Salsa Pie

weekend

2013-05-17T07:46:00.001-04:00

Hey there. What are your weekend plans? I'm taking another yoga class on Saturday after the kids have their swimming lesson. Many years ago I used to be interested in yoga, mainly in my living room following DVD instructions. But yesterday I took an actual class at the gym where we are members and I loved it. It is something much needed in my life as I attempt to juggle so many things.

I hope you forgive this blog for not being wildly entertaining during these last few months as I have a few projects going on behind the scenes. Sometimes I work in bulk, then you see lots of me around the internet. That's par for the course in the creative process as you have to stop and plan, then create in order to have content!

Funny story: after my yoga class was over yesterday I showered in the locker room. While getting dressed I realized I packed my husband's shorts instead of my pants! Ha! So instead of walking out of the gym looking like a 12 year old boy wearing his big brother's shorts, I decided to wear my sweaty yoga pants. Sweet!

I hope you have a gorgeous weekend!

mustache on a stick: the perfect sick day craft!

2013-05-15T13:58:00.001-04:00

You guys. We have been passing around Strep in our house. No amount of cleaning can avoid the spread sometimes when you have a big crew! The kids were feeling better the next day but the general rule when dealing with Strep throat is 24 hours after your first antibiotic dose so that meant the older girls were home from school for 2 days! Sick days are always tricky because you want the kids to rest, but it's also nice when they can do something crafty.

Our super quick copy-paper Mustache on a Stick is a great activity for kids and you can obviously elaborate with hair bows or bow ties, etc. All you need and the steps and tips to make a great "stache" can be found over on PBS parents today! Check it out when you have a sec!

Mother's Day

2013-05-14T13:12:00.000-04:00

How was your Mother's Day? The kids cooked me breakfast, then hid in the closets and jumped out and surprised me as I walked down the steps. They had wrapped gifts (with tissue paper and masking tape) ;) and made cards. It was THE best Mother's Day ever because it was really the first year they hatched a plan on their own. I ate my almonds and cheese sandwich (yes, you heard that correctly) with the biggest smile on my face ever. Then washed it down with the orange juice in a fancy glass they poured for me. They were so proud and I was the happiest mom on the planet!

Hope you had a great one! I'm re-sharing my idea from last year (a little late, I know): DIY Mother's Day gift cards which can be found here. You can pin it for next year, along with these corsages I made this year if you want!

d.i.y. shape necklaces made from milk jug plastic!

2013-05-08T14:23:00.002-04:00

Today's craft project on PBS Parents is perfect for a rainy day. As a matter of fact, we crafted this project on a rainy day! I love crafting by recycling materials because it shows my kids how to be innovative and how to be mindful of waste. Milk jug plastic is a great material to use. It can be cut into many different shapes, colored and used for many things such as sun catchers, ornaments or in this case, jewelry!
Come learn how to make these fun DIY shape necklaces on PBS parents today!

Popsicle Stick Puppets and a Mini Theater for Make and Takes!

2013-05-06T13:17:00.003-04:00

Today's craft on Make and Takes is fantastic fun for the whole family! If you can find a shoebox and some popsicle sticks and scrap fabric around your house then you can make a puppet theater in no time! Kids of all different age ranges will love this too and my tutorial on Make and Takes today will also show you an example of what children of different age groups may create based on their age!

It's a fabulous craft you don't want to miss and it's perfect to have on hand as the kids head into summer break! The full steps to make your very own Popsicle Stick Puppets and matching Theater can be found here!

Tissue Paper Corsages on PBS Parents

2013-05-01T11:56:00.003-04:00

Tissue paper corsages are not only super adorable, but they also make great Mother's Day presents. This craft is simple enough for kids to construct (with a little help from mom) and beautiful enough for any mom out there! Come craft with us on PBS Parents today and learn how you and the kiddos can make these in a few simple steps!

Join us here.

Poster Paper City for Cool Progeny

2013-04-29T13:15:00.002-04:00

It's raining today and actually the perfect day for our project on Cool Progeny! All you'll need for your child to create a fun city (instantly) are a few simple materials: poster paper, markers and small toys and toy cars! My tips on Cool Progeny show you how to make a city--it's a cinch! Come play with us!

Zoom-zoom! Beep Beep!

Birthday Party Hat Card Craft on PBS today

2013-04-24T10:05:00.004-04:00

Invited to another birthday party? Well, stress no more about what to do because we have a fun craft for you on PBS parents today! Your child can make these cute birthday party hats (in bulk if they like) then on the day of the party, write a special message inside! You'll need wrapping paper, school glue scissors a hole puncher and yarn to complete this craft.

Full steps are on the PBS Parents Crafts for Kids site today!

Handmade Topiary Cards on Make and Takes

2013-04-23T10:32:00.001-04:00

I've really gotten into the floral craze this season and just can't get enough of flowers and anything that screams spring! My project on Make and Takes is up and we're making Topiary gift cards. These cards are perfect for any occasion but would also be fantastic for Mother's Day! To make these you'll just need card stock paper, dried flower petals and some school glue. For the full tutorial, head on over to Make and Takes.

Edna Adan Mother's Day Project

2013-04-22T10:12:00.002-04:00

I'm writing this post today to help support my friend Lacy's project to help raise fund's for the Edna Adan University Hospital in Somiland. You can read more about the project here, on Lacy's blog.

Half of all proceeds from the beautiful print above will be donated to the Hospital. You can purchase a print here or help spread the word about this project by sharing a link to Lacy's post or if you are on Twitter you can tweet #give2ednaadan to help spread the word.

Tea Party Place Cards on The Southern Institute

2013-04-19T17:29:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone! I will be over at The Southern Institute today making place cards! Come join us!

Curious George Artwork Hanging Vine for Kids!

2013-04-17T10:09:00.002-04:00

Curious George "Swings into Spring!" is a new special that airs on PBS Kids Monday April 22nd! Mark your calendars and get ready and set with a few Curious George Crafts on PBS Parents today! For starters, we're swinging with silly George on this Kids Artwork Hanging Vine! Come craft with us on PBS Parents today!

Paper Blossoms on PBS Parents Today!

2013-04-10T11:37:00.000-04:00

I love spring!! Have I said that enough here? Okay, okay, I know. I'm getting a little too excited about it. I'll tone it down a bit....

But before I completely strop gushing over spring, I just wanted to tell you about our latest project on PBS Parents. You can make your very own spring blossoms out of crepe paper streamers and they look so great that they can be the centerpiece for any party or even a fabulous Mother's Day gift! For this project you will only need three simple materials: crepe paper streamers, small branches and school glue.

The full tutorial is over on PBS Parents today right here.

updates, links, happenings and more

2013-04-09T13:05:00.002-04:00

Hi friend! Are you enjoying spring? It's cherry blossom season here in the Baltimore/ DC area and I have to say, it sure is welcome. Winter here this year was weird with lots of unusual warm snaps in-between really cold weather. Spring is here now and it's just good to see things sprouting from the ground and blooming on trees! I'm ready for a picnic!

As always, behind the scenes I'm up to some fun stuff. So when you see lulls here in my posting keep two things in mind: first, I am a one-woman show (no staff save my amazing kids! ) and secondly, a lull normally means I have projects going on behind the scenes. I can't wait to share more with you, but for now, that's that. Thanks for you patience when things are slow on SP.

I also wanted to let you know about a few things happening right now that might interest you. First and foremost, my dear, dear friend, published author and writer Maggie Ethridge of the popular blog Flux Capacitor is hosting a fundraiser hike in her hometown this month to help raise awareness and funds for child abuse. All donations for this amazing cause can be made directly to the Child Help site for Maggie's fundraiser right here.

Secondly, if you are reading this right now, chances are you have heard about this thing called the internet. It's changed the way we do things and the way we connect, have you noticed? Remember when people used to mail you things? Remember when reading a paper or watching the news on television was the only way to keep up with current events? We are instantly and globally connected now more than ever and this concept called "radical connectivity" by author Nicco Mele is the subject of his new book The End of Big. The book will hits stands on April 24rd but you can pre-order a copy now since you are officially in the "know".

Finally, there is a shop spotlight on Classic Play today for the adorable vintage shop called Tulie and Woo. If you head on over, you just might find a fun special offer. Check it out here!

Have a great Tuesday everyone and I will be back tomorrow with my weekly craft project on PBS Parents!

Julia's Lip Tint

2013-04-08T11:00:00.003-04:00

I'm sure most of you have noticed that I don't write product reviews nowadays. However, today I'm making an exception because I've been wowed by a product. Today I'm writing about Julia's Lip Tint, a product I was first introduced to awhile ago when my friend (and make-up artist) gushed over it and posted about it in her Instagram feed. I was immediately curious because not only did she look gorgeous wearing her lip tint but I loved the idea of a lip color that was all-natural and that would actually last.

I'm thirty-six years old now, but around the age of thirty I stopped being able to wear lipstick without a good lip liner or else the lipstick would bleed outside of the lines of my lips. Crazy, I know and sadly, I am not kidding.

So, when I was offered a couple of samples of Julia's Lip Tint by the developer of the product and owner of the company I was really excited to try them. Two months have gone by before I've had a chance to write this post, but in a way I am glad because I've really had an opportunity to test the product. Let me say this: I have worn (and loved!!) my lip tint almost every single day since I received it in the mail! The tint is made from a rosewater and glycerin base so it feels light going on and smells lovely too. Even better, it looks so natural and stays on my actual lips--no more lipstick "bleeding"!

Each bottle of lip tint is $14.95 but since you only need a small amount for color, a bottle will go a long way. In other words: it's very economical!

I hate to think of such a fantastic product as a best kept "secret" because it's so great! That's why I'm telling you about it! The website for Julia's Lip Tint is here. You're going to love it and when you purchase your lip tint you are helping a female business owner! What could be more awesome than that?

diy crown round-up!

2013-04-05T18:35:00.003-04:00

March is over and we're now gliding through April! But before we get too far along into April I wanted to round-up our month of crowns here at SP. My goal in March was to make some fun and even (hopefully) beautiful crowns from things everyone, anywhere can find in their home. So we made crowns out of newspaper, cereal boxes and even paper bags! Links to these projects are here:

Newspaper Crowns

Cereal Box Crowns

Glittery Paper Bag Crowns

We were on Spring Break this week so it was a slower week for me blogging wise, but I am (as always) working on some new projects behind the scenes. Spring is always an inspiring season and I'm embracing this time of year with new ideas. I will be sure to share everything with you as I move along!

Wishing you a beautiful weekend!

Blog with Purpose!

2013-04-04T08:04:00.001-04:00

Today, I'm delighted to be talking to my friend Melanie Biehle of Inward Facing Girl. Melanie has recently written a great e-book called Blog with Purpose, which draws on her experience in marketing and her expertise in social media and beyond. If you'd like to learn how to be a better blogger, this book is for you. I feel really fortunate to know Melanie personally, and I can tell you, not only is she superb human being and amazingly supportive friend, she's also one savvy and super smart cookie.

And now, Melanie is going to spend just a few moments with us telling us a little more...

Me: Melanie, thanks so much for spending a little time with us here today on Salsa Pie. So, tell us a little more about your newly available ebook, Blog With Purpose. What inspired you to write this book for bloggers and creatives?

Melanie: I have learned so much about blogging over the past few years and I thought it would be helpful to put it all together in an organized fashion. I wanted to do more than just a series of blog posts because I wanted people to engage with the content, not just read it. That's why I included exercises in each chapter that specifically instructs readers to think about the material and apply it to their own blog...right then, on the spot!

Me: I'm curious, what mistake do you see most often with bloggers or creatives trying to promote content? I mean, I know I can speak personally when I say I sometimes cringe at how I sound on Facebook or Twitter when I'm trying to share my own work!

Melanie: Promoting the post in exactly the same way on all their social media channels. I know that people like using tools to push their content out across all their networks, but it's so important to change the message and tailor it to each specific type of share. That doesn't mean you shouldn't use tools like HootSuite, it just means that you should use them thoughtfully. Also, here's a little Twitter trick that might be helpful for some people. It's something I learned long after I started using it.

Me: In what ways will Blog with Purpose help us to become better bloggers?
Melanie: It will help readers become better bloggers because it teaches you how to take your own interests and ideas and turn them into original and relatable content. Also, I've included lots of resource lists for things that I don't get too specific about in the workbook. So, if I don't give you tips about something, I'll lead you to someone who will. Me: Okay, so lastly, since we're devoted to inspiring creative activities for families and children here on Salsa Pie and I know you are mother to one awesome little creative dude (I've seen his dance moves!) can you share with my readers some ways that you embrace your creativity at home with the family? How does that inspire your work?

Melanie: Besides having sweet dance moves, Nathaniel has a fantastic imagination that rocks my world. Drew and I call our family the Adventure Club because we love going out and exploring new places and things to do. Nathaniel likes to make up games based on our real-life adventures. For instance after we went to the Chinese New Year celebration in Seattle he wanted to play "dragon and firecrackers." "Mommy, you be the dragon and I'll be the firecrackers!" Then we chase each other around in our assigned (by Nathaniel, always) roles. He's amazing.

Me: Thanks so much, Melanie for chatting with us and telling us more about your book!
Also, later this month Melanie will be launching a six-week online course all about creating content. There will be exercises, feedback, and a Facebook group for all participants. If you’d like to learn more, be sure to sign up for her email list. She'll be sending out information about registration soon.

MIni Pencil Puppets and Cereal Box Theater for PBS Parents

2013-04-03T13:18:00.004-04:00

Get out your pencils, some tape a cereal box and a picture of your child and you're all set to make this Mini Pencil Puppet Theater, complete with puppets! It's the perfect activity for the kids during Spring Break and something the whole family can enjoy. Stop by when you have a chance and come craft with us on PBS Parents today!

DIY: Gold Tassel "I DO" banner for She Knows

2013-04-01T22:45:00.002-04:00

It's spring which means love is officially in the air! And that means that wedding bells are ringing everywhere! Everyone is saying "I do!", "I do!" and then...cue the music and get some robot dance moves on at the reception.

The only thing missing? An "I Do" banner which you can easily, easily make for any busy (and probably stressed out) bride!

The full tutorial is right here for you after this jump on She Knows.

Kids Fabric Mosaic Artwork on Make and Takes

2013-04-01T08:12:00.000-04:00

We're making sunny, happy fabric mosaic artwork on Make and Takes today. This project is so much fun for children of all ages and the end result is something that you won't want to hang on your refrigerator. Today's project is totally frame-worthy and you will love it so hop on over and come craft with us. We're using Mod Podge, Fabric! Need I say more? All right here on Make and Takes.

Spring Crowns for Little Kings and Queens on PBS Parents

2013-03-27T10:30:00.002-04:00

All month long here on Salsa Pie we've been sharing "Crown Crafts" and today we have a fun one for you on PBS Parents!

Spring is here and we are totally RULING it with Paper Bag crowns over on PBS Parents today! We added glitter and made some pretty "flowers" out of tissue paper and party streamers. Have all of those supplies on hand? Great! Come craft with us on PBS Parents!

Family Craft: Newspaper Crowns!

2013-03-23T17:05:00.000-04:00

All month long here on Salsa Pie we are making crowns! Today's craft is a no-brainer and something I think any parent can pull off. You only need a few simple materials and the actual craft time for the project is under 15 minutes.

If you asked me what I think we need to see more of online today it would be crafts kids can make out of newspaper. Why? Because newspaper is abundant and (if you ask me) pretty cool to look at when you transform it into something else. For today's craft project you'll simply need:

Newspaper
Kids Safe Scissors
Colored tissue paper or construction paper
Hole Puncher
Yarn

A Glue Stick

Step 1:
Using a few sheets of newspaper (folded down the center) fold over once about 3.5 inches from the bottom. Cut the crown points out of at the top of the fold all along until you've formed your long cornw shape.

Step 2:

Now that you've made your crown (it will be tied at the ends to shape round the head) you can decorate it. We used gold tissue paper and light blue colored paper cut into geometric shapes like so:

Step 3 and 4:

Glue the shapes onto your crown using a glue stick then punch holed in both ends of your long flat crown.

Step 5:

Tie your crown with yarn and you are finished!

To make a fringed crown simply fringe the bottom of you paper, cutting the crown points out of the top then fold the fringed part over.

Decorate in the same way you did your regular crown shape and you are all set!

You're all set to rule your Kingdom. Long live Newspaper crafts, my friend. Long may they live.

The End.

Happy Birthday Mister Rogers on PBS Parents!

2013-03-20T09:58:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Mister Rogers! Hi everyone! I'm on PBS Parents today celebrating the wonderful Fred Rogers with a fun, zipper-baggie craft! Come join us right here, right now! The full craft is here.

Kids Craft: The Royal Treatment for Eggs on Cool Progeny

2013-03-19T14:42:00.005-04:00

We are absolutely craaaaaaz-y about crowns all month here on Salsa Pie! Today's craft is a great (and super easy) way you can decorate your Easter eggs! Your kids will love giving their eggs the royal treatment and parents will love how simple this project is. The full instructions are here on Cool Progeny! Come have some royal fun with us!

Bring some Irish Green Indoors with a DIY Terrarium!

2013-03-15T10:54:00.002-04:00

Gearing up for Saint Patrick's Day? Need a project that's all about GREEN? How about making your very own Terrarium? We made some for Terra Savvy awhile ago as you might recall and I thought this would be a great project to revisit here for St. Patty's Day weekend! If you live in an area where your plants haven't started sprouting yet, head to your local Nursery and pick up a few tiny pots of indoor plants for this kid-friendly, and super GREEN project. Full instructions are on Terra Savvy.