~Photos of the week~

Of course I am partial to my own child's picture being the best of the week ;) 

Photo Tip: open the windows, place object facing the light but not directly in it... enjoy the natural light!

Alphabet Roads

Alphabet Letter Roads

Looking for something to entertain those little boys (or girls) of yours?  I have just the thing!

Now that Preschool is in full swing again, I am always looking for new ideas to share with the children for each center (writing, art, science...).  I came upon THESE a while ago, made them for my nephew for Christmas and never got around to making my own.  Well today I finally did it.  They are so perfect!  Coming from a preschool side of things, out of all of the centers in a preschool classroom Language and Literacy are by far the least favorite.  On a good day, maybe 2 children will show up there and actually try what you have put out.  That's what makes this activity perfect for boys AND girls.  Grab a few toy cars and spread out the letters and let them "drive" the cars in the shape of the letters.  Don't think this is very educational?  Guess again.  Trust me your child is not going to learn how to read before they can recognize letters and this is perfect for that!  Even if they are not getting it at first, at least they are trying something new and learning in the process.  They are so easy also.  Click HERE to print them off.  You can print them on white or black paper, there are uppercase and lower case, numbers, and shapes.  All for FREE! :)  Try them out, let me know what you think! 

Lessons Learned

...The amazing moment when you realize how much you appreciate your 4 year old...

 If you're a mom, you will spend your day reminding your children; let's be nice, we need to talk nice, no hitting, eat all your food, no treats till after lunch, pick that up, pick this up, stay out of there, please share, what not to say, how to act in certain places, seat belts, get down from there, keep your feet on the floor, go get dressed, how to be soft, let your brother play, NO, calm down, eat in the kitchen, Good job, try again, don't give up, say please and thank you, YES, you did it, give me loves, its ok,

I love you!

Although this is only some of the things we teach our kids everyday- the one I want to focus on is

 "we need to talk nice"

Everyday we may become overwhelmed with the tasks that come with raising our kids and I will  have to sadly admit- ...I sometimes yell at my kids... Sometimes I feel like it's the only way to get their attention. They seem to ignore me until I raise my voice a little more- 

Well, it's that special moment in life when your children teach you a thing or two! 

When my little boy climbed out of his bed 15+ plus times last night and I had to keep going in there to put him back in (because he shares a room with my 4 year old and keeps him up when this happens) and each time he would laugh at me like it was a game I can honestly say my blood was boiling... when I started to get upset my sweet little 4 year old said "Mom, remember we need to talk nice!"

Although these are such humbling experiences- and at first I feel a bit stupid for being a bad example, I am happy to say that this is actually a great thing! Although I am the one that had to falter in his eyes, I am also the one that taught him that we do in fact need to talk nice and he has actually learned something- But I have learned something bigger! 

Take a moment to notice the lessons learned from your children and know these are great things! 

While you are working your buns off to teach your children, this is proof- they ARE listening! ;) 

Even when day to day life makes you think otherwise!

 

(notice the precious moments)

Hairbow Holder

 Do you have a ton of bows that you don't know what to do with?  Don't have a lot of money to buy some type of organizing system?  Well today is your lucky day, check this out! Oh and did I mention they are seriously sooo easy? Here is how:

Things you will need:
1. Picture frame                 5. Drill w/ drill bits, ruler (optional)
2. Ribbon                           6. Picture hanging hook
3. Spray paint                    7. Scissors
4. Hot glue                         8.  Cup hooks

Directions:

1. Find a frame, doesn't matter the size it really just depends on what you want.  I found mine at DI for $3, what a deal!
2. Pick out some ribbon.  Thick, skinny, stripped, dotted, plain- doesn't matter!  I just did yellow and grey because I already had those colors.
3. Spray paint the frame any color you want, unless you have a pretty frame that you don't want to paint over, once again your choice.  Make sure the frame is dry before you proceed to the next steps...Easy so far right?
4. Break out your hot glue gun and ruler.  Measure the ribbon from one side of the frame to the other, with enough space that you can glue it still.  Then just glue both ends of the ribbon to the frame-Yes it's that simple.
5.  This step is optional but it makes it even easier.  Drill small holes into the bottom of your frame (for hooks) Measure it out so they are even, mine are 2 in. apart.

 6. Start screwing in your hooks (where you drilled the holes...)  If your hands start to hurt you can always use a wrench or something to help you.
7. Nail in your picture hanging hook thing (what is the name for these?)
8. Hang on wall.

 9. Decorate with all of your bows and head bands! Enjoy!
10. If you don't have any bows you can always make some, they are actually pretty easy once you get started.  Maybe I can teach you some of my tricks in another tutorial. ;) 

Product of the Week

E.L.F Facial Shimmering Whip.

 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this product.  I know you have seen all the tutorials on Pinterest about contouring, and highlighting- even more of a reason to love this product.  I always use it under my eyes and I just love the glow it gives.  It can be used as eye shadow as well, I haven't had amazing success with this as it tends to crease.  It comes in several different colors so you can really play around with it and see what you think.  The best part about this product you ask??? It's only $1,  who can't afford that?  You can find it at Target, I promise you won't regret it. 

Vase Lift

Have any old vases lying around that you wanna spruce up a bit? Well now is your chance with this easy how to.

1. Find a vase that you want to work with (smooth ones work best).

2. Find some yarn, any color will really work (I just did this color because it looks sort of like twine (which also works!) but you don't have to)

3. Start wrapping your yarn around your vase (top to bottom, bottom to top- doesn't matter) stop every once in a while and use mod podge to make it stick (don't worry it will dry clear). You could also just use a dab of hot glue on it as well, whichever is easier for you!

4. Let dry, place flowers or anything else in it for a easy decoration!

Different types of bottles also work well. These are some of my favorite (click HERE).

Obviously these are not the same vases but I wanted you to see different kinds! :)

Triple Chocolate Decadent Delight

This cake is a favorite at our house.  So incredibly yummy!  The original recipe is HERE--and I make it just like they say, with no changes (although we have renamed it!).

 Mine never turns out so pretty as in the magazine, but it's sure tasty!

Make sure you plan to share--it's too rich to eat by yourself!