Playing Pretend

Last week we had a little coloring fun with markers, paints and outfits that Pretend Wear sent us to try out. The play clothes can be washed and recolored again, letting the kids create colorful creations multiple times. Emma and Noah had a blast. They were SO excited to try on their wearable artwork, and we had a lot of fun spending time together... and finished our painting right before the rain arrived. :)

~Melissa 

I was given free product but was in no way compensated for this post. All opinions are of my own. 

Easy D.I.Y. Valentine Cards

Hello to all of the last minute crafters out there! Don't tell me I'm the only one, right? I know it would be so much simpler to go and buy a few boxes of Valentine cards for the kids to take to their class parties, but I guess I just have to do things the hard way around here. The past couple of days (okay and mostly this evening) Anika and I were busily creating 66 of these little hearts for three different classrooms.

I had actually purchased this red glittery wrapping paper from Costco a couple of years ago during the holidays and have never used it all up...and then while I was putting Christmas stuff away it dawned on me; Valentine Hearts. Of Course! 

The Kraft paper was also a score from the Target clearance section. I think it was like 3 rolls for $3.00 or some sort of offer like that I couldn't refuse...and I seem to have this thing for polk-a-dots.

So here's what you need:

1. Photo Paper. I used HP Photo 5X7 photo cards
2. Glue Dots, or a Glue Stick
3. Kraft Paper
4. Red (preferably glittery!) Wrapping paper or scrapbook paper
5. scissors and /or a fancy dancy paper cutter
6. Black Washi Tape (optional)
7. White Chalk Marker (optional)

First I created a heart template and folded it in half. I then traced the half hearts onto the back of the glitter paper. I created a whole row and then cut them out. The great thing about this wrapping paper is that its got the grid on the back and it makes it so much easier to fold and align things.

I then took my photo cards and folded then in half, then cut each card into two pieces. You could use a card stock instead if you want, I just had the photo cards on hand already, and then were a great size for the least amount of cutting possible. :)

I then measured and cut the craft paper to fit just inside the photo paper, then using glue dots I attached everything together. We did end up running out of the glue dots so we switched to a glue stick and that worked just fine.

When I glued the hearts, I just glued along the folded line, leaving the edges free to create more of a three dimensional look. This also came in really handy because we bought a big bag of Sweetarts and you can staple the candy to the back of the card and put the staple underneath the side of the heart... so you don't even see the staple. Anika thought this was "such a great idea Mom!"  Sometimes my brain still works. :)

So where does the Washi Tape and chalk marker come in? Unfortunately I didn't get pictures of them finished with candy and labeled, but what we did after we stapled the candy off to one side of the back was cut two Washi tape strips and stick them on to the back of the card and then Anika used the chalk marker to write To and From names. It actually turned out really cute!

And that's our crazy last minute D.I.Y. Valentine cards!

~Melissa

3 Last Minute Halloween Decoration Ideas

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Cottonelle, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #CottonelleTarget  http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.

     I don't know about you, but this year Halloween has totally crept up on me way to fast. Have you ever found yourself sitting down and looking at the calendar and realizing that you only have a couple days until the big event!?

     Me too.

     It may sound like an odd source to use, but I have got to tell you, in a pinch for last minute Halloween decorations there is one thing we all have in our houses that can be used: Toilet Paper. I happened to buy an extra package at Target the other day so I could create some cheap decorations to share!

     I came up with a few examples on things you can quickly create (and have the kids help with) so you can spook up your house before the ghosts and goblins arrive.

#1 Ninja Pumpkins

Have some bare pumpkins? No fear! Ninja pumpkins are super easy to create and can be colored any way you'd like. All it takes is some Cottonelle toilet paper!

What you need:

• 1 triple roll of Cottonelle toilet paper
• Sharpie marker ( I used black, but you could use blue, red, etc.)
• tape

Unroll a long strip of toilet paper (depending on the size of the pumpkin) and start twisting it into a rope. Once the strip is all twisted (it doesn't have to be perfect!) tape one end to the back of the pumpkin and wrap around until you have created a mask. Then color the ninja eyes on a viola'! instant Ninja mask.

 #2 Ghost Garland

This Garland is so fun to make with the kids! And you literally only need a couple things to create it.

What you need:

• 1 Triple Roll Cottonelle toilet paper
• 1 Black Sharpie Marker
• 1 orange highlighter
• Needle and Thread

Start by figuring out how long you want your garland to be. Mine shown is approximately 4 feet.

Begin by tearing off 6 square sheets at a time. You will need 2 sets of 6 squares per ghost.

Take one set of squares and crumple them up into a ball. Then place that ball into the middle of the other set of squares. Tie off with thread to create the ghost head. Then draw a face on with a sharpie.

Continue the process until you have the number of ghosts you would like.

Then, take three individual squares of toilet paper and fold them in half to create the center letters. Write on them and then outline with orange marker (or decorate however you would like!).

Next you will need to thread a needle. For this project I doubled the thread up to make it a little thicker, but you could also use yarn to hang them with.

Thread each ghost on through the top of their heads so they stay on securely, and then just stitch through the lettering twice.

Next just figure out where to hang it! Indoors ideally if the weather looks a little iffy for the night, but if all is dry outdoors, hang it on the porch for all to see!

#3 Bloody Mummy Window

The kids had a lot of fun with this one!

What you need:

• 1 Triple roll Cottonelle toilet paper
• 1 roll masking tape (or any kind of paper tape)
• Red and black dry erase markers or window markers

Pick a window that your trick-or-treaters will see! From the inside of the window measure the width and tear off sheets of toilet paper to cover horizontally. Crumple the toilet paper up a little with your hands then straighten out to give it a wrinkled mummy wrap look. Tape each side to the window and continue until you have covered the inside of the window. Then, take two strips of toilet paper and color red circles for eyes. Tape them on the inside in between two strips.

Next on the outside of the window you can let the fun begin. Using a dry erase marker, or window marker, let the kids have at it coloring blood and tracing their hands to create a bloody mummy show for their friends to see!



 Have you ever made something creative using toilet paper? I'd love to hear! Also, right now if you're shopping at Target you can download a coupon for a FREE box of Kleenex tissue with the purchase of a package of Cottonelle Triple Roll 12 pack (or larger) HERE. *While supplies last* :)

Happy last minute decorating!

~Melissa

New Fall Tradition!

I'm always trying to think of new twists on old traditions. If you know me at all, you know I love everything fall, especially taking the kids to a pumpkin patch. (Read about a recent trip HERE).

Well, if you have ever been to multiple pumpkin patches before, you know that there is usually a few staple activities that are a guarantee at most farms. But there are some festivals that offer a variety of different activities that aren't available everywhere. So I encourage you to sit down a make a scavenger hunt for your trips to pumpkin patches! Each time you do/find an activity, check it off and take a picture. It may take a couple visits, but in the end you will have some great photos and kids love crossing off activities they've accomplished.

I've started your brainstorming session with 10 fairly common harvest festival activities:



1. Hay Ride

2. Corn Maze

3. Pick a Pumpkin

4. Feed goats // petting zoo

5. Ride a zip line

6. Slide down a supersized slide

7. Get your face painted

8. Launch a pumpkin (or corn) through a cannon

9. Find scarecrows

10. Buy caramel apples (and eat them!)


Do you have any ideas to add? Comment below and share with us!

~Melissa

Fall Crafts for Kids

Today I have a guest post from Studio One Contributor Caitlin Boyle. If you are interested in guest posting or other forms of advertising on my blog please visit my media page HERE, and feel free to email me @ melissakaylene.gmail.com

Ideas That Spark: Mom2Mom

Fall Crafts for Kids

By Caitlin Boyle for Ideas That Spark


Get the entire family in the seasonal spirit with these simple craft ideas for fall. Together, you’ll create beautiful decorations to display and treasure for many autumns to come.

Autumn Trees: For this project, you’ll need white construction paper, non-toxic finger paint in a variety of fall foliage colors, several paper plates, and a brown marker. Squirt one color of paint in the center of each paper plate. Use the brown marker to draw a tree trunk on the paper, and then add ‘leaves’ by dipping your hands in the paint and pressing them onto the paper.

Pumpkin Art: Paint stripes, stars, and swirls on pumpkins. After the paint dries, use a black permanent marker to color in a cheerful (or scary!) face, your child’s name, or the first initial of your family’s last name.

Acorn Art: Your children will love collecting fallen acorns! After gathering the nuts, you’ll want to de-bug and dry the acorns before using them in crafts. To clean the nuts, soak in water for an hour, spread out on a cookie sheet, and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees (stirring once). Check the nuts regularly to ensure they don’t burn. Let cool completely. Hot-glue the acorns onto picture frames, wreaths, or baskets.

Pumpkin Plates: Paint six to eight paper plates orange. Depending upon your child’s age, you can either provide a variety of eyes, nose, and mouth shapes cut from black construction paper or they can design and cut their own. Once the paint dries, select and glue down the eyes, nose, and mouth shapes. String the plates together vertically to create a beautiful door decoration.

Pine Cones Décor: Like acorns, children love collecting pine cones, which can be placed in baskets or glass jars to decorate entryways, tables, and fireplaces. To de-bug and open pine cones, bake at 200 degrees for 30 minutes; like acorns, be sure to regularly check the pine cones to ensure they don’t burn.

Scented Pomanders: Pomanders are clove-studded fruits displayed in glass dishes or hung off mantels with pretty ribbon. This decoration is not only fun to make; pomanders also release an earthy, spicy scent. To make a pomander, use a wooden skewer to press whole cloves into the skin of a citrus fruit (grapefruit or orange works best). Covering the entire fruit with cloves keeps the pomander fresh for longer.

Caitlin Boyle is blogger, motivational speaker and author of the book Healthy Tipping Point: A Powerful Program for a Stronger, Happier You. She helps her husband run a holistic health clinic in Charlotte, N.C.

Copyright © 2013 Studio One Networks. All rights reserved.

Dragonfly Magnets

 

  Hey everyone! Today I'm posting over at Serenity You! Stop by and say hi and take a peek at my daughter's latest creation. ;)

Dragonfly Magnets

 

~Melissa

Girls Ballerina Invitation Idea

 

 

 

 

This is an adorable card that my 9 year old created for her 5 year old sister. I thought it was such a cute idea that I had to share. This could be used for any kind of party invitation, and the best part is the girl's can help you make and color them.

 

Anika was so very proud to be featured on "mom's blog". I definetely think we will be using this idea for an upcoming birthday or girls sleepover invites.

 

~Melissa

DIY Bean Bag Toss Board & Instagram Love

Happy Wednesday everyone...the weekend is getting closer! Have any big plans? We will be heading to the beach to do a little end of the summer camp out! So guess what I will be working on today and tomorrow? Yup.. packing :).

So last week I shared a little bit about my daughter's 9th birthday party. You can check it out here. I also showed you my little polka dot banner I made...with my daughter's hello kitty sewing machine...if you haven't read that yet take a peak here. I also mentioned a little game I made, Bean Bag Toss...and I thought I'd show you a little bit more on our little project today....

It started out with an idea. Then my husband found an old scrap piece of plywood we just happened to have lying around, and I got to work.

I traced circles onto the board where I wanted the holes to be, and then using our skill saw we cut the holes out. I then put my birthday girl to work painting. I think she did a pretty darn good job, don't you?

After she finished painting both sides, the next day I painted the last minute touches.... and viola! Bean bag toss board that we can keep and use over and over. I was going to make a stand for it, but found that it worked just fine propped up. I was also going to make bean bags, but I ran out of time...so I used my daughters ingenious idea and stole some beanie babies out of their room for the afternoon. :)

 

And there you have it! Not the greatest picture of it, but you get the idea! The best part is that Anika helped make it, and we will get alot of use out of it when friends come over!

I am also loving me some Instagram lately, and here's a couple pics I've posted.

You can find me on there and stock me as well if you'd like... my user name is melissakaylene.

me and my two long lost uncles

my little Noah

brothers



summertime



this ones perfect...its dark so you can't see my exhausted face after taking care of sick kiddos!

Til next time,

Backyard Birthday Bash

The birthday party was a hit. The weather turned out beautiful. A little on the hot side, but a great evening for a BBQ. I followed along with Anika's polkadot theme and my dear friend Carolyn bought her a cake to match. She ended up having 7 friends over, 5 of which stayed the night, and of course all of the family. There was plenty for them to do while the grown-ups BBQ kabobs.... a 'beauty' station where they painted their faces and gave each other manicures, then proceeded to the photo back drop to pose for mommy paparazzi. Then there was bean bag toss, which I created from an old sheet of plywood, a skill saw and some paint. We also played balloon tennis, and squirt guns.

We then all feasted on an array of food, then sang happy birthday to the birthday girl and ate cake while she opened presents. The adults began to leave, then the girls party began. The tent was set up outdoors and sleeping bags brought out, along with Cheetos and juice boxes for midnight snacks. ;) We had an extra treat because coincidentally there was a meteor shower all night, and the girls loved looking for 'shooting stars'.

The next morning (after not much sleep) The girls feasted on bacon and eggs before going home. 

It was a fun, exhausting weekend, and summer isn't winding down here yet! Camping at the beach the weekend of the 24th, and then at the end of the month we are hosting our last big BBQ of the year...and it just so happens to be on a Blue Moon. If you don't know what that is, its when a full moon occurs twice within one month. My friend will also be bringing her game of Bunko to teach us all. So our BBQ theme is Blue Moon BBQ and Bunko ;). Should be fun, and you'll know I'll have something creative to post for that!

my beautiful 9 year old

Photo Shoot!

daddy with his princess Emma

My fruit Kabobs - complete with cantaloupe polkadots on top :)

my handsome little man enjoying all of the girls, and cake!! ;)