tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69066000714332485302024-03-12T17:31:03.883-05:00Mom's Daily Adventures!Creativity in everyday life.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-45983784872655390322013-02-14T11:08:00.001-06:002013-02-14T11:10:14.635-06:00Diaper Box Fire Truck<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9KxoW7HYiCA/UR0Wx9CzknI/AAAAAAAABsk/FFjRj85VlCk/s200/IMG_5082.JPG" width="200" /></div>
There are few things that kids like more than cardboard boxes. Often they'll open a gift and seem to enjoy the box more than the toy inside. A box is a blank canvas; it inspires the imagination. The possibilities are endless.<br />
<a name='more'></a>This is a giant Target-brand diaper box. My 4-year-old is a little too big to actually sit in the box (though he tried); it would be the perfect size for a toddler vehicle. So we left the bottom open instead of the top, since he wouldn't be sitting inside. I rounded up all the red paper in the house, and we used it all.<br />
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I had to let go of my desire for perfection---he wanted to help, and I let him. Therefore, there is a LOT of tape on this thing. But he was so proud of it, and his teddy bear rode around on this thing for weeks. Find a cardboard box, and have some fun!<br />
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<img border="0" height="448" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-loThGhEYVrU/UR0ZicNMm9I/AAAAAAAABs0/RpEZA7K1Q_8/s640/DiaperBoxFireTruck.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-34225747820511861432013-02-13T15:59:00.001-06:002013-02-14T11:10:28.718-06:00Superhero Valentine Pops (Free Printable)<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="106" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_EjYcLYoB8/URwIr5FZb_I/AAAAAAAABr8/OPlzS2KMNrI/s200/superhero+tootsie+pops.jpg" width="200" /></div>
Tootsie Roll Pops are among the cheaper bags of candy out there, so this is simple <i>and</i> cheap. If you have a hundred of these to do, you might want to skip the little masks to avoid killing your hands---just a heads-up! Free printable below...<br />
<a name='more'></a>I'd recommend printing on cardstock. Use a hole punch to make a hole in the top of the cape (punch a couple of times to make a slightly larger hole). Also, using scotch tape to put on the mask didn't work very well on the waxy sucker paper; try a tiny piece of something a little stronger, like clear packing tape.<br />
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<img border="0" height="340" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_EjYcLYoB8/URwIr5FZb_I/AAAAAAAABr8/OPlzS2KMNrI/s640/superhero+tootsie+pops.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I had my son write his name at the bottom of each cape---even with his small class, it took a while. </div>
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Click to download:</div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/VSImvB" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qh6FliWtWA0/URwLo4XVBBI/AAAAAAAABsQ/U_dq82BeOfw/s640/Screen+shot+2013-02-13+at+3.45.43+PM.png" width="496" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-63858300648106296342012-10-01T16:46:00.002-05:002012-10-01T16:46:47.550-05:00Using Facebook to Remember Funny Kid Stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tA5iOLXshCg/UGoO2k2Fu8I/AAAAAAAABrQ/ojq76BERg7A/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-10-01+at+4.34.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tA5iOLXshCg/UGoO2k2Fu8I/AAAAAAAABrQ/ojq76BERg7A/s200/Screen+shot+2012-10-01+at+4.34.24+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Currently, only my older child can talk. And he says some of the funniest things---many of which I post on Facebook because (a) I think others might also thing they're funny; and (b) I don't want to forget! Today in the car, he was listing everything he wanted to do when he grows up...one of which sounded like "Flying boats under the ground."<br />
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Ever wonder if you could download all of your Facebook statuses, for all time? Wonder no more...it's possible!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Here's how it works: visit <a href="https://register.facebook.com/download/">https://register.facebook.com/download/</a> and click "Download a copy of your Facebook data." A couple more clicks, and it will start working (they say it takes some time). They'll e-mail when it's ready for download. Fun, fun! Now you can sift through and save those hilarious things your kid said and did...for laughs, for bribery purposes when they're older, whatever.<br />
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Have fun!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHZ5jb301pg/UGoO2Of39KI/AAAAAAAABrI/TJw4EENqHRE/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-10-01+at+4.32.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHZ5jb301pg/UGoO2Of39KI/AAAAAAAABrI/TJw4EENqHRE/s640/Screen+shot+2012-10-01+at+4.32.58+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-49654149741987463172012-09-19T19:43:00.002-05:002012-09-19T19:45:18.738-05:00New Favorite Snack: S'More Mix! <div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xkCNR4LtLc/UFpmf_o7WnI/AAAAAAAABq0/7PoPa2DenVw/s200/photo+2+(4).JPG" width="200" /></div>
Here's a quick-and-easy delicious snack mix for you: Golden Grahams cereal, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips. Mix in a shallow dish (because the chocolate chips tend to sink to the bottom). QUICK TIP: make this after your kids go to bed, and eat it yourself. They don't need to know that this exists. HA!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-73840918133309684052012-08-22T11:08:00.002-05:002012-08-22T11:22:56.975-05:00Printable Toy Bin Labels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VsdZKLLFT9Q/UDUDl3LRjrI/AAAAAAAABqU/Pj6LgXnBXbk/s1600/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VsdZKLLFT9Q/UDUDl3LRjrI/AAAAAAAABqU/Pj6LgXnBXbk/s200/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
My oldest child can put away his own toys---in theory, anyway. I thought I'd start labeling bins to get him in the habit of putting things in the <i>right</i> place, instead of just "away." A pipe dream with a 4-year-old, perhaps? Anyway, you can download the printable labels below.<br />
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Click the image below to download. Each label is approximately 4.25" wide x 3" tall. However, you can shrink or enlarge them when you print---look in your print window for "page scaling" and set to something other than 100%. I cut them a little smaller than their original size, glued them to 4" square pieces of cardstock, punched two holes, and tied a ribbon through the bin, and it's done!<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B6nk0YCSgFC4YmllUUFMdVBFQ1k" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOzwsQ-xvrk/UDUCSfAfpBI/AAAAAAAABqM/4m_QJMknwJA/s640/Screen+shot+2012-08-22+at+10.41.23+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: all images are royalty-free stock images, or my own. This is for personal use only. </span></i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">By downloading, you agree to not re-distribute, edit, re-create, sell, or otherwise use this file. Thanks! </span></i></div>
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On plastic bins, you can use a couple of strips of packing tape over the label to secure it. These also should fit in those large plastic name badge holders that you get at conferences---you could clip them on your bins if you'd rather not use tape or string.<br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VsdZKLLFT9Q/UDUDl3LRjrI/AAAAAAAABqU/Pj6LgXnBXbk/s640/photo+(6).JPG" width="640" /></div>
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Let me know if you have any questions!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-40450605684339767112012-08-21T11:21:00.000-05:002012-08-22T11:18:10.331-05:00Cardboard box fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bb_VbTnUyck/T2v6UHhrMxI/AAAAAAAABjE/eDr7TAmoG8E/s1600/330313_10150384418966756_518046755_10102533_928075838_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bb_VbTnUyck/T2v6UHhrMxI/AAAAAAAABjE/eDr7TAmoG8E/s200/330313_10150384418966756_518046755_10102533_928075838_o.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
Whenever Little Brother's diaper boxes are in the house, Big Brother finds something fun to do with the box. He's turned boxes into a ramp for his cars by leaning it against the sofa; he's used them as a bed for his teddy bear, he's carried things around in them, but by far the most fun part is getting INSIDE! There are so many fun things for kids to do with boxes...<br />
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<a name='more'></a>A few ideas:<br />
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<li>Use it as a ramp or a garage for cars or trains</li>
<li>Turn it into a <a href="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/02/28/repurpose-cardboard-boxes-into-kid-craftstoys/" target="_blank">vehicle</a>! </li>
<li><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/build-a-box-housenessa-dee-172070" target="_blank">Build an elaborate cardboard box house</a></li>
<li>Cut holes in it and make a shape sorter</li>
<li>Pretend it's a mailbox</li>
<li>Spend two hours on Pinterest browsing through "cardboard box ideas" :) </li>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-3762328376420644362012-08-21T11:18:00.004-05:002012-08-21T11:20:52.560-05:00Scissors + Paper = Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F3Q3SM-Zp_o/UDO0C3pP11I/AAAAAAAABp0/U_TKc7aQppA/s200/photo+(5).JPG" width="200" /></div>
I'm not the type of person who keeps on top of household cleaning tasks, like vacuuming. Far from it. So when I was trying to come up with a fun activity for my 4-year-old during the baby's morning nap, I remembered how much he loves to cut paper...<br />
<a name='more'></a>First, he picked out some colors of construction paper. Then I drew some shapes with a Sharpie (also his requests...in addition to the typical shapes, he asked for hexagons, octagons/stop signs, and drawings of the Earth).<br />
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He sat on the floor and cut out shapes, and then chopped the remaining paper into tiny bits. And loved every minute of it.<br />
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It will require some clean-up, but I needed to vacuum the rug anyway. Badly.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-35153624117415720182012-08-01T12:53:00.000-05:002012-08-01T12:55:09.277-05:00Birthday Surprises!<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2aKU8UvHmGc/UBlpRDhqUtI/AAAAAAAABpY/un8F3Ok0TMk/s200/photo+3+%25282%2529.JPG" style="text-align: center;" width="200" /></div>
<span style="text-align: left;">Even though we already had his birthday party, birthdays are a big deal in my family---the actual day. The birthday kid gets to decide what we do that day, what we eat for dinner, and so on. Today, on top of all of that, I found a fabulous deal at Toys R Us and my 4-year-old got a completely unexpected extra gift: a gigantic wood train set. Isn't it great when things work out? Especially on your birthday?</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a>His choice for what to do today:<br />
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<b>Sprinkle donuts!</b> </div>
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<b>Use his Toys R Us "birthday club" coupon...</b></div>
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Which, combined with a great sale and coupon, meant we got an $80 wood train set (that connects with all of his Thomas stuff) for $24. That is about the cost of a couple of Thomas trains. Even though I wasn't planning on this purchase, I've been keeping an eye out on Craigslist (with no luck) for wood tracks, bridges, switch tracks, etc., all of which came in this set. Plus it has an elevator and a battery-powered train. He is SO thrilled.</div>
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Later on today's agenda: dinner of quesadillas, broccoli, and bananas. And cupcakes. Of course. Happy birthday, buddy! </div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-61286013635402760162012-07-12T11:02:00.002-05:002012-08-01T12:55:44.306-05:00Instant Summer Picnics<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jcKr3lPHNhw/T_7zC2WIp3I/AAAAAAAABog/Tldq8Vg_tf4/s1600/4953165732_2f1a492ce3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jcKr3lPHNhw/T_7zC2WIp3I/AAAAAAAABog/Tldq8Vg_tf4/s200/4953165732_2f1a492ce3_b.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Source: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emeryjl/" target="_blank">hoyasmeg</a></i></td></tr>
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One thing I love doing in the summer is taking a picnic lunch to the park, the pool, the benches outside the library, a museum...you get the idea. My son absolutely loves doing this. Sometimes I'll go ahead and pack our lunch, then surprise him right before we leave for our picnic. Other times, I'll ask him where he'd like to eat our lunch, and he sometimes surprises me with a fun, different idea (i.e., the park where he had his birthday party a year ago). <span style="background-color: white;">However, packing lunch for 3 would be a chore if I didn't have a few key items in place beforehand. </span><br />
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First, I found an insulated lunch bag that's not too big and folds flat. <span style="background-color: white;">Mine was $9.99 at Target (like this one): </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/BYO-Rambler-Lunch-Purple-B-LB35-BPR/dp/B003BPUAN8/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1342106960&sr=8-20&keywords=byo+lunch+bag" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">BYO Lunch Tote</a><br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41wgQtOkANL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41wgQtOkANL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div>
I also have another one that's a little bigger: <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10020415" target="_blank">9-Can Insulated Cooler</a><br />
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Ice packs: I usually don't need to keep things cold for very long, but I still always include an ice pack. I like my <a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=119678" target="_blank">Thermos Ice Cube Mat</a>:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Next, I make sure I'm always stocked with plenty of grab-and-go lunch foods. </span><span style="background-color: white;">A few ideas: </span><br />
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<li><span style="background-color: white;">Milk drink boxes (no refrigeration required varieties)</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Juice boxes</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Mini water bottles with sport tops</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Goldfish crackers, pre-portioned in small containers or snack-size bags</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">String cheese</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Mini Babybel cheese</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Applesauce cups (don't forget the spoon!)</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Tubes of yogurt (or small containers of yogurt)</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Baby carrots</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Squeezable fruit purees</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Crackers (the Ritz Fresh Stacks are the perfect grab-and-go size for us)</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Apples</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Bananas</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Snack-size hummus and pita bread</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Fruit strips (100% fruit, dehydrated; I like the Target Archer Farms brand)</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">...and the list goes on and on! </span></li>
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I toss an ice pack into the lunch bag, followed by however many other items we'll need, and we're ready to go! We head to different parks on a regular basis, and when I'm well-stocked with pre-packed picnic foods, eating lunch somewhere fun and different isn't a hassle.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-40560557268082173332012-07-03T16:34:00.001-05:002012-08-21T11:21:10.729-05:00Another Benefit of Hand-me-downs<div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LkxfSyIInCc/T_NkUx6US6I/AAAAAAAABoU/AwE8-MUPTOQ/s1600/elijah-isaiah-11months-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="105" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LkxfSyIInCc/T_NkUx6US6I/AAAAAAAABoU/AwE8-MUPTOQ/s200/elijah-isaiah-11months-01.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white;">Everyone says that my two boys look a lot alike; even more so when they're wearing exactly the same outfit! </span></div>
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I haven't been planning this for the past 3 years (I keep hand-me-down clothes because I'm frugal), but today when I put this outfit on the little guy, I remembered that I'd taken a bunch of photos one day of my older son while he was wearing this. So, I plopped him in the same spot in our living room, and took a series of photos wearing the same thing. It turned out so well that I might have to print and frame this for the grandparents!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LkxfSyIInCc/T_NkUx6US6I/AAAAAAAABoU/AwE8-MUPTOQ/s1600/elijah-isaiah-11months-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LkxfSyIInCc/T_NkUx6US6I/AAAAAAAABoU/AwE8-MUPTOQ/s640/elijah-isaiah-11months-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, take a moment and flip through some old photos from when your older child was the same age that your younger child is now. Take a photo in the same place, wearing the same outfit, with the same expression on their face... I'm so glad that I did. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-64973856432809439932012-05-19T10:34:00.002-05:002012-07-12T11:06:51.843-05:00"Learn to tell time" Free Printable<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hIbq250hr0g/T7e82g4G-rI/AAAAAAAABnU/0EMGUJxntU4/s200/AMDesign_telltime_clock.jpg" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;" width="200" /></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">When I have an idea for something I want to make for my kids (or myself), I troll the internet to see if I can find a free printable, tutorial, or something else that will make the project faster and easier. This time, it didn't exist. Lots of paper clock faces, but nothing cute that matched what I had in mind...</span><br />
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Here it is! Look below for your free printable. I also made some extra clock hands that I'm going to stick on to the clock face with velcro, so we can take this off the wall and let my son practice telling time.<br />
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The clock was $1.99 at IKEA (style is "RUSCH"). I wanted something with readable numbers and dots for each of the minutes. And cheap. It's for a kids' room. :) <br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B6nk0YCSgFC4VmdFUHZyYkxldUU" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hIbq250hr0g/T7e82g4G-rI/AAAAAAAABnU/0EMGUJxntU4/s640/AMDesign_telltime_clock.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b>Instructions</b><br />
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<li><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B6nk0YCSgFC4VmdFUHZyYkxldUU" target="_blank">Download the PDF file here.</a><span id="goog_434674106"></span><span id="goog_434674107"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></li>
<li>Print the PDF on your printer, using card stock. (If your printer chops off one of the edges, re-print, this time selecting the "shrink to fit" or "fit to page" option in the print window.)</li>
<li>Roughly cut out the circles.</li>
<li>Tape or glue each circle to the back of your clock. I had to bend part of the circle behind the edge of the clock, because the back of the clock isn't flat.</li>
<li>These would also work well simply taped to the wall around the clock.</li>
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Enjoy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-81108375012879830162012-03-22T23:05:00.002-05:002012-03-22T23:09:43.232-05:00Make a Collage of Kids' Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SqWYXn_8dng/T2v0Yr8nsRI/AAAAAAAABi0/IJ9BhVYTI-o/s1600/wall+simulation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SqWYXn_8dng/T2v0Yr8nsRI/AAAAAAAABi0/IJ9BhVYTI-o/s200/wall+simulation.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I had a very full magnetic clip on my fridge holding my son's artwork. And those were only my favorites---I regularly recycle paper that comes into the house. I wanted to both put away the gigantic pile <i>and</i> display his artwork. Here's what I did...<br />
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I'm a graphic designer so I have expensive software that makes this easy. BUT you really can make this yourself using other software. If you have a program that allows you to insert and crop photos, you're all set. This would also make a great non-digital collage (what would that be called---an analog collage? a traditional collage? Ha!).<br />
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First, photograph the artwork. Make sure you're taking pictures in a well-lit place. The front of my fridge happens to be near a sunny south-facing window, so I used that same magnetic clip to hold each piece. This time, not in a giant pile that's almost too heavy for the magnet to hold. Try to zoom in enough that you don't see the edges of the paper (or, in my case, the magnet).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EdGsX3WsZI0/T2v2JIUkorI/AAAAAAAABi8/uJKY-FYCmq4/s1600/angrybirds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EdGsX3WsZI0/T2v2JIUkorI/AAAAAAAABi8/uJKY-FYCmq4/s640/angrybirds.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(This one is my 3-year-old's artistic interpretation of the Angry Birds game!)</span></i></div><br />
If you're not using a computer for this project, this is the step where you print out the photo of each piece of art, cut each into an equal-sized square (mine are just over 4.25"), and arrange in a grid on a large paper. Then affix them to the paper, and voila! Art, much faster than those of us who are doing this digitally. <br />
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I used Adobe InDesign to lay out a horizontal 24x36 page, and drew some blank square frames. I made the borders thin and black, but they don't need borders unless the individual pieces of artwork have a lot of white around the edges.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVbI5nw_beU/T2vuiU9BEoI/AAAAAAAABic/geX2SxUB0cg/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-03-22+at+10.30.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVbI5nw_beU/T2vuiU9BEoI/AAAAAAAABic/geX2SxUB0cg/s640/Screen+shot+2012-03-22+at+10.30.32+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Then I placed (File > Place or Command+D) the artwork photos into each square. I rearranged a little bit, to balance some of the heavily-painted art with the lighter pencil drawings. Finally, I exported to a PDF (File > Export or Command+E) and ordered a poster-size print from <a href="http://www.48hourprint.com/">48hourprint.com</a>. (I had a great coupon code that they e-mailed to me!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xWS2i2VMLcs/T2vz67YC0LI/AAAAAAAABis/0fhCvi1Tpyw/s1600/wall+simulation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xWS2i2VMLcs/T2vz67YC0LI/AAAAAAAABis/0fhCvi1Tpyw/s640/wall+simulation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The finished product! The frame was something I already had, but I believe it originally came from IKEA. <i>(Note: This final image was altered in Photoshop because I'm planning to paint this wall and I wanted to test out my new paint color!)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
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</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-25696775460574287332011-12-15T00:29:00.002-06:002011-12-15T00:31:41.561-06:00Creative Child Entertainment (Containment?)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JqfIGx3nUkA/TumTXGPPh0I/AAAAAAAABgo/gWBmV7Qtuqo/s200/2917093994_db53af6233_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><i>Image source: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/adactio/">adactio</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I just read the most <i>genius</i> idea over at <a href="http://www.rookiemoms.com/create-an-easy-ball-pit-at-home/">Rookie Moms</a> for containing your toddler and entertaining them while you shower, get something done, etc. I would have never thought of this, but when my new baby is running all over the place, I will be doing this:<br />
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Turning the playpen into a ball pit! Get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Intex-49600EP-100-pcs-Ballz/dp/B000066SW0/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1323930534&sr=1-1">100 balls for under $20</a>, toss them into the Pack N Play, and insert child. Such a great idea. <i><a href="http://www.rookiemoms.com/create-an-easy-ball-pit-at-home/">THANKS, ROOKIE MOMS</a>! </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-3783848676826233492011-12-14T15:59:00.002-06:002011-12-14T16:15:52.490-06:00Baby Mittens!<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZ1k7vFMvAw/TukZQxvLBzI/AAAAAAAABgY/R61RX2ynltc/s200/339710_10150531596191756_518046755_10794047_1433957939_o.jpg" width="150" /></div>A normal person, when discovering that the pair of baby mittens in the closet somehow became a <i>single</i> mitten, would go out and buy a new pair. I, however, decided I'd make a pair....<br />
<a name='more'></a>....and it was pretty easy! When I saw that most baby mittens come as a set, along with a hat, I thought I'd try to make a pair because we have way too many hats already. I saw a $1 remnant of some Chicago Cubs fleece at the fabric store, and already had some elastic. Here are some basic instructions that I found:<br />
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<a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/sewing/fleece_mittens_for_baby_hands.php">Fleece Mittens for Baby Hands @ Canadian Living</a><br />
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Overall, fairly easy. There was a bit of trial and error because I'd never sewed elastic into anything like this. And now my little guy can have TWO warm hands!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZ1k7vFMvAw/TukZQxvLBzI/AAAAAAAABgY/R61RX2ynltc/s1600/339710_10150531596191756_518046755_10794047_1433957939_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZ1k7vFMvAw/TukZQxvLBzI/AAAAAAAABgY/R61RX2ynltc/s640/339710_10150531596191756_518046755_10794047_1433957939_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-83318576208250078472011-06-30T16:14:00.001-05:002011-12-15T00:32:44.545-06:00Too Tired to be Creative...and It's OK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LMufhC4QuGw/Tgzm7rs-7-I/AAAAAAAABdk/ejftsLT7JqA/s1600/5112141032_24279462c9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LMufhC4QuGw/Tgzm7rs-7-I/AAAAAAAABdk/ejftsLT7JqA/s200/5112141032_24279462c9_b.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>Lately I've been reading some blog posts like "101 things to do with your toddler" and "101 things to do with your preschooler," and feeling pretty lame because I don't have the energy to try many of the things I'd like to. But I have to cut myself some slack...it's hot outside, I'm still trying to wrap up projects for my freelance business, and I'm having a baby in LESS THAN TWO WEEKS. [...]<br />
<a name='more'></a>I've had other mom friends tell me that they just don't have time to make up fun things to do with their kids, because they're running so fast, and they're <i>tired</i>. Believe me, I get it. And if you can figure out a way to slow down and give yourself a break, I'm all for it.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>But <i>don't</i> guilt yourself over turning on some PBS Kids just so you can take a shower, finish a cleaning task, or whatever. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I am paying dearly for the privilege of some free time, however: my son initially acquired a daily morning TV habit while he was sick for more than a week. He was cranky and lethargic. Then I got sick, and I was cranky and lethargic, so the TV viewing continued. And then we had to attempt to get back to a normal routine....and he learned how to climb out of his crib, so we transitioned to a big-boy bed. So then he stopped sleeping well, and he's...cranky and lethargic.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Whenever we turn the TV off, even if it's to go do something fun, he protests. I get a very angry kid for a little while. But do I regret giving him a regular dose of Sesame Street and Word World? HECK NO! I would have lost my mind this month without it. </div><div><br />
</div><div>It may not be the most creative solution to keeping my kid occupied, but for right now, it's how we roll around here. I am NINE months pregnant after all.</div><div><br />
</div><div>And you should cut yourself some slack, too. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-76031549037201768192011-04-14T07:00:00.001-05:002011-04-14T07:00:30.154-05:00Find a New Playground<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aAdTi-DJcYY/TaPr2RixrrI/AAAAAAAABc4/dPHx1-pE9qw/s1600/5040373265_38676bbb55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aAdTi-DJcYY/TaPr2RixrrI/AAAAAAAABc4/dPHx1-pE9qw/s200/5040373265_38676bbb55.jpg" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brilestakespictures/"><i>Briles Takes Pictures</i></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Less than a week after wearing scarves, hats and mittens for some outdoor fun, we had a glorious 80-degree day. (That's what we get for living in the Midwest!) We have a park and playground a block from our house, but my instinct on this beautiful day was to take it up a level and head to a park we haven't visited in a while. [...]<br />
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<a name='more'></a>There's a park near us that has a play area perfect for little ones. It has a bunch of baby swings, springy surfaces below the play areas, a sandbox, and a wide variety of unique play equipment. Of course, there are always plenty of older kids there, but the little kids don't get trampled.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpgbTmnoz3U/TaPqDBKGP_I/AAAAAAAABc0/WZjTpjoHceQ/s1600/399346124_bb34b7382b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpgbTmnoz3U/TaPqDBKGP_I/AAAAAAAABc0/WZjTpjoHceQ/s640/399346124_bb34b7382b_b.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>From <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pfly/">pfly</a></i></span><br />
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But I digress. It's so much more work, at least in my head, to hop in the car and drive to a park when I have one within walking distance. But if there's one thing I keep learning over and over these days, it's that <i>novelty</i> is key in keeping a toddler's attention.<br />
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It would be exhausting to be constantly coming up with new activities and places to visit. But it wouldn't be that tough for me to hit a new playground every week or two, just for the variety of it. Even if the park turns out to be a little on the "lame" side, it's still a new place to run, explore, and kick a soccer ball. <br />
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Is this something I'm going to commit to do for this spring and summer? Hmm, I don't know about that, but it's just one more idea in my arsenal.<br />
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Oh, and by the way, we had a <i>perfect</i> afternoon/evening at the park. I tossed every conceivable portable food item into a lunch cooler, and we had an interesting picnic lunch of cheese, fruit, and some miscellaneous snack foods. Then we played on <i>every</i> part of the play equipment, with lots of shrieks of delight. He got to bed long past bedtime, but it's about as happy as I've ever seen him. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-80717746709531544342011-04-12T00:36:00.001-05:002012-06-04T21:17:15.797-05:00Baking With My Kid<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q2pGk9WvMxk/TZ9Gh_ttEmI/AAAAAAAABck/15aBOx2aT9w/s200/DSC_1636.JPG" width="200" /></div>
One of my favorite blogs is <a href="http://www.cookingwithmykid.com/">Cooking With My Kid</a>. The author had undertaken a journey of learning to cook from scratch, at home, and shares amazing recipes and photos. We are doing this mostly because we want to save money, but finding new recipes and homemade foods that my kiddo will like has been a (mostly) fun adventure.<br />
<a name='more'></a>The process of making cookies has been a fun activity for us, as long as I have the patience for extra cleanup, and the occasional bit of grossness (once my son sneezed into the mixing bowl while stirring...ick). It takes twice as long as usual and dirties twice as many bowls and utensils. But he loves it.<br />
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I pre-measure a bunch of things so he can dump and stir. This keeps him occupied for quite a while. He doesn't ever want to squish his fingers into things to mix, so he spends forever maneuvering a giant wooden spoon.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DvwUPt5xJ18/TZ9HAJnzLtI/AAAAAAAABcs/F_yMMysVU-0/s1600/DSC_1641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DvwUPt5xJ18/TZ9HAJnzLtI/AAAAAAAABcs/F_yMMysVU-0/s640/DSC_1641.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I cut our favorite oatmeal chocolate chip recipe in half, so that we wouldn't have quite so many cookies sitting around the house (now that I'm home all day, every day, I have zero willpower for snacks like this). After I let him add the chocolate chips, I finish up the cookies and let him eat a few chocolate chips. And then there's his face when the cookies are done...<br />
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<img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rtkcCeLu6to/TZ9GxEl_UjI/AAAAAAAABco/nCd9Y--A0bA/s640/DSC_1639.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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It's been so much fun to bake together...I can't wait til he's older and able to participate in even more cooking tasks!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-30955652841926938702011-04-08T12:09:00.003-05:002012-06-04T21:18:14.717-05:00Grown-Up Art Supplies are Cool<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="132" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dI-f3yfD5uA/TZ879neyL_I/AAAAAAAABcY/nsWyMWT-15w/s200/DSC_1699.JPG" width="200" /></div>
I realize now that my childhood interest in art may have been more intense than that of the average child. But early on, a new box of still-sharp Crayola crayons (the 64 box, especially) was one of life's greatest joys. Later, I moved on to Prismacolor pencils and markers. I had no idea that my art supplies would be such a thrill for my 2-1/2-year-old.<br />
<a name='more'></a>Architecture studio in college required the purchase of a wide array of art supplies, only some of which have survived the intervening years. My pricey markers dried up long ago. But my pencils were tucked away in a drawer, forgotten, until it struck me that my toddler might like to play with them. What kid doesn't like a giant box of....<i>anything</i>?<br />
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The dumping and arranging of the pencils was a bigger thrill than creating art, of course. And the stand-up box was pretty fun for him, too. </div>
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We set up a special spot for him on the living room floor (with a floor chair and lap desk), and he stayed there for a very long time. More and more, I consider an activity successful when it keeps his attention for 30 minutes at a time. (I did, after all, just become self-employed and currently have no childcare. Do the math on that one!) </div>
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The variety of colors made for some more interesting artwork than usual, too. He just kept on layering the color. His current artistic method involves lots of overlapping of circles.</div>
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Art supplies designed for grownups are just cooler for kids, in some ways. The quality, the number of pencils in a set, the look of the box...at least for my son, this is such a special treat that he'll do anything for a promised reward of "playing with pencils" later. Even take a nap. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-16743751908108502882011-04-04T16:13:00.004-05:002011-04-12T01:17:29.956-05:00Digger Trucks! (Indoor "dirt")<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3pthoQLDwk/TZozlotqa4I/AAAAAAAABcE/nyYW_SqP0Bw/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3pthoQLDwk/TZozlotqa4I/AAAAAAAABcE/nyYW_SqP0Bw/s200/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>The temperature dipped down again, after a glorious spring day yesterday. I was not in the mood to make a trek to the park, but my little guy wanted to play with his "digger trucks" in the dirt.<br />
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Is there a way to simulate dirt indoors? You bet there is!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>I thought it would make for some (slightly) messy fun to dump some sugar on a tray, and let his backhoe, dump truck, etc. go to work. And wouldn't you know it, the novelty of this idea held his attention for at least an hour! I organized my home office in the time he spent contentedly playing at the table.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_lNK8x6syXM/TZo0NzR0hkI/AAAAAAAABcI/PFaScjjjr_g/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_lNK8x6syXM/TZo0NzR0hkI/AAAAAAAABcI/PFaScjjjr_g/s400/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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If you try this:<br />
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--decide ahead of time if you mind getting out the vacuum cleaner afterwards to clean up. He did a great job of trying to keep the sugar contained, but there's no avoiding some spills. If you want to keep it neater, use something that's easier to sweep up, like rice.<br />
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--find a fairly large cookie sheet, lid, tray or other container with sides, and put something under it so it doesn't scoot around.<br />
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--find a little measuring spoon or other tiny scoop to help pick up the sugar and plop it in the trucks.<br />
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Next time I'm going to experiment with rice, cereal, etc. I don't want to waste too much food with this, but a cup of sugar is pretty cheap! Have fun!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fm_QwIT6iyo/TZo0bPL5vDI/AAAAAAAABcM/ztRSbbFx-o8/s1600/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fm_QwIT6iyo/TZo0bPL5vDI/AAAAAAAABcM/ztRSbbFx-o8/s400/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-1526852217166858482011-03-29T16:12:00.001-05:002011-03-29T16:12:39.951-05:00Giving Experiences Instead of Stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ylPuRs3aZds/TZJCohxmpTI/AAAAAAAABb0/IlopMELQXq0/s1600/firetruck1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ylPuRs3aZds/TZJCohxmpTI/AAAAAAAABb0/IlopMELQXq0/s200/firetruck1.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>This has always been my philosophy as a parent, and I ran across an excellent article about this over at <a href="http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/inspiration/give-experiences-ditch-the-stuff-and-things-101564">Ohdeedoh</a>. It's hard to go against the urge to buy things for my child, but I'm working on it! This has benefits in reducing clutter, keeping kids from always wanting new stuff, and providing lifelong memories.<br />
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[...]<br />
<a name='more'></a>By now, the phrase "In these challenging economic times" has become overused, but if there is one benefit of the current financial downturn, it's the chance to re-evaluate priorities. For example:<br />
<div><ul><li>I never intended to live in a small condo with kids, much less multiple kids. And yet, here we are. Buying a home was an excellent decision at the time, to stop the drain of money spent on rent. Though our home value has gone down substantially, we still haven't "lost" more than the amount we would have spent on rent in the last 6+ years. But we can't sell it and make enough to buy a house. SO, I have to figure out how to make this space work for us, possibly for years into the future. And really, who <i>needs</i> a big home? People all over the world, even wealthy urban dwellers, live in spaces smaller than ours. Sure, I <i>want</i> a big home, but should having one really be my goal in life?</li>
<li>I lost my job two months ago, and was abruptly launched into a freelance career. The large decrease in income forced us to inspect every area of our budget. We have less income than we did before, so there's less buying of things than before. <i>This is not a bad thing</i>. We, like many Americans, had developed bad habits of buying new things we didn't really need, filling landfills with things that were still functional, etc. We simply don't need new stuff.</li>
<li>It's healthier to eat at home anyway, but we'd been in the habit of eating in restaurants. No more! And imagine that...we're actually eating more variety and expanding our cooking repertoire. </li>
</ul>So, on to the topic of experiences vs. things for kids. I have many more memories of trips with my family than I do of playing with specific toys. I had a few favorites, to be sure, but for the most part I remember spring break trips on the Amtrak train and summers spent at the neighborhood pool.<br />
<br />
<i>Memberships can be a great value. </i> In our area, we are fortunate to have access to great museums and all sorts of fun and educational places. With small children, many of these places aren't ideal, but we became members of a nearby children's museum, and during the cold winter months, the place was almost an extension of our living room, our family visited so often. In the summer, it's our pool pass that we love. And year-round, we spend time at the YMCA.<br />
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<i>The journey can be the destination.</i> We're not quite close enough to big-city attractions to go every day, but a carefully planned trip downtown can be memorable for all of us. (<a href="http://momsdailyadventures.blogspot.com/2010/09/downtown-chicago-with-2-year-old.html">See my previous post on heading to downtown Chicago with a 2-year-old</a>.) Our little guy loves riding the train and the bus. If we want to be home by naptime, one of these trips starts early and most of our time is spent getting to and from. But there are so many things to see while riding public transit (or driving down a new road, for that matter).<br />
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We went to the Chicago Children's Museum on a free-admission day, and had a blast!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XIofbdkoUSk/TZJHBZCyGkI/AAAAAAAABb4/C-i_yqTCAQw/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XIofbdkoUSk/TZJHBZCyGkI/AAAAAAAABb4/C-i_yqTCAQw/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<i>A cheap vacation can be the best vacation.</i> We have a nearby family lake cottage that we can use almost any time during the summer. We plan meals and buy groceries ahead of time (or on the way there), and sit on the beach. Or wander around some small towns. Or ride bikes. As I discovered during my own childhood, repeated trips to the same place can create very strong memories. And because we're not traveling on a plane, and we've been there before, the preparation is pretty easy each time we go. It's possible to feel relaxed after just a day or two.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6w4gjydkzhs/TZJIzg8Y6fI/AAAAAAAABb8/_iEalUJoEOs/s1600/DSCN0714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6w4gjydkzhs/TZJIzg8Y6fI/AAAAAAAABb8/_iEalUJoEOs/s640/DSCN0714.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<i>Enlist the grandparents to get in on the action.</i> Whether grandparents are visiting us, or we are visiting them, I like to get out and about whenever possible. In December, we went out to look at Christmas lights. Last summer, we went to the zoo in Grandma and Grandpa's hometown, and our toddler got to feed a giraffe. He <i>still</i> talks about that, 9 months later! I love that there are things we can <i>only</i> do while visiting Grandma.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ap582tHx1Bc/TZJKBeFUabI/AAAAAAAABcA/idgwHPVQPMU/s1600/DSC_0822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ap582tHx1Bc/TZJKBeFUabI/AAAAAAAABcA/idgwHPVQPMU/s640/DSC_0822.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Give a gift of a membership or an experience to someone in your family. Focus on experiences instead of gifts when thinking about your family budget. You won't regret it!<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-40493584564972840622011-01-21T21:29:00.002-06:002011-04-12T01:16:51.425-05:00Hiatus!As is obvious, I took some time off from posting. Life got a little overwhelming, and my capacity to do any sort of non-work-related creative projects went completely out the window. (1) I am pregnant, and the first-trimester exhaustion was much worse this time around. (2) I found out that my job is being eliminated, though they do have contract work for me to do. So... (3) I am officially launching my freelance design business! I will need to supplement the contract work for my employer with additional freelance work, so what better time to become a small business owner? Five months before having a baby, that's when! Ha!<br />
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More posts will be coming soon!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-14634203462060806042010-12-18T13:10:00.000-06:002010-12-18T13:10:15.446-06:00Simple Christmas...the tree edition<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3lQbFLzo9fA/TPRv227SU9I/AAAAAAAABbA/zM0pgSpxDsc/s200/155976_468083197833_506287833_5498377_6589722_n.jpg" width="150" /></div>I love decorating the Christmas tree. We turn on the all-Christmas-music radio station, pull out the decorations from storage, and get to work. It's a fun evening that we were excited to share for the first time with our 2-year-old. It didn't quite work out that way this time, however.<br />
<a name='more'></a>There had been some burned out bulbs that caused a cascading effect of burnouts. HUNDREDS of bulb replacements later, we still had large areas on our pre-lit tree that were dark. Not to be deterred, I added some regular strands of lights and carried on. <br />
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I once made an effort to create a unique, color-coordinated tree each year. This year, by the time I'd replaced all those bulbs, I didn't care so much about the tree's appearance. And perhaps that's a very good thing (apologies to Martha Stewart). Caring less about being impressive and and more about enjoying the tree is a good lesson for all things Christmas-related. <br />
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I decorated all I could before I went to bed that night, and the next morning, my son got his first awestruck glimpse at the tree. It was half-decorated, and I let him do the rest (the bottom two feet). <br />
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It thrilled him to no end to pick branches and hang ornaments. He ended up hanging them all in one small area, which looks rather silly, but it's where he wanted them to be. <br />
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So I'm leaving them. And I love it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3lQbFLzo9fA/TPRv227SU9I/AAAAAAAABbA/zM0pgSpxDsc/s1600/155976_468083197833_506287833_5498377_6589722_n.jpg" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-14602525371332911762010-12-07T03:03:00.000-06:002010-12-07T03:03:33.161-06:00Simple Christmas...the travel edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3lQbFLzo9fA/TPR_E7dXRQI/AAAAAAAABbI/46RMyTx7Pu4/s1600/490062_21321525a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3lQbFLzo9fA/TPR_E7dXRQI/AAAAAAAABbI/46RMyTx7Pu4/s200/490062_21321525a.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We, as a childless couple, had developed the habit of visiting both of our families on Christmas, within a few days' time. This would be easy if all parties lived near each other. But the three legs of the journey total more than 13 hours in the car. And then we did this with an infant. And then a one-year-old. And now, finally, we decided we just can't do it again.</div><br />
<a name='more'></a>We don't want to be exhausted by the holidays. We don't want to be so stressed. And we don't want a cranky toddler who's missed one too many hours of sleep.<br />
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It was a difficult decision: who do we visit, and when? And then, the obvious solution came to us: see one family two weeks early. It turns out that one side of the family lives near a picturesque little town with amazing Christmas stores and displays. So we'll go there first, while the pre-Christmas excitement is still buzzing in the air.<br />
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We had no idea how our families would react, but they were completely understanding. We were nervous for no reason. <br />
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Ahh, I'm looking forward to both trips already.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-85170401066206790072010-11-29T21:02:00.004-06:002010-11-29T21:36:28.771-06:00Simple Christmas...the cookie edition<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3lQbFLzo9fA/TPRornznh-I/AAAAAAAABa8/wagwxi-Xhz0/s200/3146220157_7b483ced1b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Image Source: </i><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chadmagiera/"><i>chadmagiera</i></a></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>A short hiatus from the blog recently...but I'm back and thinking about Christmas! Perhaps it's the hundred bulbs I just replaced on our prelit tree (to no avail), but I'm very interested in keeping things simple this year. The first thing to go: unnecessary cookie baking! [...]<br />
<a name='more'></a>Now, hear me out...I love Christmas cookies more than most people. But I just can't bring myself to make boxes of beautiful cookies that we've delivered to friends as in years past. <br />
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A friend of mine gave this advice: ask your family members what their favorite cookie is...that just might narrow it down to a couple of varieties! I can think of a few types that I never eat, and wouldn't notice if they disappeared.<br />
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I also have a friend who gets together for an entire weekend with a large group of friends, and bakes dozens of different kinds. And other friends exchange cookies. This still cuts down on your baking. <br />
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If you love baking, go for it! Bake every day from now til Christmas Eve. But if not...there's no shame in keeping it simple.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906600071433248530.post-42898572897547784942010-11-12T09:11:00.002-06:002010-11-29T22:16:34.564-06:00Simple Christmas...the card edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/peace-health-hope-livestrong-holiday-5x7-folded-card?sortType=1&fa=8&storeNode=93491&fc=2" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3lQbFLzo9fA/TN1YXlbm_RI/AAAAAAAABa4/ko79GUObwcA/s200/STATIONERYCARD_FOLDED_5x7-27110-2895-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v128337891800098785.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>My friend <a href="http://worgessfamily.blogspot.com/2010/10/shutterfly-christmas.html">Shelli</a> (a blogger, but an actual real-life friend, too) posted about Shutterfly's holiday cards. Honestly, I figured I wasn't going to do holiday cards this year, primarily I don't have time to design them myself this year, and I've seen a lot of companies out there with designs that are a little bit...well, not cool. But then I checked out her links to Shutterfly, and I was truly impressed. I love their <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards">holiday card designs</a>! A couple that I'm considering are...<br />
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<a name='more'></a>...<a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/joy-and-magic-christmas-5x7-folded-card?sortType=1&fa=8&storeNode=93491&fc=2">this one</a> and <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/bright-merry-story-christmas-5x7-folded-card?sortType=1&fa=8&storeNode=93491&fc=2">this one</a>.<br />
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I also like the idea that they have <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards?DCL=true&lfoType=&omn=2048h&fa=8&fc=2&fh=2048&foType=h">Livestrong</a> and <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards?DCL=true&lfoType=&omn=1h&fa=8&fc=2&fh=1&foType=h">American Lung Association</a> cards. A portion of the proceeds for these go to the organization.<br />
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This year, we haven't been intentional about taking photos of our whole family. There are only three of us; it shouldn't be too difficult---you would think. But here we are...without a group photo. Looks like we're going to have to go with the "multiple photos of the cute 2-year-old" look! Fortunately with collage designs, this will look really good (and not like I failed to plan! ha ha).<br />
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If you've never signed up for Shutterfly, sign up and get 50 free prints. Oh, and bloggers: <a href="http://bit.ly/sfly2010">you can even get 50 free holiday cards</a>. Feel free to share this link: <a href="http://bit.ly/sfly2010">http://bit.ly/sfly2010</a>.<br />
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Here's to simplifying the holidays!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0