tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32951342714687227512024-03-08T06:33:07.163-05:00Crayons and Checkbooksa little help from a mom of threeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-40752691497783451782016-03-30T23:25:00.002-04:002016-05-09T20:04:31.316-04:00Quick Tip: Drawer Organization<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Organization always puts a smile on my face and saving money does too. So, when I stumble upon a great organization idea with supplies from Dollar Tree, I am in heaven!! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kAGu9qnoIKI/VvyM4bhlTBI/AAAAAAAABBE/4WcULHhmK2Y0g5ggqdH-j0g1SegLWGViA/s1600/drawer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kAGu9qnoIKI/VvyM4bhlTBI/AAAAAAAABBE/4WcULHhmK2Y0g5ggqdH-j0g1SegLWGViA/s400/drawer.JPG" width="300" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we updated our the kids'/guest bathroom, we were all about having enough hidden storage with cabinets and drawers. However, when your drawers look like the mess in the picture to the right, then that storage space is really pointless.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The cushioned contact paper on the bottom of the drawer has bunched up, there is toothpaste all over the place and there are more unused items than used items in the drawer. It's a mess! And this is just ONE of the six drawers. Needless to say, every time one of the messy drawers is opened, I am a Stress-Mess. Something had to be done.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The first place I like to look to for organization supplies is Dollar Tree. Imagine my excitement when I found fun, colorful baskets in sets of three or four for (you guessed it) just $1. I thought, if they fit, they'd be perfect for the messy bathroom drawers. However, I also wanted to replace the cushion contact paper that lines the bottom of the drawers, just in case anything makes it outside of the baskets. Guess what! Dollar Tree had adorable cushioned contact paper too!! Woohoo!!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was super happy to bring home the baskets and find out they fit perfectly in the drawers. The contact paper and the baskets look so adorable. Also, the drawers are now organized and easy to clean. Check out your local Dollar Tree and find the perfect organization tools that can help you feel less stressed. Cheers to an organized and less stressed life!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-skueyivlYpI/VvyVbmIendI/AAAAAAAABBg/ea1EPZn0Ako1aUjF2b696XfXRRjf1r99Q/s1600/drawers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-skueyivlYpI/VvyVbmIendI/AAAAAAAABBg/ea1EPZn0Ako1aUjF2b696XfXRRjf1r99Q/s640/drawers.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-23443348203743893542015-04-06T16:15:00.007-04:002016-03-30T23:27:24.841-04:00Frozen Birthday Party Activities<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Like every little girl, my daughter wanted to have a Frozen birthday party! Yeah!! I'm actually a huge fan of the movie and know practically all the lyrics to all the songs. That's right, it's me rocking out to the Frozen soundtrack and belting out "Let It Go" in the minivan next to you at the stoplight.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Having a Frozen party is easy now that you can finally find stuff in the stores, although it is ridiculously priced and you can never find everything you need at one store or even at the same time. I slowly purchased items over the month leading up to her party. Some plates from Kroger, napkins and cups from Target, decorative wall stickers on Zulily and the rest at Walmart. Buying supplies is easy when you find them. However, it's the games your daughter requests that can get tricky.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I allowed my daughter to choose just seven of her closest 5-6 year old girlfriends to our home for her Frozen Birthday...yeah, I know, what was I thinking!?! Luckily a few of the moms are my friends and they stuck around to help. But, how do you entertain kindergarten girls for TWO HOURS? Well, my daughter asked for activity stations, like her older brothers had at their Skylander Party and Pokemon Party. I love that kind of thing!! So, I said, "As you wish my baby girl" and away to my laptop I went!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Activity 1 - Coloring Pages. As we waited for all the girls to arrive, I spread out some Frozen coloring pages I printed out that morning along with our bucket of crayons, on our dining room table. Our dining room was the center of the party of course, fully decked out in Frozen decorations, including three foot tall Anna and Elsa wall stickers from Zulily.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.onlycoloringpages.com/disney-frozen-olaf-coloring-pages/514.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dh4-TqMEsQM/VSLjzkdbWZI/AAAAAAAAAwA/V-Mw9ubEUtc/s1600/frozencoloring.jpg" width="263" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Activity 2 - Do You Want to Build a Snowman? Once all the girls arrived, I gave each of them a paper plate with 3 large marshmallows, 2 mini-marshmallows, a dollop of marshmallow fluff with 1 small flat toothpick, 2 small pretzel sticks and 1 small piece of an orange slice gummy candy. After they assembled their snowman, I went around and drew on his eyes and mouth with black icing and a toothpick. Then, if they wanted to, the girls were given the time to eat their snowmen. They had a blast doing this! I used the image below as the sign for the activity station.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pK_mshOEVaU/VSLmK7IbEfI/AAAAAAAAAwM/oB9VGBp40Pk/s1600/buildolaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pK_mshOEVaU/VSLmK7IbEfI/AAAAAAAAAwM/oB9VGBp40Pk/s1600/buildolaf.jpg" width="251" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Activity 3 - Olaf Lost His Head! I lucked out with my daughter's birthday being around Easter because I was able to find Olaf shaped Easter eggs at Walmart. I bought all the ones they had! Yep, I was that mom. Sorry! I used these little heads for a Frozen version of an Easter Egg Hunt in our living room. There is a scene where Olaf loses his head and he's chasing it. I thought that would be a great image to use for a station sign and the heading read, "Help Olaf Find His Head!". The girls loved it!! They took turns hiding them and finding them. However, it got to the point when all the girls wanted to hide them and no one wanted to seek them. So, we moved on to the next activity.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DU08fI9BDyY/VSLoYTSeWXI/AAAAAAAAAwY/MQy2Brewxg4/s1600/OlafHead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DU08fI9BDyY/VSLoYTSeWXI/AAAAAAAAAwY/MQy2Brewxg4/s1600/OlafHead.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Activity 4 - Princess Fashion Show. I don't know about you but, I have gotten smart after the third kid. The day after Halloween, I hit store and buy all the princess costumes I can in a size up because my daughter, like most girls her age, loves to dress up. My daughter also gets some amazing hand-me-downs from cousins. So, having seven extra girls over to play dress up, wasn't a concern. They had a wonderful time trying on dresses and putting on play jewelry. They helped each other with their hair, adding all kinds of clips, bows and headbands, along with princess tiaras. Then they took turns walking up and down our hallway to the Frozen soundtrack. It was adorable!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idpeYrlJjw8/VSLpBsQv2wI/AAAAAAAAAwg/h1_MCjX0gbo/s1600/frozensoundtrack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idpeYrlJjw8/VSLpBsQv2wI/AAAAAAAAAwg/h1_MCjX0gbo/s1600/frozensoundtrack.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">At the end of the party, I was completely exhausted but, my 6 year old daughter was as happy as a clam and I couldn't imagine anything better than that!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-21955649511412955922013-02-11T18:59:00.001-05:002016-03-31T00:55:51.456-04:00Mac & Cheese Pot Pie<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I found this recipe online and made it for my kids and they absolutely loved it! Click on the picture to watch the video. It's definitely worth trying.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://youtu.be/QwvlumSjsVw" target="_blank"><img alt="https://youtu.be/QwvlumSjsVw" border="0" height="301" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7BXpU7EpxQc/URmFkux2VZI/AAAAAAAAAik/9hP2AtC1hL4/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-31253243479116401762012-10-08T13:00:00.000-04:002012-10-08T13:00:33.103-04:00Jack Skellington Crafts<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKlt5WfRy4c/UHMF_SjbYTI/AAAAAAAAAho/vDI0CunMW98/s1600/halloween-pumpkin-template-printable-photo-260x260-fs-img_2959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKlt5WfRy4c/UHMF_SjbYTI/AAAAAAAAAho/vDI0CunMW98/s1600/halloween-pumpkin-template-printable-photo-260x260-fs-img_2959.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Halloween is just around the corner and if you are a Disney fan, Jack Skellington probably comes to mind. We love to watch the "The Nightmare Before Christmas" at our house each October. It's like a kick-off to the Halloween season! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you'd like to include Jack Skellington in your Halloween decorations this year, here are few great ways to do it:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://family.go.com/printables/article-935130-jack-skellington-pumpkin-carving-template-t/" target="_blank">Jack Skellington Pumpkin Carving Template</a></span></li>
<li><a href="http://family.go.com/printables/article-1025428-jack-skellington-door-decoration-t/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Jack Skellington Door Decoration</span></a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://family.go.com/printables/article-790081-disney-printable-nightmare-before-christmas-jack-skellington-t/" target="_blank">Printable: Jack Skellington</a></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Go all out and have a Jack Skellington party! The perfect dessert for that party would be Jack Skellington cupcakes! Find out how to make them by clicking <a href="http://family.go.com/food/recipe-774920-jack-skellington-cupcakes-t/" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5d3B0G1dFJM/UHMGAg8VmgI/AAAAAAAAAhw/iRF7umLrKa0/s1600/jack-skellington-cupcakes-halloween-recipe-photo-420x420-clittlefield-00a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5d3B0G1dFJM/UHMGAg8VmgI/AAAAAAAAAhw/iRF7umLrKa0/s200/jack-skellington-cupcakes-halloween-recipe-photo-420x420-clittlefield-00a.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Have fun, get creative and have a Happy Halloween!</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-46481084586988116152012-09-19T07:20:00.000-04:002012-09-19T07:26:44.246-04:00Quick Tip: Break the Yolk<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When making scrambled eggs or adding eggs to a recipe, break the yolk of the eggs with your fork first. It will make whisking them easier and combining them with other ingredients, faster.</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNlpOnyZVNA/UFmn6llxBdI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/Tc8NoOmGKdE/s1600/raweggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNlpOnyZVNA/UFmn6llxBdI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/Tc8NoOmGKdE/s320/raweggs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-74784441972657597432012-09-13T12:07:00.000-04:002012-09-13T12:07:38.026-04:00Make Your Own Big Book of Boo Boos<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you have little ones, you've probably heard of Disney's new show, </span><a href="http://disney.go.com/disneyjunior/doc-mcstuffins"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Doc McStuffins</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. My daughter loves this show and loves to give everyone in the family "check-ups". Doc McStuffins has a Big Book of Boo Boos that she uses to keep track of all the boo boos she encounters with her toy patients. So, I thought it would be fun to make one for my daughter to use while she gave us our check-ups. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was so happy and excited to find that the Disney Junior website offered print-outs to make your very own Big Book of Boo Boos! Here's the link - </span><a href="http://disney.go.com/disneyjunior/crafts/party-favors/big-book-of-boo-boos-2001766"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Doc McStuffins Big Book of Boo Boos</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DTWc2Rutq04/UFIEnKydsbI/AAAAAAAAAfU/p-sxdoFoyew/s1600/ico_djr_fam_printables_dms_boo-boos-photo-260x260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DTWc2Rutq04/UFIEnKydsbI/AAAAAAAAAfU/p-sxdoFoyew/s1600/ico_djr_fam_printables_dms_boo-boos-photo-260x260.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I changed it a bit for my daughter and used a 3 ring binder I already had. I put a piece of purple construction paper with the heart print out glued to in, in the clear sleeve on the front of the binder. Then I printed out the boo boos from the show and punched holes in them to put in the binder. Then I added extra lined paper for my daughter to record the boo boos she finds during our check-ups. She loves it and can't wait for her brothers to get home from school to get started!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I hope you enjoy this simple craft as much as we did!</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Get creative and have fun!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-73994809150790967482012-09-12T14:04:00.001-04:002012-09-19T07:29:42.641-04:00Quick Tip: No More Soggy Sandwiches<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Are your kids complaining that the jelly on their PB&J has soaked through the bread by the time they get to eat lunch at school? Or that their sandwich was soggy at lunchtime? Here's a quick tip: Spread peanut butter on both pieces of bread and then add the jelly on top of the peanut butter. With a meat and cheese sandwich - lay the meat on one slice of bread and cheese on the other slice. Then add mayo or mustard on top of the meat and/or cheese. You still get the flavor you want but, by keeping the wet ingredients off the bread, you lose the soggy factor.</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LgZa-3Jo4wI/UFDOsFxSUWI/AAAAAAAAAe8/7FEBu-zgI78/s640/blogger-image--511249637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LgZa-3Jo4wI/UFDOsFxSUWI/AAAAAAAAAe8/7FEBu-zgI78/s400/blogger-image--511249637.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-25403663128150891732012-07-29T23:13:00.001-04:002012-07-30T20:04:00.790-04:00Apple Print Onesie<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-M6qjYL3AmUc/UBX79stqj9I/AAAAAAAAAek/4VctjAPh7QA/s640/blogger-image-1735578181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-M6qjYL3AmUc/UBX79stqj9I/AAAAAAAAAek/4VctjAPh7QA/s320/blogger-image-1735578181.jpg" width="239" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm throwing an apple themed baby shower for a teacher and found the perfect craft for it!</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>Supplies</u>:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 apple</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 green fabric pen</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">red fabric paint</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">onesie (or t-shirt)</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Directions:</span></u><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Put a piece of cardboard topped with a paper towel inside each onesie.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cut the apple in half and pat on a paper towel to dry off juices. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dip the apple half in the red fabric paint. Wipe off excess paint and then press on onesie.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Use green fabric pen to add a stem and leaf. Let dry. </span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Create an apple print gift bag to present gift in. Use same technique as above but instead of fabric paint, use a red ink pad. Add stem and leaf with a regular green marker. Get creative and have fun!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-83619022039844522862012-07-26T21:11:00.000-04:002012-07-30T20:05:03.088-04:00Pipe Cleaner Crowns<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My little girl loves to have "Princess/Prince Parties" with her big brothers. Tonight she had the most wonderful idea: make crowns out of pipe cleaners! So we pulled out all our pipe cleaners and got creative. We even made bracelets and rings. It was fabulous!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dJLZq5n8hyA/UBHiohlfAMI/AAAAAAAAAeE/Fk5U5Ix8mM0/s640/blogger-image--1647323391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dJLZq5n8hyA/UBHiohlfAMI/AAAAAAAAAeE/Fk5U5Ix8mM0/s200/blogger-image--1647323391.jpg" width="148" /></span></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sKVZRpq76XI/UBHioxVUchI/AAAAAAAAAeM/ipGbw3ulblI/s640/blogger-image-747467211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sKVZRpq76XI/UBHioxVUchI/AAAAAAAAAeM/ipGbw3ulblI/s200/blogger-image-747467211.jpg" width="149" /></span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-74863487096105916882012-07-23T18:56:00.001-04:002012-07-23T18:56:29.823-04:00Leaving Your Family Pet with a Pet Sitter<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bz7KiG1jCn0/UA3WYRBS7SI/AAAAAAAAAd4/2_NcJ5ncPpU/s1600/269988.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bz7KiG1jCn0/UA3WYRBS7SI/AAAAAAAAAd4/2_NcJ5ncPpU/s320/269988.png" width="247" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A new member of the family joined us 5 months ago. Mickey is a Miniature Schnauzer mix and the sweetest puppy ever. We have taken a few trips since having him and have been blessed to be able to take him with us. However, we took a trip out-of-state and he could not come with us. So we talked to family and friends and looked into kennels/pet boarding locations. But, I was just too worried about leaving him in an unfamiliar place with strangers. Besides, we would prefer to have him at home where he feels safe and comfortable. So, we decided to find a pet sitter to come by a few times a day to let him run around the backyard and feed him.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The first people we thought of were our babysitter! She lives just across the street and recently mentioned that she is saving up for a car. Also, they have always had a family dog that she helps look after. So, a familiar face for our puppy and she is close by, so coming over a few times a day wouldn't be too much to ask. We were so excited when she agreed to watch him for us.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We had spoken to a kennel and they were going to charge us $10/day. So, that's what we paid her. Before we left, we let her know his routine. We also wanted to leave her helpful information in case of emergencies. So, I hit my keyboard and found the perfect downloadable template - </span><a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/269988/Pet-Care-Instructions"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pet Care Instructions.</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> What I like most about it is that it includes all the areas I wanted to cover for my pet sitter but, I was also able to download the form and change it to fit my needs exactly. I filled out the Pet Care Instructions form and was sure to leave a copy of his up-to-date vaccination records - just in case.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After being away from our pup for almost a week, when we returned I think he was disappointed that he wouldn't be seeing our pet sitter every day. But, that made me even more confident with my decision to have a pet sitter watch him at home.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-78033981941660093632012-07-23T18:30:00.001-04:002012-07-23T18:35:43.934-04:00Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A dinner my mom used to make for us that has only a few ingredients and is not only easy but fast to make is Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops. Campbell's actually has a very similar recipe on their website called </span><a href="http://www.campbellskitchen.com/RecipeDetail.aspx?recipeId=24179&ref=%2fSearchRecipesResult.aspx%3fq%3dcream%2bof%2bmushroom%2bpork%2bchop%26filter%3d"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tasty 2-Step Pork Chops</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. This is how I make it:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ingredients</span></u><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nbW0qLZH64/UA3QRnfbubI/AAAAAAAAAds/IVgdXuHc0ag/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nbW0qLZH64/UA3QRnfbubI/AAAAAAAAAds/IVgdXuHc0ag/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4 Pork Chops</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 can of Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">olive oil</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1-2 garlic cloves or garlic powder</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">salt and pepper</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 cup milk (or water)</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></ul>
<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Directions</span></u><br />
<ol><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Brown garlic in oil then remove garlic.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Put pork chops in same pan. Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper (and garlic powder if you didn't have garlic). Brown on each side. Then remove pork chops.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Add cream of mushroom soup and milk to pan. Cook as directed on can using a whisk to include all the delicious pork chop flavor from the pan. </span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Return pork chops to pan with soup and continue to cook until pork chops are done.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Serve over rice or egg noodles.</span></li>
</ol><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-57973893542838258082012-06-23T14:37:00.001-04:002012-07-23T18:35:58.552-04:00Pool Noodle Fun!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I saw an article in a recent Parents magazine about all the fun you can have by getting creative with pool noodles called, </span><a href="http://www.parents.com/fun/activities/outdoor/pool-noodle-backyard-games/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Use Your Noodle: Pool Noodle Backyard Games".</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I was a little worried about the cost, since I'd never bought a pool noodle before but, I found them at our local Dollar Tree for $1.00 and I figure I could do the activities listed in the magazine for $12-15.00. I am sold!!! The next time I'm out and about, I'm buying a bunch of pool noodles, pulling out my husband's duct tape and using chopsticks from our recent trip to our favorite Chinese restaurant. Then we are going to make it a family activity by working together to create our own obstacle course/backyard games. My kids can't wait!!!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4V9maqdd2QM/T-YMNjHvCNI/AAAAAAAAAdE/r5XQUA7Tv9s/s1600/ss_101890903_w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4V9maqdd2QM/T-YMNjHvCNI/AAAAAAAAAdE/r5XQUA7Tv9s/s200/ss_101890903_w.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2tspfENoMBI/T-YMMR92MSI/AAAAAAAAAc8/mfSYKr6RbS0/s1600/ss_101890905_w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2tspfENoMBI/T-YMMR92MSI/AAAAAAAAAc8/mfSYKr6RbS0/s200/ss_101890905_w.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K71qFesLo2Q/T-YMOtR31oI/AAAAAAAAAdM/6ws8y4H4KCs/s1600/ss_101890873_w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K71qFesLo2Q/T-YMOtR31oI/AAAAAAAAAdM/6ws8y4H4KCs/s200/ss_101890873_w.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WpY4z64hTtQ/T-YMP9xktNI/AAAAAAAAAdU/tQ2ceit35lA/s1600/ss_101890892_w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WpY4z64hTtQ/T-YMP9xktNI/AAAAAAAAAdU/tQ2ceit35lA/s200/ss_101890892_w.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-10399181365495666542012-06-15T07:48:00.002-04:002012-07-23T18:36:09.460-04:00Painting with Shaving Cream<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A few weeks back I found a picture online of a muffin tin filled with different colored shaving cream. I thought "What a great idea!" and I immediately wanted to try it. However, I thought it would be much more fun for my kids to do in the shower. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Although a muffin tin would be great for a dry activity, it wasn't my first choice to use in the shower. So, I used a divided rectangle Ziploc container I had for my husband's lunches. We can keep it in the shower and not worry about rusting and it's easy for the kids to hold. Having the separate compartments makes it easier to keep the colors separate but it isn't necessary. The shower walls and clear shower curtain were a perfect blank canvas for the kids. They had a blast!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is what you need:</span><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Shaving Cream</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Food Coloring</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Paint Brushes</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Container for "paints"</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I used my husband's shaving cream which is only about $1. The food coloring I already had but, it's only a couple of dollars a box of four in the grocery store. The paint brushes I picked up in a 3-pack for only $1. You can use anything laying around the house to keep you "paint" in: old yogurt bin, plastic bowl/plate, etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If your shower is tiled, be careful because the food coloring might stain it. This activity would also be fun to do outside in the summer too. I think I'll let my kids do this in our inflatable pool! Be creative and have fun!</span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UvDwMdpANO0/T9sdgjyb2tI/AAAAAAAAAcw/cmvTG_xRevk/s1600/photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UvDwMdpANO0/T9sdgjyb2tI/AAAAAAAAAcw/cmvTG_xRevk/s320/photo2.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgRoGAatq4g/T9sdfC5_fjI/AAAAAAAAAco/hIhUGIa4bwQ/s1600/photo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgRoGAatq4g/T9sdfC5_fjI/AAAAAAAAAco/hIhUGIa4bwQ/s320/photo3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-65118261267195356842012-06-11T14:04:00.002-04:002012-07-23T18:36:19.758-04:00Get Organized with 3M Command Hooks<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We have some much stuff in our house with five family members. Often times things get lost in the closets from falling down or just getting tossed in. So, I got organized with 3M Command Hooks. These things are awesome!!! They aren't just for Christmas lights and holiday decorations (which I started using them for). This is what I use my hooks for:</span><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Keeping book bags/backpacks off the floor and easily accessible</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hanging Coats</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Storing Belts</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hanging necklaces and keeping them from tangling</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"A place for everything and everything in it's place." It's a motto I am trying to live by. Get creative, get organized!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0p5wBwhCsHs/T9Yy2_0VsKI/AAAAAAAAAcU/625q9oy5Hgs/s1600/hooks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0p5wBwhCsHs/T9Yy2_0VsKI/AAAAAAAAAcU/625q9oy5Hgs/s200/hooks2.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xsk2wrOdcLg/T9Yy040XYoI/AAAAAAAAAcM/kdOW3xqB2Rg/s1600/hooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xsk2wrOdcLg/T9Yy040XYoI/AAAAAAAAAcM/kdOW3xqB2Rg/s200/hooks.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fb1pRltX7mk/T9Yy4jpgs7I/AAAAAAAAAcc/osOfKEHBXZs/s1600/hooks3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fb1pRltX7mk/T9Yy4jpgs7I/AAAAAAAAAcc/osOfKEHBXZs/s200/hooks3.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-17854908134663319542012-06-09T08:35:00.005-04:002012-09-19T07:29:26.579-04:00Quick Tip: Summer Playdate Contact Cards<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Every summer my kids miss their classmates. Since teachers don't send home classroom contact lists, I don't have anybody's information. So, to be sure we stay-in-touch with my children's friends, I make Summer Playdate Contact Cards. On index cards I wrote my child's name, my name, my contact information and a short note saying my child would like to get together over the summer. I gave each of my kids three index cards to hand out to friends they want to visit this summer. I've already gotten two calls from moms and school just ended two days ago! Looking forward to a summer fully of friends and fun.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dcHmJRGFMII/T9NCzlqghCI/AAAAAAAAAbw/3AOUMocNfvI/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dcHmJRGFMII/T9NCzlqghCI/AAAAAAAAAbw/3AOUMocNfvI/s320/Untitled.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-39332505060757065922012-05-23T09:12:00.001-04:002012-07-23T18:36:56.694-04:00Great Wall of China Model<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As mentioned in my post, </span><a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/2012/05/how-to-make-3d-model-of-pyramid.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">How to Make a 3D Model of a Pyramid</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, my 2nd Grader is participating in a class project called "The Amazing Race". Each student is supposed to "visit" five of the seven continents and do a "task" for each visit. The 3D pyramid was for Africa. My sons next continent was China and he decided to create a model of the Great Wall of China. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, off to the Internet I went to find ideas on how to make the Great Wall of China. I found a great blog called, </span><a href="http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2010/09/china-craft-great-wall.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Confessions of a Homeschooler</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. Her idea was awesome and fairly easy. But, I had to make modifications to suit us and make it our own. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I couldn't find Styrofoam blocks at my local stores, nor did I have time to order them online (we only had an afternoon to build it). However, I did find a block of Styrofoam at Walmart. It was about 2 inches x 12inches x 18 inches. I had to cut this large block into small bricks. I only used 3/4 of the block for this project </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I had never worked with Styrofoam so, I tapped away on my keyboard until I found a great website discussing the basics of working with Styrofoam. They include a great informative video - </span><a href="http://makeitfuncrafts.com/projects/kids/styrofoam%e2%84%a2-tips/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">STYROFOAM Tips</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. From the video I learned how to cut Styrofoam, which glue I could use, and how to paint it too!</span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Supplies</span></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FnxuWLCkfoI/T7ze6RYZWFI/AAAAAAAAAbg/rv_UR6cGBdo/s1600/wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FnxuWLCkfoI/T7ze6RYZWFI/AAAAAAAAAbg/rv_UR6cGBdo/s320/wall.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 foam poster board</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 block of Styrofoam, 2"x12"x18"- (you could use store bought Styrofoam blocks)</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">hot glue gun</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">acrylic paint (gray)</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">stiff paint brush</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">cardboard (we used a fruit snack box)</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">scissors</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></ul>
<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Directions</span></u><br />
<ol><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cut the Styrofoam block into small blocks/bricks with a plastic knife (run it through a candle first, to make cutting easier).</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Using the hot glue gun, glue two parallel rows of Styrofoam blocks onto the foam poster board to create the base of the wall. Make sure it is curved just like the real thing. Be sure to include stairs at either end.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Add a second row of blocks on top of your base in a staggered pattern. Repeat to make the wall as tall as you like.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hot glue the cardboard on top to make a walking path. Trim the cardboard with scissors to fit. </span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Add another row of blocks along the edge of the path (cardboard).</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Build a tower with the blocks in the middle of the wall.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dip paint brush into paint and tap onto the the Styrofoam bricks, the cardboard path and around the base of the wall.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Use construction paper and a glue stick to create a mountain and some grass around your wall.</span></li>
</ol><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-52819798092687948402012-05-22T08:47:00.001-04:002012-07-23T18:36:40.523-04:00How to Make a 3D Model of a Pyramid<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My 2nd Grader is participating in a class project at school called "The Amazing Race". They have to do a project for five of the seven continents and whoever completes their project before a certain date will receive a prize. My son decided to make a 3D model of a pyramid for Africa. So, I hit the keyboard and found lots of different ideas for making a pyramid on </span><a href="http://www.squidoo.com/3d-pyramid-model-project-ideas"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Squidoo</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. One stood out to us and we decided to make a similar one but make it our own with a few changes.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Supplies</span></u><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Na_scKesWvM/T7uKpHcXfII/AAAAAAAAAbM/h-BzyuGCFa8/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Na_scKesWvM/T7uKpHcXfII/AAAAAAAAAbM/h-BzyuGCFa8/s200/a.jpg" width="180" /></span></a></div>
<ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">8 dowel rods (found at Michael's Craft Store)</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">hot glue gun</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">pipe cleaners</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></ul>
<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Directions</span></u><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4zvqQEASWr4/T7uKxbwxuyI/AAAAAAAAAbU/c-EolDr0dKM/s1600/ES46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4zvqQEASWr4/T7uKxbwxuyI/AAAAAAAAAbU/c-EolDr0dKM/s200/ES46.jpg" width="146" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<ol><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Use the hot glue gun to glue 4 of the dowel rods into a square.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Glue the bottom of each remaining dowel rod to one corner of the square at an angle, so that the tops meet together above the center of the square. (Tip - We used Play-doh to help keep all the rods in place until we were able to glue them. This allowed us to make sure the angle was correct when we glued it.)</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Glue the top of the 4 angled dowel rods together.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wrap the sides and joints of the pyramid with pipe cleaners.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Print out or draw two pictures of a mummy or sarcophagus and glue them together, back to back.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Punch a hole in the top of the image and hang it inside the pyramid with a pipe cleaner.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></ol>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I added 5 smaller dowel rods across the base of the pyramid because my son was worried someone might try to wear the pyramid as a hat but, this is not necessary for the structure. We had so much fun my two younger children wanted to make structures of their own with the remaining supplies.</span> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-74300596058070717832012-05-18T10:11:00.000-04:002012-07-23T18:37:10.480-04:00My New Addiction - Thirty-One!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-UMGSvRaGA/T7ZX7aGfU7I/AAAAAAAAAag/Vbf_2PcrfWg/s1600/Page_10_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-UMGSvRaGA/T7ZX7aGfU7I/AAAAAAAAAag/Vbf_2PcrfWg/s320/Page_10_11.jpg" width="236" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was introduced to </span><a href="http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thirty-One</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> about 6 months ago and now I'm hooked!!! I tend to refer to Thirty-One as today's version of a Tupperware party but more fashionable. They have a great variety of bags, purses and more to help organize your life. As a mom of three, I'm all about organizing! I am slowly building my own collection. I love the products so much, I'm considering becoming a consultant.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was invited to my first Thirty-One party from a fellow PTA member. I went without planning to buy anything, not knowing what I was getting myself into. But, as soon as I saw all the beautiful bags and patterns, it took me a while to decide what to get. Even after I left the party I had a wish list for the next party I would attend.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">However, after finding out about the amazing </span><a href="http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/hostess-rewards"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hostess Rewards</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, I decided to throw a party of my own. By just having a party, I earned $125 worth of free Thirty-One products, 2 half-priced items (with half-priced personalization) and the chance to purchase two products exclusive to hostesses only. I knew then that I would be throwing another party in the future! Another great bonus, when a guest from my party decided to throw a party of her own, I received a free bag with free personalization! Talk about rewards!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Each month Thirty-One offers a </span><a href="http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/monthly-specials"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Monthly Special</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> discounting some of their most popular products! For example, this month the special is "For every $31 you spend, get an All-In-One Organizer for $5." That is a savings of $20!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My favorite products so far are the</span><a href="http://www.mythirtyone.com/shop/productdetail.aspx?prod=3121"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Large Utility Tote</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and the </span><a href="http://www.mythirtyone.com/shop/productdetail.aspx?prod=3458"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hang-Up Home Organizer</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. I keep a Large Utility Tote in my car to help me carry several bags up stairs to my kitchen. I also use it for road trips and carting donations to my kids' school. I have friends that use it for going to the beach or pool, tailgating or even laundry. There are so many ways to use the Large Utility Tote, the possibilities are endless. I don't know what I would do without my Hang-Up Home Organizer! It has helped me declutter my desk and kept me from losing important papers in piles of paper. I use the four pouches for each of my three kids and one for my husband and me. I keep track of the meals I'm cooking for the week, party invitations, and school papers. Also, it really looks great on my wall. It's like a functional art piece. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You can make </span><a href="http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thirty-One</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> products your own with the personalization option. You can choose from a variety of thread colors and fonts and label it any way you like - your initials, your name or something like "Summer Fun", "Laundry" or "Going Fishing". Check out the current catalog online - </span><a href="http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/catalog#/1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thirty-One Catalog</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. Get creative and have fun!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gVHIwiUOGY4/T7ZX5fZE6QI/AAAAAAAAAaY/c5gVsg4VJfU/s1600/Page_8_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gVHIwiUOGY4/T7ZX5fZE6QI/AAAAAAAAAaY/c5gVsg4VJfU/s400/Page_8_9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-86855224360889109042012-05-14T15:56:00.002-04:002012-05-18T10:12:05.136-04:00New Baby Favorite - Portable Cradle<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-afYyLmkYchE/T7Fg9djbqOI/AAAAAAAAAWU/mqze7nj2qk4/s1600/81zNQpRvgKL__AA1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-afYyLmkYchE/T7Fg9djbqOI/AAAAAAAAAWU/mqze7nj2qk4/s200/81zNQpRvgKL__AA1500_.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My sister recently had a baby and bought a portable cradle for her and it's awesome! It's the <span id="btAsinTitle" style="display: inline;">Fisher-Price Newborn Rock 'n Play Sleeper and it costs around $50. </span>I wish I had one when my kids were babies! <span id="btAsinTitle" style="display: inline;">My niece loved it so much but now at 9 months old and 20 lbs, she out-grown it. So, it was handed to my other sister for her baby who is 4 months old and she loves it too! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="display: inline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There's no need to lug around a big, heavy Pack-N-Play for your tiny new addition when visiting family and friends. The sleeper is lightweight and foldable, making it easier to take on trips to visit family and friends. It also has a buckle to keep baby safe and secure. It's even rockable, making it easier to get your little one to sleep. It has a deep seat, increasing the snuggle factor for baby and keeping them super cozy. One of the best parts is, it's backrest is inclined. So, for those of you with babies who have gas or a cold, this will help them sleep better. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="display: inline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You can place it next to your bed and have easier, faster access to your baby. Or keep it next to your couch while you fold laundry or watch your favorite show. It's easy to take with you from room to room but, please don't move the sleeper with baby in it. This shouldn't be a problem since it's so lightweight you can carry it with one hand. BONUS - the cover can be removed and tossed in your washing machine!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="display: inline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is definitely going to be a recommendation for all my friends expecting or planning to have a baby. It would also make a great baby shower gift!! Here's to making a difficult time in a mother's life a little easier and more enjoyable.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pv3InEY16UI/T7Fgc2l_BaI/AAAAAAAAAWE/FLASGuQWliE/s1600/91SFloLnQLL__AA1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pv3InEY16UI/T7Fgc2l_BaI/AAAAAAAAAWE/FLASGuQWliE/s320/91SFloLnQLL__AA1500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CO989pbBKaI/T7Fga3ULyRI/AAAAAAAAAV8/13lQ4dX8Uew/s1600/91wGb7c+4wL__AA1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CO989pbBKaI/T7Fga3ULyRI/AAAAAAAAAV8/13lQ4dX8Uew/s320/91wGb7c+4wL__AA1500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LFG0poWdflo/T7FgefTi60I/AAAAAAAAAWM/6wdJA4nrP7A/s1600/81dzMEIBhBL__AA1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LFG0poWdflo/T7FgefTi60I/AAAAAAAAAWM/6wdJA4nrP7A/s320/81dzMEIBhBL__AA1500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-26187499550863079552012-05-10T12:34:00.000-04:002012-05-10T12:43:42.753-04:00Teacher Appreciation Gifts<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This year I got a gift for each of my child's lead teacher, our bus driver and the new Assistant Principal who was a huge help to us this year with our son. We love to give to the teachers when we can but, we don't have as much as we would like to give. So, I try to make the best of what I can find. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This year I found some great gifts in the $1 bins at <a href="http://michaels.com/">Michael's craft store</a> (my favorite place to go for teacher gifts). Since we are giving the gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week and the school year is almost over, I decided to put together a "pampering kit" for the teachers to help them relax and rest up over the summer.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pampering Kit ($1 items from Michael's):</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Nail Files - 2 pack</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sleep Mask</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Manicure/Pedicure Kit</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Back Massager</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Each of the items came in 4 or 5 different colors. So, I gave each teacher all the items in one color and put them in a gift bag ($0.79 at Michael's) that was the same color. I buy white tissue paper in bulk, so I already had some at home. I only used one sheet of tissue paper for each bag. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I added a little something to spruce up the packaging. I had ribbon at home from the hair bows I make my daughter. So, I used coordinating ribbon to make a bow on each bag. From the bow I had their name that I printed out on card stock and cut out with decorative craft scissors.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I also had note cards that I bought from the $1 bin at <a href="http://www.target.com/">Target </a>(10 note cards for $1). So, I used those to write thank you cards to the teachers and tell them how grateful for all their hard work and for being kind to our kids.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I think they turned out great! I hope the teachers like them as much as I did. =) Happy Teacher's Appreciation Week!!!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lXWiO6cB0y0/T6vpaQx20CI/AAAAAAAAAVg/aPhLlpXPj-Y/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lXWiO6cB0y0/T6vpaQx20CI/AAAAAAAAAVg/aPhLlpXPj-Y/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0JR27Sl2Fs/T6vpfnzGMbI/AAAAAAAAAVo/V1wJW3Frm6k/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0JR27Sl2Fs/T6vpfnzGMbI/AAAAAAAAAVo/V1wJW3Frm6k/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-loM3MvM6Fz4/T6vpjCo6ndI/AAAAAAAAAVw/DO2buohMmPw/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-loM3MvM6Fz4/T6vpjCo6ndI/AAAAAAAAAVw/DO2buohMmPw/s320/044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*These gifts are also great for End of the Year teacher's gifts, Mother's Day gifts and Christmas gifts too!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-67138451914449326182012-05-01T09:19:00.001-04:002012-09-19T07:29:12.616-04:00Quick Tip: Frizz Control<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My hair stylist taught me a couple of simple tricks to help me control my frizzy hair and they work!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-40uqA3DH_AU/T5_igB9_4fI/AAAAAAAAAVU/CdeCpoLil4o/s1600/200573676-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-40uqA3DH_AU/T5_igB9_4fI/AAAAAAAAAVU/CdeCpoLil4o/s200/200573676-001.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<ol><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Cold Rinse -</strong> rinse your hair with cold water after conditioning.<strong> </strong>Similar to shingles on a roof, hair cuticles lie flat after a cold rinse. This results in less frizz and more shine. When you rinse your hair with hot water it causes your hair to be more frizzy or rough looking.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Cool Shot - </strong>finish with the cool shot on your hairdryer. A cold rinse definitely helps but how you dry your hair will make it last. To keep the frizz down, apply a serum to damp hair before blow drying (I use Rusk's Softwear). Then finish with a cool shot from your hair dryer. I use the Revlon Ionic Ceramic Pro Stylist Dryer but any hair dryer with a cold shot will do.</span> </li>
</ol>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-77711933813089198312012-04-27T16:36:00.002-04:002012-05-01T09:20:32.802-04:00Ways to Stay Sane as a Mom<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Embrace the Chaos</strong> and have a dance party. I head to <a href="http://grooveshark.com/">Grooveshark</a> and create a playlist full of high energy dance songs and let the kids go wild. I like to join them. My kids are great about not criticizing my moves. =) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Give yourself a <strong>Mommy Time-Out!</strong> Plop the kids in front of the TV or sit them at the table with a stack of coloring books and hide out in the bathroom. It's the best place to hide for most moms and a great time to flip through that magazine you got in the mail. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Exercise!</strong> When your husband gets home, pull your walking shoes on and kiss him on the way out the door. Head to the gym or just walk around the neighborhood to blow off some steam.</span></li>
<li><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Schedule a monthly </span><a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/2011/07/moms-night-out-ideas.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Moms Night Out</span></a></strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. On the last Wednesday of every month a few friends from church and I go to Wednesday night church service and then meet up for coffee afterward. It's a great way to lift our spirits and have girl time too! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Think Like a Kid</strong> and color, play in the sprinkler, get messy,... You won't believe how much fun you'll have. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Ask for Help</strong> from your husband, family, friends, or neighbors. You've heard of "it takes a village to raise a child". Well, it's true and it benefits not only you but your kids too.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Rock Out in the Minivan/Swagger Wagon!</strong> Listening to the kids music all the time can make you go crazy on it's own. So, the next time you are cruising around town with the kids, turn up your (child appropriate) music, roll down the windows and sing along to the tunes. You may get a few stares but, your kids will get a kick out of you letting your "hair down". Be sure to keep your hands on the wheel, eyes on the road and have fun!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Laugh</strong> whenever you can! Start now by watching this video:</span></li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ql-N3F1FhW4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-74753989159022173942012-03-06T18:23:00.000-05:002012-09-19T07:28:55.965-04:00Quick Tip: Save the Chocolate Syrup!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rLdc-9wyQ6g/T1acKuVwQcI/AAAAAAAAAVM/7KTre8Qw1eU/s1600/get.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rLdc-9wyQ6g/T1acKuVwQcI/AAAAAAAAAVM/7KTre8Qw1eU/s1600/get.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Stop tossing out the last couple of servings of your chocolate syrup. Just open the lid and put the bottle of chocolate syrup in the microwave and heat for 10-15 seconds. It melts all the syrup off the inside of the bottle making it easy to pour out.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-15615350280812627992012-01-19T14:11:00.000-05:002012-01-19T14:11:42.624-05:00Printable and Homemade Valentines<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R1cJIVZttow/Txhprn3vFKI/AAAAAAAAAUs/QG2JGEAmGrg/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nfa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R1cJIVZttow/Txhprn3vFKI/AAAAAAAAAUs/QG2JGEAmGrg/s200/untitled.bmp" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hMXsUtNf9vA/TxhqaG6uixI/AAAAAAAAAU0/2S0DRPVhJj8/s1600/2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nfa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hMXsUtNf9vA/TxhqaG6uixI/AAAAAAAAAU0/2S0DRPVhJj8/s200/2.bmp" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Disney Family Fun magazine has done it again - they have my favorite Valentine's Day crafts of the year! This year they even share </span><a href="http://familyfun.go.com/printables/valentines-day-jokes-703487/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Printable Valentine's Day Jokes</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and </span><a href="http://familyfun.go.com/printables/printable-valentine-s-day-cards-704357/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Printable Valentine's Day Cards</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. These are great for your child's class. You could also use them as lunch box notes for your kids leading up to Valentine's Day. Family Fun also has cute crafts that I plan to use for my kids' classroom celebrations this year. My top favorites are:</span></div><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/be-my-valentine-pencil-toppers-666415/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Valentine Pencil Toppers</span></a></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/the-write-card-662821/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Write Card</span></a></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/you-rule-669905/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You Rule!</span></a></li>
</ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Share these crafts with those you love this Valentine's Day or any time you want to spread the love. For more Valentine's Day Crafts visit my post from last year: </span><a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/2011/01/valentines-day-crafts-and-homemade.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Valentine's Day Crafts and Homemade Cards</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. Happy Valentine's Day! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3295134271468722751.post-58100516030323814802012-01-17T12:18:00.000-05:002012-09-19T07:28:41.306-04:00Quick Tip: Cleaning Counter Tops<div style="border: currentColor;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4GhF8IflIp0/TxWs0Fh3rMI/AAAAAAAAAUk/usja-2ahkxA/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4GhF8IflIp0/TxWs0Fh3rMI/AAAAAAAAAUk/usja-2ahkxA/s1600/Untitled.png" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you cook, have kids or a messy husband, this is a good trick to know. When toothpaste dries on your bathroom counter top it can sometimes seem you may need a jack-hammer to get it off. Same goes for dried spaghetti sauce on your kitchen counter or even the floor. Try this easy trick to help get your dried goo cleaned up:</span></div>
<ol>
<li style="border: currentColor;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wet a paper towel or washcloth with warm/hot water. R</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ing out most but not all of the water.</span></li>
<li style="border: currentColor;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Let the paper towel sit on the dried goo for 5-10 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Use the same paper towel to easily clean up that stubborn goo. No harsh chemicals needed!</span></li>
</ol>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">For more ideas and tips visit <a href="http://crayonsandcheckbooks.blogspot.com/">Crayons and Checkbooks</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15620433903876431306noreply@blogger.com0