:: Taking a break from Christmas posts to celebrate our little guy:: My son's birthday is right before Christmas. Poor kid. We actually "planned" his pregnancy around the fact that we did not want to have a child around Christmas. Well, I guess I'm not that great at figuring out dates because his due date was December 25th! Oh well! We just make sure that his party is completely separate from Christmas and that we don't downsize it at all with the big holiday that follows it. His party is ... Read More about Bakugan Cupcakes
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Our Favorite Nativity Set
I ordered this porcelain Nativity set from Oriental Trading 2 years ago. We didn't have a chance to paint them last year and I am so glad that we waited. Kaylee is old enough to help this year and so it was a project that they could all do together. They used acrylic paint and after the paint had dried, I touched up any spots that weren't completely covered. A couple of coats of clear spray paint and they were finished. They really got into the character that they chose to paint. Kaylee ... Read More about Our Favorite Nativity Set
Corn & Bean Salsa
I made this for a luncheon when we were in Utah. It was so easy and delicious, not to mention....healthy. Which is rare this time of year, lol. So after eating a pound of toffee, gingerbread cookies, candy canes, and fudge...have a serving of this. I play mind games like that and it always makes me feel better :) Corn and Bean Salsa 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 can black eyed peas, drained and rinsed 1 can corn, drained and rinsed 2 cans rotel or diced tomatoes with chilies, ... Read More about Corn & Bean Salsa
Painted Fleece Blankets
The kids and I made ones of these personalized blankets for Derrick last year. You can see it here. We decided to make a bunch more this year for grandparents. All you need are acrylic paints and fleece! Acrylic paints are permanent. I know this because I have ruined several articles of clothing from previous projects ;) You can wash it and dry it, the same as you would any other blanket. We let the kids loose to paint whatever they wanted. We also helped them add their hand or foot ... Read More about Painted Fleece Blankets
Homemade Science Kits for Kids With Printable Instructions
These science kits for kids are easy to put together using household ingredients! They even come with printable instructions. Bobbing raisins, Invisible Ink, Wriggle Worms and more! Package them all up in baggies and put in a tote for a fun and educational gift or summer activity for kids. Â Today I'm sharing a homemade gift idea that we did for my sister's family. AÂ Science Kit for my nieces and nephews! Science kits for kids are always fun, and this one was fairly inexpensive since it was ... Read More about Homemade Science Kits for Kids With Printable Instructions
Homemade Wedding Gift Ideas
I put this gift together for my brother Cody, and his new wife, Brooke. I try to go the homemade route whenever possible and wanted to come up with a gift that was personal, yet very practical for this young couple. Using the techniques in this post, I made an acid etched casserole dish as well as a large treat jar for their kitchen. Using the technique found in this post, I made a soap bottle for their kitchen as well. Then I added some of my favorite fabric to some white ... Read More about Homemade Wedding Gift Ideas
Lemon Mint Sugar Scrub
Here is a project that a friend shared with me. She found the link here at Under the Table and Dreaming. What a fun and easy project. I made a bunch for gifts this year. Now I need to make a jar for myself. It really does make your hands feel smooth. I get major winter hands, so maybe this will help! 2 1/2 c. sugar 1 c. extra virgin olive oil few drops of essential oil (I used mostly lemon and a drop of mint) Mix together and fill jars. I made a double batch and it filled 7 ... Read More about Lemon Mint Sugar Scrub
Acid Etched Jars
Acid Etched Jars (jars purchased at Walmart for $2.97/each) I remember making acid etched mirrors in high school and it was quite the labor intensive project. However, making acid etched projects with a cricut is so simple! The Young Women at our church recently did a Girl's Camp fundraiser and made acid etched plates to sell. They were a hit. My friend, Tanya, let me use a little bit of her acid etching to make a casserole dish for a wedding gift and these little jars. A little bit ... Read More about Acid Etched Jars
Super Mario Birthday Party
Mario party ideas are few and far between! So I thought I'd post my ideas on here to share. All are original unless otherwise noted. The party was a HUGE success! There was a Yoshio egg smash. I found that idea online and then found a tutorial on how to make the eggs on You Tube! The kids popped balloons. Inside the balloons were clues helping them find Princess Peach who was being held captive in the basement by Bowser. The clues inside the balloons led them to cardstock coins ... Read More about Super Mario Birthday Party
