tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173501652024-03-05T04:19:50.425-05:00Life with Lucie & EllaJanelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.comBlogger645125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-54747712659920279992015-03-10T18:05:00.001-04:002015-03-10T18:05:26.936-04:00Getting Outside<br />
I have to admit. I've felt a little guilty lately. While my friends back East have been dealing with snow days galore, we've been enjoying sunny skies and warm temps here. And lots of yellow flowers popping up in my grass.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9rwBTCbUt_1JVBNFoyrjPKSMCEQK8OPRECZ1psZsuzu35MSf6025wRH2UBIT0QUE-AN9MMCgkZipw8joyTEiBx-8fStNtCFHj4p0ChO5BlqyV_jX3eYjyiaiWjNTo-TfAPEj/s1600/Spring+Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9rwBTCbUt_1JVBNFoyrjPKSMCEQK8OPRECZ1psZsuzu35MSf6025wRH2UBIT0QUE-AN9MMCgkZipw8joyTEiBx-8fStNtCFHj4p0ChO5BlqyV_jX3eYjyiaiWjNTo-TfAPEj/s1600/Spring+Flowers.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
They're not the dandelions of my youth or <a href="http://www.lifewithlande.com/2013/04/spring-and-buttercups.html" target="_blank">the buttercups from Virginia</a>. My kids call these "Sourgrass flowers." I honestly don't know what they are, but I think they're pretty...even if they are weeds.<br />
<br />
<br />
Since I have some hermit-like tendencies, I've decided that I need to make more of an effort to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine and flowers on a daily basis. So, the girls and I have instituted a daily walk into our school days. It doesn't happen at the same time every day, but we're trying to make it happen.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqVZa6r8lPDA-oUOfXkRD8bn6bGdS4ldhBXGsF2Vp9c_x9kOAVOm3ZJMTCYOdWUn81DJPlUPzd48A-7QtXd4v-jIQTwLRFnreIQLqyHzJ4IYfWuLyDSDksFXbe7q7a6PzOHxb/s1600/Daily+Walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqVZa6r8lPDA-oUOfXkRD8bn6bGdS4ldhBXGsF2Vp9c_x9kOAVOm3ZJMTCYOdWUn81DJPlUPzd48A-7QtXd4v-jIQTwLRFnreIQLqyHzJ4IYfWuLyDSDksFXbe7q7a6PzOHxb/s1600/Daily+Walk.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
They like breathing the fresh air, getting to look at the various plants and flowers, and having spontaneous foot races. I like that they're getting a bit of exercise in hopes that <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5742152" target="_blank">it will help their focus during our school time</a>.<br />
<br />
And I like looking up at the mountains and the blue skies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2G3cIhLj0fmfzPVkIy5W7_G7bbflL0tsTQvj86i-tksViZ1MbUswOcmSM39TphS5a8H16muaa4q8NcJ4hj-xZjO8Zo55zric-8Z71zkNf3IE3epJDxrTLV4Rjwne3H455GqO7/s1600/Mountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2G3cIhLj0fmfzPVkIy5W7_G7bbflL0tsTQvj86i-tksViZ1MbUswOcmSM39TphS5a8H16muaa4q8NcJ4hj-xZjO8Zo55zric-8Z71zkNf3IE3epJDxrTLV4Rjwne3H455GqO7/s1600/Mountains.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
It's also a daily reminder to appreciate what I have. <br />
<br />
<br />Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-83763427174473882332015-02-09T11:24:00.000-05:002015-02-09T11:24:50.342-05:00Save by Shopping the Pantry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZ1n4S0EEpb_aSTpQvtaN7PuKyru6rn9sOuj2KvQalye-_uKBeBEVZOrs8BEdLnzMdqebYANVQlhgOjKGFjZktAi0F5ohDh8rtnT6gV5ilydlyvSpz64BKJncbdns__7hNI_c/s1600/9A+Janel+and+Ella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZ1n4S0EEpb_aSTpQvtaN7PuKyru6rn9sOuj2KvQalye-_uKBeBEVZOrs8BEdLnzMdqebYANVQlhgOjKGFjZktAi0F5ohDh8rtnT6gV5ilydlyvSpz64BKJncbdns__7hNI_c/s1600/9A+Janel+and+Ella.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Ten years ago I was a new mom practically living on the couch with my newborn for her first month of life. (Yeah, labor and delivery was no joke.) We didn't have cable -- just one channel would come through with our antenna. I could watch whatever was on TV as long as it was on ABC.<br />
<br />
It seemed as if E nursed all the time, so I spent many an hour watching ABC. I got to know their lineup by heart. I watched a lot of Good Morning America in those days. As a result, when I think of my favorite TV channel, it's always ABC -- even though I don't actually get that channel anymore. Weird, huh?<br />
<br />
When my sister told me that she was being interviewed for a segment on GMA, I got so excited! It aired this morning. Unfortunately, I didn't get to watch it live on TV, but thank goodness for the internet. Instead of cuddling with my newborn on the couch, I had my 10-year old sitting on my lap in my desk chair as we watched the segment on the internet. We've come a long way, baby.<br />
<br />
Here's a link to the GMA segment -- <a href="https://gma.yahoo.com/eating-down-pantry-save-eating-just-cupboard-124650725--abc-news-personal-finance.html" target="_blank">Eating Down the Pantry</a>. If you want to know more about having a Pantry Challenge at home, visit Jessica's blog <a href="http://goodcheapeats.com/" target="_blank">GoodCheapEats</a>. Her most recent post has some great <a href="http://goodcheapeats.com/2015/02/tips-for-a-successful-pantry-challenge/" target="_blank">Tips for a Successful Pantry Challenge</a>, including links to some yummy recipes.<br />
<br />Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-68259367398841451722015-02-06T19:48:00.002-05:002015-02-06T19:48:33.784-05:00Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7W4eDcyDmZQ-qQgN2KMWWIsRxh8ZquCx-isO4iVRxekC-bonv-O5SbtXpKNTtXSD0am93QGFaVoRHKpQtuJkqMme_nH_7pTMiX_5kwy0bGxB7EkVe5Zu3uBFYBmxcvid4Ok5O/s1600/SB+Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7W4eDcyDmZQ-qQgN2KMWWIsRxh8ZquCx-isO4iVRxekC-bonv-O5SbtXpKNTtXSD0am93QGFaVoRHKpQtuJkqMme_nH_7pTMiX_5kwy0bGxB7EkVe5Zu3uBFYBmxcvid4Ok5O/s1600/SB+Sunset.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I had to laugh at myself. It has been so long since I posted here that I forgot my login. No joke.<br />
<br />
A little over a year ago, I was posting about <a href="http://www.lifewithlande.com/2014/01/its-been-frozen-kind-of-january.html" target="_blank">a FROZEN kind of January</a>. Now, I've got palm trees in the distance, beautiful sunsets, and weather that I definitely won't complain about. Not only does my skyline look different, but my life looks very different too.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I'm no longer a law school wife. I'm a lawyer's wife.</li>
<li>I'm no longer a public-schooling mom. I'm a part-time, homeschooling mom. (Seriously, y'all those are words that I NEVER thought I would type.)</li>
<li>I'm no longer taking Body & Soul classes (because they don't exist here), but I'm trying to rectify that! I'm approved to start a local class, just working on all of the logistics. </li>
<li>I've got a 10-year old and a 7-year old. How did that happen? </li>
</ul>
Life is good. Life is full. Sometimes I struggle to balance it all, but I have a feeling that I'm not alone in that.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure what will happen here on the ol' blog. I do miss it. I miss doing creative things and sharing them. I miss documenting this life with L and E. So, we'll see what happens...Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-84464828506300367212014-01-29T16:12:00.000-05:002014-01-29T16:12:15.848-05:00It's Been A FROZEN Kind of January<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This post contains affiliate links. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
Let's just say, it's been a crazy FROZEN themed month here. Two birthdays, two winter storms, and a whole lot of days off of school has equated to many Frozen themed crafts, hours upon hours of pretending to be Elsa & Anna, and countless replays of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EDY5KTA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EDY5KTA&linkCode=as2&tag=liwiellu-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frozen soundtrack</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=liwiellu-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00EDY5KTA" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. It's a good thing I like the movie as much as L and E do.<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago, my sister Jessica asked me to try my hand at making Anna & Elsa costumes for her blog. Well, I love a challenge so I said I'd give it a whirl even though technically I hadn't even seen <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G5G7EXY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00G5G7EXY&linkCode=as2&tag=liwiellu-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Disney's Frozen</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=liwiellu-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00G5G7EXY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> yet. I knew the basic plot from the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423170644/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1423170644&linkCode=as2&tag=liwiellu-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frozen Read-Along Storybook and CD</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=liwiellu-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1423170644" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
that Lu got for her birthday and I'd heard the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EDY5KTA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EDY5KTA&linkCode=as2&tag=liwiellu-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">soundtrack</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=liwiellu-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00EDY5KTA" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
since the girls got it for Christmas. Saying "yes" to Jess was a good excuse to take the girls to see the movie. It was a rare treat for us. So much fun!<br />
<br />
After watching the flick, we headed over to Joann to pick out some fabric to make the costumes. After some doubting whether or not I'd be able to pull it off, I managed to make costumes for both of the girls rather inexpensively. They've worn them so much already, that I think we've gotten our money's worth out of them in the last week. You can find the tutorials over at Life as MOM.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lifeasmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Anna-and-Elsa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lifeasmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Anna-and-Elsa.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
Check out the <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2014/01/diy-anna-costume-from-disneys-frozen.html" target="_blank">DIY Anna Dress-Up Tutorial here</a> and the <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2014/01/diy-elsa-costume-from-disneys-frozen.html" target="_blank">DIY Elsa Dress-Up Tutorial here</a>.<br />
<br />
Well, wouldn't you know it, right around the time I was working on the costumes, we got some SNOW! While I finished up the costumes during the snow day, the girls cut out paper snowflakes. Our walls are now adorned with many, many snowflakes. I was amazed at how diligent Lu was at making her creations. It's fun to see her develop that creative side. It wasn't too long ago that she wouldn't draw a picture on her own. <br />
<br />
I was bound and determined to finish up the costumes so that I could take pictures out in the snow. Like, how perfect is that? So, for the sake of blogging, I made the girls trudge out to the pond to take some pics in their new dress up clothes. Twice. (Yeah, my photo skills aren't THAT great so I had them do a re-shoot.)<br />
<br />
On Sunday, Ella's birthday rolled around and we had some family friends over for a combined party for the girls. It. Was. Chaos. Controlled chaos, but chaos nevertheless. 14 kids in a 2-bedroom condo is quite a lot to handle. But, no one got maimed during the pinata busting so all was good.<br />
<br />
Last night, Winter Storm Leon blew on through, so now we've got another 3+ inches of snow. Since Williamsburg is not really equipped to handle snowfall, we had another snow day today. My guess is that tomorrow will be the same. If that's the case, I'm sure the Frozen fun will continue tomorrow as well. <br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This post contains affiliate links.</span>Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-16974373793101822362013-12-02T08:59:00.000-05:002013-12-02T08:59:42.248-05:00Make a Monkey Jar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lifeasmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Monkey-Face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lifeasmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Monkey-Face.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It's funny how kids are about containers…at least mine are. From a very young age, Ella loved to put things in different jars, containers, and purses. She hasn't really changed much at nearly 9 years of age.<br />
<br />
Today at <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2013/12/make-a-monkey-munch-gift-jar.html" target="_blank">Life as MOM</a>, I'm sharing a tutorial and a free printable on how to make this cute little Monkey Jar. You could take the same idea and adapt it for a number of themes. Fill it with some <a href="http://goodcheapeats.com/2013/10/nut-free-monkey-munch-trail-mix/" target="_blank">Monkey Munch</a> and you've got a cute little gift.<br />
<br />
Head on over to <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2013/12/make-a-monkey-munch-gift-jar.html" target="_blank">Life as MOM</a> to check it out and get the free printable.Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-72216935862134140802013-11-26T11:26:00.001-05:002013-11-26T11:26:20.425-05:00Make a Thanksgiving Journal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2baCsggML199lL7WOzpN-RiHnxXL8qFIUICPWtbzZtE37KbggnfYIPcqK5soRTQk3FLnf7Cdk6kH838GPmurjmp1hD9SqsnymSy7OIufe-lx-py_vTeMA7JT9DeR9Q3FZhKP/s1600/Make+a+Thanksgiving+Journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2baCsggML199lL7WOzpN-RiHnxXL8qFIUICPWtbzZtE37KbggnfYIPcqK5soRTQk3FLnf7Cdk6kH838GPmurjmp1hD9SqsnymSy7OIufe-lx-py_vTeMA7JT9DeR9Q3FZhKP/s400/Make+a+Thanksgiving+Journal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The other day, I whipped together this little journal to use for Thanksgiving. It was practically free since I scored the composition book during back-to-school sales and I have more scrapbook paper than I ever know what to do with. I was so pleased with how it turned out that I just might head out for more composition books so that I can make some from
gifts. Ella wanted to claim it as her own once she saw it. The girl has a love
of composition books.<br />
<br />
Today, <b><a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2013/11/make-a-thanksgiving-journal-falling-for-fun.html" target="_blank">I'm sharing the tutorial over at Life as MOM</a></b>. Head on over there if you want to make one of your own. There's even a free printable for the cover title and some bible verses for the inside. It's easy, I promise.Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-3175069890529619122013-11-25T12:47:00.000-05:002013-11-25T12:47:36.750-05:00Thanksgiving Meal & Meal Plan for the Week<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1leY1HctQOnSZ04_7_7I-S5xo2VDRz-jJwOs_W2loNS0GMXXVUGgBMHmIAQCgAapLinsyR-LHXJYr-WBC9khglmNIKqcj6tM5vvf47NdO0dusU1eRp-lGfmFetVNVyl3te1t/s1600/Apple+Turkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1leY1HctQOnSZ04_7_7I-S5xo2VDRz-jJwOs_W2loNS0GMXXVUGgBMHmIAQCgAapLinsyR-LHXJYr-WBC9khglmNIKqcj6tM5vvf47NdO0dusU1eRp-lGfmFetVNVyl3te1t/s400/Apple+Turkey.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh. Hello there.<br />
<br />
Yeah, I haven't written much here lately...as evidenced by my last <a href="http://www.lifewithlande.com/2013/10/diy-mermaid-costume-mermaid-tail-skirt.html" target="_blank">Mermaid Tail tutorial a month ago</a>! Strangely enough, having kids in school all day long doesn't really give me any more free time. I guess that is because I've increased my work-from-home hours. My days just pass in the blink of an eye.<br />
<br />
Anyway, because it's Thanksgiving week, I got inspired to get back on the ol' blog and write something. I actually really love Thanksgiving. Since we're poor and the husband has finals coming up, we aren't traveling to see the fam on the West Coast. We're gonna stay local as we have the past two years. Although we will miss seeing our family, we're so blessed to have some family right here in town.<br />
<br />
Our Thanksgivings have looked like this the past couple of years. My sister-in-law Aimee and I make a pretty good cooking team and are busy in the kitchen. Our husbands (the brothers) hang out, catch up on life, inspect the latest home project, and maybe sort of oversee the <a href="http://www.lifewithlande.com/2009/11/thanksgiving-craft-turkey-placeholder.html" target="_blank">Turkey Placeholder crafts for the kids</a> (<a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-fun-a-free-printable.html" target="_blank">see this free printable for instructions and turkey template</a>). Our girls run around the house and play all day with a short break to make the aforementioned turkeys. Then we feast. And then we hangout and look at the Christmas deals.<br />
<br />
Our Thanksgiving Menu this year:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Turkey </b>- I think we're keeping it simple for the pre-brined turkey from Trader Joe's this year. We typically follow these turkey cooking tips from my sister.</li>
<li><b>Green Bean Casserole</b> - I made this <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2012/11/really-homemade-green-bean-casserole-urs-holiday-side-dishes.html" target="_blank">Really Homemade Green Bean Casserole</a> last year and totally love it. I
subbed Parmesan for the Asiago because I didn't want to buy any other
cheese and it was fab. I think it will be my go-to from now on.</li>
<li><b>Mashed Potatoes & Gravy</b> - I love these <a href="http://www.lifewithlande.com/2007/11/mashed-potatoes.html" target="_blank">mashed potatoes</a>, and I'm doing <a href="http://www.lifewithlande.com/2007/11/all-purpose-gravy.html" target="_blank">make-ahead gravy</a> this year because we're using a brined turkey. I heard somewhere that making gravy from the brined juices doesn't work that well because it is too salty. So, I'll just whip up this gravy the day before.</li>
<li><b>Cranberry Sauce</b> - Aimee makes a yummy homemade one. </li>
<li><b>Veggies </b>- We need to add a bit more color to the plate. We might do <a href="http://goodcheapeats.com/2011/06/roasted-vegetables/" target="_blank">roasted veggies</a>. Last year at Christmas I roasted a rainbow mix of pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and grape tomatoes that was really yummy. We might do that again. Or maybe some carrots - Aimee made some last year that were delicious. Or maybe this <a href="http://goodcheapeats.com/2011/11/sauteed-corn-with-fresh-thyme/" target="_blank">simple corn with thyme</a>. I guess I need to verify with my cooking partner. :)</li>
<li><b>Desserts</b>: There might only be 4 adults and 4 kids under the age of 9 at our meal, but we're having three pies and fudge. Oh yes, yes we are. The men are contributing to the desserts this year. My brother-in-law will make his famous apple pie, and my husband will make fudge. As for me, I'm going to make this <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2008/10/recipe-swap-never-too-many-pumpkins.html" target="_blank">Streusel Topped Pumpkin Pie</a> and a <a href="http://www.lifewithlande.com/2009/08/lemon-cream-cheese-pie.html" target="_blank">Lemon Cream Cheese Pie</a>. </li>
</ul>
We're not doing stuffing (aka dressing) this year. Apparently the guys didn't really want it, and honestly, it's one less thing to make. We'll see how much it's missed. A lot of what we're fixing is make-ahead, so that should make for a nice and relaxing morning. I'm sooooo looking forward to it!<br />
<br />
As for the rest of the week, I'm just following this <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2013/11/weekly-meal-plan-to-print-cook-30.html" target="_blank">Meal Plan to Print & Cook #30</a> from Life as MOM. Nice and easy. Oh, and yummy. That's very important. I hope y'all have a great Thanksgiving!Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-55086779486009897652013-10-24T13:10:00.000-04:002013-10-24T13:10:12.788-04:00DIY Mermaid Costume: Mermaid Tail Skirt, Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDLD5mkW_t8vCbwAbRd1YmWz3YIheIH8E3i4D3sWKiMDPw_nIR7id86Tj2zDXvIPbP72l6G-ZtC4i56waojacbYfJSIju3S8ZR0hfZRw7cgXgGwu_ehej5dKspv1ysKaWHZTV/s1600/Mermaid+Tail+Skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDLD5mkW_t8vCbwAbRd1YmWz3YIheIH8E3i4D3sWKiMDPw_nIR7id86Tj2zDXvIPbP72l6G-ZtC4i56waojacbYfJSIju3S8ZR0hfZRw7cgXgGwu_ehej5dKspv1ysKaWHZTV/s1600/Mermaid+Tail+Skirt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When I started writing the tutorial for the mermaid tail skirt, I realized it was incredibly LONG. I was also in the process of making multiple skirts, so it just seemed natural to divide the tutorial into two parts -- the "tail" and the "fin" of the skirt. Unfortunately, I didn't get to finish my tutorial before Halloween and well, then life happened and I never posted the finished tutorial. With Halloween coming up next week, I thought I'd go ahead and finish it off in case any little girls are in need of a Mermaid Skirt! <br />
<br />
If you missed it, you can get instructions on <a href="http://www.lifewithlande.com/2012/10/diy-mermaid-costume-mermaid-tail-part-1.html">how to make Part 1 of the Mermaid Tail Skirt</a>. Continue reading to find out how to finish it with a fin!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">How to Make A Mermaid Tail Skirt "Fin":</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Supplies:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.lifewithlande.com/2012/10/diy-mermaid-costume-mermaid-tail-part-1.html" target="_blank">finished mermaid tail skirt</a></li>
<li>green costume satin</li>
<li>pinking shears (to reduce fraying) or fabric scissors </li>
<li>tissue paper</li>
<li>measuring tape</li>
<li>iron & ironing board</li>
<li>matching thread</li>
<li>sewing machine</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
On a large workspace, lay out your skirt so that the pointy parts are on the side, like this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQfD3xwtivpGNMTrpVDHkSYQHt9pp4nbZD7tOtF-72da6LsOzCCB1suWKtKDZU6U7fPziaZZ4fXQ3qWjeFkulDPor-GAY8Ggbx-5UmRie26R9Mw0YTCKEmb3ASlqlg2-giBGW/s1600/Mermaid+Tail+Fin+-+Step+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQfD3xwtivpGNMTrpVDHkSYQHt9pp4nbZD7tOtF-72da6LsOzCCB1suWKtKDZU6U7fPziaZZ4fXQ3qWjeFkulDPor-GAY8Ggbx-5UmRie26R9Mw0YTCKEmb3ASlqlg2-giBGW/s400/Mermaid+Tail+Fin+-+Step+1.png" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
To make a sort of pattern for the fin pieces, take a piece of tissue paper and fold down the top at two angles to match the line of your skirt. If you want, you can connect pieces of tissue paper to make an exact pattern. I didn't do that -- I just kind of eyeballed it. You'll want the tissue paper to be wider than your skirt so that you have extra material to gather and make it flare out a bit like a fin and it should come down a few inches as well. (See the pic below to get an idea of the shape you'll need. Use the tissue paper pattern to trace and cut out two pieces of green costume satin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0fxFmHOqc7jzTetmab61DSrrnWOvvH2buey5hpjKPeOJ6wGbaNac6-Mu-lfI52sCYOaXoWfK6IAwdQee98u9rj3Au9YjkHIAOscLS6I63GbAoRjjjlWTtcecY_52SnbgNj8z/s1600/Mermaid+Tail+Fin+-+Tissue+paper+pattern.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0fxFmHOqc7jzTetmab61DSrrnWOvvH2buey5hpjKPeOJ6wGbaNac6-Mu-lfI52sCYOaXoWfK6IAwdQee98u9rj3Au9YjkHIAOscLS6I63GbAoRjjjlWTtcecY_52SnbgNj8z/s400/Mermaid+Tail+Fin+-+Tissue+paper+pattern.png" width="231" /></a></div>
<br />
Put the two fin pieces with the right sides together. Sew up each side. Iron the seams flat. At the bottom of the fin, iron the edge over by about 1/2 inch and then another 1/2 inch. Secure with pins and then stitch to create the bottom hem.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1mu0YTVuRAxYPME_zUAaUJAhw0DNoxjd_UUCidd7Uma4ObTXzLrgAs1zsyvsEXYxUITtMsjFB80Dqfr28bdFJqVyuOVGrSTMcZK-m1jCKzm2MZayC9zeej2Yw06U4dTLXYc7/s1600/Mermaid+Tail+Fin+-+Step+3+Sew+fin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1mu0YTVuRAxYPME_zUAaUJAhw0DNoxjd_UUCidd7Uma4ObTXzLrgAs1zsyvsEXYxUITtMsjFB80Dqfr28bdFJqVyuOVGrSTMcZK-m1jCKzm2MZayC9zeej2Yw06U4dTLXYc7/s320/Mermaid+Tail+Fin+-+Step+3+Sew+fin.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Attach the fin piece to your tail skirt. Line up the seams of the fin with the pointed tail of the skirt. Create a few pleats in the fin fabric and then pin into place. Stitch the fin onto the skirt. Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-7281992131380694532013-07-23T06:00:00.000-04:002013-07-23T06:00:05.048-04:00Future Gauchos?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCi5NMFHEBFiTmc6QLhnka0qyCcWajvw3wLvjw9WbpxQmlg1bWnU2zDBG-5W9KUAdEaow7CN6ft6eVzYQ4l4apnWae5Gl_UOcfMKudlw9UuK491Ghu2TqFg8RtLB2ZmSs80TL/s1600/gaucos+ball.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCi5NMFHEBFiTmc6QLhnka0qyCcWajvw3wLvjw9WbpxQmlg1bWnU2zDBG-5W9KUAdEaow7CN6ft6eVzYQ4l4apnWae5Gl_UOcfMKudlw9UuK491Ghu2TqFg8RtLB2ZmSs80TL/s400/gaucos+ball.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, our summer adventure in Santa Barbara County continues. This past weekend, the girls and I headed to a Santa Barbara Foresters baseball game on the UC Santa Barbara Campus. We had fun hanging with some great friends and watching a bit of college ball. Gotta say, the view from the field is pretty gorgeous. I love those mountains! I did find it kind of funny that the team is called the Foresters, because well, SB isn't really known for its forests. Beach and mountains? Yes. Forests? Not so much.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9l5HPOifGTR-fXQK7KrPC8mUTgGu7qN5jz6F_P8E51ch8VSxIrKYUcL7S5HWfETW8zI71ECY8HKDJIuGLZB7dCXZfkRoa3lJNy03ZFX9P77ZD-9bwAv2dzbAggCJGVJx9CH-/s1600/Foresters+Game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9l5HPOifGTR-fXQK7KrPC8mUTgGu7qN5jz6F_P8E51ch8VSxIrKYUcL7S5HWfETW8zI71ECY8HKDJIuGLZB7dCXZfkRoa3lJNy03ZFX9P77ZD-9bwAv2dzbAggCJGVJx9CH-/s1600/Foresters+Game.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Since we had already paid for parking, after the game I decided to head toward the other end of campus to show the girls my old stomping grounds. First stop? The beach of course! When I was a freshman in college, I scored the dorm jackpot and got an ocean view room. Yeah, it was pretty awesome. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to show the girls my first home away from home since my old dorm is under some massive reconstruction. But, I was able to show them my old ocean view. Because it was near sundown, it wasn't the most spectacular view as everything looked a bit gray. But, the girls were thrilled to see the beach nevertheless.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQbwlAa661b0pKmKnwk5Wul9zitjV2touGIjDoAm-7ycGNWQ0SR1BWvyOG5wOU_lKxS80MXpGHy1ETsATAzSRFmJbdefw58HCf_cMpkA0ASW_zhPEj2_9HX3OkQK6h6TeLZu1/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQbwlAa661b0pKmKnwk5Wul9zitjV2touGIjDoAm-7ycGNWQ0SR1BWvyOG5wOU_lKxS80MXpGHy1ETsATAzSRFmJbdefw58HCf_cMpkA0ASW_zhPEj2_9HX3OkQK6h6TeLZu1/s1600/photo.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After that, I gave them a tour of the other dorms, the dining commons, and the university center. Their favorite part? The sand volleyball courts next to the dorms. They thought those were just awesome! I had to force them to leave so we could get done with our tour before nightfall.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDcsmJdA7DHpv-he6FkWyYXhG8f4xOJMnOHIVAv2TICQdqlgxDwfGab8Y-gD3qm_LGcSaAMKGBZUm5e-BDWkIBY743Iurd6Ql3Z4VWWCz5MS__eBsi-Dz_n8zexVHAUgnHMZz/s1600/sand+volleyball+courts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDcsmJdA7DHpv-he6FkWyYXhG8f4xOJMnOHIVAv2TICQdqlgxDwfGab8Y-gD3qm_LGcSaAMKGBZUm5e-BDWkIBY743Iurd6Ql3Z4VWWCz5MS__eBsi-Dz_n8zexVHAUgnHMZz/s1600/sand+volleyball+courts.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
At the moment, it appears that UCSB has an advantage over W & M as far as Ella's college choices go. Apparently, the fact that UCSB has the beach, sand volleyball courts, and great climbing trees to use during "free time" has her sold. We'll see what she thinks in another 9 years or so.<br />
<br />
PS - If you're wondering what the heck a Gaucho is, it's an Argentinian cowboy? Like a "Forester", I'm not sure what that has to do with Santa Barbara either. :)<br />
<br />Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-85603389958645709872013-06-28T06:00:00.000-04:002013-06-28T06:00:04.639-04:00My Warby Parker Experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9DmVMPwO0MUb1zK0OT5tHNL_BSYXBZ7Oxigky0wz3lP_coUINO7NyhAi4Mksx-uapMb3XFgx51RAhVydlS6KXI7vcv_7dQG1UAco1FSmSn_RyqXNtrY6KcgJlKZQ-JouI6Gz/s1600/WP+Eyeglass+Review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9DmVMPwO0MUb1zK0OT5tHNL_BSYXBZ7Oxigky0wz3lP_coUINO7NyhAi4Mksx-uapMb3XFgx51RAhVydlS6KXI7vcv_7dQG1UAco1FSmSn_RyqXNtrY6KcgJlKZQ-JouI6Gz/s1600/WP+Eyeglass+Review.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A couple of months ago, I shared that <b><a href="http://www.lifewithlande.com/2013/04/im-finally-getting-new-eyeglasses.html" target="_blank">I was ordering eyeglasses online from Warby Parker</a></b>, and I was sooo excited to get them. I fully intended to post about my cool new specs, but that whole plan got derailed for reasons that I'll reveal below. But, I thought that I would go ahead and post my experience now for those who are contemplating purchasing their own <b><a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/" target="_blank">Warby Parkers</a></b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Experience:</b></span><br />
As I mentioned in earlier posts, <a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/home-try-on" target="_blank"><b>WP has a great Home Try-On Program</b></a>. I was able to try on various pairs of eyeglasses free of charge. Although WP has many styles from which to choose, each style is only made in one size. So, the HTO really allows you to see if a particular frame will work for you. I actually did the HTO program twice before I found the right pair for me.<br />
<br />
Once I decided on my pair and finally got a new eye exam, <b>I ordered a pair of <a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/eyeglasses/women/nedwin#amber" target="_blank">Nedwin frames</a> </b>with high-index lenses and anti-reflective/non-scratch coatings for $125 (shipping included). If you've ever ordered high-index lenses, you know what a great deal this is. Although WP said it could take up to 10 business days for the order to be filled, <b>my glasses arrived within a week.</b> I ordered them late on a Friday night and they arrived the next Friday afternoon. I was so pleased with how quickly they arrived! I was ready to be able to see again -- my current glasses were so incredibly scratched that it was difficult to see.<br />
<br />
<b>Anxiously, I pulled them out of the sturdy WP case and put them on AND...was disappointed.</b> Something was seriously not right. I've been wearing glasses since I was in third grade and putting on a new pair of glasses has always been exciting. My vision becomes crystal clear once the glasses are on my face. This did not happen with my WP glasses. One eye appeared to be corrected, but the other was wrong...like, very wrong. <b>I was so disappointed!</b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/inquiries#returns-policy" target="_blank">WP has a 30-day money back guarantee</a>, so I wasn't freaked out that I had wasted $125.</b> I knew that they would fix the problem or I could get my money back. I just had to figure out exactly what the problem was. Since it was a new prescription, I wanted to make sure that the error was on the WP side and not my eye doctor's. So, I had to make an appointment with the doc to have it all checked out. It was about 2 weeks until I could get an appointment<b>. </b>Sure enough, the right lens was incorrect. <b>I have astigmatism and the right lens was made without the astigmatism correction. </b><br />
<br />
So, I called WP Customer Service to take care of the situation. <b>The customer service representative on the phone was wonderful.</b> She was very apologetic and within 5 minutes we had the situation sorted. She emailed me a pre-paid label to return the faulty pair and placed a rush order on a new pair of glasses for me. Within a week, I had a new pair of glasses that thankfully worked. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Would I do it again?</b> </span><br />
Obviously, I was disappointed that the order had a few problems. I was expecting glasses that worked in a week, and I essentially had to wait a month. <b>But ultimately, I am happy with the glasses that I got and with the price that I paid.</b> Would I order from them again? Yes, I would if I wasn't in a time-crunch for new glasses. Although I'm assuming that my experience was just a fluke, it would be a serious bummer if I needed glasses ASAP and had to go through that whole rigamarole again. <br />
<br />
<br />Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-42228587983006278242013-06-27T06:00:00.000-04:002013-06-27T06:00:04.309-04:00DIY Fairy Wings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRB4tF934puJ-LjGKtZLRW01vQ7MgYgiZ0CgqnnwmslvxDTY6qQJv9Kc9Fo9rcjRiCrEOsujpPAx41HwlO-3ME8LeN3TLYdDZizpzQRv0YTDjIP2R6JvQSelwEeScGx_ppG9Aw/s1600/DIY+Fairy+Wings.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRB4tF934puJ-LjGKtZLRW01vQ7MgYgiZ0CgqnnwmslvxDTY6qQJv9Kc9Fo9rcjRiCrEOsujpPAx41HwlO-3ME8LeN3TLYdDZizpzQRv0YTDjIP2R6JvQSelwEeScGx_ppG9Aw/s1600/DIY+Fairy+Wings.png" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Relocating temporarily to California meant that our family had to pack light -- just the essentials. So, for our girls that meant that all of their toys were left in Virginia. Thankfully, my girls are pretty creative and like to use their imaginations.<br />
<br />
The first full day at my parents' house, they decided that they wanted to play fairies. Although they had dress-up jewelry from the dollar-store to "activate their fairy wings," they didn't have any actual fairy wings. But, my mom is pretty awesome and within minutes she whipped up some DIY Fairy Wings.<br />
<br />
They're quick and simple...and are more durable than the dollar-store variety. Head over to <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2013/06/summer-fun-diy-fairy-wings.html" target="_blank">Life as MOM to find out how to make your own DIY Fairy Wings</a>. Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-57161184267580407052013-06-26T15:25:00.000-04:002013-06-26T15:25:49.140-04:00Where We Are<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPfPJ_dakKJoptIXCDj3Xzwn9WLGJ42tl1fKnn3caxRvE2t806_V25Xhyphenhyphen7axFdunzaz8HC7n7s8fQYg3S7m8RpYDRx9-t2S49R2ThrQAC1pKfQnz64-8JrmhD2iDAFXa-9k1y/s1600/Santa+Ynez+Valley+Hills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPfPJ_dakKJoptIXCDj3Xzwn9WLGJ42tl1fKnn3caxRvE2t806_V25Xhyphenhyphen7axFdunzaz8HC7n7s8fQYg3S7m8RpYDRx9-t2S49R2ThrQAC1pKfQnz64-8JrmhD2iDAFXa-9k1y/s1600/Santa+Ynez+Valley+Hills.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
No doubt about it. The past two months have been a whirlwind for our family. As I mentioned before, we weren't able to renew our rental contract and had to move out of our home at the end of May before the school year was out.<b> I. Hate. Moving. </b><br />
<br />
Despite my best attempts to <a href="http://www.lifewithlande.com/2013/05/how-to-move-again-without-losing-my-mind.html" target="_blank">pack up without losing my mind</a>, it was still a ditch-effort at the end. Although my kitchen was tiny, I still packed up probably 30 boxes from the kitchen alone. 30 BOXES! I had no idea that I owned that much kitchen stuff. That number didn't even include the food. It was quite an eye-opener for me. I'm sooo glad that I took notes so that I won't be taken by surprise when we undoubtedly move again.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, some dear friends took pity on us and welcomed us into their home so we could finish out the year and store our stuff for the summer. It kinda felt like college again living with friends...except a couple of kids were thrown into the mix. It was great!<br />
<br />
Now, we have finally made it back to California for the summer. My husband has 2 1/2 weeks of work under his belt, our family has been reunited, and we've begun our house-sitting tour of Santa Barbara County. Although I do enjoy living in Virginia, I love being in the country again. I had forgotten how much I love the golden hills dotted with oak trees -- it's a beautiful sight. I'm also really enjoying the foods that I can't get in Virginia -- <a href="http://www.peets.com/coffee/coffee-shop-by-category-top-sellers/arabian-mocha-java.html" target="_blank">Arabian Mocha Java from Peet's Coffee</a>, <a href="http://www.tillamook.com/products/Cheese/Medium-Cheddar-1.html" target="_blank">Tillamook Medium Cheddar Cheese</a>, <a href="http://www.mcconnells.com/" target="_blank">McConnell's Ice Cream</a>, and <a href="http://www.lompoctortillashop.net/products.htm" target="_blank">Lompoc Tortilla Chips by Kiki</a>.<br />
<br />
Not sure what the summer holds for us beyond working and visiting with family and old friends. Although this will be a rather nomadic summer, we're doing our best to go with the flow and enjoy it. So far so good.Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-74436494085675733312013-05-01T18:43:00.000-04:002013-05-01T18:43:50.942-04:00How to Move Again without Losing My Mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxsc77M64dLm6EfwER15-mJC1C97G17-fK6hzX2qLnFbiq5xdcU2FJZh3uaLqkrhG50e-FvXohTJoyuKvMwfYLrThQ9iLPVEFaHz-7NPs9zv5Fda7nmxJDXNsUcmAkjekpyak/s1600/IMG_0590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxsc77M64dLm6EfwER15-mJC1C97G17-fK6hzX2qLnFbiq5xdcU2FJZh3uaLqkrhG50e-FvXohTJoyuKvMwfYLrThQ9iLPVEFaHz-7NPs9zv5Fda7nmxJDXNsUcmAkjekpyak/s320/IMG_0590.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I hate moving. Truly, I do. Some folks might like purging their homes of excess stuff and setting up house somewhere else. Yeah, I'm not one of those people.<br />
<br />
But unfortunately, I have to move. We're renting a home while my husband is in law school and our contract is up. We had hoped to renew for at least another year, but sadly the home may be going into foreclosure. So, it's time to find a new place to call home.<br />
<br />
We're headed to California for most of the summer, so we're taking a risk and putting our house-hunting on hold for a bit. I'm praying that we find another rental in the same school zone. I <i>adore</i> the elementary school that Ella has been going to for the past two years and don't want to change. So, we'll be storing our belongings until we find a new place later in the summer after our return from California. We're so thankful for friends who are willing to put a roof over our heads for the few weeks between when we need to move out and when the girls are done with school.<br />
<br />
So, in an effort to procrastinate from the actual packing, I researched some ways to make the move easier. It's what I call productive procrastination. Hopefully, I don't procrastinate so much that these tips become useless! :) Here are some great articles that I found:<br />
<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://organizedhome.com/get-organized/moving-on-tips-organized-move" target="_blank">Moving On: Tips for an Organized Move</a> from Organized Home</b> - Years ago when we moved into our first home, I read up on moving. I stumbled upon this article and LOVED the idea of using printer labels to mark the boxes. <b>Organized Home recommends putting one label in the upper left-hand corner of each side of the box. That way you don't have to turn the box a specific way to see what's inside.</b> Next stop? The store to get some labels!</li>
<li><b><a href="http://shannonbrown.typepad.com/life_in_general/2012/05/how-to-move-1000-miles.html" target="_blank">How to Move & Keep Track of Your Stuff</a> from Find Joy in the Journey</b> - I gotta say, Shannon is brilliant! Her tips will come in soooo handy since we'll be living across town for a few weeks and storing some, but not all, of our belongings. I'm sure there will be some things that we need for those few weeks before we start living out of our suitcases in California. She uses labels for the boxes too, but I'd use four labels per box instead of one.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://simplemom.net/an-essential-checklist-for-moving-in-to-a-new-home/" target="_blank">An Essential Checklist for Moving into a New Home</a> from Simple Mom</b> - Tsh has some great tips for actual move-IN day. Our move-out and move-in days are going to be separated by a few months. If I'm smart, I'll make sure that we have the essentials packed and easily identifiable before we head west. Then, after the road trip home, we'll be all set to move-in to our new place.</li>
</ul>
<i><b>Do you have any great moving tips? I'm all ears!</b></i> <br />
<ul>
</ul>
Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-30713575075191857322013-04-26T06:00:00.000-04:002013-04-26T06:00:03.392-04:005-Minute DIY Terra Cotta Birdbath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://diy.yourway.net/5-minute-terra-cotta-birdbath/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqsYmVYivGxDf1i1BPAghEpwlS5iz2H1E7iwziTZ2l9eHcjndIPvFuHJ2s4hwf7_9O7KwzWaOCq7N1whor6ePtijRDZ9zhACOc4zM4FC9RGb2a2yZ0-th-ivmE2M_F8hUagYI/s1600/DIY+Terra+Cotta+Birdbath.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When my husband and I bought our first home, we were overjoyed to have a backyard. I remember waking up after spending our first night there and hearing the beautiful chirping of birds in the yard. What a lovely sound! So much better than what we heard in our previous apartment -- seagulls or homeless folks digging through the dumpster behind our bedroom.<br />
<br />
This <a href="http://diy.yourway.net/5-minute-terra-cotta-birdbath/" target="_blank">5-Minute DIY Terra Cotta Birdbath</a> was one of our very first projects for our garden. We wanted a birdbath but couldn't find one in our price range...so we made our own. We were pretty darn proud of our creation. <b>Stop by <a href="http://diy.yourway.net/5-minute-terra-cotta-birdbath/" target="_blank">DIY Your Way</a> to learn how to make one for yourself!</b><br />
<br />Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-11576824438545102932013-04-24T14:36:00.001-04:002013-04-24T14:36:28.354-04:00Spring and Buttercups<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWDBm5lzqDcFix0BviaB_im6cvTJU1zydkI9fWjAWKvUHxWg7WWleWCSTAC1266jZTn8W7ZuBmhWM0HdPt-TWR5eROqpUmRIKy3RXJDflwGZ9DWP927DXRXYh3XB9jHkteHQP/s1600/Buttercup+Vase.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWDBm5lzqDcFix0BviaB_im6cvTJU1zydkI9fWjAWKvUHxWg7WWleWCSTAC1266jZTn8W7ZuBmhWM0HdPt-TWR5eROqpUmRIKy3RXJDflwGZ9DWP927DXRXYh3XB9jHkteHQP/s1600/Buttercup+Vase.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Last Spring was our first here in Virginia. Where I grew up, dandelions popped up in the spring. Although there are dandelions here, buttercups are much more plentiful. I fell in love with these sweet little yellow blooms.<br />
<br />
Right now, the yard adjacent to school bus stop is covered in buttercups. Lucie, in particular, likes to pick the flowers. Last week, together we made a little "vase" to hold the flowers that she gathers.<b> Stop by<a href="http://lifeasmom.com/" target="_blank"> Life as MOM</a> to learn <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2013/04/display-your-childs-bouquet-with-a-mini-diy-flower-vase.html" target="_blank">how to make your own vase for your child's bouquet</a>. </b>Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-69862877426732281972013-04-05T20:48:00.000-04:002013-04-05T20:48:17.458-04:00I'm Finally Getting New Eyeglasses!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqUWyL8iDZJn3M75xFYhyoPqihboIbh24qAGn0sVLaLOdC4vUDQn24_Z65romiTK7mgyeFSomLJT5AZ8S1NBFee1jSTrCB0h9hWSbr2wZ7hgJGvzL5FIko5vk8GIpLctCLvnu/s1600/nedwin_220-side-zoom_1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqUWyL8iDZJn3M75xFYhyoPqihboIbh24qAGn0sVLaLOdC4vUDQn24_Z65romiTK7mgyeFSomLJT5AZ8S1NBFee1jSTrCB0h9hWSbr2wZ7hgJGvzL5FIko5vk8GIpLctCLvnu/s400/nedwin_220-side-zoom_1.jpg" width="400" /></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>I am the Queen of Procrastination when it comes to making doctor's appointments.</strong> Not sure why that is. It took me a year to find a new pediatrician when we moved here to Virginia. Thankfully, my kids are normally quite healthy so that was never an issue. I only got around to finding us a dentist when Ella needed some work done quickly. Yes, I need serious motivation to get in and make appointments with the doctor.</div>
<br />
So, when my last pair of contacts freaked out on my wedding anniversary, <strong>I realized that I needed to make an eye appointment ASAP</strong>. My glasses have had damaged coating and horrible scratches, for, oh, what seems like forever. I've survived with contacts, but those were starting to get uncomfortable and were about ready to be thrown into the trash. When we were at Walmart, I popped into <a href="http://www.drbarley.com/" target="_blank">Family Eyecare</a> (the attached optometrist office) and made the earliest appointment that I could get. Today I finally went in to get an exam and new prescriptions. I'm so glad that I did! <br />
<br />
If you live in the Williamsburg area, <strong>I highly recommend <a href="http://www.drbarley.com/" target="_blank">Family Eyecare</a></strong>. I think it was probably one of the best eye exams I've had. Dr. Barley was wonderful and really took the time to answer my questions. Best of all, the price for the eye exam was cheaper by at least $25 than any other optometrist that I called. And now I have a new prescription so I can actually order glasses. Yahoo!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uocg5Wapfii0RiFNk_lXvqxNI4EC_qnpoLdD6OR6czFIXXWHwKpR-ljqBbs1g8ntTORV_9gfhgejdijX8kr41G_F_fGAPlWlakxHkMxM3JNPmM3Q8TC7zd_TR5XoC1ywdaiA/s1600/Warby+Parker+Home+Page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uocg5Wapfii0RiFNk_lXvqxNI4EC_qnpoLdD6OR6czFIXXWHwKpR-ljqBbs1g8ntTORV_9gfhgejdijX8kr41G_F_fGAPlWlakxHkMxM3JNPmM3Q8TC7zd_TR5XoC1ywdaiA/s400/Warby+Parker+Home+Page.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Our eyeglass budget is very limited...but sadly, new eyeglasses are a necessity for me. So, <strong>I decided to give <a href="http://warbyparker.com/" target="_blank">Warby Parker</a> a try.</strong> They sell prescription eyeglasses online for $95-$145 with polycarbonate and anti-scratch coated lenses included. <a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/do-good/" target="_blank">Plus, for every pair purchased, they provide a pair for someone in need.</a> How cool is that? <strong>They've also got a cool (and FREE) </strong><a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/home-try-on" target="_blank"><strong>Home Try-On Program</strong></a><strong>.</strong><br />
<br />
Last July, <a href="http://www.lifewithlande.com/2012/07/help-me-choose-some-affordable.html" target="_blank"><strong>I ordered a home try-on package of glasses</strong></a> from WP that included:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/women/optical/womens-eyewear-reece-eyeglass-frame-dark-tortoise" target="_blank"><strong>Reece (Whisky Tortoise)</strong></a> - The style of this pair was cool but they just weren't comfortable. They were too tight on my face and left indentions on my nose.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/women/optical/womens-eyewear-langston-eyeglass-frame-dark-tortoise" target="_blank"><strong>Langston (Whisky Tortoise)</strong></a> - This pair felt too loose and appeared a little too large for my face.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/women/optical/womens-eyewear-carlen-eyeglass-frame-amber-tortoise" target="_blank"><strong>Carlen (Amber)</strong></a> - I liked the color and they were comfortable, but the temples were too wide and interfered with my peripheral vision</li>
<li><a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/women/optical/leigh-revolver-black-crystal" target="_blank"><strong>Leigh (Revolver Black Crystal)</strong></a> - This pair fit well but looked a bit too similar to my most recent pair.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/women/optical/nedwin-cedar-tortoise-f" target="_blank"><strong>Nedwin (Cedar Tortoise)</strong></a> - By process of elimination, this pair was the "winner" of the bunch as the shape and size were both great. Reviews <em>were</em> mixed on the color as some people thought they were to "orangey." </li>
</ul>
Well, then of course, I procrastinated in getting an eye exam appointment. <strong>A couple of weeks ago, I decided to do another <a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/home-try-on" target="_blank">Home Try-On</a> since they have released some new frames.</strong> In this try-on, I got:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/women/optical/nedwin-cedar-tortoise-f" target="_blank"><strong>Nedwin (Cedar Tortoise)</strong></a> - Since this was the winner from the last round, I ordered it again so I could test it against the others to see which I liked best. Of course, I still got the "orangey" comments from people.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/women/optical/ellsworth-brushed-bark-f" target="_blank"><strong>Ellsworth (titanium frames in Bark)</strong></a> - Right after I ordered my first <a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/home-try-on" target="_blank">HTO</a>, Warby Parker released its titanium line that costs $145 (compared to the plastic frames at $95). I thought it would be good to try a metal pair for comparison. The shape was okay, but honestly, I'm not a huge fan of nose pads. Not sure when that happened, but it has -- at least with these frames. My husband did like them and thought they looked a little more "professional," but honestly, I'm a stay-at-home / work-at-home mom so that didn't really sell me on them.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/women/optical/womens-eyewear-thompson-eyeglass-frame-dark-tortoise" target="_blank"><strong>Thompson (Whisky Tortoise)</strong></a> - The temples on these looked cool but were a little too large and interfered with my peripheral vision. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/women/optical/leigh-sandalwood-matte" target="_blank"><strong>Leigh (Sandalwood Matte)</strong></a> - My brother-in-law liked these the best, but my husband thought the color made my hair look gray. So yeah, hubby's opinion won out. I certainly don't want to be his gray-haired bride...at least not yet. I'd prefer to wait several more years for that to happen.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/women/optical/womens-eyewear-nedwin-eyeglass-frame-amber-tortoise" target="_blank"><strong>Nedwin (Amber)</strong></a> - This pair is the winner! By far, it fits my face the best and the Amber color worked better for me than the Cedar Tortoise.</li>
</ul>
<strong>So tonight since I have a prescription, I finally ordered glasses!</strong> Because I have a rather strong prescription, I upgraded to high index lenses for an additional $30 (a totally reasonable price).<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/?IAFCG=G4ai+POiX8cgCvwG2jGO0g==" target="_blank"><strong>And, I used Shop at Home to save an additional 6% in cash back.</strong></a> So, when all is said and done, my glasses will have cost me $117.50 for plastic frames with high-index lenses and anti-scratch/anti-reflective coating. Not a bad deal. I'll report back when I get my new glasses. I can't wait!Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-14447822053379168222013-04-03T06:00:00.000-04:002013-04-03T06:00:00.783-04:00A Day at the Zoo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZOfhpihfoednrBCw82-nhJuwq3F_j9ombSWXpKyv5lBF1zWXSbZpfGNINOGWzPbt4RZgt9pIFFePAfbVkf2D46sbRY9p_x0gAjtI5sqStvE97EsKYBbpOgXGxAlGCNAnfZx0/s1600/IMG_0981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZOfhpihfoednrBCw82-nhJuwq3F_j9ombSWXpKyv5lBF1zWXSbZpfGNINOGWzPbt4RZgt9pIFFePAfbVkf2D46sbRY9p_x0gAjtI5sqStvE97EsKYBbpOgXGxAlGCNAnfZx0/s1600/IMG_0981.JPG" height="400" width="385" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
On Monday, I got brave and took the girls down to the <a href="http://viginiazoo.org/" target="_blank">Virginia Zoo in Norfolk</a>. I'm not a big fan of going through the tunnel under the Chesapeake Bay, but I did it. The forecast was for beautiful weather (70 degrees!) so it was just too good of a chance to pass up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZjrykAVCj6NLI8VwU2le-IVGi3n5QU_yCLNPldazQ63FLlsFL78t-Db8BN-jOBBHo8xkNoOxLKGK8fzDcNPKRWugrEr0JvKUrl1iFQmdjW3Yr85g_e1Ntaka-QsWL2yXJVKr/s1600/IMG_0983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZjrykAVCj6NLI8VwU2le-IVGi3n5QU_yCLNPldazQ63FLlsFL78t-Db8BN-jOBBHo8xkNoOxLKGK8fzDcNPKRWugrEr0JvKUrl1iFQmdjW3Yr85g_e1Ntaka-QsWL2yXJVKr/s1600/IMG_0983.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We haven't visited a zoo in what seems like forever. It wasn't until we arrived that I discovered that Lucie doesn't actually remember ever going to a zoo. So, the whole trip felt rather special after that revelation. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-P87oT73yOXRQ2xCZ0SGYSM4hOYw1UalEKB6XHOnayRu6_IQB_kOwNGPckhzzPi1ONdEPCUh2eGwIXYqDi8eVkXFIjKJCsfHSGuGWTOszbjadbbmGVuOu-bWWIhZK5MsxUkt9/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-P87oT73yOXRQ2xCZ0SGYSM4hOYw1UalEKB6XHOnayRu6_IQB_kOwNGPckhzzPi1ONdEPCUh2eGwIXYqDi8eVkXFIjKJCsfHSGuGWTOszbjadbbmGVuOu-bWWIhZK5MsxUkt9/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The girls had fun pretending to be Prairie Dogs. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglM45qIZiIX_3ZRf0K7Yw_yBEuKh00iWvN6w0JeL6CDWiD7BdakWNyLXxfQXwNujrH4lAxMqjeFZQ1Gejwl5LR0Y1nCPNj76fnyNgROvjb7vTQ261djoURLH8qVqUg4iOa-TeZ/s1600/IMG_0986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglM45qIZiIX_3ZRf0K7Yw_yBEuKh00iWvN6w0JeL6CDWiD7BdakWNyLXxfQXwNujrH4lAxMqjeFZQ1Gejwl5LR0Y1nCPNj76fnyNgROvjb7vTQ261djoURLH8qVqUg4iOa-TeZ/s1600/IMG_0986.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
And it turns out that they are very <b>DANGEROUS ANIMALS</b> too! They climbed all over their cage before I got around to reading the sign that said, "Do not climb the bars." Whoops! I guess the other parents didn't notice that either. Oh well, it made for a cute picture.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaF0QQeqPj2Vga8ULGUH8qSAeXeQGNCWb67Ata9v-1vIYsEcWyT4L7UcRK8xmVPNvVxOHm1SjZ4WP97EATk7d8gkY6wCrIXjoejLbuNCBBp7_1mhyJ6Fz9FftKKNB5dWhWaG6_/s1600/IMG_0547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaF0QQeqPj2Vga8ULGUH8qSAeXeQGNCWb67Ata9v-1vIYsEcWyT4L7UcRK8xmVPNvVxOHm1SjZ4WP97EATk7d8gkY6wCrIXjoejLbuNCBBp7_1mhyJ6Fz9FftKKNB5dWhWaG6_/s1600/IMG_0547.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The funniest sign that we saw during the day was for the Tapirs. I've only got an Instagram shot of it, so you can't see the sign that well in the pic. But, it reads:<b> "CAUTION: Tapirs can spray backwards 7 - 10 feet. Please stay alert! URINE DANGER."</b> Judging the smell that surrounded that particular enclosure, I can believe it.<br />
<br />
We decided to purchase a membership while we were there. Hopefully, we can take Brett with us next time. We're also looking forward to benefiting from Zoo Reciprocity this summer while we travel around the country! Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-49592441683197161952013-04-02T06:00:00.000-04:002013-04-02T06:00:03.389-04:00Preschool Activities eBook Bundle of the Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bundleoftheweek.com/preschool-activities-bundle-week-14/?ap_id=janelpiersma" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMkxeoP6VjJVDN-ZnHDjOTVeg5ZDwBCqnIiOn9x5E1_I3maq3PMNOx9wPX9LFBGAyf5N7_A7eiiTaF9sCfvmGzJI3GV4e5wEwZZ-jvR7J7L99yTx3kPbwBw7JyQTlcepdzqU2/s1600/bundle14.jpg" height="140" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a a="" href="http://bundleoftheweek.com/preschool-activities-bundle-week-14/?ap_id=janelpiersma" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a></div>
Okay, so this week's ebook bundle being offered by <a href="http://bundleoftheweek.com/?ap_id=janelpiersma" target="_blank">Bundle of the Week</a> is near and dear to me.<b> <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/fifty-books-to-enjoy-with-kids" target="_blank">Fifty Books to Enjoy with Kids</a>, one of the book included in this bundle is a joint project between my mom, my sister, and me.</b> It's a great resource of ways to combine children's literature with activities to do together. Normally, it sells for <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/fifty-books-to-enjoy-with-kids" target="_blank">$9 in the Life as MOM estore</a>. But, this week, you can purchase it through <a href="http://bundleoftheweek.com/?ap_id=janelpiersma" target="_blank">Bundle of the Week</a> as part of a special bundle for just $7.40 total. The bundle includes:<br />
<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://www.icanteachmychildtoread.com/" target="_blank">I Can Teach My Child to Read!</a> by Jenae Jacobson</b></li>
<li><b><b><a href="http://lifeasmom.com/fifty-books-to-enjoy-with-kids" target="_blank">Fifty Books to Enjoy with Kids</a> by Veronica Getskow</b></b></li>
<b>
<li><b><a href="http://www.preschoolersandpeace.com/circle-time/" target="_blank">Circle Time</a> by Kendra Fletcher</b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://frugalgranola.com/books/flourishing-spring/" target="_blank">Flourishing Spring</a> by Michele Augur</b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.manylittleblessings.com/ebooks/finding-educational-activities-in-the-most-unexpected-places-ebook/" target="_blank">Finding Educational Activities in the Most Unexpected Places</a> by Angie Kauffman</b></li>
</b></ul>
<a href="http://bundleoftheweek.com/preschool-activities-bundle-week-14/?ap_id=janelpiersma" target="_blank">Get yours today!</a> This bundle offer expires at 8am EST next Monday, April 8th.Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-64154552409537519492013-04-01T17:00:00.000-04:002013-04-01T17:52:16.520-04:00DIY Memo Board Center<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://diy.yourway.net/diy-memo-board-center/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtI6F5msRFOwfELJ_OWfkT0NdPxLPHZQmKcNVsetP409B2r451_1YeS8zkowye7Y6B7lc_aNFmzI4l4iQwFk4V71IB2unEAf9ggZYU9tVou4PqpAkiF68EJx8ndDP572-A2Sa7/s1600/DIY+Memo+Board+Center.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>It's Spring Break!</b> This week my goals are to do some <b>fun stuff </b>with the girls AND <b>a little spring cleaning</b>. My desk has always been a challenge for me. So, last week I tackled a new project to help me get my work space a bit more organized -- a <a href="http://diy.yourway.net/diy-memo-board-center/" target="_blank"><b>DIY Memo Board Center</b></a>.<br />
<br />
It was super cheap. I just gave some thrift store frames a makeover and added a few leftover craft supplies. Now, I've got something to help me keep on track with my to-do list and organize my space a bit better.<br />
<br />
Want to see how I did it? <a href="http://diy.yourway.net/diy-memo-board-center/" target="_blank"><b>Stop by the Life Your Way for my tutorial</b></a>. <br />
<br />
If you're interested in doing some Spring Cleaning, check out the <a href="http://home.yourway.net/spring-cleaning-made-easy/" target="_blank">Spring Cleaning Made Easy</a> series this month at Life Your Way.Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-33349670395921618442013-03-18T16:40:00.002-04:002013-03-18T16:40:47.225-04:00Resources for a Gluten-Free Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1569758654/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1569758654&linkCode=as2&tag=liwiellu-20" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfioCX_OVAmrTgbYw0BR1tRAnK8N7efOw7KumNtl8WzV_mr6Gwvzzw32Oa9HBSyJq98ZjQRNvYDjqjR6SXNdKRI6xBQDRvxmXqQc0Nc1vT-Jc_oBlmvyHFR_oxcbUj4sYYQ4LL/s320/SSGF+Cookbook.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<br />
I had been married just a couple of years when my husband's aunt was diagnosed with celiac disease. <strong>Celiac disease? Gluten?</strong> I'd never heard of either one. I remember trying to get a basic understanding of her dietary restrictions so that she could enjoy Thanksgiving with us that year. I even tried making a flourless chocolate cake so that she'd be able to enjoy something for dessert. Back then, there really weren't that many resources for a gluten-free diet. But, times have changed!<br />
<br />
In the years since Aunt Bev's diagnosis, I've learned a lot more about celiac disease and gluten. Although my family and I don't have any food allergies that require a special diet, I've met so many people who DO have dietary restrictions. <strong>I'm so thankful that I've actually learned of several gluten-free resources in the last year or two. I love being able to pass the info onto those who have to make those lifestyle changes.</strong> <br />
<br />
<strong>Today I thought I'd share some great gluten and allergen-free resources.</strong> Even if you don't need them, chances are you WILL meet someone who does. <br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://food.yourway.net/five-easy-ways-to-serve-guests-on-a-special-diet/" target="_blank"><strong>Five Easy Ways to Serve Guests on a Special Diet</strong></a>: Amy shares some simple ways that you can make your guests feel welcome by serving something they can actually eat. </li>
<li><strong><a href="http://simplysugarandglutenfree.com/" target="_blank">Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free</a></strong>: This is a great website with lots of refined sugar and gluten-free recipes. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1569758654/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1569758654&linkCode=as2&tag=liwiellu-20" target="_blank">Amy also has a cookbook by the same name</a> that you might want to check out too.
</li>
<li><a href="http://balancedplatter.com/" target="_blank"><strong>The Balanced Platter</strong></a>: This blog is written by several contributors. At least two new recipes are posted each week. PLUS, each of the contributors has her own blog so you can find more recipes that way too.</li>
<li><a href="http://dietdessertndogs.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Diet, Dessert, and Dogs</strong></a>: This a primarily vegan and gluten-free blog. Ricki has lots of great information and recipes.</li>
<li><a href="http://gfafexpo.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Gluten & Allergen Free Expo</strong></a>: The Expo travels around the United States and offers classes as well as a Vendor Fair where you can try the latest products from the gluten and allergen free world. Even if an Expo won't be held near you, the website itself is a great resource of gluten-free companies. If you click on the Vendor Fair of an upcoming expo, you can see and click through to the websites of the sponsors and vendors. It is pretty amazing how many products are out there. </li>
<li><a href="http://bundleoftheweek.com/gluten-free-and-grain-free-bundle-week-12/?ap_id=janelpiersma" target="_blank"><strong>Gluten- and Grain-Free Bundle of the Week</strong></a>: From today through next Monday, March 25th at 8am EST, you can purchase a bundle of 5 grain- and gluten-free ebooks for just $7.40. It's a great deal. Go <a href="http://bundleoftheweek.com/gluten-free-and-grain-free-bundle-week-12/?ap_id=janelpiersma" target="_blank">here</a> for more info on this bundle or <a href="http://bundleoftheweek.com/weekly-newsletter/?ap_id=janelpiersma" target="_blank">sign up for the Bundle of the Week newsletter</a>.
</li>
</ul>
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have a favorite gluten-free resource or product?</span></em></strong><br />
<br />Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-84509300704657001502013-03-12T06:00:00.000-04:002013-03-12T06:00:06.795-04:00Family Fun in March<br />
Although March is nearly half over, I realized that I've got another Family Fun printable to share! <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bz5Z-_EP4MIpdlEwRk8ySTFJalE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><b>Download this March Family Fun printable</b></a> and <b>plan some family fun!</b><br />
<br />
There are just too many things to celebrate this month not to plan in a little special family fun! This month, we've got three holidays to celebrate at our house -- St. Patrick's Day, Easter, AND my wedding anniversary. So, some of the things we're doing around here this month are:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bz5Z-_EP4MIpdlEwRk8ySTFJalE/edit?usp=sharing" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwGdzn-LVpKuBgZpaTpZVhVdpvRMANEVXMrf8pNQ74uEqh1TVAi-p1DFi41muRSZ4nLYUsjP2I7jhN37gkkSh8N3fywagnHCDeRwUQGpnxzMUVMEFvCQrVGR1GgaR2YUJRfoZ/s1600/march+family+fun.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Saint Patrick's Day</b> </span><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Build a Leprechaun Trap: </b>Ella had to make one of these for an assignment when she was in Kindergarten. What can I say? The girl loves to create things! She's started making one all on her own. Our dining room has been a disaster as pieces of the trap are in various states of completion. Spoonful.com (formerly Family Fun) has some <a href="http://spoonful.com/crafts/catch-leprechaun" target="_blank">Leprechaun Trap crafts</a> if you're looking for ideas.</li>
<li><b>Make a rainbow treat:</b> I'm hoping to make a special dessert for Saint Patrick's Day. I've got some cool small round pans. I thought it might be fun to do different colored layers and pile them up into a tall cake that I disguise as a leprechaun hat. We'll just have to see how the weekend plans go! We might just settle for cupcakes with rainbow sprinkles.</li>
<li><b>Make a St. Patrick's Day dinner: </b>I love this <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2009/03/urs-st-patricks-day-feasts.html" target="_blank">Irish Stew</a> and <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2011/03/irish-soda-bread-dubliner-cheese-urs-st-patricks-day-feasts.html" target="_blank">Irish Soda Bread</a>. I think I have my dinner plan for Sunday. I might even splurge on some good ol' Irish butter or Dubliner cheese at Trader Joe's. </li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">For Easter </span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Make Easter Cookies:</b> Baking Easter cookies and "painting" them is one of my favorite childhood memories. It's on our to-do list for sure.</li>
<li><b>Dye Easter Eggs:</b> The girls and I haven't really done this before. Their Auntie Jamie helped them do it one year, but shockingly I never have. I just might attempt it this year. </li>
<li><b>Make an Easter Craft:</b> Right now we're working on a kid-friendly craft for Life as MOM. I think it is going to look pretty cool. Stay tuned!</li>
<li><b>Make <a href="http://goodcheapeats.com/2011/03/whole-wheat-soft-pretzels-easter/" target="_blank">Homemade Whole Wheat Soft Pretzels</a>: </b>This recipe from Good Cheap Eats is soooooo good. The girls love these. It's been a few months since we've done it, but I've been craving them lately. </li>
</ul>
<i><b>How are you going to have some family fun this month?</b></i><br />
<br />Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-30148466590044174752013-03-11T11:15:00.000-04:002013-03-11T11:15:36.407-04:00My Spring To-Do List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnslUQHkcur92uNhUJwJJL-8tnI2-q-eWIwWLTBHz-Hy97iKlhUWPT_qXOoT7ukC2hYjJsF0liBN6K6FbIv24EpgA14Ev5aAcu6j0hiuW8S2q2xY8TdFNX06N4KYA-rAn5DPBx/s1600/Baseball+Lu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnslUQHkcur92uNhUJwJJL-8tnI2-q-eWIwWLTBHz-Hy97iKlhUWPT_qXOoT7ukC2hYjJsF0liBN6K6FbIv24EpgA14Ev5aAcu6j0hiuW8S2q2xY8TdFNX06N4KYA-rAn5DPBx/s320/Baseball+Lu.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>This weekend here in Virginia was GORGEOUS!</b> It was sunny and warm, and the girls spent nearly the whole weekend playing together happily in the yard. It does my heart good to see them enjoy the outdoors and each other so much.<br />
<br />
I hope this weekend is an indication that spring is on its way. Although I'm a little disappointed that we didn't get much snow to play in this year, I'm ready for warmer weather. Spring here is gorgeous -- it just doesn't last quite long enough for me. It seems that as soon as it warms up, we only have a couple of weeks before the bugs come out. I am sooooo not looking forward to that.<br />
<br />
So, as I wait for spring to arrive officially, <b>I'm going to start working on some projects that I've got on my to-do list. </b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Get my desk/work area organized</b></span><br />
I've said it before, <b><a href="http://www.lifewithlande.com/2011/04/moving-monday-tackling-desk.html" target="_blank">keeping my desk and work space clean has always been a challenge for me</a></b>. I know my piles drive Brett nuts. Honestly, they drive me nuts too, but getting the work done takes precedence over dealing with the piles usually. One of my top priorities right now is to get my desk under control and reorganize my space a bit to make it easier to manage. I've got a couple of projects in mind that I'll be working on in the next couple of weeks that I hope to share over on <b><a href="http://diy.yourway.net/author/janel" target="_blank">DIY Your Way</a></b>. Stay tuned!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Do a Little Spring Cleaning</b></span><br />
I don't typically do "Spring Cleaning." However, I think it will probably be a good idea to do at least a little bit. We're not sure what our living situation will be like come June, so giving the house a thorough cleaning and sorting through some of our stuff sounds like a good idea. Since packing may be in our near future, it would be a good idea to spread the work out a bit so it isn't quite so overwhelming. If we don't end up moving, well then, the clean house will just be a bonus.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bundleoftheweek.com/spring-cleaning-bundle-week-11/?ap_id=janelpiersma" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="BundleoftheWeek.com, 5 eBooks for $7.40!" border="0" src="http://bundleoftheweek.com/banners/468x70-bundle11.png" /></a></div>
<br />
If you're interested in Spring Cleaning Resources, check out the <b><a href="http://bundleoftheweek.com/spring-cleaning-bundle-week-11/?ap_id=janelpiersma" target="_blank">Spring Cleaning Bundle of the Week</a></b> today.
<b>For just $7.40, you can get the following ebooks:</b> <br />
<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://31daystoclean.com/" target="_blank">31 Days to Clean</a></b> by Sarah Mae</li>
<li><b><a href="http://simple30.com/" target="_blank">Simple Living</a></b> by Lorilee Lippincott</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.homesteadoriginals.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=357" target="_blank">A Simply Homemade Clean</a></b> by Lisa Barthuly</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.modernparentsmessykids.com/ebook" target="_blank">Project Organize Your Entire Life</a></b> by Stephanie Morgan</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.cleanmama.net/2012/12/posts-2.html" target="_blank">Pulling Yourself Together</a></b> by Becky of Clean Mama</li>
</ul>
This ebook bundle is only available until 8:00am EST on Monday, March 18th. Go <a ap_id="janelpiersma" bundleoftheweek.com="" href="https://www.blogger.com/href=" http:="" spring-cleaning-bundle-week-11="" target="_blank">here</a> for more info or to purchase your bundle.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Spruce Up Our Outdoor Spaces</b></span><br />
We'll want to enjoy our outdoor space before the bugs and humidity descend. So, it might be nice to spruce things up a bit. It's time to clean off that outdoor furniture and give the cushions a good scrub.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>What's on your to-do list for Spring?</i> </b></span>
Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-24582621715151086352013-03-04T15:05:00.000-05:002013-03-04T15:05:00.314-05:00DIY Woven Felt Coasters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOG9Otm80dIYTEOdjb3lOHpI-vb6dmv341Uisooa-IoCLgL67M6rF-vFZ2LoHQc_vbRHR45m5PUr2atDxRnRovPyMG2p7LoIK177pLOUjAbrnhpATUfXuRb-C0aT0lSgh-nwHQ/s1600/DIY+Woven+Felt+Coasteres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOG9Otm80dIYTEOdjb3lOHpI-vb6dmv341Uisooa-IoCLgL67M6rF-vFZ2LoHQc_vbRHR45m5PUr2atDxRnRovPyMG2p7LoIK177pLOUjAbrnhpATUfXuRb-C0aT0lSgh-nwHQ/s1600/DIY+Woven+Felt+Coasteres.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It's March! Time to take down the Valentine's hearts and add some splashes of green around! <b>Coasters are an inexpensive -- yet useful -- way to change up your decor. </b><br />
<br />
Last month I made some <a href="http://www.lifewithlande.com/2013/02/diy-ceramic-tile-coasters.html" target="_blank">fun little coasters out of ceramic tiles</a>. With the "I love you" written on one, they had a bit of Valentine's Day flair. <b>This last week, I created some new <a href="http://diy.yourway.net/add-a-touch-of-green-to-your-decor-with-diy-woven-felt-coasters/" target="_blank">GREEN coasters</a> that would be great for St. Patrick's Day. </b><br />
<br />
<b>Do you remember paper weaving? </b>We used to do it every year in elementary school to make Thanksgiving placemats. I always loved doing it. Last week, I called on those long-unused paper-weaving skills and tried it with felt for my coasters. It was rather enjoyable to do. <b><a href="http://diy.yourway.net/add-a-touch-of-green-to-your-decor-with-diy-woven-felt-coasters/" target="_blank">Stop by DIY Your Way today to learn how to make your own DIY Woven Felt Coasters</a>. </b><br />
<br />
If you like paper weaving, <b>this <a href="http://diy.yourway.net/create-stylish-storage-with-a-diy-woven-paper-box/" target="_blank">woven paper storage box is a fun project too</a></b>. I just love to re-purpose something and make it pretty. These boxes turned out even better than I thought they would. I would love to make more...I just gotta find the time to do it. <br />
<br />
<br />Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-85594108425918411482013-02-13T22:18:00.000-05:002013-02-13T22:18:14.770-05:00Easy Chocolate Fondue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YDgDkycZEaDKeIuor3gQl_l6CLumtESnpE1PUeV9Vk759KNKf2brCKuTWn_kF_MT9dq8fA-URR_bJmBHDrONU9F93uy7poWMvYE0nHfh1FEUWVDhtycP_xSspkrT3VftYdrl/s1600/Chocolate+Fondue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YDgDkycZEaDKeIuor3gQl_l6CLumtESnpE1PUeV9Vk759KNKf2brCKuTWn_kF_MT9dq8fA-URR_bJmBHDrONU9F93uy7poWMvYE0nHfh1FEUWVDhtycP_xSspkrT3VftYdrl/s400/Chocolate+Fondue.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Last Saturday, I went to a fondue party with ladies from my Mothers of Preschoolers group. Since I have a fondue pot, I was tasked with bringing some chocolate fondue. Well, I had never made chocolate fondue before so I had to figure out how to do it. Turns out, it really isn't that difficult. On the stovetop, a large batch takes less than 5 minutes. <br />
<br />
I had quite a bit of leftover chocolate even though we had a pretty large turnout at the party. It got me to thinking about making fondue in smaller portions. If you have a smaller portion and eat it as a simple dessert (rather than a long, drawn out fondue event), you don't need the fondue pot. <br />
<br />
So, I did a little experimenting with chocolate chips and cream in the microwave. It's a bit more hands-on since you have to stir every 30 seconds or so and keep checking it to make sure it doesn't boil over or burn. But, you don't have to clean out a pan and a fondue pot.<br />
<br />
You can also add different flavorings -- extract, citrus zest, spices, or even wine. You could also make a large batch on the stovetop, divide into ramekins for serving, and then flavor each ramekin differently. <br />
<br />
I love fondue with fresh berries -- especially blackberries -- but you can also dip pound cake, other fruits, pretzels, or whatever else strikes your fancy.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Easy Chocolate Fondue on the Stovetop</strong></span><br />
<br />
10 oz. bittersweet chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli Bittersweet 60% Cacao)<br />
1 cup heavy cream<br />
Optional flavorings: vanilla extract, lemon zest, ground ginger, chili powder, or cabernet sauvignon<br />
<br />
In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until they are melted and the mixture is well blended together. Add optional flavorings to taste -- start small and then add more as needed. (I used one teaspoon of vanilla extract.) Transfer to a fondue pot and set to warm.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Easy Chocolate Fondue in the Microwave</span></strong><br />
<br />
5 - 7 Tablespoons chocolate chips <br />
1/4 cup heavy cream<br />
Optional flavorings: vanilla extract, lemon zest, ground ginger, chili powder, cabernet sauvignon, etc.<br />
<br />
Put the chocolate chips and the cream in a ramekin. Put in the micowave for 30 seconds at 50% power. Remove and stir. Return to microwave in 30 second increments, stirring after each heating, until the chips are fully melted and the mixture is combined. Add optional flavoring to taste -- start with <u>very</u> small amounts and add more as needed.<br />
<br />
Note: I made both white chocolate and bittersweet fondue this way. I discovered that it took more white chocolate chips to get a thick enough fondue to dip. Just add more chocolate chips until you get the thickness you prefer. The white chocolate was <em>really</em> good with blackberries. Yum!<br />
<br />
-----------------<br />
For other fancy food ideas, be sure to stop by <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/" target="_blank">Life as MOM</a> on Thursday for Ultimate Recipe Swap.Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350165.post-63551649525452406412013-02-12T15:28:00.000-05:002013-02-12T15:29:47.885-05:00DIY Beary Sweet Valentine's Cards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85TbCKYr4EYYGkgeigmM0MANhPP8ZSfRsXhy7ialQ9pYnfa_cD3KlgSS99KBC7jIemxH_1d_aSy0N__4WPCJ-CJidy7FWC2i6MXwopheiRR-Rtt2tibpJiSsupcmKIvJMQwhF/s1600/Beary+Sweet+Valentine's+Cards.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85TbCKYr4EYYGkgeigmM0MANhPP8ZSfRsXhy7ialQ9pYnfa_cD3KlgSS99KBC7jIemxH_1d_aSy0N__4WPCJ-CJidy7FWC2i6MXwopheiRR-Rtt2tibpJiSsupcmKIvJMQwhF/s400/Beary+Sweet+Valentine's+Cards.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There's nothing like waiting until the last minute to make Valentine's Day cards! It's a tradition in our house to make our own and then attach a little treat. Somehow the weekend got away from us and we didn't have time to make them. So, here we are at the last minute getting them done. <br />
<br />
This year, we decided to use packages of gummi bears for the special treat. One of Lucie's friends has severe allergies so there really aren't that many candies that she can eat. Haribo Gummi Bears just happen to be something that she can have. The bear theme made it easy enough to write a little Valentine's Day message:<br />
<ul>
<li>You are BEARY cool.</li>
<li>You are BEARY nice.</li>
<li>You are BEARY kind.</li>
<li>You are BEARY sweet.</li>
<li>You are a BEARY good friend.</li>
</ul>
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>If you want to make your own last-minute Valentine's Day cards, you can use this </strong><a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bz5Z-_EP4MIpdk11Mk1EV3FZeVE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><strong>Beary Sweet Valentine's Day card template</strong></a><strong>.</strong> There are two different versions -- one for older kids (with "To" and "From" and one for preschoolers with just "From"). <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">How to Make Beary Sweet Valentine's Cards:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGVlNEkO3zqgiAvBJz43WiKzjF0Q4SPJoyEPxYgco8bIpT6zAND3Y6tDBwpRzkm0mc4ie_6Lh_L5jAX3ZzsMw7G8ZwOfnDKmLvQ9oXueiuYZXmc7Sh3VwT9QwpajIR-0PaiGs/s1600/Beary+Sweet+Supplies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGVlNEkO3zqgiAvBJz43WiKzjF0Q4SPJoyEPxYgco8bIpT6zAND3Y6tDBwpRzkm0mc4ie_6Lh_L5jAX3ZzsMw7G8ZwOfnDKmLvQ9oXueiuYZXmc7Sh3VwT9QwpajIR-0PaiGs/s400/Beary+Sweet+Supplies.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>Supplies:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bz5Z-_EP4MIpdk11Mk1EV3FZeVE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Beary Sweet Valentine's Day Card Template</a></li>
<li>white paper or cardstock</li>
<li>scrapbook paper (we used the $1 pack from Target's Dollar Spot) or colored cardstock</li>
<li>scissors and paper cutter</li>
<li>stapler</li>
<li>gluestick</li>
<li>small packages of gummi bears</li>
</ul>
<strong>Directions:</strong><br />
<ol>
<li>Print page 1 onto white cardstock as many times as you need. Each page holds 5 different messages. Cut out the hearts just inside the black line.</li>
<li>Print page 2 (with To: and From:) or page 3 (with just From:) onto the backside of the colored cardstock or scrapbook paper. My paper was colored on one side and white on the other. I printed onto the white side. If your paper is not 8 1/2" x 11" (mine was 12" x 12"), you'll have to trim it to fit it in your printer.</li>
<li>Cut the colored paper into four rectangles -- at 4.25" (on the 8.5" side) and at 5.5" (on the 11" side). Have your child address the invitations.</li>
<li>Staple the gummi bear packet onto the paper rectangles right below the names.</li>
<li>Glue the bear hearts onto the front side of the paper rectangles so that it covers up the staple. Ta da!</li>
</ol>
Janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249750037056006049noreply@blogger.com0