Friday, August 30, 2013
Monday, August 19, 2013
Back to School blog
Picture Perfect, First day of School: Photo Prop
Materials Needed:
- Unfinished wooden photo frame (large enough to frame child’s face when held)
- 2-3 cans of different colored spray paint
- 1 can of Chalkboard Paint
- 1 wood star
- Unpainted wooden letters: D-A-Y, O-F, S-C-H-O-O-L
- Elmer’s Carpenters Wood Glue (or hot glue gun)
Directions:
Spray paint the unfinished wooden frame one color. Select a different color(s) and spray paint the wooden letters. Spray pain the wood star with Chalkboard Paint. Add a second layer or spray paint to frame, letters, and wood star if needed. Allow all to dry overnight.
Spray paint the unfinished wooden frame one color. Select a different color(s) and spray paint the wooden letters. Spray pain the wood star with Chalkboard Paint. Add a second layer or spray paint to frame, letters, and wood star if needed. Allow all to dry overnight.
Position wood star and wood letters on the photo frame as desired. Use Elmer’s Carpenters Wood Glue (or a hot glue gun) to attach wood star and letters to the photo frame. Allow glue to dry completely.
Source: momalwaysfindsout.com
Lunch Boxes they will Love
This reproduction of a vintage tin lunch box is all modern with it's trendy design from Clairebella. A chalkboard inside the lid lets you send a love note from home with their tasty lunch.
*All personalization is custom ordered exactly as entered below, please use upper and lower case as you would like to see on the finished piece and note that text is case sensitive according to chosen font. Max 10 characters.
Click to Order Now
Yummy and Healthy Kids Lunch Ideas
For more fun lunch ideas
It's hard to predict how a child will handle separation on the first day of kindergarten. Some kids will cling to their mom in terror, while others will skip happily off without even a parting glance in mom's direction. If your child leans toward the former behavior, don't be alarmed. Starting kindergarten is big step for children, and the anxiety they experience is a perfectly normal part of the developmental process. Nevertheless, there are ways you can make this transition easier for your child.
Discuss Kindergarten
In the weeks before school begins, discuss kindergarten with your child. Express enthusiasm and excitement at all she is going to learn. Try to evoke responses from your child to see how she may be feeling. Don't overdo it and don't force the topic, if your child is not interested or seems unwilling to discuss it. The main idea is to make kindergarten something exciting to look forward to, rather than something to fear.
Try Time Away from You
Before your child starts school, you can gauge how he deals with separation anxiety with a trial run. Try leaving him with a relative or close family friend, or suggest a sleepover at Grandma's house. See how your child reacts to being without you in a safe and supervised environment.
Set Up Playdates
Many schools distribute phone lists for each class of students before the school year begins. If you have such a list, try setting up playdates with your child's future classmates. That way, when your child walks into class on the first day, she'll see some familiar faces - her new friends.
Source: school.familyeducation.com
Prepare yourself
Many moms spend so much time preparing their children for school that they forget to prepare themselves for the rush of emotions surrounding this life transition. Give yourself some time to think about how you may respond when it's time to drop your child off, and come up with a game plan to make the transition easier.
Sandy Oliver from Fitchburg, Massachusetts, knew she might cry when dropping off her son for the first time, so she made plans that would distract her and lift her mood. "I applied lots of mascara before we headed to the school to remind myself not to tear up. Then, I gave myself 15 minutes to drop off my son and speak with the teacher before immediately leaving to meet my sister for coffee and pedicures. Giving myself something to look forward to was the perfect distraction to get me through that first day."
Melissa Daughtery came up with a similar plan. "I work full time, so I'm used to being away from my daughter during the day -- but it's still hard when I think of how fast she's growing up. I decided to take the first day of school off from work so I could really invest some time into both of us. I took my daughter out to breakfast, took her to school, then I went to the gym. After a great stress-relieving workout, I picked my daughter back up from school, and we spent the afternoon playing at a park. Spending that time with her helped me adjust to this new phase of life."
PREPARING FOR
A NEW SCHOOL YEAR
Late nights and family vacations make summer fun, but they can also make it hard for kids when it's time to go back to school. As summer winds down, taking the time now to begin preparing for school can make the new school year easier on your entire family. From starting on a school sleep schedule to cleaning up your computer, discover six tips for getting your household back to school ready.
TRANSITION INTO BACK TO SCHOOL SLEEP SCHEDULE
A week or two before school starts, move your kiddo's bedtime back 15 minutes each night until they are hitting the sack at the time they would during the regular school schedule.
GET YOUR FAMILY CALENDAR ORGANIZED
Bust out your calendar and start organizing your family's activities agenda when preparing for school. From sports practice to music lessons, it will be easier on everyone if you work out who needs to be where before you head back to school, especially when it comes to arranging pickups and drop-offs.
LOOK INTO CARPOOL OPTIONS
Whether it's an arrangement with your child's classmate or an schedule with your hubby, partaking in a carpool will save you time and gas money, so plan ahead to optimize your schedule with your kids' school schedule.
COMPLETE BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING
On top of a new school wardrobe, backpack and lunch box, chances are teachers are asking for school supply donations as well. So, jump on back to school sales on school supplies now for your kids' classrooms during the school year.
DUST OFF A STUDY SPACE
Giving your school-age child a clear, quiet place to do homework and study is the key for a successful school year, so clear off summer books and projects from a designated study space when preparing for school time.
CLEAN UP YOUR COMPUTER
When preparing your kids for the new school year, making sure your PC is ready for back to school time is just as important. Deleting old files will make room for your youngster's new homework and reports, and updating programs to arm your kiddos with the latest technology tools will make the new school year run smoother.
Source:www.sheknows.com
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Saturday, August 10, 2013
Ava Rose is 5!
Wow time goes fast. My baby girl turned 5. She is turning into a little girl with every changing day. Everyone said it goes fast, enjoy every second and they are right. I do enjoy every second. This year Ava Rose selected her birthday party theme...a Carnival! She got the idea from a pretty little dress she had on early in May. She gets so excited planning her birthday party it is so cute. She talks about the decorations and wants to select everything with me. She goes over the list making sure I include everyone she can think of. She gets excited when the invitations arrive and she helps to mail them.
We had a fun time this year with the Carnival theme. We researched on Pinterest in the evenings and went shopping for things we decided on. Her favorite was the elephant centerpieces which she helped set up with her aunt and uncle. The highlight of her day was when her favorite ponies arrived Coco Puff and Sweetie Pie. It has become a tradition for the ponies to attend Ava Rose's party. She met them when she was 2 at a fair and fell in love. The day turned out beautiful and I know for sure I am enjoying every second watching my little rose grow. Happy Birthday Ava Rose!
Tuesday, August 06, 2013
Animal Pillows for a Purpose.
Farm Sanctuary was founded in 1986 when Farm Sanctuary President and
Co-Founder Gene Baur rescued Hilda from a stockyard dead pile.
Since that time, we’ve met, loved, and provided refuge for thousands of animals.
Many people see two classes of animals:
The animals with whom we share our homes, and everyone else.
But other animals are not different in any way that matters morally
from the dogs and cats with whom so many of us share our lives.
At Farm Sanctuary, we share our lives with farm animals -
chickens, turkeys, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, geese, and cattle.
And we can tell you from personal experience that farm animals
have the same range of personalities and interests as cats and dogs.
Animal Pillows for a Purpose!
5 different screen printed animals to choose from.
Owl, Sheep, Goat, Cow and Pig.
Looks great as a full collection.
Super cute and cuddly farm animals. Soft and cozy pillow.
Top-quality linen gets a whimsically rustic treatment in these cheeky original pillows from Eric & Christopher.
Screen-printed by hand from original photographs. 22" x 22"
Content 100% linen.
Care Machine wash cold, gentle cycle; line dry.
Do not bleach. Do not iron.
Do not bleach. Do not iron.
Pine Cone Hill
Wilbur Decorative Pillow
Pine Cone Hill
Hoot Decorative Pillow
Bonnie Decorative Pillow
Monday, July 22, 2013
Dorm Décor and So Much More...
Inspired from an antique well pulley, these office organizers hold it all. Made of zinc and recycled sheet metal with a weathered surface, they will hold pens, pencils, standard sized magazines and envelopes plus more. Aidan Gray Travail Quatre Office Organizer.
BUY NOW at Lavender Fields
Create extra space for your books and school supplies by slipping this cool storage pocket onto the back of your desk chair. From your calculator to your water bottle, it fits it all! (aussiepouch.com)
Footlocker with Tray
Made by a long-time manufacturer of premium luggage, the Footlocker with Tray is built to last. Whether used for storage or travel, this hard-working trunk provides a generous capacity for clothing, linens, books or personal treasures and features a removable tray.(www.containerstore.com)
Privacy Pop Tent
Designed to fit a standard twin size mattress.
The innovative tent that fits around a bed and provides privacy in shared rooms. Create a private space to sleep and relax in with the Privacy Pop Tent. This pop up tent is a versatile choice that can be easily added and stored away.www.privacypop.com
1. Lofting beds: Lofting beds isn't always an option, but if it is, it's a great way to free up floor space.
2. Double up the desks: At some schools, you're allowed to bring your own desks, which means you can purchase something streamlined and sleek.
3. Curtains: Hanging in front of your bed can give you privacy. A simple curtain hides shelves that are sure to get messy.
4. Butting beds: Just like with the desks, sliding beds over to the side of the room gives everything a more spacious feel. Plus, you end up with a sort of daybed/sofa vibe
- Laundry hamper is a must-have for any dorm room closet. Pop-up hampers are ideal for tiny closets – the mesh material is flexible, so it can be squeezed into tight spaces.
- Hanging shelves will give you more storage for your clothing. They take up a small amount of space in your closet.
- Shoe racks are ideal, it will keep all your footwear neatly organized in one place. Over-the-door versions are roomy and can hold lots of shoes, but not all dorm closets have doors.
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Monday, July 15, 2013
Fun Outdoor Summer Entertaining Ideas
A giant umbrella shields party guests from the blazing afternoon sun, and hanging lanterns will illuminate the table come nightfall. Mix citronella candles with other colorful tea lights to keep away pests, and offer diners light cotton shawls to ward off a chill in the evening.
Perfect for serving your guests out doors. Has wheels, so you can roll it to your backdoor or BBQ, load it up and bring it over right to the table. Great to use as a drink cart or dessert cart.
Eco-Friendly, All Weather.
Veranda Serving Island
Turn a section of your patio into a giant Scrabble game board that will delight your entire family. Build a 5-foot square wooden frame, and either fill it with concrete that you can score into 3 3/4-inch squares, and later paint with water-base concrete stains, or set with small ceramic tiles. Cut 100 3 1/4-inch square letter tiles from baseboard trim, add adhesive or hand-painted letters and scores, and seal with spray lacquer. Create your own racks for the letters and store all of the game pieces in a plastic bin or canvas bag.
Adorable outdoor wooden box with lid. Perfect place to store items that you don’t want to be out during your entertaining.
Keep your utensils and dinnerware inside until use.
Place a small cooler inside for a nicer, neater look.
Also great to use to store kids toys, pet toys or planting supplies.
Insect and rot resistant.
Everyone loves fruit salad. A fun and healthy dessert to serve at your summer gatherings. Everyone loves the classic watermelon carved bowl to serve your fruit salad in...but it’s not always the easiest thing to do. Here is a, easier, yet fun alternative - Pineapple Fruit Bowl.
Slice a pineapple in half, carve out the fruit and there you have a nice way to serve your favorite juicy mixed fruits for your guests to enjoy.
Make 2 or 3 bowls if needed.
Great to display as a centerpiece near your drink table or drink cart.
Haymaker's Ginger Switchel
This ginger punch is flavored with lemon juice and sweetened with honey and molasses.
Use the season's freshest berries to garnish.
Fresh Grape Soda
Make your own grape juice by pureeing and straining fresh grapes for this sweet and tangy sparkling drink.
Mint Tisane
There's nothing like the soothing digestive qualities of an herbal tea. Use fresh mint alone or in combination with lemon verbena. Once this tea has been sweetened and cooled, pour over ice and serve.
This is a fun way to present your side salads.
Use different colored spoons or forks for a fun festive look.
Great for the kids and keeping portion control.
Idea and photo: cdn.hostessblog.com
Not enough outdoor furniture for your guests?
Bring your inside furniture outside!
Our slip overs are great, they protect your furniture and give a new look to your décor. A fun way to change things up.
Most are machine washable and may be tumble dried.
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