Penga-lins!

Everybody knows about Tate's obsession with penguins, so I was quite happy to find this fun kids craft on Martha Stewart. The cool part about it is you use up material scraps and use artwork from your kids as the pattern. I am so frustrated with our new computer (we made a switch to a MAC) in many ways it is amazing but as far as making links copying and pasting I am at a loss. If you go to Martha's website and click on kids sewing projects you will find this one. I will learn how to make a link soon- I promise!

antlers without the kill................

Go to this delightful sight to make some classy antlers out of foam core and wrapping paper. My dear friend Theresa sent this one to me a while back and I think it is just Terrifical! (stole that word from Ramona Quimby) This will fit quite nicely in Mr. Tate's room.

the new table and the not so new chairs.......

My poor hubcap must think he married a crazy lady. It isn't unusual for him to help me complete a project in our house only for me to change my mind the very next day and have a new inspiration all together. So he was not too surprised a couple weeks ago when I sent him to a rough part of town where a girl with the e-mail address Dirtygirl @ blah blah.com lived so he could purchase a table for me from Craig's list. Isn't he a peach? He was truly nervous about going there and who could blame him? I mean, he is hot- what if she came onto him? It was just a risk I was willing to take- I wanted the table too bad not to (yes it was that good of a deal) I took some of my hoop back chairs and had the poor hubcap do a little painting project with me.. Here is the finished result and I could not be any happier. It really brightens up our kitchen and I enjoy having a round table in this space much more than the bulky rectangle one. I Will say that paint really is the least expensive way to update and change your home. A couple of months ago I found a round table and chairs that I wanted to purchase and decided to wait- boy am I glad I finally am getting the hang of this whole delayed gratification thinga ma jig because I think I like my less expensive version even better!

{Brooch Ribbon Necklace}

Learn How to make this beautiful piece. A while back brooches had a bit of a come back. I hung onto them and now I know why- they are meant to be around my neck! Think how amazing this would be if you used family heirlooms- breathtaking. Now I will be on the lookout at every junk store I enter.

{teacher gifts}

Found THIS great little teacher appreciation project and knew immediately that it would be perfect for Liv's teachers. We do really need to show some love to educators. They are just amazing.We love you Mrs. Skeen and Mrs. Larson!

{hilarious}

Love this bath craft. Has anyone seen the bottle frog zipper case by any chance- amazing. Click here for the "How To" Hours of fun. I love our babysitter- I mean bathtub........hilarious!

possibilities.....

Using some stickers you can make an inexpensive wall hanging. I simply put a phrase for Valentines Day on on a white canvas, painted over them and pulled the stickers off after it dried. Now I can't stop thinking about all of the possibilities with this project! Not to mention how EASY it is. Livia will love to do one for her room.

the mom shop

I bring this little portable shop out once a week for the kids to go "shopping". I got the idea from a parent when I used to teach school. I thought it was a great teaching tool and reward system. When the kids complete their chore chart or do extra things around the house they are rewarded with mom tokens. Each item in the shop has a price and it is fun to see which kid can delay gratification and which one just wants something right now. Livia is saving her tokens each week for the nail polish set. Just thought I would share a little something that works so beautifully.

tess's capes................

Tess made this reversible cape for Tate. I am now going to make one for Livs and with Tess's permission I will post the directions. Every kid needs a super cape. Tess is just amazing.............

love

Great little Valentine idea! You could put it on a canvas, use scrap book paper or even print something. Sometimes simple just makes a great statement.

a great idea.

Since school has started I have had the hardest time keeping up with the amount of papers and backpack messes that are created each afternoon. I saw this idea and immediately fell in love. Not only does it give everything a home, but the clipboard reminds me of what needs my attention and has to go back to school.

heartfelt..........

Found this project the other day and decided it was worth trying. I think even older kids could help with this one.

a little home away from home....

Most of you know I am big on having a place for everything.......That is my number one reason for going crazy for this scarf with pockets (and the fact it is FAAREEZING outside!) I found this on Martha Stewart. I want to make some for the kids because I like the idea of having a pocket for stuffed animals and gloves. Plus it looks like a super easy project.

A little love for the house..........

Here are a couple of Valentine decorations Livia and I have made for our house. I love this holiday........It always seems after I take the Christmas all down that our house feels empty. I am always glad to have a reason to put some fun things back up again! The red hot flower arrangement idea came from Family Fun. It is a way inexpensive project. (buy red hots at Walgreens for the biggest bang for your buck) The flowers at Walmart and Dollar Tree are the least expensive I have found. I hot glued some plastic plates I bought at Target onto the tin ceiling tile for a little love in the living room. Livia made the beautiful tissue paper heart for our gallery board. Many more ideas to come. ......

tooth fairy......

Livia is at the age where teeth are being lost all around her (Oh the joys of being 5) She so very badly wants to score some cash from the tooth fairy and I am now catching her pushing on her teeth in hopes they will become loose! When I was younger we had little pillows to place our teeth in when we went to bed at night. When we awoke in the morning the tooth fairly had left our money in the pocket. I decided to make one for Livia out of some scraps I had. It was super easy. I was going to lie and tell you Livia sewed the pocket because of how bad my seamstress skills are but when all was said and done, I believe it made it all the more charming. I like the real handmade look sometimes. Believe me, your kids will love these and always remember them- I know I sure do............

a petal party

The most fun! My darling Di organized a petal party for 20 mothers of little girls. We each had to supply a flower clip making station and the end result was 20 glue guns and beautiful hair accessories for our little angels. We each had to pick a color and supply enough materials for 20 of the exact hair flower. Not only was this party a laugh a minute (Late at night parties bring out the funny- let's face it) but it was productive as well. I recommend everyone organize a petal party with their friends. You will not be disappointed with the end result. Di made the cute bow holder boards out of place mats and ribbon- LOVE it!

summer fun....super easy..........

I loved these two ideas for turning old T-shirts into cover ups for the pool and beach. There is nothing more lovely than my husbands soft worn out T-shirts. I could live in them! I hope he won't mind when he finds out I have converted them into something only fit for my wardrobe.........Click here for the halter top and Click Here for the cover up!

cooking comfort

Another sweet little project for keeping your favorite recipes in a safe place or to share as a gift. I can get lost in Anna Maria's blog with all of her colors and ideas. I think the best part of her is that she has 5 kids and one on the way and still makes a point to stay creative. Love it. Click here to make this cute little holder.

soft as a babies bottom..............

I love making exfoliating scrubs because they are in fact quite inexpensive and easy to make. Exfoliating before getting some sun makes your tan last longer as well. I promise I wear sunscreen too (mom) I just love feeling tan in the summer. Right now in the canning section at walmart they have the retro jars with the cute silver lids (Wendy's find) that are perfect containers for these scrubs. I have a recipe for a sugar scrub as well on my blog if you click under beauty.

more Tag Rags............