Tired of your indoor photos being washed out because of the flash on your camera? Use this photography hack to create a simple flash diffuser using an index card! I'm not a professional photographer, but I do enjoy trying out new things to get better pictures of my children. I recently got my first DSLR camera. I've used my Canon Powershot for the past 4 years and was very happy with it, but am having fun learning about my new camera too. I learned a tip not too long ago that I wish I had ... Read More about Make Your Own Flash Diffuser
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Simple Wedding Cupcakes
I made these cupcakes for the Kindergartner's "Q&U Wedding" a couple of weeks ago. Every year the teachers put on a wedding for the letters "Q" & "U". It is a fun way to instill the fact that they are forever united as they start to read and write. It's a kooky event, but they love it! After the wedding in the cafeteria, the students all go back to their classrooms for a reception. They were dressed in their best wedding attire, had snacks, and danced...a lot. It was a great day and ... Read More about Simple Wedding Cupcakes
Our Quiet Book: 12 Layout Ideas
Children love playing with quiet books, and moms love how they inspire creative play. Here are 12 simple quiet book layouts to add to your fabric quiet book. From farm animals to pirate's treasure, there is something for every age! Our Quiet Book: 12 Layout IdeasIt's happened! After almost 9 years of wanting to make a quiet book for my children, I have finally done it! And it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, and it wasn't as time consuming as I thought it would be! It could ... Read More about Our Quiet Book: 12 Layout Ideas
Lightsaber Bolster Pillow Tutorial
The other morning, as Aaron was getting ready for school, I told him that if he remembered to make his bed there might be something waiting on it when he got home. He did....and there was! Most people probably zone out in the morning while in the shower, but I am not normal. I use that blessed 10 minutes to go over what I need to do that day and "organize" my thoughts....or brainstorm a new idea for a project. It seemed as though it had been FOREVER since I had sewed something for the boys and ... Read More about Lightsaber Bolster Pillow Tutorial
Steak & Vegetable Stir Fry
I absolutely love Chinese food and definitely have my favorite dishes. All which seem to be soy sauce based. The Beef/Broccoli, Lo Mein, Chicken/Cashew ones. So those are the ones I try to replicate at home. Here is one of our favorites. I like using a large amount of vegetables in my stir fry to make it go further and spare some calories. Especially when using beef, which I only cook with every few months or so. So this dish was a treat for us! Steak & Vegetable Stir Fry 1 lb. sirloin ... Read More about Steak & Vegetable Stir Fry
Cakes That Kids Can Make: Easy Cakes and Cupcakes
Here is a collection of easy cakes that kids can make. If you are looking for a fun afternoon activity for your child or an idea for the next Blue & Gold Banquet you've come to the right place! This post contains an affiliate link. If you don't see instructions listed below for the cake you want to make, just click the link in the description and it will take you to that post! For 60 more kids activities, check out my sewing book for kids!Easy Cakes for ... Read More about Cakes That Kids Can Make: Easy Cakes and Cupcakes
Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt!
Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt The kids and I had a lot of fun recently when we went exploring in our neighborhood! With such a mild winter we've been able to spend a lot more time outside this year than we normally would!  It's been a couple of weeks since we made these scavenger hunt sheets and they have used them a couple of times since! Our printer was out of commission at the time so I wasn't able to just print out a bunch of clip art images. I cut up a little preschool workbook ... Read More about Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt!
Clean-Up Jar
This is our family clean up jar. When the kids pick up something around the house that is "above and beyond" what they are required to clean up, they get a jelly belly. Things like their shoes, backpack and jacket don't count. They need to be doing that anyways, but something extra to help out Mom or baby sister, etc. will earn them a bean. The system was working out perfectly. Our house was super clutter free and the kids were getting tiny treats in return. Not only were they picking up ... Read More about Clean-Up Jar
The Wasp Bag in 3 Sizes
I made another wasp bag (I did not create this pattern). Two, actually. By now it is pretty obvious that this is my favorite handbag pattern. I've used it here and here. All different sizes, and they've each turned out perfect for what I needed it for. The first bag was this beautiful Amy Butler print that I made earlier in the spring. It is the perfect size for a diaper bag. LOVE this bag! The second bag I made was a mini one for my mom's birthday. This one holds a wallet, phone, ... Read More about The Wasp Bag in 3 Sizes