fondant but I made it really thin, and used cookie frosting to attach the fondant to the cupcake. It was the perfect combination of sweet frosting and cake. So I was told :) The hardest part about making these cute little toppers was dying the fondant the individual colors. Other than that they were a sinch ( roll, cut, stamp, and paste).

I got these cute little cupcake cups at Target and a box of yellow cake mix on sale. Make sure your cupcakes are completely cool before placing your fondant or it will become tacky and loose its shape. Same goes with storing them. The fondant will get hard if refrigerated, and really soft and sticky if kept somewhere too warm.

I used these four Wilton's food coloring colors that are made specifically for coloring frosting and fondant. I happen to have ready-to-use fondant on hand. When coloring fondant the ready-to-use stuff will save you a lot of time. I really didn't color a whole lot of fondant but it still took me about ten minutes (per color) to get the colors mixed well.

Once you get your color mixed well roll it out to about an 1/8th of an inch. Then I cut my circles out with a cookie cutter just a tad bigger then the stamp.

Discard the scraps then stamp. Be sure to put all the pressure on the middle of the stamp otherwise your impression will be uneven. Use a spatula dipped in powdered sugar to gently lift your topper. Then I used the Betty Crocker ready-to-use cookie frosting to attach the topper to the cupcake.

I've never seen or heard of these stamps for baking until I received this one as a gift. It's a product from this company called Stampin' Up. I love them, and can't wait to use them again. It really gives the cupcakes a simple, but clean and professional look- which I love. Happy Easter!

Bunny Easter Eggs

2012-04-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

While digging through my stamping stuff I found this bunny hole punch that I completely for got I had. It took me a minute or two to figure out what I could possibly use it for besides punching holes in paper. This is what I came up with...

I started by blowing out the eggs. Next time I think I will do this last so the eggs don't float. It made it a little harder to get an even coat of color over the eggs with them floating. They also ended up soaking a lot longer so the tape got a little soggy causing some color to bleed through. If your not looking to keep the eggs out for decoration hard boiling them would be the easiest way to go to achieve a defined clean outline of the bunny. Or blow the egg out at the very end.

After preparing the eggs I hole punched some painters tape with my bunny hole punch. You can find cute hole punchers at Mikael's for a dollar. I suggest taping the start of your tape roll on a table and holding the roll with one hand while punching with the other. Be sure you have the sticky side down (like shown in the picture above) so the bunny doesn't stick to the hole punch. Then sporadically place your bunnies on your egg.

I used a standard egg dying kit you can get from practically any store this time of year. Let the eggs sit in the cup of dye solution (rotating and dunking constantly) for a little over five minutes. Once the eggs were evenly colored I took them out, waited for them to dry completely, then peeled off the bunnies. Place them in a nice bowel or vase for the perfect little Easter centerpiece. You can also thread some ribbon through the center of a blown out egg, and tie it off to hang them on a Easter tree. Happy Easter!

Easter Card

2012-04-04T23:34:00.000-07:00

My son got these precious little felt Easter stickers in his plastic eggs at the Easter egg hunt we went to. I couldn't wait to use them so I put together this simple little Easter card.

Easy Peezy Easter Cupcakes

2012-04-04T22:26:00.001-07:00

If your a busy mom with multiple Easter events to go to these cupcakes are the way to go. You can whip them up in no time while still maintaining a nice sleek look, and with out braking the bank. I've already made these for two events, going on my third. I have to tell you that the ready-to-use cookie icing taste so much better then the cake icing. I think I'm going to use the cookie icing on all my quickly made (box) cupcakes from here on out. Happy Easter!

Here's what you need:
Cupcake paper cups
Box of your favorite cake mix
Betty Crocker ready-to-use cookie frosting
Kraft Jet-Puffed Bunny Mallows Marshmellows

Easter Deviled Eggs

2012-03-26T21:24:00.001-07:00

Get into the Easter spirit and dress up those deviled eggs in lovely spring colors. Just continue with your usual steps in preparing deviled eggs. Except soak your hard boiled egg whites in a glass, filled with water and food coloring, until you achieve your desired hue. I used three drops of each food coloring color. To make purple I used 1 drop of blue combined with 2 of red. My eggs were forgotten about, and left to soak for 45min. Next time I think I'll let them soak for only 15min. to get that softer pastel look instead. Once desired hue is achieved place them on a paper towel (top down) so the excess colored water drips off. This will prevent colors bleeding onto each other. Then fill with your favorite yoke mixture recipe. I used a pastry bag and Wilton's tip #32 for an extra touch. These colorful eggs will make a beautiful addition to any Easter dinner spread. Happy Easter!

Once Upon a Crafty Mom

Valentine's Day Crafts

Plastic Canvas Christmas Ornament

DIY Christmas Wreath

Kipper Picnic Birthday Party

Games and Activities

Party!

Extras

No Cut Pumpkin Decorating for Toddlers

Halloween Candied Popcorn

Free Jake and the Never Land Pirates Activity Kit

DIY Sock Bun Accessory and Hair Style

Toddler Sleep Training Clocks

Kids Sleep Clock - Sleep Training Clock For Kids

Fun Alarm Clocks For Kids

Plush Owl with Night-Light and Music Naptime timer

Owl Kids Sleep Clock

Bedtime Clock For Kids

Kid'Sleep My First Alarm Clock

The Kid'Sleep Clock

Kid Sleep Clock on eBay

Bid Now!!!

Monkey Alarm Clock

My Tot Clock

My Tot Clock - Tot Clock Treasure

My Tot Clock Faceplate

Stoplight Sleep Enhancing Clock

Its About Time Stoplight Sleep Enhancing Clock

Miss Kitty Riding a Scooter

It's About Time Stoplight Sleep Enhancing Clock

Mr Puppy Riding a Scooter

Time To Wake Up Clock For Kids

School Kids Light Up Clock - Multi Color LED Alarm Clock

Teach Me Time Talking Alarm Clock

sleep training clocks for toddlers

Tattoo Stand for Kids

Free Superhero Potty Chart Printable

Cheap and Easy Homemade Ice Cream

BabyGanics Sunscreen Selection for 2012

About the ratings

Healthy Strawberry & Blackberry Snack Wheels

Five Retailers Agree to Stop Sale and Recall Tots in Mind Crib Tents Due to Strangulation and Entrapment Hazard

Five Retailers Agree to Stop Sale and Recall Tots in Mind Crib Tents Due to Strangulation and Entrapment Hazard One Death and Serious Brain Injury Reported

EWG's 2012 Sunscreen Report

2012 Hall of Shame

Children’s Sunscreens That Fail the Test

Hormone-disrupting chemical in children’s sunscreens

Sunscreens that boost skin tumor risk?

Skin cancer risk starts young

Sprays that could coat the lungs

A cloud of powder

Children’s products… sometimes better, but not always

Do sunscreen towelettes work? The FDA doesn’t know…

15 minutes is not “immediate,” especially for children

And for moms: beware of super-hyped, super-pricey moisturizers with sunscreen

The Food and Drug Administration

Happy Mother's Day!

Free Mother's Day Card Downloads

Free Bridal Shower and Wedding Invitation Templates

Sausage and Zucchini Stuffed Red Peppers

Stamped Bunny Cupcakes

Bunny Easter Eggs

Easter Card

Easy Peezy Easter Cupcakes

Easter Deviled Eggs

Five Retailers Agree to Stop Sale and Recall Tots in Mind Crib Tents Due to Strangulation and Entrapment Hazard
One Death and Serious Brain Injury Reported