5 DIY Valentine’s Day Treats for Kids

This Valentine's Day since Little J is in school, I wanted to put together some treats for the kids. I wanted SIMPLE, and something that we could make together. Below are some DIY Valentine treats for those important people in your life — from your sweetheart, neighbor or co-workers, even your child’s teacher. There are so many great DIY Valentine ideas this year, here are a few of my favorites:

[caption id="attachment_1084" align="aligncenter" width="240"] Image Source[/caption]

Rice Krispie Treats - Use a heart shaped cookie cutter to make this delicious treat into a Valentine’s Day treat.

Chocolate covered pretzels - Can you tell that my kids are into sprinkles? This is another treat that you can decorate with Valentine’s Day sprinkles.

Marshmallow pops - Instead of cake pops, try marshmallow pops! You can use white chocolate, and decorate with festive pink/red/hearts sprinkles.

[caption id="attachment_1087" align="aligncenter" width="320"] Gluten Free! Image source[/caption]

Heart Shaped Sugar Cookies - Super easy, and fun for the kids to decorate.

Goody bags for any of the items above - Jaime and Jacinda from Prudent Baby have some adorable free printables up on their site. 


Get the kids involved, and enjoy this Valentine's Day!

2013 New Year's Resolutions

Image source: www.bostinno.com

Each year in January, we 'reset'. We try to realign our ideals with our reality. I normally don't truly set resolutions for myself. But this year, I've decided to give it a try. You can keep me honest, and call me out. Here goes!

DIY Chore Charts

When my husband and I started discussing chores for Little J- I knew I would want a chore chart. It's just in my nature- I like clear goals and measurable success. I figured Little J would enjoy the visual aspect of the chore chart- and hopefully feel a sense of accomplishment. I don't often log onto Pinterest thinking that I can conquer a DIY project. But after doing a little research, I wanted to share how easy this project can be!

These bad boys are 98 cents each at Home Depot, in the roofing department near the rain gutters. They are 8 by 12 inches.



Next, you'll need Mod Podge. I got an 8 oz jar at Michael's for $6.50, and a foam tip brush for $0.50.



Then, the frames. I picked 8 by 12 inch frames, so I wouldn't have to cut the magnetic backing. I know it can be done, but I wasn't up for it! Those were $10 each at Michael's.


I got alphabet stickers, which added $2 to the project but removed the stress of trying to write in a straight line and added some color. The background of the chart is $0.30 per sheet of scrapbook paper, and I purchased two sheets.



You will need clear glass pebbles, about 1 inch diameter. Those set me back $2.80 at Michael's. Those are for the chore magnets.



Also, you'll need button magnets. These were $6.99, but I used a coupon to get them at $4.19. (40% off one item)



Here's what I started with...



HOW TO: This was super simple!

1. Print out chore chart icons/clip art, keeping in mind that you will want them to be approximately one inch in diameter.

2. Take a glass pebble and trace a circle around your icon. Cut out the circle you traced.

3. Put a thin layer of Mod Podge on the flat part of the glass pebble and place one of the cut outs on the pebble.

4. Using a hot glue gun, glue a button magnet onto the back of the glass pebble with the paper cut out on it.

5. While those are drying, frame your magnetic backing and scrapbook sheet in the picture frame. Decorate with your child's name and stickers.

I hope that covers it. It was so quick and easy! Here is a picture of how mine came out- I spent $38 for two chore charts.

December Bluum Box - Snow Angel

This month, Bluum themed their box Snow Angel. The box was great- once again! I also got a note about Bluum Toddler- which will be a bigger box, have new features, and is for babies 13 months and up (AKA Baby Mayhem). Apparently, I will be entered automatically. I can't wait to see what it includes! I hope that they maintain the 'mama and baby' aspect of the subscription- which is what drew me to this box in the first place.



Angel Dear Ring Rattle- We got the duck rattle, and it's so soft! Baby Mayhem picked this up out of the box and loved it!



Child's Play Publishing's Pocket Pals- We got the Panda book, and we are learning facts about this interesting animal. This is a very cute item to keep in the diaper bag, and read to them when we have a quiet moment.



Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil- I love that this is cocoa butter in an oil format. It has a pump dispenser too. I swear by Palmer's Cocoa Butter, and I am excited to try this product.



Bonne Maman Preserves and Jellies- Made with 100% natural ingredients, tastes delicious! This little jar is pure sweetness, and the kids love it!



Emergen-C Orange- Our family has been sick for what feels like 2 months straight, so I am very familiar with this product! This packet includes a blend of vitamin C, nutrients and antioxidants to help you feel your best when chasing a toddler!



Montagne Jeunesse, 7th Heaven Mud Mask- This was supposed to be in the November box, but Hurricane Sandy had other plans. I'll have to try this when I put the boys to bed!



Let me know if you got anything different in your December Bluum box!

Ten White Elephant Gift Ideas - Under $25

'Tis the season of the office Christmas party, or the family gift exchange. Either way, it's likely that you'll be involved in some kind of White Elephant Gift exchange this year. The gift should be gender neutral and inexpensive. I've compiled a list of ideas, to help you select a gift!

[caption id="attachment_1037" align="alignleft" width="173"] The Corksicle [/caption]

1. Wine-Related Gifts. There are many items at Target, but if you still have time some- the Corksicle is super cute! It keeps the wine chilled to the 'correct' temperature, and doubles as a bottle stopper. You could also do decorative bottle stoppers, a nice electric bottle opener, a pretty pair of wine glasses, or an aerator.

2. Gift Card. This is a super-easy, last minute gift that actually would make me very happy to walk away with! I'd recommend Starbucks or Trader Joe's.

3. Edibles. No, not underwear. Chocolate, cookies or any other holiday goodies! I'd recommend 'buying local'- for extra points. I know that a pound of See's candy would make just about anyone in my office happy! Or try a local bakery, and support small businesses.

4. Popcorn and Movie Tickets. Last year, someone brought a gift card for two movie tickets and chocolate drizzled popcorn - and it was a hit. It is essentially a free date night!

[caption id="attachment_1029" align="alignleft" width="252"] Unzipped Glass Zipper Bag [/caption]

5. Candy dish. Another item from uncommon goods, this clever candy dish caught my eye a while back- and this would be a perfect occasion for it!

6. Stationary. This is primarily a female gift, but Thank you cards or nice note cards are always handy to have. I love Papyrus for this type of gift.

7. Gag gifts. I'm terrible at these, and they give me anxiety. But if you are the type of person who could pull it off- this blog has a great list!

8. Board game. Who doesn't love board games?! You can get these for under $20 at Target or Walmart.

9. Chia Pet. I've always wanted to bring one to a gift exchange. I think this would be an awesome gift to take home! There is quite a variety available on Amazon.com.

[caption id="attachment_1033" align="alignleft" width="148"] LED USB-Powered Christmas Tree[/caption]

10. USB Plug In Desktop Items. This seems to be a new trend. Our Executive Assistant has this one, from Target. Just Google it, there are so many options!

And lastly, you can always go with a bottle of alcohol (or wine). It's not very creative, but that always works. I hope I've given you some decent ideas. Are you going to a gift exchange this year?

 

What's your favorite item that you've received at one of these events?

Just Another Morning...

In Pre-K, J made a lovely...thing... with playdough. Apparently, it was made with flour, water, salt and other 'edible' items. Mollie decided to try that out, after we went to bed last night.



When I saw the empty plate, I thought, "Why would you want to eat that?" I mean, this THING had pipe cleaners, buttons, and other random things sticking out of it!



Then I found it on the carpet, so I figured we were OK. No x-rays to determine how many pipe-cleaners needed to be removed. As I was figuring that we were in the clear... I saw this...



I know. You're welcome. Who doesn't enjoy seeing someone else's dog vomit? I spared you from the other photos, there was so much more! So I spent my morning cleaning the dog bed, the kitchen floor, and finding random pieces of play dough on my living room floor. How was YOUR morning?!

Bundle Up - November 2012 Bluum

When I saw the theme for this box, I was hoping for an adorable knit hat, mittens or a scarf. But then again, my children are a little 'old' for the baby box, and there is no way any of that stuff would fit them! I enjoyed the Babybug Magazine the best of all these items, but I also loved the stain remover samples. I'll get right into the contents.

mOmma Teether: We got Jack, and adorable seal. I've decided to put him in the freezer for Mayhem- who appears to be getting a molar. In case you didn't see her, my dachshund HATES Jack- and is in the background of this photo trying to get him.





Babybug Magazine: This 'magazine' reads like a book, and it is perfectly sized for Mayhem's stocking- and his chubby, little hands. Vibrant illustrations, and an adorable story.





Numi Organic Teas: This high quality line of teas are made only with organic, fair trade herbs, fruits, flower, and spices. And you've got to love the coupons also!





Madhava Organic Agave Nectar: This is a healthy alternative to processed sugar and artificial sweeteners, and can be used in so many different ways. Agave nectar can be used in your coffee, your oatmeal, and so much more! This also included a sample of coconut sugar- just delicious.





Caldrea Sweet Pea Stain Remover: I'd like to say that I haven't had a chance to use this- and I won't get into details. But let me just say, it works!





A side note, as a result of Hurricane Sandy- the mud mask meant to be included will be included in the December box. Can't wait! Thanks, Bluum- for another great box!