Tuesday, December 29, 2009

OneTrueMedia.com

I found this website with a little bit of chance. It is a wonderful site where you can create photo/video montages. It is really easy, just upload photos or video, choose a theme, upload your own music and they will do the rest. The best part is it is completely free. I have created one to share with you. Let me know what you think...if you decide to create one share your thoughts on process.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Toys, Toys, Toys!

Now that the holidays are over I find myself swimming in toys. What to do with all these toys both new and old? Here are a few ideas we use. I have my kids count how many new toys they received for Christmas and that is how many toys they must donate. This is a great chance to not only clean out the toys but it teaches the children about donation and how there are children that aren't as blessed as they are. We like to donate to the local Children's Hospital (a place we know all too well)....but find a place that is near and dear to you. Most places that take donations for children will give a small tour of the center and show your children where their items will go. When we go to the Children's Hospital to make our donations my kids love to see all the children enjoying toys that have been donated. They feel much better about giving their toys away.

Share with us what you do with all the toys your children no longer play with.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Holiday Frugal

This year I have been asked by so many what to give when you are on a budget. I know that times are tough and we all still want to give a little to everyone we love. Here are a few ideas I thought I would share.
  • Give a "Dessert-of-the-Month" gift certificate to your friends and family. Each month you can deliver a different home-baked goody. You could also make this a "Dinner-of-the-month." Who doesn't want a night off from cooking?
  • Give $5 worth of scratch-off lottery tickets. My family loves this, they're fun and there's a possibility of winning lots of cash!
  • Give a box of recipes. Someone gave this to me one year and I loved it! All of my favorite dishes from my dearest friend.
  • Give time to your friends and family. Set up a date with you spouse, wine night with your girlfriends or game night with your kids.
Remember the holidays are special because you share them with people that are special to us not because of the "things" we receive. Like the great Dr. Seuss wrote, "And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons, it came without tags. It came without packages boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'til his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?"

Happy Holidays to all! May you make time to cherish these moments.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Glittering Tree Ornaments


Looking for fun activities while school is out for winter break. Make some holiday ornaments. You can find the templates for 10 beautiful ornaments at Women's Day. This is a fun and easy activity to do with your kids and they make a wonderful gift.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Handprint Menorah

This is one of my favorite activities that we do at my school when teaching our students about Hanukkah. The children make their own menorah. All you need is construction paper, paint and your little ones hands. You can decide if you want to "light" your menorah all at once or one for each night of Hanukkah.

Saturday, December 12, 2009


Check out this cute little hair accessory. I found these sweet little flower clips while I was looking for bows for little girl. These flowers by Little Lesiw caught my eye. They are going to make her holiday outfit. The best thing about the clips is the price. You can get these little flowers for $5.95 each or a pack of 3 for $12.95. What a deal! What a great gift for the little princess in your life.

Please remember to share any great gift ideas you have found. Leave a comment or email me with your finds.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Woman's Day Chanukah Menorah


Happy Chanukah to all of you celebrating . Received several ideas again from Woman's Day and I thought I would share this beautiful menorah with you. I am thinking of making one as a center piece for our table. You can find all the details at Woman's Day.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Holidays?

During the holidays as a teacher and a mother I get a lot of questions about the different holidays children celebrate. It is a difficult question and for some a delicate subject. I enjoy talking to my own children about all of the holidays. I find that I learn something new every year along with them. I feel, by teaching your children about other peoples traditions and cultural/religious belief you are giving them the knowledge of acceptance and you expose them to the diverse world they live. Here are a few of my favorite stories I share with my kiddos.
These are just a few of the many books that are out there for you to share. I also have several activities that I do as well. I will try and post pictures soon. Please share your ideas for talking to your children about holidays.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Pumpkin Crisp

This comes to me from my old college roommate Jen. She wrote:

We had this at my scrapbook retreat. I swear, it's like a cross between pumpkin pie, pecan pie and a cobbler (served warm over Blue Bell Vanilla ice cream).... It was so yummy. Of course, how can you go wrong with 2 sticks of butter! :-)
Pumpkin Crisp
1 16 oz can of plain pumpkin
1 can evaporated milk
3 eggs
2 cups of sugar
3 tsp pumpkin spice
1 yellow cake mix
2 sticks of butter/margarine
crushed pecans
Blend pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar and pumpkin spice together with mixer. Pour into a 9 x 13 cake pan. I spray mine with Pam first. This liquid will be runny. Spread drycake mix evenly over pumpkin mixture. Melt butter and drizzle over dry cake mix. Sprinkle generously with nuts and bake at 350 degrees for 50 - 55 minutes. Top with cool whip and/or serve over vanilla ice cream.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Woman's Day

Well apparently there are people out there actually reading this blog. I was contacted by someone from Woman's Day digital outreach team. Yeah me! They sent me a few Thanksgiving ideas to share with all of you. I am out traveling to see family myself for the holidays so I won't be able to try any of these yummy ideas myself but hopefully I will hear from some of you and what you tried. Here are the topics Jagdish shared with me:
Happy Thanksgiving !!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Turkey and Stuffing done Easy

Looking for an easy Thanksgiving dinner? I found this recipe from Rachel Ray. I will say that we tried the yummy cranberry orange stuffing and it is super easy and yummy! I found the cranberry muffins at Whole Foods. They were a little hard to find but once I found them the rest was easy. I didn't try the turkey and gravy from this recipe...I like to cook the whole bird. You can click on the link above for the recipe. Let me know what you think if you give it a try. Also send me any other quick Thanksgiving recipes you might find. Happy Turkey Day!!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Thanksgiving Ideas

Looking for fun Thanksgiving ideas. It can be anything from recipes, traditions, crafts and decorations. I have been a little busy and could use your help with ideas. I will post some of the crafts we have been working on at home soon.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Leaf Rubbing


Here is another fun fall activity you can do with you children. Go on a nature walk and collect a variety of fallen leaves. If you are able to identify the trees/leaves, even better. Lay your collection of leaves on a smooth surface, vein side up. Place a piece of paper over leaves. Shade lightly over the leaves/paper with a soft pencil or crayon. An image of the leaves should appear. My kids love doing this. They kept saying it's like magic and couldn't wait to make more leaf rubbing collages.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Pumpkin Pumpkin


October is the unofficial month of pumpkins. There are so many fun things to do with pumpkins and way too many books to share. Pumpkin Pumpkin is one of my favorites, it takes you through the cycle of the pumpkin. Here are a few of our favorite things to do with our pumpkin.

  1. Visit a pumpkin patch
  2. Measure and weigh your pumpkin
  3. Count the seeds
  4. Taste the pulp
  5. Roast the seeds....wash the seeds, pat dry, coat a pan with oil, add seeds to pan, lightly salt, bake in oven at 400 for 45 minutes.
  6. Sing Pumpkin Songs:
    Five Little Pumpkins
    Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate, (hold hands up)
    The first one said "oh my its getting late," (hands on cheeks)
    The second one said "there's a chill in the air," (hug self)
    The third one said "but we don't care," (shrug)
    The fourth one said "we're ready for some fun," (jump)
    The fifth one said "lets run, run, run," (run in place)
    So woo went the wind, and out went the lights,
    And the five little pumpkins rolled out of sight (sit down).
  7. Carve your Pumpkin coat the inside with Vasaline to make it last longer

Friday, October 2, 2009

Apples, Apples Everywhere


While apples are in season why not share this wonderful book with your children. This beautiful book by Marjorie Priceman will take you on a wonderful adventure and opens to door to talk to your child about how do items make it to our super markets. The best part about the book is the recipe at the end. You can make a yummy apple pie with your little one.

Have extra apples left over from your pie? Make apple prints. All you need are apples, paint and paper. Cut your apples in half either vertical, showing the apples true shape or horizontal, showing the wonderful star. I like to use plastic forks as handles so we do get too messy. You can even turn your prints into stationary by printing on card stock.

Another fun activity with apples is apple tasting. Run out and buy all the apples that your super market carries and let your little ones try them. Talk to them about which they liked better and why. I learned very quickly after doing this we were a mix household of gala and granny smith lovers.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Babies R Us


Babies R Us is offering this great deal. If you spend $30 or more on certain product you can receive a $10 gift card to Babies R Us. All the products are everyday household items. What a great deal! Buy things you need for around the house and get a $10 gift card to buy something your child might need.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Coupon Divas

I know that money is tight for a lot of people now and we are all looking for ways to save money. One service I like to use is Coupon Divas. It is a free online guide to coupons. The cool thing about this site is it lists how to use the coupons so you can get items for free. We like to use the site for its list of kids eat free resturants...with two kiddos eating out can get rather pricy. You can also find online coupons or printable coupons. Check out the site and let me know what you think. Also let me know your money saving ideas.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Gerber Giveaway


Check out this amazing giveaway from Gerber. Thanks Jenni for this amazing find. What mom doesn't need free stuff? All you have to do is register for your chance to win at Gerber Children's Wear. Good Luck!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Butternut Squash Bake


Nothing says fall like butternut squash and this yummy recipe comes to me from my dear friend Pam and her husband Chris. The best part about this recipe is it sounds really easy. Just cut squash in half, take out seeds and bake face down in a 400 degree oven for an hour. After about half way through flip squash over add a little butter, brown sugar, salt and pepper and continue baking. Then just scoop it out, mash it and enjoy! I haven't tried this yet but I can't wait. I love fall!

If you have a fall recipe you would like to share email me at crafty-moms@hotmail.com.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Fall Ideas

Alright all you mommies out there it is time to share your favorite fall activity. It can be anything you enjoy and reminds you of fall. I am looking for fun things to share with everyone, be it your favorite recipe that reminds you of fall, a fall craft or even a game you play. Please shoot me an email and if you would like attach a picture so we can get sharing. Happy Fall!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Cakebox Cookies





Hosting a fall party and looking for great party favors? Check out Cakebox Cookies. These adorable and tasty sugar cookies will make your event the talk of the town. They have cookies for every theme.
If you want to try your hand at making some of these fun cookies yourself check out Off the Beaten Path for fun cookie cutters.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Animoto

Here is a cool free way to make videos with your photos. Animoto creates a unique video with your photos or video clips. It is really easy! Once you set up an account, upload your photos/video clips and choose a song from their catalog of music and animoto does the rest. You can create free 30 sec videos to share or post to blogs, facebook and twitter. If a 30 sec video isn't long enough, you can create a longer video for a small fee. I have created several animoto videos and my family loves them. Them make great "e-cards." My parents look forward to receiving one via email every year on their birthday.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Calling All Mommies

I need everyone to help me get the word out. I am looking for your favorite time saving ideas. It can be for cooking, cleaning, laundry anything you can think of that can help out other busy moms cut corners and save time. Email me your ideas and I will post them on the blog...if you want attach a picture of you & your little one and I will post that along with your idea. Can't wait to hear ways to save time.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Homade Designs

It is birthday season around our house and if you are like me I am always on the look-out for cute invites for my little ones. These beautiful handmade invites can really make a statement without breaking the bank. You can custom order your invites to fit your birthday child's personality. If you like one of the invites but really wished the child had brown hair to look more like the birthday child...at Homade Designs it can be done. She can even create invites for you to fit your party theme. The best part about this is not only are you getting a beautiful product the proceeds will go to help furnish supplies for students and teachers in Namibia.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Sew Cute Boutique


Here is another crafty lady...not yet a mommy but she is crafty. A friend of mine has started a new adventure with her business. It is Sew Cute Boutique. She is making these adorable tutus, bows and monogram bibs/burp cloths. The best thing about it is they are reasonably priced. All of us thrifty moms want our girlie girls to look great well now they can without breaking the bank. I have purchased bows for my little one from her and she is making a tutu in burnt orange for our little longhorn. Hope you enjoy this crafty gal.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Felt Food

Now that you have the cute little oven why not make some food to go with it. This adorable felt food is handmade in the U.S. by Lilly Bean Market. Not only are all the items made in the U.S. you can also purchase the kits to make them yourself. Not a sewer? No worries, you can purchase already made items as well.
Also check out the Lilly Bean Blog it has videos on making some amazing felt food. This is one crafty mom that took her craft and made an awesome product. Thanks again to Jeanne for this adorable find.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Cardboard-Box Oven


This cute little oven comes to me via email from Jeanne. She was watching Martha Stewart and this was one of the crafts for the day. It is a darling little oven made from a cardboard file box! You can check out all the details on how to make it and watch the video at Martha Stewart. Thanks Jeanne for this cute find!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Spelling Practice

Practicing your spelling words is never a fun homework activity. Here are a few fun ways to spice up spelling practice. Crayola has great bath crayons; while your child is showering give them a "spelling test" and let them write the words on the tile wall. If you have a glass shower door you can write the words on note cards and tape them to the glass and let them trace the words for practice.

Crafty Mom Jewelry


Check out this beautiful jewelry by one crafty mom. This former archeologist now stay-at-home mom is making amazing jewelry. See more of her work on etsy at AntleredRabbit.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Lunch Ideas 2

We have only been in school for a week and I am already looking for more lunch ideas. I found this list of new lunch ideas on the Kraft Recipes website. Not only does this site give you lunch ideas it also has some quick breakfast ideas and some fun jokes to put in your little one's lunch box.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Zucchini Casserole

Here is another great recipe from my college roommate Jen. This is a vegetarian dish with a meat option.

Zucchini Casserole:
2lbs zucchini and/or yellow squash
1 box cornbread stuffing
1 can cream of celery soup
8 oz sour cream
2C shredded cheddar
1 can sliced water chestnuts

*optional chopped cooked chicken

Cook stuffing according to package directions. Boil sliced zucchini until tender. Drain. Mix all ingredients except 1C stuffing and 1/2C cheddar. Spread mixture in a greased 9x13 pan. Top with remaining stuffing/cheese. Bake at 350 for 20-30 min or until headed all the way through.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Italian Crockpot Chicken


I love crock pot recipes! This one came from my college roommate. It tastes like the creamiest Chicken Alfredo.

Italian Crockpot Chicken:
1 to 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts/tenders
1 package of dry Italian Seasoning (found in the salad dressing aisle)
1/2 C white wine (or chicken stock)
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
4 oz cream cheese with chives
2T butter

Brown chicken on the stove top. Line a crock pot (makes the clean-up so easy!). Combine all ingredients and cook on low for 4 hours. Serve over your favorite pasta - egg noodles, angel hair, etc.

It really is that easy! Thanks Jen!

Entertainment

Looking for something fun to do in your area? Check out Go City Kids. This website will help you find things to do in any city. We like to check out this site before we head out on vacation. They even list free things to do in the area. We spent most of our summer doing the activities listed under free stuff.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Free Music

A friend of mine (Kathy) sent me this wonderful find. You can download some great children's songs for FREE at PBS Kids. There are also some great activities for the little ones. Check it out.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes

I am looking for quick and easy dinner recipes. If you have one that you would like to share please send it to me so I can post it on the blog. I know we would all appreciate any short cuts in the kitchen.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Get Organized for School


Start the week off right by planning ahead what your child will wear. With this helpful hanging closet organizer from Ikea you can place clothing in each bin for the week. You can even place days of the week labels on each bins so your child can practice reading the days of the week. This is a great way to keep your mornings quick and easy.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Bath Play

Looking for an educational way to let the kids play in the bath tub and clean at the same time? Have the kids play in shaving cream! You can draw different shapes, letters or numbers with the shaving cream on the tile and have them identify what you drew. You can have them smooth out the shaving cream once they have identified the object and have them practice writing the letter, shape or number. This is great for fine motor and cleans the tile at the same time.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Lunch Ideas

As the kids head back to school parents are faced with the difficult task of making healthy lunches. This is a constant struggle in our house with my little guy who is a picky eater. Remember when making your child's lunch you want to try and make the lunch look like a rainbow the more colorful the lunch is the healthier it will likely be. One of my favorite sites to visit for nutritional lunch ideas is laptop lunches you will find several ideas that even the pickiest of eaters will love. While you are visiting the site check out the bento boxes for your child's lunch box they are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Back to School


Many of us are getting our little ones ready to head back to school. One of my all time favorite back to school books is The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. This is a must read before the first day of school. It is a beautiful story of Chester the raccoon heading to his first day of school and his fears. Mommy raccoon comforts him with a kiss in the palm of his hand and reminds him that she is always with him. This book helps open the door for your child to talk to you about any fears or concerns they my have about the first day of school. For my own kids I will give them "forever kisses" a kiss with my lipstick on their hand so they can look at it and know I am with them. Another idea is to draw a heart on their hand the first day so they will know you are with them and place a note/picture in their lunch box. This makes the first couple of days easier.

Here are a few other great Back to School Books:

If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff
Arthur's Back to School Day by Marc Brown
The Night Before First Grade by Natasha Wing
Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London