t-shirt dress

http://www.polkadotchair.com/2011/06/create-summer-dress-from-2-t-shirts.html



this is super cute!!  i want to make this for gianna! okay maybe myself as well!

Behavioral Charts

http://www.rewardcharts4kids.com/potty-training-chart/

I am on the look out for potty charts and food charts to use with Gianna.  Here is a website that has some good charts!

http://www.freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com/oral%20hygiene%20charts%20pdf/BrushChart.pdf
Gianna brushes her teeth but sometimes I forget to have her do it morning and night ( I know bad right) so this chart is for me as much as her.

http://kids.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Printable_Behavior_Charts
This site has multiple good charts to look through

http://www.freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com/
Another site with good sites to look through

http://www.freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com/step-by-step-behavior-charts.htm
This chart I printed out the cat to yarn chart.  I plan on using it for each time Gianna takes 3 bites of something new she get to mark off a ball of yarn.  When she gets to the end we get a special treat, such as ice cream or whatever.

I was thinking about using stickers to mark off the charts but now I think I will put the page inside a page protector and mark it off with a dry erase crayon.

ruffled slip

http://alemonsqueezyhome.blogspot.com/2011/08/ruffled-slip-tutorial.html

This looks so sweet and nice.  Skirts and dresses are getting shorter and shorter on me.  This is a great way to make them a little longer!!!!

a fishing game!

How cute is this activity!  LOVE IT!!!  I need some pipe cleaners!

http://www.frugalfamilyfunblog.com/2010/07/super-quick-fishing-game.html

ugly medicine cabinet makeover

http://www.infarrantlycreative.net/2011/04/chalkboard-medicine-cabinet.html

I hate my medicine cabinet in my guest bath, also known as the kids bath.  Here is a great tip on how to make it better!  I think I have seen dry erase spray paint so I may try that instead of chalk board. 



http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=310129-15765-01026&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=3231528&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1#BVRRWidgetID

This is the link to Lowes that has the dryerase paint!  So cool!

30 min challenge

http://picklebums.com/2011/07/19/activities-for-kids-30-minute-challenge/


this is a great idea for getting your kids busy while you make dinner, put clothes away, or just go to the bathroom!  30 min is a little long for my kids at this point but I could change it to 5 for the time being.

cuff coin purse

http://cfabbridesigns.com/blog/?p=7831

I LOVE THIS IDEA!!!

crayola dry erase crayons

Crayola has dry erase crayons that are so much fun to draw on windows!  I plan on using paper with plastic sleeve protectors for a fun drawing book!

draw in salt

I found this idea on a blog that I posted about earlier.  Gianna and I both loved the texture of the salt!  Something different and fun!

DIY Turband

http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-turband/

Check out this video for how to fold a scarf for your hair!  Pretty cute and so easy!

peaceful pareting blog

http://jen-peacefulparenting.blogspot.com/  This blog has some great ideas about Montessori parenting.  I really like the idea of drawing in salt!  Check out this blog!

another great blog

http://smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.com/

This blog has some great ideas!  One of which is a scavenger hunt that has pictures for the little ones that can't read.  I plan on putting the page in a plastic page protector and then let Gianna use the new dry erase crayons to mark off what she sees!  Then at the end of the walk we just wipe it off and it is ready for next time! 

free - cheap activities for tots

http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/07/8-activities-for-tots-that-wont-cost-you-anything.html

This blog has links to other blogs that have ideas for cheap or free activities to do with tots!  I am making the finger paint as we speak!  I love the ice cub boat idea as well!  Also, the ice cube painting!  Check them out!

the fingerpaint!

safe to eat finger paint!

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/07/kids-week-edible-playdough-and-finger-paint/

Very cool!  Making some after I post this!  Pictures later



Let me start by saying that calling this recipe “edible” is somewhat of a stretch. While it’s totally healthy to consume it, you’re probably not going to want to voluntarily shove it in your mouth like you will the PB playdough. But at least you know what’s in it and it won’t hurt a thing if your little ones start licking their fingers! Another great option for finger paint is adding a few drops of food-safe coloring to vanilla yogurt or pudding. Both are fun to play with and taste super yummy! We had a lot of fun with this one though.


Home Made Finger Paint

3 T sugar

1/2 C cornstarch 2 C cold water

food coloring



Mix sugar and cornstartch together in a sauce pan. Add cold water and combine with a whisk. Cook on medium heat until the mixture thickens to a thin pudding consistency. I recommend stopping the cooking process a little before it’s the consistency you’d like because it thickens upon standing. Once removed from heat, COOL and then separate into bowls and color as desired.



Spread out big sheets of freezer paper or newsprint and let the kiddos go to town. Better yet, do it outside! A friend of mine told me she has her kids paint all over the shower walls. Makes a great canvas and when they’re done she just washes it down. I thought that was brilliant!





This paint will be soft and smooth at first and over time it will start to thicken. Depending on your kids {ie: 3 1/2 year old boys} the thickened goop may be even more fun to play with than the original mixture!







Hope you enjoy some crafty kitchen fun today!

Sorting activty for Toddlers

http://spiralmontessorimama.blogspot.com/2008/05/sorting-color-rings.html

What a fun and easy idea!

five green frogs

http://picklebums.com/2011/03/29/five-green-frogs-printable/



here is a link for a fun song and printable frogs to go with!  i am out of ink now in my printer but i will be printing these off when i get more!

A great book and website

A friend of mine told me about this great website and book!  It has some fantastic ideas of what to do with children of different ages and without the kiddos!  Check it out!

http://www.rookiemoms.com/


http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-rookie-moms-handbook-heather-flett/1029413836?ean=9781594742194&itm=2&usri=rookie%2bmom

fun idea for a way to choose what to do

http://goodhappyday.blogspot.com/2011/06/summer-list-2011.html



This is a fun way for kids to choose what to do during a block of time!  Super cute!

MoNsTer Popsicle Snuggies

MoNsTer Popsicle Snuggies


http://craftysoccermom.blogspot.com/2011/06/monster-popsicle-snuggies.html
 
I think these look super cute and functional!
 

sometimes you just want a cupcake!

http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/03/one-bowl-vanilla-cupcakes-for-two/

Here is a recipe that makes only 2 cupcakes!  YUM!!  HOW PERFECT!!  Most of the time I don't make cupcakes because I don't need as many as a box makes!  This recipe makes 2 cupcakes and only uses 1 bowl! 

a book about siblings

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/siblings-without-rivalry-adele-faber/1012435536

  A friend of mine who is a counselor was talking about this book with her two girls.  Now that I have 2 kiddos my ears perked up!  This might end up being a must read! ;)

reusable sandwich bags

http://www.craftbuds.com/make-reusable-sandwich-bags/

great directions on how to make our own reusable sandwich bags!  Super cute and a money saver!

breastfeeding recipes

quick and easy recipes for breastfeeding mom

http://www.breastfeeding.com/for_moms/recipes.html


this time around i am able to just breastfeed this baby (with my daughter i had to also use formula)!  i need help with what is good to eat while feeding another person.  i found this site that has recipes geared towards breastfeeding women!

GLENN ANTHONY

My little man is here!!  Glenn Anthony was born on June 10 at 5:16pm!  8lbs 13oz 20 1/4inches long!!  I guess he is not too little!  He is 2lbs 4ozs heavier than Gianna was when she was born!  BIG BABY BOY!!

He is precious!!  I love my family of FOUR!

soap dispenser

http://fun.kyti.me/index.php/2011/06/tin-can-soap-dispenser/

This is pretty cute!

babyfood cookbook

http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/books-guides-resources/start-fresh-book-review-148317

Here is a review for Tyler Florence's Start Fresh Cookbook.  I just saw him on the Today Show and the recipes he made on the show looked fantastic for the whole family!  This looks like a great cookbook if you are into making your own baby food.  I did for Gianna until I went back to work and I would like to do the same for Glenn.

making a dress longer

http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/2011/06/short-dress-to-maxi-dress.html

I have a few dresses that I love, but when I bought them I was wearing them a little shorter than I do now days.  Here are directions on how you can make a shorter dress into the fashionable maxi dress! 

shark attack

http://sunscholars.blogspot.com/2011/05/bite-into-summer-vacation.html

This looks so cute!  I may try and make it for the 4th!  

Our newest addition

Our little boy has been on his own time frame to say the least.  He likes to tease!  I had posted about a month ago about going into preterm labor.  Well since week 37 I have gone to the hospital 2 more times thinking this is it and 2 times I have been sent home.  So here I am 391/2 weeks preggers and swelling up in the heat!  ;) I will be induced Friday morning so if he does not come sooner his birthday will be June 10, 2011

DIY Windchimes!

http://www.handsonaswegrow.com/2011/06/outdoor-music-diy-windchimes.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+handsonhouse+%28hands+on+%3A+as+we+grow%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

I LOVE THIS IDEA!!  With making this project the kiddos work on fine motor skills with the painting but also by helping punch the holes!  Such a great ego boost for them to see what they made proudly displayed!  We might make one for fathers day!

storage solution

http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/06/how-to_turn_empty_soup_cans_in.html



I LOVE THIS IDEA!!!!  HOW EASY!! I need to come up with another way to make the tops not sharp because I don't have the special can opener that does that.  I seriously want to do this in my hall closet where I store all the craft ideas!  So fun!

rainbow cake in a jar

http://www.tablespoon.com/recipes/rainbow-cake-in-a-jar-recipe/2/

OH MY GOODNESS HOW YUMMY AND FUN DOES THIS LOOK!!!!  Oh bummer I can't get the picture to copy.  You need to check this out.  The directions don't look hard at all!  FUN!

How to make a bracelet

http://bles-id.blogspot.com/2011/05/popsicle-stick-bracelets.html

This blog talks about how to make a popsicle stick bracelet! What a fun activity to do with the kiddos! 

Holy big bubble batman!

http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2010/08/summer-project-make-giant-bubbles.html

This blog has directions on how to make this really big bubble wand!  How much fun will this be!?!?!  I am excited!!

Strawberry Lemonade cupcake

http://fromcupboardtocupboard.blogspot.com/2011/05/strawberry-lemonade-cupcakes.html

OH MY GOODNESS THESE LOOK SO YUMMY!!!  I am in a baking mood and these look fantastic!

The adult pillow case dress

http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/05/how-to_the_grown-up_version_of.html

How cute is this?!?!  I am wondering what I am going to wear this summer after I have a baby and this looks easy enough that I could make quickly and cheaply!  FUN!

bubble fun

http://mommyme-thewonderyears.blogspot.com/2011/05/bubble-fun-with-kitchen-utensils.html

This blog has some great ideas for using kitchen items for bubble blowers!  So creative and who doesn't love bubbles! 

http://bubbleblowers.com/homemade.html
This site has a bunch of recipes for homemade bubble solution!

Stained Glass Window!

http://artfulparent.typepad.com/artfulparent/2011/05/flower-stained-glass-door.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheArtfulParent+%28The+Artful+Parent%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Right now I am in love with this idea!  I am thinking about doing this for the long thin window that is next to my front door.  Maybe I will use the flowers we get when the baby is born!!  Below the picture I have an idea on how to keep the color of the flowers to last longer!  Happy idea for a window!





Here is a way to keep the colors lasting for YEARS: take a piece of wax paper (wax side up) and arrange the flower (or Fall leaves -- my favorite!) on it. Add another piece of wax paper (wax side down) and press with the iron until wax melts and the two sides stick together. This lasts quite a long time. In fact, I think my parents still have one I made about, oh, 20 years ago. :)

Bean bag toss

Try setting up a beanbag toss for your little one! Stuff a few old socks with uncooked beans or I was also thinking uncooked pasta, tie the ends tight with pieces of ribbon, and let your toddler toss away. You can even create a target by cutting a large hole in a piece of cardboard that you decorate, or use a wastebasket for a target. Depending on the strength and enthusiasm of your child, this may be an outside activity!  This idea came from babycenter.com

chore charts

http://go.tipjunkie.com/pr/5998/justsweetandsimple.blogspot.com/2011/05/kids-chore-charts.html


Here are some different chore chart ideas!  I really like the one that you can move the chores to the "done" column when you finish it.  I know I love the feeling of marking something off the To Do list. Now your little ones can too! 

file folder games

http://go.tipjunkie.com/pr/5997/www.filefolderfarm.com/

Here are a some file folder games you can make for your kiddo.  These might be good for the summer road trips!

mod podge shoes

http://fun.kyti.me/index.php/2011/04/plain-to-pretty-a-shoe-makeover/

check out this funky idea for decorating old or ugly shoes!  Add your own flair to your style!

diaper clutch

http://melissaesplin.com/home/2008/06/poopy-clutch/



How cute is this!?!?

How to Gardening Apron

http://www.designspongeonline.com/2011/05/sewing-101-gardening-apron.html


If you are in need of a cute gardening apron, or want to make something for the gardener in your life this might be a great blog for you to read!

alpha rocks

http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/2011/05/alphabet-rocks.html

I cannot wait to start working on Gianna's garden in the backyard, I want to make these rocks for the garden!  The I Am Momma - Hear Me Roar blog is so amazing.  She made these rocks for her preschooler, what a wonderful idea!



At the end of this pregnancy I am having a hard time with the energy that is needed to create all the fun things I have in mind. I am ready for baby Glenn to get here so I can get in to the routine of creating and playing with my kiddos!

4th of July cookies!

http://redcouchrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/05/patriotic-groove-cookies.html

YUM!  Red White and Blue Cookies!
I want some of these right now!  Check out this blog!

directions on making Felt Food

http://networkedblogs.com/ifp2P

Here are some directions on how to make felt food!  The food looks super cute and pretty easy!  The finished product looks like it is harder to make than the directions make it out to be!  Enjoy!

mushrooms for kids garden

http://www.filthwizardry.com/2010/03/aluminium-foil-fairy-circle.html

A few posts ago I shared a link for a kids garden.  Well I am so excited to do that in our backyard.  Here is an idea for something Gianna and I can make and put out there!  YAY!!

blog of great ideas!

http://www.filthwizardry.com/


Another great blog!

new favorite website

http://www.theimaginationtree.com/

My last few posts have been from this website so I figure I better put the home page on my blog!  I think I just found a new love!!!  So much fun coming from this site!!  LOVE IT!!! 

spaghetti painting

http://www.theimaginationtree.com/2011/01/spaghetti-pictures.html

I need to get my patio cleaned off so we can go outside and play!  This looks like so much fun!!

secret kid garden

http://www.theimaginationtree.com/2011/03/making-play-garden-part-1.html


SO MUCH FUN!!!!!  I want to do this so bad!!!  I know it will be very messy but nothing a hose won't wash off!  :)

baby play

http://www.theimaginationtree.com/2011/01/baby-play-dropping-and-posting.html



I think this will be something I will make for my little man when he starts to get into Gianna's stuff.  Great idea!

Plastic Jug Birdfeeder

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/birdfeeders/ss/Plastic_Jug_Bird_Feeder.htm



Plan on making this either this afternoon or this weekend.  Not sure if I will use the paint, not sure what I will use in its place, if anything.

stencils

http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/2010/04/freezer-paper-stenciling-in-depth.html


I am in love with this blog. I follower her on facebook!  Plus, I have posted other ideas from her on this blog!  This link has directions on how to make stencils so you can decorate clothing!  Looks super easy!  A friend of mine has made some shirts using this idea and they are so so so cute!

natural ways to clean your house

http://www.make-it-do.com/


This blog has some natural ways to clean your house!  Not only are these ideas healthier for you but cheaper!!  I am going to try out the toilet cleaning idea! 

an easy belt to make

Okay I need to get busy and make this belt. I think it will be perfect for when I am trying to get down to my pre-preggo weight! 

http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/2010/05/scrappy-belt-and-winner.html

You use old t-shirts to create this fantastic look!  LOVE!

Your Garden is lovely cards

http://go.tipjunkie.com/pr/5816/www.kindovermatter.com/2009/06/kind-over-matter-garden-cards.html

I LOVE THIS IDEA!!!  This blog gives you a link to little printable cards that say your garden is lovely.  I plan on printing them out and having Gianna color on them and then when we go to people's houses or on walks leave them in peoples garden.  I will probably laminate so if the gardener waters before they notice the card it won't be ruined.  What a great way to teach your child to show appreciation for what others do!! 

bottle cap candles!

I think this is so cute and easy!!!  I keep thinking about using these as birthday candles on cake (maybe because I am always thinking about food these days!)

http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/2011/04/bottle-cap-candles-tutorial.html

whoa

I am a month from my due date and feeling every bit of it.  I am so exhausted and slow!  My sassy 18 month old is faster than I am now!  Not good!  I am done with work so now I am home with her all day which is fantastic but so so tiring.  I also feel bad because I don't have the energy or stamina to do fun activities with her.  :(  The dr told me this week that she is worried I am going to deliver soon, which would be why I feel so bad lately!  I want to get back to enjoying my days with my little one and soon to be other little one!  I just needed to vent for a post.  Thanks!  ;)

t-shirt make over!

http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/2011/05/sun-and-sky-tee.html

How to fix an okay shirt and make it fantastic!!  Cute, fun and easy!!

Letter Writing Kit

http://simplekids.net/letter-writing-kit/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SimpleKids+%28Simple+Kids%29&utm_content=Google+Reader


What a wonderful idea to create a letter writing kit for your child to help them write a letter to whomever they choose!  I need the kit for me, to have everything thing together would really help get letters out!!  Two years ago my New Years Resolution was to write each friend (the ones I talk to a lot and ones I sometimes chat with) and let them know what they mean to me.  I loved it and I think my friends did as well.  I received phone calls from surprised beloved friends who loved getting a surprise card in the mail. 

play mats

http://allthingschildren.blogspot.com/2011/04/felt-car-play-mat.html


I have been thinking about getting Gianna a play mat for some of her "stuff"  here are some ideas on topics and how to make them!  Listed on this blog are more blogs with even more ideas!!!  YAY!!!

How to dye rice with food coloring.

http://www.ehow.com/how_5072953_dye-rice-food-coloring.html

Here are directions on how to dye Rice with food coloring.  I am wanting to make some I spy bottles and I want to use colored rice!  I found the directions on how to make the I spy bottles on the Counting Coconuts blog!

Art ideas for older kids

http://www.deepspacesparkle.com/

This website has some fun art ideas for older kids!  My Parent's as Teachers person shared this site with me!  Looks like fun!

fantastic blog for little ones

My wonderful Parent's as Teachers person shared this great blog with me

http://www.countingcoconuts.blogspot.com/

It has wonderful ideas for sensory boxes and other educational ideas! 

So exciting!

Great easy hair idea

This product looks great, if my hair was longer I would be going to the store right now to buy it!  Here is a blog that has directions on how to use the Goody spin pins.  There is a video on this blog that shows exactly how to put them in your hair

http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/2011/05/spin-pins-and-buns.html

2 scarf ideas

http://www.cluckclucksew.com/2009/11/copy-cat-scarf.html

http://www.cluckclucksew.com/2008/10/quilted-scarf.html

I love both of these scarves!  Super cute and they look really easy to make!!!

DIY wall clings

http://www.casasugar.com/DIY-Make-Your-Own-Wall-Stickers-1964971

I have a hallway that I want to make wall clings for so here is a link with directions!  Seems easy enough!  This site also has some other cool ideas for other ideas.  So many crafts so little time!  ;)

window clings

http://www.essortment.com/yourself-make-window-clings-52669.html

I am looking at my blank sliding doors in the playroom and I decide I want some window clings!  So I go to google and find some directions on how to make them!  It says if you don't want to buy fabric paint or glass paint you can use Elmer's glue and food coloring so I think I will try that first (more kid friendly).  I will post pictures when I get all the supplies and make some!  I am excited!!!