Blog - Gluesticks Blog

Clean-Up Jar

March 6, 2012 By Brandy 17 Comments

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 their every day items, but they'd seek out others like maybe a diaper on the floor, or Ruby's baby toys, the newspaper, etc. Win-win. That is until they got smart on me.

Our kids get a long great, but the other morning they were getting along even better. Patting each other on the back, laughing and playing. They were practically giddy. What were they doing to be so happy? Well, instead of picking up their toys and shoes that they are expected to do anyway, they were having their siblings do it FOR THEM and earning candy that way. Everyone was picking up the normal every day items, but since they were doing it for EACH OTHER they considered that worth of a jelly belly. Kaylee put Dallin's shoes away and treated herself to a bean, Dallin picked up Kaylee's jacket, and Aaron picked up Dallin's books, etc....

It was hilarious. So I had to adjust it a bit. ONLY after their regular every day items are picked up (by themselves) can they start to work on extra bonus chores to earn candy. It is working out great and our house hasn't been this clutter-free (without me doing it) before. I actually walked into the living room the other night and did a double take. It was clean and I didn't clean it. How on earth?!?!?

It was great.

The Wasp Bag in 3 Sizes

March 5, 2012 By Brandy 3 Comments

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, keys, and a few other small items.

This time I made a medium sized bag, and I have to say, it's my favorite sized one of them all. I still need a larger bag for myself since Ruby joined us and I have to keep diapers, extra changes of clothes, etc. in my bag, but I still love the size for an average every day purse.

inside handbag showing lining and pockets

I made this new one for my mother in law. It isn't easy going fabric shopping for someone else. I did the best I could and really hope that she likes what I chose for her. I liked it so much that I used the scrap lining fabric and made one for myself.

I always appreciate when I do such thoughtful things like this for myself :p

If you print the wasp bag pattern to scale you will get the larger bag. If you print it without scaling it at all, you will get the medium sized one. If you take an inch or so off the height and width of the medium printout, you'll get a mini bag. The pattern is easily adaptable.

The only thing I haven't figured out in the pattern is the inside pocket. The first time I tried it according to the pattern, but it didn't turn out for me. So I just create my own and sew it into the lining before putting the purse together.

I also add a loop for an antibacterial holder from Bath & Body Works. I found a matching one for my mother-in-law and a couple of little bottles of antibacterial gel and sent them on their merry way to Alaska with her new hand bag.

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Sparkling Jello for Tummies

March 2, 2012 By Brandy 2 Comments

basket with cold and flu medicine and essentials

Does this collection of supplies look familiar? Do you have any of these within an arms reach in your home? If not, consider yourself lucky! This winter's weather has been mild, that's for sure, but the germs have not.

I've lost track how many times I've administered Vick's chest rub before bedtime, re-filled the humidifier, given Tylenol, etc. That is typical for us. Lots of colds that go straight to the chest. We've had a couple of ear infections and strep as well. The stomach bugs, for the most part, pass our home by. But not this year, and from what I've heard we were some of the last in the country to have it visit us. EVERYONE has had it!
Lucky for us, it has been pretty mild, but we have 2 little ones who are recovering and resting up from not feeling so well yesterday. We're crossing our fingers that nobody else gets it and things can get back to "normal"!

As they are asking for more foods and things it's funny to see what they want. Yesterday Kaylee was feeling awful and asked me if she could have a slice of pepperoni pizza that had been half eaten and left on the counter over-night. "Pizza is good for tummies!" Which probably makes sense to a 3 year old. I offered applesauce and she replied that she would like some yogurt and cheese, again....I turned her down. So we've been sticking with toast, applesauce, saltines, and jello. But not just any jello....Sparkling Jello!

Basically you just use lemon-lime soda instead of the cold water. That's it!

It's delicious and refreshing and a nice alternative to the crackers from yesterday.

{If it foams up, either ignore it or let it sit a minute or just skim if off of the top before pouring into your container.}

Here's to a happy and HEALTHY weekend to you and your family!

Super Pops!

January 28, 2012 By Brandy 6 Comments

We decided to get a head start on our Valentines this year. Which was probably a good idea since I am organizing the kindergarten Valentine's Day party as well. These SUPER POPS were super easy to make, especially if you have a cricut, but if you don't, you can still make them too. See this inspiration via pinterest. Since I had the cricut paper doll cartridge I opted not to do the printable version and save time on cutting.

I cut out capes using the 4" settings (do NOT have it set to real dial size). And masks in the 4" setting as well. Then I hot glued the masks on and hole punched the capes so that the stick could easily slide through.

two lollipops with paper capes and masks

We kept the capes super simple and the boys just wrote From: Dallin/Aaron on each one.

They think they are pretty silly and I have to admit, they make me laugh too.

Pinewood Derby Ideas

January 26, 2012 By Brandy 7 Comments

Has your little scout had his Pinewood Derby yet? I think most packs do them in January.

I made this fun cake to bring and it was a hit! Just 3 stacked cakes with the top layer cut at an oval angle. I frosted it and added sprinkles for the "crowd". I did a google search for checkered paper and just printed it out online and taped it together for the base. The same with the little flags. I printed them off from online, laminated them, and taped then to tooth picks. I raided the boys' toys and found the little cars. Pretty simple!

Inspiration

Derrick is the cubmaster for our pack so I get to help him plan some of the pack meetings. It is fun working with him, we make a great team...10 years 🙂

wooden pinewood derby trophies with rubber ducks on top

Here are the trophies that we made for the boys this year. I think they turned out so fun! Derrick cut up a 2x4, painted and painted each block blue.

I added the vinyl, and then he added a little rubber duck to each one. To attach the rubber duck (from Oriental Trading) he attached a screw to each block and popped it into the bottom of the duck. We origionally tried hot glue, but it wouldn't stick to the rubber.

wood pinewood derby trophy with rubber duck

Simple and very inexpensive.

Derrick and the boys have been working on their cars together for the past week. I am so proud of the boys. They worked hard and really learned a lot. Aaron woke up early one morning and taped a little lego figure to the top of his car. It added the perfect touch 🙂
They both did great at the derby and had a fun time racing with their friends.

***More Ideas from Last Year***

Last year we made these fun cars to hand out as trophies.

For the Blue and Gold Banquet each boy brought a cake. I thought it would be fun to make one too. I loved how it turned out, but don't think that I will make one so detailed this year. I made that last year while being plagued heavily with MORNING SICKNESS. Ugg....that was a horrible night, but now we have sweet Ruby so it was all worth it!

Potato Flake Chicken

January 24, 2012 By Brandy 12 Comments

This recipe is easy, quick, and super kid friendly. It is one of our family favorites and a good one to whip up on nights that I teach piano or the boys have scouts. I found it on the back of a potato flake box years ago.

1 cup mashed potato flakes

⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic salt

½ tsp. italian seasoning

1 ½ lbs. chicken breasts (sliced into 1" strips) or chicken tenders.

⅓ cup butter or margerine, melted

In a shallow bowl, combine the potato flakes, Parmesan cheese, italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Dip chicken in butter, then coat with potato flake mixture.

Place in a greased (cooking spray) baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 15 minutes or until juices run clear. Broil on top rack for 3-5 minutes or until lightly browned.
Serves 6.

No-Sew Fleece Poncho For Kids

January 5, 2012 By Brandy 32 Comments

Make a no-sew fleece poncho for a toddler! So cute and cozy for fall, it's like a blanket for their shoulders! I'll share this quick 10 minute project with an optional ruffle detail.

little girl wearing pink polka dot fleece poncho

My mom called me the other day and told me about a little project that she made for her friend's daughter. She thought Kaylee would like it too. I agreed!

It was a little no-sew fleece poncho that she found online.

I told Kaylee about it and told her it was a little blanket for her shoulders. She was thrilled to go to Joann's and pick out some fabric for her new "shoulder blanket".

square of fleece with white fleece ruffle down the center

¾ of a yard of fleece will make 2 of these no-sew fleece ponchos. I didn't need 2 so I used the scraps to make her a little scarf with the scraps.

Measure the length from one wrist, across the chest, and all the way to the other wrist. This will be the measurement for the square of fleece. I used a 27"x27" square for this one.

If you'd like to keep this a no-sew project, you can stop right there, but I thought I'd add a little ruffle. I cut a strip of fleece twice as long as the square and stitched through the center, pulling the end strings to scrunch it. Then pinned it to the fabric, stretching and adjusting as I went.

There was extra on the ends so I just trimmed that part off.

Then I folded it in half diagonally and made the hole for her head. This little bowl is 4" in diameter and was perfect. I just used it as my guide. You'll just need a semi-circle shape on the fold.

Fleece is stretchy. It's better to start small and make the hole bigger if you need to later. If you made the ruffle, you can just back stitch a few stitches to keep the ends from unraveling after cutting the hole for the head.

There are several ways to finish the bottom. You can just leave it or cut it with pinking shears, or create a fringe. I just trimmed 2" up across the bottom to create a fringe. I didn't tie the ends, just left them like fringe.

It was so easy to make and only cost around $3 that I decided to make her 2. The one pictured, and another little black with white polka dot one.

The perfect little blanket for her shoulders.

***My little gal is 38" tall. ¾ yard of fleece is about 27" and is perfect for a little girl her size (3-4 years). You can adjust accordingly to fit your child. If making for a child 5-8 years old you'll probably need a yard.***

Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe and Mini Cocoa Bar

January 2, 2012 By Brandy 18 Comments

It is really easy to make your own hot cocoa mix. Store in a cute container and use in this mini hot cocoa bar for delicious hot cocoa all winter long.

Â This little chocolate bar has been so much fun! And with 3 kids using it....messy too! It's a great incentive for them to finish their dinner every night because a delicious cup of homemade cocoa is waiting for them!

blue wooden tray with cocoa mix and chocolate spoons

Simply set out a jar of your favorite hot cocoa mix. We used a homemade one that is really easy to make!

Hot Cocoa Mix:

5 ½ c. powdered milk
2 ½ c. powdered sugar
1 ¼ c. baking cocoa
1 c. dry nondairy creamer

Mix and store in an airtight container. To serve mix 1 c. boiling water with ⅓ c. dry mix.

Now for the fun toppings!

Chocolate chips, broken candy canes, and micro marshmallows. Not mini...micro. They are so tiny and fun! My friend got us a bag of these from a local Amish market. They are perfect for cocoa!

two chocolate covered spoons with sprinkles

Chocolate dipped spoons.

These are super easy to make. IÂ use the bigÂ bars of meltingÂ Ghirardelli chocolate that you can get at Sam's Club. I dip the spoons so that both the front and back are covered, and then dip them again, scooping up the chocolate into the spoon so that the bowl of the spoon is full. Then I lay them on waxed paper, add sprinkles and let dry.

The kids crack me up when they put their cocoa together. They don't just use one topping, they usually feel the need to use a little of ALL of them. Peppermint, Chocolate Chip and Marshmallow Cocoa. I love how the "less is more" approach rarely applies to children, haha!

Wintry Cardstock Wreath

December 20, 2011 By Brandy 6 Comments

The life of my beautiful ornament wreath came to an end and is now in the trash. Wind, crushed ornaments, etc. It was a sad day since it was my all time favorite Christmas wreath and it lasted for almost two holiday seasons so I guess I can't complain. I think I'll get more ornaments after Christmas on clearance and make another one next year.

But my front door still looks pretty because I pulled out my trusty 3D Cardstock Wreath that I made as a demo for a class I taught recently. It was perfect, bright, and popped against our black door.

paper star wreath with red and turquoise stars

These wreaths are SO easy and quick to make. I found these fun papers at Joanns for .25 each. The colors are in a wintry hue so I think I'll leave it up for January too.

As long as we don't encounter any wind storms, we'll be good 😉

winter themed paper wreath on black door

Click here to make your own!