Happy Valentines Day 2014

Happy Valentines Day Everyone!

Now that the Valentines have been handed out I am ready to share what we did this year. We did a lot of creating and had so much fun.

 These are the cards that were sent out to family members. Inside were pictures of the girls. Our youngest gets her school pictures taken in January, so we finally were able to give them out.

 Our 6 year old looked through all my Valentine ideas on Pinterest and really liked the idea of the pet rocks. Here she is in the beginning stages. She picked out the googly eyes told me where she wanted them, and I used hot glue to affix them to the rocks.

Here are the finished products. 30 in all

Then she made the Valentine. It was very simple. We used  a "Be Mine Valentine" stamp from Stampin' Up! and she hand wrote every child's name in her class on the left hand side, "You Rock" on the right hand side, and she singed her name on the back.

Here's where I found the idea:

http://www.pinkandgreenmama.blogspot.com/2013/02/homemade-valentine-cards-for-school.html

The little one made two different Valentines. A bug theme card for the boys and a notebook and pencil for the girls. Here she is signing her name.

We used the jar from the Perfect Preserved SU stamp set and the SU Cannery Framelets Set to make the jars and I got the plastic bugs from the dollar store.

Here's where I found the idea:

http://www.dandee-designs.com/2012/02/love-bug-valentines.html

For the notebooks, I bought lined notebooks in packs of five at the dollar store. I pulled them apart and our four year old picked out some Valentine themed scrapbook paper. I cut the paper to size and used tape runner to adhere the paper to the front of the notebook.

Here's where I found the idea

http://www.parents.com/holiday/valentines-day/crafts/sweet-valentines-day-crafts-kids/#page=6

On the inside I wrote, "Your Just "Write" Valentine" and she signed her name.

 

This was a very busy afternoon of Valentine making.

 

For the teachers I made these cute flowers out of scrapbook paper and Pixy Sticks. I placed the candy flowers in baby food jars filled with conversation hearts.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Creating!!

Girl Scout Cookie Thank You's

As many of you already know, Girl Scout cookie sales are in full affect and this year we have a Daisy scout. Not only is she a scout, I am a leader. There has been talk about certain groups boycotting Girl Scout cookie sales, but thankfully our friends and family have been supporting us all the way. I was a Girl Scout and so was my mom. I could not wait to carry on the tradition with my girls. We have some really fun activities planned for our troop this year and can not wait to continue teaching these young girls to be:

honest and fair,
friendly and helpful,
considerate and caring,
courageous and strong, and
responsible for what I say and do,
and to
respect myself and others,
respect authority,
use resources wisely,
make the world a better place, and
be a sister to every Girl Scout.

As the Girl Scout law states. A huge thank you to all who have supported my daughter and our troop already, buy purchasing candy this fall and most recently the delicious cookies.  We plan to do big things with their earnings including helping our community.

Here are the thank you's we came up with. Aren't they cute!?

We wrapped them in Daisy blue ribbon and attached these cards to each order.

This picture was taken at our December meeting where the girls learned how to "use their resources wisely". The girls made up-cycled hats out of old sweatshirt and sweater sleeves. The girls also brought in a toy or toys they no longer played with to donate to our Donald Driver "Packer Up" Good Will drive at their school. We talked about how some family's can not afford to purchace new toys from the store. By donating the toys they were helping others while not filling up landfills with perfectly good items.

If you did not get a chance to order cookies, there is still time to support our troop. You may contact me via Facebook with your order or stop by the Pick N Save on West Sunset (1120 West Sunset Drive, Waukesha 53189) from 10am-2pm on Saturday, February 15th and purchace a few boxes. 

Thank you for stopping by my blog and Happy Creating!!!

A "Brave" Birthday Party

**Warning to all reading this blog** I am a crafter, I am a teacher, I am a mommy and I LOVE throwing birthday parties for kids. Please do not beat yourself up if you do not have a creative bone in your body and could never create the things I do or do not have the energy to throw big birthday bashes or have the time to do activities with your kiddos. We all have our talents, the things God has blessed us with. These are mine. Yours may be different and that's ok. I share my ideas for fun, not to make you feel bad about yourself. Now that I've gotten that out of the way.... Back to the "Brave" birthday party. Enjoy!

Our soon to be 6 year old took a liking to archery trying it out at a free community event at a local church. She was requesting a princess themed party, but I wanted to incorporate her new interest as well. What better theme than Brave? 

If you've never seen the Disney movie, its about a headstrong teenage princess from Ireland who is to marry a man she does not know. She wants nothing to do with this and she gets herself in trouble in the process. Did I mention, she is very good at archery? 

Of course I searched Pinterest and found many cute ideas. I went out and found the Merida dress at Kohl's and since it was summer time, it was on sale. Score!

Our little birthday princess all dressed up and ready for the party

We had a lot of Brave themed food.

 

Chocolate Teddy Grams- To represent the bears in the movie, Red Vines- To represent Merida's hair and Goldfish crackers- To represent the fishing scene in the movie

Scottish Sweet Buns- Sugar cookies with a glaze frosting and a cherry on top

Green Witches Brew- Green Hawaiian Punch

 

 

Target Peperoni Pizza's, Spicy BBQ Wings and Meatballs 

The sign above the food says: A Lady Does Not Place Her Weapon On The Table

Since she has a summer birthday, we were able to have the party outside. I had so much fun decorating the backyard to make it look like the the movie and also the Highland Games.

Our girls had fun setting up this little scene

I bought a few yards of different flannel type material. I cut them into strips and hung them all around the yard

This is the gift table and special seat for the birthday princess to open her girls

I set up a few grab and go snacks outside

Quote from the movie "There are some that say fate is something beyond our command. That destiny is not our own, but I know better. Our fate lies within us, you only have to be brave enough to see it".

The games at this party were a big hit. The girls were able to help with the preparation of a lot of them. They helped make the fish for fishing, they also helped me find sticks for the fishing poles, they painted the targets, they helped pick out the tape for the bows, helped put the erasers at the end of the arrows, and they picked out the beads for the key chains.

Fishing Pond- The kids used homemade fishing poles to fish in the "pond"

Help Merida's mom, Queen Elinor catch some fish

 I made the fishing poles out of sticks (we took a trip to the local forest and found some really nice ones) twin rope, and round magnets with sticky backs.

The Crafty Carver- Key chain making station

Archery

 

The archery was by far the biggest hit of the party. My husband and I made our own bows and arrows. Here is the link I used with the step by step instructions http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/07/24/diy-pvc-bow-and-arrow/

Safety First: The rules- 

1. Do NOT point bow and arrow at people. Aim at targets ONLY.

2. Stay behind white lines while people are shooting

3. Take turns and return arrows to your bucket when finished

A closer look at the bow and arrows

Here's our littlest one. She's also wearing her Merida headband complete with red curls (ribbon)

The kiddo's giving it a whorl

Of course the dad's had to try

We also had our bouncy house, swimming pool and slip and slide out to add to the fun.

No party of mine is complete with out the goodie bags. Each girl got a Merida headband which had long red curled ribbon to represent her long, red flowing hair. The boys got sashes made of the rest of the flannel. 

I just happened to have these rustic crates in our garage just waiting to be used.

For some reason I can not find a picture of the cake, but it was very simple. A vanilla sheet cake with blue frosting and purple squares on the top. I purchased a small Merida doll from Target for the top and added three little bears. This was such a fun party to plan and I think the kids and adults all had a great time helping our oldest "Princess" celebrate her 6th birthday.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy Crafting!!

Walt Disney World/Orlando Trip Tips

I have been asked for Disney tips by many moms lately, so I thought I would add them to my blog. With each Facebook message to these moms I've added more and more. Ladies, believe it or not you'll see even more tips here.

My in-laws have a timeshare in Kissimmee (10 min outside of the parks) which we have visited on many occasions. We are completely spoiled, I know. I am a Disney fanatic and my hubby is a penny pincher so we are a good team! We have kind of mastered the Disney/Orlando area trip. I am here to share a few of the things we've learned.

This last trip was a lot of fun to plan for since our girls are five and three years old. They are the perfect ages for a Disney trip. They were ALMOST as excited as I was to go on this vacation. This was a fun idea I found on Pinterest to build up the excitement and keep track of how many days until vacation.

A Countdown for Our Florida Vacation

Idea Via:  http://www.getawaytoday.com/blogs/2012/08/23/Disneyland-Vacation-Let-the-Countdown-Begin

Some of the "loops" had fun Disney themed activities inside, such as Disney movie nights, Make a Disney themed treat and write a letter to your favorite Disney Character. (pictured below)

1675 North Buena Vista Drive Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

 The coolest part about writing the letter is that they send you an autographed postcard back!! So don't forget to include your name and address in your letter.

They were so excited to get these in the mail

The other thing I made were personalized autograph books. The ones they sell in the parks are extremely overpriced, and my girls just happen to have a crafty mom so homemade is what they got. 

I included a Sharpie with each book

I left every other page in the books blank and a piece of blank card stock under it. As we met each character I pulled out the blank card stock for them to sign, then placed it back in the book. When we got home, I printed out the character pics and placed them above the signature. Such an awesome keepsake from our vacation.

Airplane Travel with little ones:

Flying with babies and toddlers: Take a lot for them to do and eat too. Books and quiet toys. Assuming they will be on your lap. We traveled like this with both girls when they were small enough. It worked out very well. If you are lucky they'll fall asleep for you. Our youngest has always been a plane sleeper. Pack plastic bags in your diaper bag in case they have a stinky poop on the plane. That way you can tie it up and toss it and it wont stink up the small bathroom as bad. If they still drink out of a bottle or sippy try to get them to drink during take off and landing. That helps with their ears if you do not get the Earplane plugs.

You can take your stroller (and car seats if you do not check them) all they way up to the jetway and they will store it under the plane for you. It will be waiting for you when you get off the plane. This makes it so much easier to get through the airport.

I wish I could remember more about traveling with babies/toddlers....
Oh yeah! take antibacterial wipes to wipe down the trays and armrests. They are so gross!!

Flying with big kids:  Take a lot of things to do. Coloring books, crayons, pipe cleaners (sounds silly, but it does keep them occupied) books, small toys. Both girls have cheap MP3 players that they call their Ipods, those kept them quiet on the plane too. I filled them up with a ton of Disney music and some of their favorites. Since they fall asleep to music at night, I also put some nap music on them as well, so when we got there I could hook up the small speakers and they could fall asleep to familiar music.

Every ticketed passenger is allowed a carry on and one personal item. So they can have their very on backpack or bag. Our girls think they are pretty cool with their roller backpacks. They usually take their "lovies" Our oldest has her Mickey Mouse and our youngest has her Bunny. Also, pack their bags with a ton of snacks. Food will make it through security just not liquids. Once you get through security buy something for them to drink that way you do not have to wait for the flight attendants to come around. I did not have any major problems with either of the girls and their ears popping, but it can happen. I have gotten Earpalne Ear Plugs in the past and they seemed to work well.

 http://www.onestepahead.com/product/Kids-Earplane-Ear-Plugs-For-Airplane-Travel/_/R-14762

Dinner at T-Rex Downtown Disney

Dinners/Meals: We usually go grocery shopping at Publix (their version of Pick N Save) a little further from the main strip. The prices are usually a little better, but be warned it's still more expensive than here. A couple of trips ago we used our cell phone to locate the store and it's been "our grocery store" ever since. We usually do this the day we get there. It's tiring, but it saves a ton of money for the week.

We get the basics for easy meals. Especially food for bag lunches and snacks, since you can bring your own into the parks. Also, bottled water is a must!! Their water is disgusting.
When it comes to eating out, believe it or not we usually only go out twice the whole week we are there and it's typically for dinner. Usually it is somewhere Downtown Disney. They have T-Rex restaurant (owned by the same people as Rainforest Cafe. Same concept), Rainforest Cafe and Planet Hollywood. There are other options as well, but they are not as kid friendly. We also eat at the restaurant that is on the timeshare property. This saves on gas and time.

 Tickets for the parks: This last trip Ryan's parents (bless their hearts) listened to the dreaded timeshare "talk" and scored us a deal on a three park pass. Normally we pay full price for tickets, so unfortunately I do not have any tips for saving $$$ there unless you are willing to sit and listen to the timeshare people and kindly say no. Which I have a really hard time doing. Ryan on the other hand...

Parking: Again, we usually pay full price for this as well, but depending on where you are staying, they may have a shuttle that runs from your timeshare to the parks. Just keep in mind this may limit your time in the parks.

Another thing we just figured out this time around is that you can catch a shuttle from Downtown Disney and the parking is free! I am unsure how much it cost to ride the bus, but I'm thinking it's much cheaper than parking in the parks.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/transportation/bus_schedules.htm

 Packing for your trip: So if you have little girls. This is what you are going to need to pack. A princess dress, glitter hairspray, a crown and other accessories for each one of your little princesses. This will save you hundreds of dollars. You will see little girls all done up and it's because they visited the Bippity Boppity Boutique and spent a ton of unnecessary money. It's a cute idea, but come on people!! I had my own "princess boutique" right there in our condo for one of our trips to Downtown Disney and they were happy as clams.

Hit up the dollar store for glow in the dark necklaces, rings, wands... Whatever you can find. This will save you $$$ you are staying at the parks when it gets dark out. Your kiddos will be less likely to ask you for the overpriced light up toys they sell all over the parks. Also, while you are there pick up some pool toys and floaties. We always leave ours there at the end of the week. If they have them pick up some cheap personal fans and spray bottles. It gets hot and miserable in the sun all day. They do sell fan/spray bottles in the parks but the price is astronomical. Like I said, my hubby is a penny pincher. I have to save where I can.

Pack a already purchased Disney stuffed toy. This way when the kids ask you for one you can say, but you already have a Mickey waiting for you at "home" (at the timeshare) Shop Walmart and Target for cheaper Disney apparel before you go. This again will hopefully save you from wanting to get the super cute ones they have a the parks and Downtown Disney. Even I was tempted. There was a coffee mug that I reeeealy wanted.

Here is where my "ocd" kicks in. Packing the suitcase... I picked out outfits for every day according to the the weather channel, all the way down to undies and hair ties. I also had a spare outfit, sweater and light coat for each of them. When we got to Florida, I kept the outfits in the bags. This made picking out an outfit so much easier. I also packed them back in the bags for the trip home. This way I was sure I did not forget anything.

 My Top Ten Parks, Attractions and Insiders: 

1. Fast Pass- Every Disney park has Fast Passes for the most popular rides and attractions. All you need is your admission ticket and a Fast Pass kiosk. Use these as much as you can. It will save you a lot of time. Ask the cast members were the are located and how to use them. The are very friendly and helpful. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/fast-pass/

 2. Photo Pass- Every Disney park also has Photo Pass. This is such a nice feature. The parks professional photographers are throughout the park taking pictures of you and your family. The first cast member will give you a Photo Pass card. Keep this with you as you travel through the parks. They will scan your card after they take the pictures and they will be waiting for you on the website when you get home. They will also take pictures with your camera! All you have to do is ask. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/photo-pass-service/

This photo was taken with our camera by a cast member

3. Kid Swap- If your kiddos are not tall enough to ride or do not want to go, simply tell the cast member when it’s your turn to ride. As soon as the other adult is done riding, you take your turn on the ride while the other parent stays with the kids. Soooo nice!

4. Downtown Disney- This is a great place to take the family. Lot’s to do and look at. There is a movie theater and bowling alley if the weather is not so great. Lot’s of places to eat and shop. We ate at the T-Rex restaurant which is owned by the same people as Rainforest Café (which they also have Downtown Disney) I called for 6pm reservations at 3pm and they were not taking any more reservations. I suggest calling in the morning/early afternoon for reservations. The kids enjoyed eating Planet Hollywood on other trips. If you go in the evening, keep in mind that the middle of Downtown Disney (Pleasure Island) is closed off for adults only. Beware of the “I want’s” and “Can I have’s” in the stores. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/downtown-disney/

5. Legoland Florida- This park was so awesome! Lily could do everything in the park and Lexi could do almost everything. Very kid oriented. There is also a waterpark inside the park for an additional cost, but VERY worth it. It’s only a 45 min drive from Disney. http://florida.legoland.com/

6. Sea World- We did not go to Sea World this trip, but we’ve been a few times and it’s amazing. There is a lot to do. As a matter of fact, getting the second day pass is worth it. If you do this park pet the stingrays, eat with sharks, watch all the shows because they are amazing!

7. Blizzard Beach- The girls LOVED this water park. There were quite a few rides that they could not go on due to height requirements, but they still had a blast.

8. Magic Kingdom must do’s- My suggestion is to heat straight back to Fantasyland and grab a Fast Pass for Under The Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid. Then stand in line for Enchated Tales with Belle. If you have "littles" they are just the right age for Fantasyland in general. This is where they will be able to do the most things.

The Monsters Inc. Laugh Factory is a must. Take advantage of all of the other indoor activities too. It's nice way to cool off and take a rest. If your kids are into meeting the characters, a lot of them are indoors too. When we were there Mickey was in the building to the right as soon as you enter the park. So were the princesses. Some of the other ones were in Fantasy Land across from Dumbo. Do not hesitate to ask the cast members. They know it all.

If you can, stay until the end of the night. The park dies down quite a bit and you will be able to get on everything you want. If you can find a spot in front of the castle for the fireworks, do that but we found another amazing spot to stand is near the carousel. You are smack dab in the middle of it all. Sooooo cool!! If you ask me you NEED to see the light show that is projected on the castle. Find a spot on the ground facing the castle and watch in amazement. Then hang out right there because most nights they will have two light parades, the second one is less crouded. This is amazing too!! This is by far my favorite park so obviously I love it all!!

We found the Disney World Wait Times app by Undercover Tourist to be very helpful while in the parks. The best part... It's FREE!! 

9. Animal Kingdom- We have not been to this park since my first trip with my husband (back then, boyfriend) back in 1999. The safari was very neat and well worth the wait. Other than that, we are so spoiled here in the Milwaukee area with our zoo that this park was not worth returning to. If you've never been there, you should go. There are some neat shows and attractions to see.

10. Universal Studios- I have personally only been on the Islands of Adventure side of this park. We did not visit this park during our last visit, but have been there twice. There are a lot of thrill rides, but also a lot of things to do with little ones. Our girls really enjoyed Suess Landing and we loved Incredible Hulk Coaster. This is also the place to visit if you love Harry Potter.

I hope these tips help you in your journey to "The Happiest Place On Earth"  -Jessica