fuzzysheep crafts. all the craziness that ensues...

Review: HP DJ 3052A e-All-in-one Printer

2012-05-11T15:35:00.001-05:00

Check out my video about the new HP DJ3052A e-All-In-One Printer available at Walmart.com (www.walmart.com/HPePrint) and WalMart Stores. Print from *any* mobile device with ease and affordablity! We can't recommend this printer enough. I can now print from my iPhone and iPad with ease, for virtually anywhere (either 3G or wifi). It's as easy as sending yourself an email - which you are! :)

I can see people buying this printer for Grandparents, loading it with photo paper and sending pictures direct to the printer in Grandmas house. How awesome would that be?

Legal: This review is my own, my own opinions. HP sent this printer to me to check out, and I am giving my honest opinion.

Petunia Blargh

2012-04-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

It seems that ChezChaos was attacked by a giant T-Rex.

He's ferocious and his name is Petunia.

Be ye warned, make fun of his name and he'll eat you.
Petunia is Finished Object #2 for 2012, and was commissioned as a display for Vogue Knitting LIVE! in New York City.

Petunia has now been adopted by the kind folks at BlueSky - he lives there happily, and only stomps a few things here and there...

(this post was originally written in January. I have no idea why blogger stuck it in drafts!)

Tutorial: Cool It Jar

2012-04-20T16:42:00.001-05:00

Four and Five. Yeesh. Tempers abound around here - especially as the Chaos Twins have fully transitioned out of napping. And I can say, when their tempers go, my temper goes, and it's a big ugly mess sometimes.

I made something this morning that has *already* been a little life saver for me.

The "Cool It" Jar.

You see, timeouts stopped working. They'd use the timeouts to continue fighting with us.

Us: "alright, time out is over."
Chaos Twin: "NO ITS NOT! I'm NOT LEAVING TIME OUT!"
Us sigh

The process is simple now. We talked about how when our tempers are short or we are being brats, that it means our brains are all swirled and need settled, just like the glitter in the jar. Whenever someone is acting out or needs a moment to chill before saying or doing something unacceptable, we grab the jar and give it a good shake and just watch it settle. We take a few deep breaths and remind ourselves that our mind is calming down now too. Beauty part? It takes a while for the glitter to settle, about the time of our timeouts in fact. And they will even give it a shake and watch it again sometimes.

WORKS GREAT! The Twins love it, and I have even caught myself giving it a shake at crucial moments.

Now for the tutorial

Materials:

a jar of some kind. I STRONGLY suggest a plastic one. (we used the Costco sized tub of Nutella here)
warm water
Elmer's Glitter Glue (we used blue Elmers "Galactic Glitter with Space Debris)
glitter of your choice (we used fine holographic and white chunky)
food coloring
e6000 adhesive

Directions:

clean your jar and fill 2/3 full with warm water.
add a few globs (TBSP size about) of the glue). allow it to sit for a minute or so. Screw on the lid and shake it really well.
If you want the water a brighter color, now's the time to add your food coloring. 1 drop does it usually!
Allow any foam on the top to settle and carefully add more water.
Sprinkle in more glitter. Don't go crazy here, but a good amount.
Allow the water to cool. Glue on the lid. Allow to dry.
Watch your little ones become calm! AWESOME!

We are making a couple more of these as gifts for our preschool teachers. LittleMiss actually suggested it! I plan to cut a circle of scrapbook paper to decorate the top and perhaps add a ribbon around the rim. If you don't have the glitter glue around, you could try a glob of clear corn syrup or glycerin. The basic idea is that you want to make the water thicker to slow the glitter down. :)

Think it'll work for your kids/grandkids? Let me know if you make one, I'd love to hear!

ps- this certainly isn't the most original idea out there. my cousin posted something like it on facebook and i ran with the idea using what we had on hand. :)

The View From Here 2012 #3

2012-03-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Spring has definitely sprung where we are.

We are loving it. The energy it provides is amazing!

Yay Spring!

Happy Moments #4

2012-03-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

That first pedicure of Spring.

I usually go with reds/pinks/corals on my toes - but decided to go outside my comfort zone in celebration of going waaaaaaay outside my comfort zone and running my first 5k this past weekend.

I'm calling this combo "Katy Perry and the Ogre". It's so pretty and bright and sparkly that I can't help but smile when I look at it.

Sweet and Sassy

2012-03-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

One minute she's a sassy lil' stinker...

And the next she's sweet as sugar...

I think this shot catches her with that perfect blend of the two!

Sweet Lil' Stinker

My Happy Place...

2012-03-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

Spring with the one I love...

My Starting Point...

2012-03-19T13:09:00.001-05:00

If you've been following along the past few months, you'll note my slow but steady transformation.

The greatest part of which is my newfound love of working out, and learning to run. I've started running on a regular basis to train for a few 5k races this summer- encouraged along the way by my super-fit husband who has found he enjoys running. The trouble is, I haven't run outside since probably 8th grade PE class.

I changed that this weekend! I ran my first ever 5k. I was slow, and I came in last - BUT I DID IT!

It was fun, even! And hard. And emotional. BUT I DID IT!

Now I have a baseline to improve on in preparation of my summer of 5k's.

I CAN DO THIS!

I AM DOING THIS!

Every Love Story...

2012-03-12T12:56:00.001-05:00

I found this saying on pinterest some time ago:

"Every Love Story is Beautiful, But Ours is my Favorite"

I knew I wanted it for my home, but I couldn't find a finished project that was the right size or color. So what do I do? Paint it myself, of course! I have canvases around, and paint- so I knocked it out in an attempt to surprise my husband for Valentine's Day. He loves it, like really really loves it. I surprised him for sure!

Here's a very simplified tutorial on how I did it:

Supplies

Design software and printer
Carbon paper (yes, they still make it)
Canvas
Paint in your color choices
Paint brushes
Time

First design your quote just the way you like it. I love mixed up fonts on these types of things. I used Aubrey and Scriptina here. I love it! If your design is large enough to span several pages, the easiest way to get it to print right so you can tape it together is to save as a .PDF and use the multi-page print option in the newest version of Acrobat. Some printers have this option, but my big fancy Canon didn't, so I went this route.

Apply your base coat to your surface and allow to dry thoroughly. I should note here that I ran to the store with the Chaos Twins in tow the night I wanted to do this. One thing I've learned is that they HATE the craft store (specifically Hobby Lobby) and melt down almost the instant we walk in - so I literally run to what I need and back to the front before they have much of a chance to melt. This time my rush ended with my getting Dreamcoat paint - which is for ceramics. I didn't realize this until I was most of they way through with my base coat, so my canvas took a little breather in the warm oven to set the paint.

Once dry, tape your design together and to the top of your canvas where you want it. Make sure your carbon paper is underneath with the right side facing towards the canvas. Trace. Now you're ready to paint your quote!

Another funny: I had originally planned on silk screening this design onto my painted canvas, but once I got started I realized it was going to take no less than 4 screens to get a design of this size onto my canvas (omg! The time and cost!!!)... So, the freehand method it was. I didn't plan on this when I ran for paint - so I painted with my silk screening ink. It was the perfect color and it worked in a pinch. I would recommend real paint for those of you following along because my hard work had to be heat set when I was finished.

Voila! A beautiful piece of art. I hope you guys like it, and if anyone wants my .PDF to make your own, drop me a line and I can email it to you. My husband really likes it and comments on it all the time. I wanted it to be a special gift for him, so I waited to share it with you all for a while.

I think this spring I'll give it a seal coat with a matte spray sealer, just to real set everything and protect it.

I'm going to pin this project on pinterest as well, so look for it there!

Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales

2012-03-01T21:59:00.001-06:00

Prepare to step into a world of wonder where wishing is only the beginning and dreams really do come true in Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales. Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as they bring the timeless fairytale adventures of Cinderella, Beauty and The Beast, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to life right in your hometown. Featuring dynamic storytelling, award winning music, stunning costumes and glittering special effects, audiences will be captivated by the humor, fun and adventure of these spellbinding stories. Dream with the princesses, cheer for the heroes as they conquer evil villains, and marvel as these classic tales are brought to life in a theatrical experience that’s pure magic. Playing the Rosemont Theatre Mar. 16-18. Get your tickets today.

As a special offer to my local readers, you can save $5 on tickets to the shows on Fri., Mar. 16 at 10:30 am, Sat., Mar. 17 at 11 am or Sat., Mar. 17 at 5 pm with code "MOM". Offer does not apply to VIP or $47.50 tickets. Additional fees may apply. Redeem offer at http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/32892/81313 , at the theatre box office, or by calling 1-800-745-3000

Legal Disclaimer: I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre‐Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.

Spread Your Happiness

2012-02-18T09:00:00.000-06:00

If you've been reading for a while, you'll remember that I have made some vows to really change my life. From my physical appearance to my self-esteem, and even my vision of what the future holds for me. It's all changing and I have made some pretty big steps already. Steps that I couldn't be prouder of, honestly. Some were harder than others, but I have made them. One or two were the hardest of my life, but needed to be done.

One of the minor changes I've made is to share my happiness with those around me. Sometimes the littlest things can have such a big impact. Think about it: if someone near you is smiling ear to ear, giggling and having fun - its going to be really hard for you to keep your sour puss attitude.

The purpose of this post is really to share a silly, goofy moment with you in the hopes that you'll smile and want to pass your own happiness along the line. :)

How are you going to share your happiness this weekend? Can I help? :)

Yo!

2012-02-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I get a shot of one of the kids that just cracks me up... This is one of them. Every time I see it, I giggle. He didn't want to carry his new bear from Kohler in his hands, that'd be too "normal" for him.

Goofy kid! He walked around all day like this...

You Guys! I REALLY DID IT! Color Run 2012

2012-02-16T09:56:00.002-06:00

Omg! I really did it! I can't back out now (well, I could, but I won't). I have signed up Team FuzzySheep for our local run. I have a long way to go before I can say I'm ready to run it, but I've started training and I have already set my personal goal in the time I want to finish in.

I want to run it, kick ass and come out looking like Willy Wonka's factory blew up on me. I am excited beyond words, especially because my love will be by my side.

I'm 100 percent serious.

so, if you see me slacking or giving up - KICK MY ASS for me. I AM GOING TO DO THIS! Promise?

Kohler Kidz

2012-02-03T18:18:00.002-06:00

This past weekend Team FuzzySheep decided to hop in the Buick and do a little "Driving the Midwest" and explore some areas we hadn't been to before. We pointed the car due North and ended up in Kohler, Wi. You might remember that I have been to Kohler before, but we decided to check it out to see what they had to offer for some good old fashioned family fun.

We learned that the town of Kohler was hosting its annual WinterFest, and that The American Club has a new program called Kolher Kidz that is perfect for young families looking for fun. The drive was great: Wisconsin really is beautiful in the winter. Gently rolling hills dotted with red barns, blue skies as far as the eye can see. And it's only about 2 hours north of the greater Chicago area, so a perfect weekend getaway - just what we were aiming for!

We checked into The Inn on Woodlake, where the kids were greeted by name and given Kohler Kidz Welcome Bags, stuffed with fun goodies just for them and a "credit card" good for treats and amenities around the resort. SpacePirate especially loved his hat and LittleMiss declared that it was "soooooo cool that the man at the desk knew who I was!"

The room was cozy with a wonderful view of a lake full of ice skaters and people show shoeing. The bathroom was FABULOUS, being Kohler and all. I wanted to just stay in the room and experience the shower, but the kids were already begging to go sledding and then swimming. We headed right out and watched some crazy guys play snow golf, checked out a couple of huge snow sculptures, and there was a dog sledding demonstration and rides for older kids.

Unfortunately, most of winter had already past, but we made the best of it, and the folks around Kohler made sure that the events went off without a hitch. The kids really wanted to go sledding, so we headed for the sledding hill and bundled up. The weather was perfect, the kids had a blast and Mom and Dad had huge grins from the great times. Be sure to warm up afterwards at Craverie with free cupcakes for Kohler Kidz members and probably the best mocha we've ever had! X's favorite was the malted mocha.

Right down from the chocolate shop is the most wondeful little toy store called Movers and Shakers. The kids' cards earned them a couple of little goodies here. LittleMiss got to make some sparkling lip gloss and the boy made a chocolate bath scrub (the treats did seem geared more towards girls, but he didn't care). We also got "color your own" t-shirts which SpacePirate thinks are the best thing ever! We spent at least two hours in here doing crafts and exploring all the little rooms filled to the brim with the sweetest toys. I really recommend checking out this shop, it's exactly my dream for my own shop one day. Cute, quirky, friendly and fun!

It was made just for me, right? It has our name on it!

Afterwards, we swam for a while at Sports Core (the town gym), which is included in your room rate. I was so proud of both kids, they swam unaided in deep water! Where did my babies go?! They had been begging the whole ride up to go swimming, so we definitely couldn't turn that down!

Now, for Mom and Dad's favorite part of the entire trip: the kids were signed up for Kohler Kidz Dinner and a Movie. They got to spend the evening hanging out with a childcare professional, have dinner and a movie, popcorn and games. Mom and Dad were treated to dinner in The Wisconsin Room at The American Club. Dinner away from the kids when on a family getaway is a real luxury, and we all truly enjoyed it. The kids weren't into the movie (Pete's Dragon), but their caretaker, Ginger, kept them happy and entertained the whole night. We were definitely very thankful for this luxury. Oh, and be sure to go to the Wisconsin Room - dinner was great - but at the very least order the "Baked Wisconsin". Ah-maze-ing. I totally didn't care that we were on a detox plan, we devoured that little crispy cold ball of maple-y goodness. Trust me... Order it!

We spent the next day experiencing more fun actitives around Kohler. The kids and Daddy climbed a giant snow mountain, went skating on the lake and had more treats at Cravier. Where was Mommy? Having a wonderfully relaxing facial at the Waters Spa. It was so peaceful and relaxing, I didn't water to leave. I had that same problem last time, too! But, I knew that daddy and the kids wanted to go snowshoeing, so I couldn't stay.

I had no idea how much fun snow shoeing would be! I was honestly afraid I would get tangled in my own feet and somehow fall into a ravine or something. Anyway, I didn't! I had a blast, and it was a great workout. You rent the shoes right from Sports Core and there are trails just out the back door of the gym. It was so quiet and peaceful. The kids had a blast and we talked about all kinds of great things.

OH! And don't forget, the kids get a free meal at the Horse & Plow as part of the Kidz program. YUM-O! The cheese curds are to-die-for!

Having a weekend of no screens, no distractions, was perfect. Just us. Together. As a family.

Team FuzzySheep highly recommends checking out Kohler, Wisconsin and the American Club. The Kohler Kidz program was a hit with our family, and were sure it will be with yours, too! We would also like to thank everyone at the resort for showing us every hospitality and making the kids feel so welcome. :)

Minions Assemble!

2012-01-25T10:59:00.001-06:00

For the Chaos Twins' Birthdays this year, I wanted to do something funny and special for them. We opted not to do the birthday party route this year, choosing instead a whole weekend of fun family activities.

I saw these cupcakes posted on Pinterest just a few days before and knew that I had to make them. We love Despicable Me! around here, so I knew the kids would love them.

And they sure did!

I made boy and girl Minions, and made them with decorators gel and mini marshmallows. If there were ever to be a "Next Time" I would use melted chocolate for the details, the decorators gel is kind gross.

I also learned that I have great resolve. I took one single bite of a cupcake and threw it away. Go me! Oh, and Twinkies? Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. Just... Yuck.

What do you think? Are you going to assemble your own army of Minions?

My life could be a soundtrack...

2012-01-20T08:27:00.001-06:00

Seriously, there really is a song out there for every moment in my life. It's all kinds of awesome.

I cry each and every time this song comes on. I had to pull the car over the other day, even.

Happy 5th Birthday, LittleMiss!

2012-01-18T10:08:00.001-06:00

Wow! Five already? Where has the time gone?

You are our Little Performer - always seeking the limelight! You put on impromptu ballet recitals, puppet shows and story times, whenever the mood strikes you.

You are sassy, strong willed, sweet and silly. You are a Leader, never a follower. You love to "direct" people, and can often be heard correcting Mommy, SpacePirate or Daddy.

Our daily art sessions are an endless source of entertainment for you. You love to read, write and draw - and you are getting better every day. Whenever Mommy is working on a project, you are nearby asking for the scraps so you can create something of your own. Mommy has even taught you to knit a few stitches with her help this year!

You asked Mommy if you join the Daisy Scouts so you can earn badges, and Mommy is excited to start that with you. :)

You are already (!!!!) boy crazy, proudly declaring that you have three boyfriends. Your brother is one of them, another is a mysterious boy who you refer to only as "Captain Underpants".

You are still a vegetarian, and you basically only eat veggies -but only if they are raw! Spaghettios are a favorite of yours, and you've recently started eating Mac-n-Cheese again.

You love your little brother, and the fact that for a few short hours each year you are real twins. Daddy is the best guy in the whole world to you, and you prefer him over Mommy unless you are hurt - and you have him figured out, that's for sure!

We are so very glad you are part of our family. You are the bright ray of sunshine to wake us each day, and you always keep us going. You are wise beyond your 5 short years, and we can't wait to see your reach your dreams!

Happy 4th Birthday, SpacePirate!

2012-01-17T11:06:00.001-06:00

Four and half years ago we were given the surprise of our lives when they told us you'd be joining our family- and we are so so so glad you did.

You are our little joker, always telling the funniest jokes. You love to make faces, too.

You love Buzz Lightyear. A lot. You love anything Space related (especially the Saturn V). You are our collector, and you are often found collecting things into boxes and carrying them around.

Your favorite things to eat are chicken nuggets, chocolate (Nutella) and bacon.

Your bestest friend in whole wide world is your sister. You love her so much, sometimes just running up and hugging her for no reason at all. She also frustrates you to no end. :)

You love to snuggle with Mommy (especially during movie time, or whenever Mommy is feeling sad), but you prefer to play with Daddy - he tosses you and treats you to piggyback rides whenever you want.

You still ask Mommyto sing her "Sunshine Songs" just for you, usually when you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed with something.

One of your favorite activities is to steal Mommy's camera and run around the house taking silly pictures of the most random things.

Your favorite books at bedtime are The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the "Puppy Pirate Book" and your book all about the Apollo11 mission. You can recite all of them, and usually tell us when we get something wrong.

Happy Birthday, LittleMan. You are a ray of sunshine in our lives, and we love you so very much. You'll always be "Mommy's Favorite Baby Boy" - no matter how big you get.

The View From Here 2012 #2

2012-01-13T10:12:00.001-06:00

First real snow of the winter. Shoveling the driveway in my Jammie's. Didn't fall over once, as I usually do.

An extra view for you. I promise and swear I haven't fallen off the wagon or forsaken my resolutions already. My ChaosTwins have their birthdays this weekend, and I have something up my sleeve for them. If you follow me on Pinterest, you may have an inkling what I am up to. :)

It will be hard, but I am only going to have one cupcake after we sing. It is a special day, after all. And I should get a reward every year for having a sweet baby girl and then exactly one year later bringing my sweet baby boy into the world. Right?

The Most Beautiful Things

2012-01-12T18:08:00.001-06:00

I love this image. I snapped it from the last page of my latest Woman's Day issue. The quote is from Helen Keller and I love everything about this one. The sentiment, the font, the color... Everything!

The View From Here 2012 #1

2012-01-11T17:29:00.001-06:00

I am planning to share special memories with you, my readers, in a special way. A picture combining where I stand, and what I see. I am calling it "The View From Here 2012." I have a dream in my head to create a chronological collage with this shots at the end of the year. Won't that pretty cool?

I won't be posting these every day, rather whenever the fancy strikes. The pictures may not tell the whole story, more of a glimpse. I may, or may not, tell you what's going on or where we are at the time, but the general idea is to share with you what is making me happy this year, as I am on a mission to find the joy through the murk.

Today, we enjoyed the extraordinary weather before a snow storm hits. Admiring LittleMiss' chalk drawings of a family in love and watching the sun dip below the horizon in a halo of color.

Best Person I Know

2012-01-10T09:34:00.000-06:00

Edgar Wright turned me onto this song. Cat's Eye- Best Person I Know.

Seemed pretty fitting.

ShineOn!

happy moments 2012 #1

2012-01-09T13:39:00.001-06:00

I am sitting here thinking of what to write about, and it stuck me... I am happy.

There are reasons I shouldn't be, but I am. And I am sitting here feeling stronger, braver and more empowered than ever. I have been working hard lately to find myself, and now I am sure I am on the right path. I think I'm going to like this girl...

The picture above is representing a small reason for my happiness today. The sun is streaming hot and bright through the window at my back, and I am drinking a cold unsweetened ice tea and completely enjoying it.

I am also so so so so glad that winter isn't brutal this year. The last thing I need this winter is to be battling with my SAD and the other issues at hand. So so so so so glad. Having the warm sunshine on my otherwise "cloudy" days has been a saving grace, for sure.

Finally an update on "Project CBear 2012"

I lost 5.5lbs since New Years Day. I have had one 8oz Diet Coke and a bite of chocolate (last night as a reward for finishing a very huge project). The next few weeks will be a test for my resolve, we are jam packed with fun events and celebrations.

Well, off to tackle a new workout!

ShineOn!

New

2012-01-05T08:36:00.001-06:00

One of my major personal resolutions is to make a "New Me" - a kind of reinvention, retooling, strengthening.

So far, the hair has changed quite drastically. And I freakin' ROCK IT.

AND a great bonus is that a certain someone in my life thinks its pretty hot!

Up next? Just wait and see...

Edited to add: I am admitting I stole a few M&Ms from my kids yesterday. Still going strong on the NO SODA. Coffee consumption is up though... A fitness monitor has been acquired as of this morning. I'm logging food again and have joined a couple of different support situations.

I've also accomplished some steps in my very personal resolution and I couldn't be happier. Sometimes the tiniest of steps can make a huge impact toward healing, moving on and reaching goals. I am proud of the fact that I am on the "high road" so to speak and always have been.

There's A Song For That...

2012-01-04T09:41:00.001-06:00

This song has a special meaning for me, and I thought I'd share it with you all.