tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58941339939266764202024-02-20T23:35:22.448-07:00the journals of a Laura Ingalls wannabeLaura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.comBlogger289125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-76221355829204522992014-02-12T07:00:00.000-07:002014-02-12T07:00:06.932-07:00Disney Surprise Fun Bags for Extra Park MagicI don't have any great pictures for this post, unfortunately. I have snoopy eyes over my shoulder, and I want the bags' contents to be a bit of a surprise for the little ones.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ojehl3qPWrUvSyvn84NyDoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="427" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-R3QbpiZiu9A/UvrHuGbaD2I/AAAAAAAAKAY/vEaymkN_Tzs/s640/0297%2520%252861%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I loved <a href="http://www.babesindisneylandblog.com/2012/08/surprise-treat-bags.html">this idea</a> I found on Pinterest, making fun surprise bags for the kids to open at specific times during the trip. For mine, I used brown paper lunch sacks, a Sharpie, free Disney stickers from the Disney Movie Club welcome package, and washi tape to close them. Our bags contain:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Open when there's a rumbly in your tumbly: fancy lollipops - purchased on clearance in hopes of staving off requests for the pricy park ones.</li>
<li>Open in a looooong line: 1)squishy sensory ball and plastic Slinky, 2)Rubix cube and plastic Slinky. - all from Dollar Tree.</li>
<li>Open before Fantasmic and the parade: glow swords, glow sticks, light-up bracelets - Dollar Tree and Target Dollar Spot.</li>
<li>Open when people-watching: mini bottles of bubbles - Dollar Tree.</li>
<li>Open when you see a penny machine or a wishing well: <a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2014/02/pressed-penny-machine-prep-penny-tubes.html" target="_blank">homemade penny tubes</a>.</li>
</ul>
They're nothing beautiful to behold, but I think the kids will get a kick out of opening them. They'll be stashed in our park snack bag until they're needed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-76290081930841997732014-02-11T17:57:00.000-07:002014-02-11T17:57:53.120-07:00Going to Disney - Road Trip Fun BagsWe're more fortunate than many in that our trip to Disneyland is only a 6 hour drive, and Nana's house is conveniently right on the way, so we can stop and eat and let the kids stretch their legs. I'm also crazy lucky to have won the roadtripping kids lottery. My kids love the car. Even so, I thought it would make the trip extra exciting if I packed up a few new treasures to bring along for the kids.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pY_PUInHxAeBMKIBfKTfxYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="427" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UsSGi4-r1DQ/Uvq_doZXonI/AAAAAAAAJ_Y/wxjV-yIkTq4/s640/0297%2520%252841%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Target had their Skip Hop backpacks on sale for 70% off last week. Even though my daughter already has the fox and my son has the hippo, I couldn't resist these matching frog backpacks for just $6 apiece.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Erp959xT7QfVUKKgXrOl6IXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6Yp9HQ8d8hikoPja36bOT801XulF2ozFd8t4I_G3wcEV4pMSvBt9bMNIleFmI3762FPgD7yWlYtGfoq3GKErege97N2I8QqGrUpHO_3bPpgDyZEkhHlDxGZ6F0lqwlzCns0WEO1oF7o/s640/0297%2520%252844%2529.JPG" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two year old's road trip backpack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Jamie's backpack contains:<br />
Disney My First Look and Find book - purchased used on Amazon<br />
Disney coloring book - Dollar Tree<br />
Minnie Mouse crayons - I split up the three pack from Dollar Tree between the kids<br />
kaleidoscope - Michael's dollar bin<br />
dinosaur figures - Dollar Tree<br />
Disney board books - from the Target Dollar Spot a few years ago<br />
Mickey Mouse flashlight - Dollar Tree<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/x5SQh2kBORrE3X1UMLQ4KoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="427" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-upK5O6Vml8k/Uvq_5Cpl_fI/AAAAAAAAJ_o/aTWf0oJul9M/s640/0297%2520%252848%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four year old's road trip backpack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Meg's backpack contains:<br />
Brave Look and Find book - purchased used on Amazon<br />
Disney coloring book - Dollar Tree<br />
Minnie Mouse crayons<br />
kaleidoscope - Michael's dollar bin<br />
dry erase flashcards and crayons - purchased on clearance from Michaels (cards) and Target (crayons)<br />
sticky hand - Target Dollar Spot <br />
Minnie Mouse flashlight - Dollar Tree<br />
<br />
I'll also add a blank notebook for each kid and Meg's CD player and headphones. Blankies, sippies, and snacks are a given. I found a Captain Hook plush and a Monster's Inc. Boo plush for a steal during Target's spring toy clearance, and I might give them to the kids for the ride, or I might save them for the hotel room.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-59865245163982431872014-02-06T07:00:00.000-07:002014-02-06T07:00:03.185-07:00Homemade Personalized Disney Autograph Album - Part 2Last year, I shared the <a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2013/03/homemade-personalized-disney-autograph.html">Disney autograph album</a> I made for my kids to share. This year, I think my 2.5 year old will enjoy having his own album, so my daughter will keep the original album, and I've made a similar one for my son.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Uf7ykcNT6LQPrfrfsW8I6IXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="427" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jFjCbzaS2FI/UvLDnJTeyCI/AAAAAAAAJ-4/yFhiQlHXNpo/s640/0295%2520%252897%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004M55SJ2/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">the same sketch book</a> to start and again covered it with a piece of scrapbook paper and added letter stickers to spell out Disney and my son's name. I also added some chunky gold glitter and gold confetti stars. I coated the whole thing with a few coats of Mod Podge for durability. And, again, I knotted some grosgrain ribbon around the spiral binding.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/P6btrP0nN6Nt5gY0AIBC0YXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A6pEWjAm-6Y/UvLD48CytaI/AAAAAAAAJ_I/03QIZg6CDlc/s640/0295%2520%252898%2529.JPG" width="427" /></a><br />
<br />
I also added some silver star confetti to Meg's album to fancy it up and some baker's twine to both albums to hold the chunky clickable Sharpies in place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M64ArXT3qr3wqjWKo2bV4IXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="427" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bNfM1noDMts/UvLDvueIJrI/AAAAAAAAJ_A/Oe0esRXVKoI/s640/0295%2520%2528101%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The album worked so well last time. The pages are nice and thick so the Sharpie doesn't bleed through, the cover folds around to the back so it's easier for the costumed characters to hold, and the book still looks brand new after the beating it took at the park. I went through and labeled every left-hand page in each book as a photo page, so the characters will know to only sign on the right-hand pages and I can attach photos of the interactions when we get home. I also wrote our phone number and email address inside the covers as well as penciled in our hotel name and dates so the books can be sent straight there if lost while we're still on vacation.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-31381147592545571882014-02-05T17:35:00.000-07:002014-02-05T18:59:47.085-07:00Disney Pressed Penny Machine Prep - Penny Tubes and Cleaning PenniesWe're working on a few projects this month for our upcoming Disneyland trip. Last year, my daughter (then 3) loved the pressed penny machines, and she still looks at and talks about those souvenirs frequently. She's really looking forward to making some more and has been saving her quarters and pennies (it costs $.50 per penny). We decided to shine the pennies up this time so they'd be even prettier when pressed. I read a tip online to use pre-1982 pennies, because the zinc in later coins can cause discolored streaks after pressing. I used <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Pennies">these tips</a> for cleaning the pennies.<br />
<br />
We started by soaking the pennies for 5 minutes in a mixture of vinegar and salt. Make sure you don't do this with post-1982 pennies, or they'll turn black. After scrubbing with a toothbrush, rinsing, and drying them, they looked much cleaner, but I decided to test out the pencil eraser tip (method 5 from the link) as well, and I was amazed by the difference.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tA-Usz0SmUVhAplYW92bTIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="427" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R4zrP6PznIg/UvLBu-G1nEI/AAAAAAAAJ98/y7R0vKX-Ae0/s640/0295%2520%252872%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gS9wEzWnyHhR24FUXrubmoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="427" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2y3URZzJW0g/UvLB5YbrMuI/AAAAAAAAJ-E/iUoeESwItL4/s640/0295%2520%252874%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Check out the 1946 penny!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2qBuS00nEq_qwtemdt1lrIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="427" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4mprdlRf8wg/UvLCEfzRF7I/AAAAAAAAJ-M/S84kaN3GjKo/s640/0295%2520%252878%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/odtPZncy_Qdg53qwxBqUCYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="427" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MS2TiU3tP8g/UvLCNkPtLmI/AAAAAAAAJ-U/e3SMV1gite0/s640/0295%2520%252880%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Rubbing them with the pencil eraser after the vinegar soak/scrub/dry took almost no effort, and the end result was so worth it! I decided to try the eraser on a penny I hadn't first cleaned with vinegar. It took a lot more rubbing, and the crevices didn't come as clean as the pre-cleaned pennies, but it still looked much better than it started.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5mHtuk5CUXwjmsMsciSi7oXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xqD0PkHS7JayR1IC8DFZrzh5YfhTakkeLS9tzqcHYqG7-ePAaqWV27yboolyIqMi_J0XgMmXydjh4SfBtOBOy8ZYiTnLJqHy_jmnimaGAB7_WwcIWA87hGr26WFxiRUuQmz2x-9UTL0/s640/0295%2520%252884%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z2dGVibDszVn-QCrh_nb6IXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="427" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AK4aWFk20cg/UvLCdcvoXJI/AAAAAAAAJ-k/_DPQIuCTJSI/s640/0295%2520%252885%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: vinegar wash, then eraser. Right: no vinegar wash, just eraser.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Once I finished cleaning the pennies, I stored them away in our penny tubes for the park. I made these from M&Ms Minis tubes wrapped with scrapbook paper, labeled with stickers (Meg did this part herself), and coated in Mod Podge for durability. I wish I could tell you where to find the Minis tubes in stores, but my kids received them as gifts last year from family, so I have no clue. Also, I can't take credit for this idea. It's all over blogs and Pinterest and Disney message boards.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kdLA2N_wd91iHWz47qrHQ4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JAkbkIxMNOQ/UvLC92O_lHI/AAAAAAAAJ-s/UFtchgZ3VXI/s640/0295%2520%252888%2529.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "penny" tube holds stacks of 2 quarters and a penny, for quick dispensing when we find a machine. The "pressed" tube holds the finished pressed pennies. The "wish" tube holds new shiny pennies for using in Snow White's wishing well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-32105591280001216402014-02-02T07:00:00.000-07:002014-02-02T07:00:05.662-07:002013 Easter LuncheonIn keeping with yesterday's post on last year's Easter baskets, here's a little peek at the family Easter luncheon we had last year.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GzaXn21o4bDP7ofz3uoT44Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIAaXlH74T78XQu_nqUqpggeU-nCMrUZz2zlelhM5AtnqdQN-gqwp_xntiqDEAMJTtdaM8LA9IpVsxeuRQwVPxJj1WufGscNdUSIU9utbKo5tZqyofI-EYT9ilBafnbE3-7tLM1PnUvw/s640/0240%2520%252856%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spread. I discuss how my daughter and her friend made the colorful cotton round garland <a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2013/04/liquid-watercolor-on-cotton-rounds.html" target="_blank">here</a>. In this picture, you get a shameful glimpse in the lower left hand corner of the disastrous ;) <a href="http://alisonartisan.blogspot.com/2012/03/party-chicks-hard-boiled.html" target="_blank">deviled egg chicks</a>. The caps wouldn't stay put, the eyes looked insane, and the bottom half
cracked all the way down on every one from the pressure of the filling.
It was also really hard to get the yolk out of the eggs when cut this
direction. They were comically bad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/btjG16ZpXcwEPTWtdVYU2IXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vKFckM8OkHA/UuhEeh6QrwI/AAAAAAAAJ6k/8zIDWHh_x44/s640/0240%2520%252821%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple food picks made from washi tape and toothpicks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4SgRagGamcrTQqUuQHwdJIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v45Lkh8eLG4/UuhEktxtuyI/AAAAAAAAJ6s/gfLMmLyCAAc/s640/0240%2520%252850%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband's delicious pulled chicken sandwiches.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BnvryZvHIGNtH45XOcI-u4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwXMK9StOf5KaluP9J_AtiZ4CB4c7_rQoplZKu0JxUUbx0Bl2NRzW21qhtRO2ZL2KIEO0Zu5KnuvIBBEHsySFtorqxrL_NZvAKbBrYfjLa9ZAJm4RppUnC1ghbr_a-iBvpCdUL7f-dlY/s640/0240%2520%252849%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My very very <b>very</b> strong Greek salad. Did you know there's a difference between a clove of garlic and a head of garlic? Yeah. There's a reason my husband does all the cooking around here...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zKpFd4IV0CINUqwjDf9M94Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WxWYuLdVM44/UuhEpL5zhcI/AAAAAAAAJ68/npZJ2lOqj7Q/s640/0240%2520%252852%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginger ale with blackberry ice cubes. Our favorite easy party punch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-90521351212166979552014-02-01T07:00:00.000-07:002014-02-01T07:00:06.185-07:002013 Easter BasketsI've had Easter on the brain lately, and as I was dreaming up what my kids might find in their baskets this year, I remembered that I never shared last year's Easter baskets.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Meg's Basket</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sTkeF9rUGqFcSXvfgHVulIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kssACHH3TWU/Uug_3pwYjnI/AAAAAAAAJ5o/wxYTCmHd2Vo/s640/0240%2520%25286%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Jamie's Basket</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/W6RKzeZVFcwgein__b3xO4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2SQqpzclpvvZOHwE9uDmOSVyMtMkpbIYVIzbMRONpJov7o5bfNqmKMRjliJRDqCDjV7KPymMCxtuD_1DdR1hrbVWKhsBdSQuCLPtcr8ZjmU-BzJ-AW73mZPDLYSEE60Rsl6RRd4Da38/s640/0240%2520%25289%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The kids' baskets are from Target, purchased on clearance the year before. They function as toy storage bins throughout the rest of the year. They each received a felt bunny hand puppet (tutorial and pattern <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2012/3/18/mollys-sketchbook-bunny-hand-puppets.html" target="_blank">here</a>), a felt bunny finger puppet (tutorial and pattern <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2010/3/21/mollys-sketchbook-bunny-finger-puppets.html" target="_blank">here</a>), and a new book (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439598389/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i03?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Meg</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1419704001/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">James</a>). Meg also received a small wooden jewelry box for her rings, and James received some bunny beanbags filled with lavender-scented beans. I was inspired by <a href="http://twostraightlines.typepad.com/two_straight_lines/2006/04/bunny_toss.html" target="_blank">these</a> but was running low on time and slapped them together from memory the night before Easter. They're cute, and the kids like to play with them, but the inspiration picture is way cuter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YsSqAQ0ifvjM1K40FoVJ64Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LrIAHRnKi1M/UuhABtaFLRI/AAAAAAAAJ54/8-xoxjqS_wA/s640/0240%2520%252812%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-8602243409060587352014-01-31T07:00:00.000-07:002014-01-31T07:00:00.787-07:00Big, Messy Art PartyMargaret's third birthday party was all about her favorite things: creating art, making a mess, and covering everything in rainbows.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/95xaebv0z8GG-wWLJ7qJ3oXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="481" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3BLjSzjdPhI/Uug8Q9CT1nI/AAAAAAAAJ5c/KufEc9a7D0M/s640/0213%2520%252828%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The balloon banner was an easy and inexpensive way to make a big statement. I used a tutorial I found online to assemble it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TJegPfo3TK9Nxx_QebgyKIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Xs3xbd7zliA/UugvH_J4XcI/AAAAAAAAJ3c/CzE3W9VIpis/s640/0213%2520%252830%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Get Messy!</b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZD4PpCWSz1gyp7TMFnoWi4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-acNbzbsf6Us/UugvHQJT7DI/AAAAAAAAJ3Y/MkOMuJFTjSQ/s640/0213%2520%252824%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaving Cream Color Mixing - We filled the sensory table with dollar store shaving foam, sprinkled confetti throughout, and offered cups of liquid watercolors and droppers for color mixing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DJ_SpiwRnN2E3ZyEKs2g_YXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-26WV6OQSHTc/UugvCSVfp9I/AAAAAAAAJ3M/B0CEX_pdxUQ/s640/0213%2520%252822%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fizzy Painting - We made fizzy paint by mixing corn starch, baking soda, water, and food coloring. The kids painted it onto the concrete with big brushes and sprayed it with vinegar to make it fizz.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZHq5HaH2dbFL2ufiq1WEs4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I6n8_bXG1mU/Uugu_X-NRkI/AAAAAAAAJ3E/f-mcczws7bE/s640/0213%2520%252821%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wacky Painting - We rolled out and taped down large pieces of butcher paper and offered up trays of tempera paint and a variety of odd painting implements such as potato mashers, dish scrubbers, paper towel rolls, and toy trucks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AaZmNWGC2FUq2ikX4oCsuYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Z4lMXpStQz0HxAsUMK_pSDMIF-MVhcNoiWRPML22a7JhP69bX159PVKSyD-g2SrjkEK7X2zkVYyjf23jRkmPTfOB0INTdnK6wwwgevQ33bv-RNlUiyFW6Aswh5YCp0OFnN10jTDrhZc/s640/0213%2520%252831%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_C2QOVqHNnNVHDpNAKLTvIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ib6heUvxeM4/UugvNPx9a1I/AAAAAAAAJ3k/gFYTe0GbiH0/s640/0213%2520%252832%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pool of water to wash off and cool down was one of the most popular spots.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pwstAgcKC4FEoNrcdiTm-oXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-o8TlEjPJMwo/UugvUcy2BJI/AAAAAAAAJ30/G0s3FHRZ8Fw/s640/0213%2520%252848%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a sensory pool filled with colored cooked spaghetti, water beads, and partially set Jell-O. We'd planned on the Jell-O being set and cubed up, but it had plans of its own and never gelled.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oeN-aAzK-aYhKsgYevQ0WYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KlTOqneIYsg/UugvWQFUGpI/AAAAAAAAJ38/uPl4gq1ADw8/s640/0213%2520%252850%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby James thought it was a giant snack tray. (We made sure to keep the water beads out of his mouth.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fzo_iw4MiR98Lj5SFhDtZIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yEzsa2mObHo/Uugvll5j1CI/AAAAAAAAJ4c/GWGWjL-6Q6w/s640/0213%2520%252856%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5MwM9wCAtK0U3x5qK45zQ4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yaO22jYdYGU/Uugvc0oO5dI/AAAAAAAAJ4I/N3FRymiA8Aw/s640/0213%2520%252834%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little baby haven in the shade in case things got too rowdy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sOMIDX7BtljjsBxyc0LMD4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VnNOUQYUz7E/Uugvc3RHO5I/AAAAAAAAJ4M/pudBl5dP-38/s640/0213%2520%252835%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside, we had lunch and cake. The cups had dried food coloring in the bottoms, so when the water was added, it "magically" changed colors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0AF2VDjMFpOSOtZPZTJc4oXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5oBVdihCJey-L5SsrG7T5KkV6Gt0JgraHb9CjZ9zTFYfJdIlbh4Eq9csePqYeqmKxUMBWH_ultKER0P2jZBWYJHCDBaJ8uG4ndW0lJgZpfhuc2CI2CwbwZs37Xu6Sx-dE9juEW7QETI/s640/0213%2520%252837%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cake? The cake was a disaster. See that big wedge taken out of the back? That's because the whole thing started falling apart while I was assembling and frosting it, and in a fit of frustration, I ripped off a chunk and threw it into the sink. *sigh* Cakes are no friends of mine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3StEyNx-FWBqu9h9sAVRf4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QdiXSoCmSM4/UugvrQEkZ6I/AAAAAAAAJ4o/7fS_UQ8S97I/s640/0213%2520%252842%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lJZeRFb9K5SS8764SaRXG4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6l7seT5sW6E/UugvsAsI7ZI/AAAAAAAAJ4s/S0-kaJmuQFs/s640/0213%2520%252840%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I saw an idea like this online but forgot that the watermelon was supposed to be turned upside down. No matter, it worked just fine this way, too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JkrmP_MPUKHC2OItnGYFCoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfNLVn1011bqBZtLjlcV9-jZjv-fjM-6DoHHtRpb61nquA3NKyymKzsnsY7rOGhfbcRvbfH2cmXnXacXeIsrwpK1erkjJuy8tqX47PD4FO9FUimy-CzuU0nFuWvXabWloDxoYrTfkayo/s640/0213%2520%252841%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The PB&Js would have looked and tasted much better if I'd have used nonpareils instead of sugar sprinkles. Live and learn.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MgItdwbAN0Aj6fMYzJQqNYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Y_4SIIMT7Gw/Uugv6yHgCaI/AAAAAAAAJ5M/gksVW4yZC9I/s640/0213%2520%252863%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yogurt pops - Colored yogurt frozen in Dixie cups in layers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
This party was a huge hit! The birthday girl had a blast, and a bunch of neighbor kids stopped by to join in the fun!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-15242826973540874922014-01-30T07:00:00.000-07:002014-01-30T07:00:04.185-07:00Sunshine First BirthdayWhen it came time to brainstorm a theme for James' first birthday, only one seemed fitting. Though his first 6 months passed in a haze of colic, the final 6 months of his first year were simply sunshine. At the six month mark, he became the smilingest, dancingest, giggliest ball of love there ever was.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_HLBcfZ9tclx1ZKseVs-kYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YjzaOYTpBSg/UugkR12GOjI/AAAAAAAAJ1k/o9G3wyWpKts/s640/0221%2520%252893%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We served a buffet of orange and yellow foods that just so happened to be favorites of the birthday boy: bananas, egg salad sandwiches, butternut squash soup, carrots, and lemonade.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yCzIUP-3NnOfF6M1ib8WnYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wQm2vxGhEGc/UugkQyvPxkI/AAAAAAAAJ1c/2li7dbZroVo/s640/0221%2520%252895%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BELf0MFZTDGmg_FEEnTQcIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AkHFQoZRDg4/UugkYryU5RI/AAAAAAAAJ10/iNyOAHpCBTM/s640/0221%2520%252899%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Zgm9MB89fYFspZGCg9-kJoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4k6NbwsChbnvMs6_dQrli_paQysxentY0nAb4YwdfsL14nS0pBI9CcrUJkIHW1VXEcQVj1w3O57qigw7ljtsb0dkRVmyUFa_UxYx5B979Cr7SVfSPlniCijenV2alnXiLucwqLkUmEI/s640/0221%2520%2528104%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like to always have a large butcher paper "guestbook" out at the kids' parties.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WVAqLUBU3h8o_wy7J9LMu4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUOugjb6MMOarIYudW6VHu-e5wcM6-MsbJu3w4C7NCEUYi3n1zxAm7Tc13JO25T9-XT0U_qV7eYwzLSRAdZdJZGDa70zuouGGxUdt-zcn3bNENFGoOKJo6LF3_LL8SJdUsGTGyBdeD1c/s640/0221%2520%2528105%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MOynN7q8DfQldcFxLFoEWYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zpvBJQrn_90/UugklmyzW0I/AAAAAAAAJ2Q/EjFoIhcCIi8/s640/0221%2520%2528110%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VC1MGjTBSEqRdbN2JOoSXoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cW1njRSb5Vs/UugkmDLwOkI/AAAAAAAAJ2U/7Elh7KLIaOs/s640/0221%2520%2528184%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'd planned to make rays out of a second round cake, and at the last minute, the cake was a crumbling mess, so skewers made an admirable stand-in. (I've told you before that cakes and I don't get along!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mIREzJ2B6Z51mCSX4vl1ooXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-H8H5XOHk0ko/Uugks-xYVAI/AAAAAAAAJ2k/jWmTj1E0vOY/s640/0221%2520%2528201%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Yjh7wnPovA5pQ4-SyjTmvoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6ZXhooeCg-A/UugksDYptYI/AAAAAAAAJ2g/fxPJssNk1p4/s640/0221%2520%2528224%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made Jamie's crown from a piece of lace stiffened with many layers of Mod Podge and painted turquoise.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-70782739368059971052014-01-29T07:00:00.000-07:002014-01-29T07:00:06.025-07:00Margaret's Let's Go to the Circus PartyWe went far bigger than usual for Meg's fourth birthday party. She and I both had such fun brainstorming and executing all the details, and for her first "friends party," I'd call it a rousing success.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/939epjJ8gv0yE8jjmkrOEokso6po8J6M9YUn522FVKQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GZ-mveMxWPU/UugXwvnW4MI/AAAAAAAAJmw/kAOqadvcq9s/s640/0264%2520%252820%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the backyard Big Top!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Hlf0O2fJIuBVY44VKHR-zYkso6po8J6M9YUn522FVKQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DqqpCReZKes/UugXxeL5GFI/AAAAAAAAJm4/_vqPFwslx9w/s640/0264%2520%252822%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yCbbT9hM830cXL4HEJBJVIkso6po8J6M9YUn522FVKQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-d409IKYBigc/UugXylivE0I/AAAAAAAAJnA/MDJMV_rNYuA/s640/0264%2520%252842%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JFM-SeUcAEz0-xzsVEQmP4kso6po8J6M9YUn522FVKQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gmfd5KQ-sco/UugXzpfv7RI/AAAAAAAAJnI/V-C1ZKCyXag/s640/0264%2520%25284%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Eat Up!</b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Yqrmrs84rQPApn4a9FcwkYkso6po8J6M9YUn522FVKQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C-V_UIFxtPs/UugX04HsccI/AAAAAAAAJnQ/jxBOzlcdB3Y/s640/0264-002.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The treats table featured popcorn, peanuts, circus train animal crackers, and raspberry lemonade. Sadly, I couldn't find boxes of Cracker Jacks anywhere! Party hats, confetti poppers, and punch balloons were free for the taking.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5Bnva3OJDPkZ7uTosWupi4kso6po8J6M9YUn522FVKQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-REjWq689E0Q/UugX3Ii6b4I/AAAAAAAAJng/Kb9ThlOrZkg/s640/0264%2520%252896%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wanted the cupcakes to turn out better than most of my culinary ventures do, so I ordered some from the grocery store bakery. I ordered chocolate cupcakes with vanilla frosting piped on with a round tip and was handed these... and for double their estimated price! Not quite what I'd pictured, but they looked fine once we put them in festive liners, sprinkled on some candy-coated sprinkles, and popped on homemade pinwheels and colored-flame candles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Let the Games Begin!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HMOC05h9BfumNhqlnueHT4kso6po8J6M9YUn522FVKQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZAWbXgkd5Tg/UugX4A90SYI/AAAAAAAAJno/Yz3YjXfWb0o/s640/0264.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sXRCaMmHp00u8ZBTDrUYn4kso6po8J6M9YUn522FVKQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AOcjxROC0v8/UugX5m0RSPI/AAAAAAAAJnw/ssB_GM9jj44/s640/02641.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MQgRPlBEjhZUSsGC_LTDQYkso6po8J6M9YUn522FVKQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VdDxySCY4NE/UugX65jx7lI/AAAAAAAAJn4/TfvqpPfGHrA/s640/0264-001.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xMm-eFVpniO7plV_RB6oLIkso6po8J6M9YUn522FVKQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hYG9PU13EyU/UugX-DUmrKI/AAAAAAAAJoQ/WmzbrJ-zr30/s640/0264%2520%252816%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added our wooden beanbag toss game with a pail of plastic balls at the last minute. The dads in attendance ended up giving it more attention than any of the children did.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Oa1H6kKYC-yV4Ph7orXwLokso6po8J6M9YUn522FVKQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Jo1WS8tnN0/UugX75Abl0I/AAAAAAAAJoA/02IbcUgxte4/s640/02641-001.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meg's Nana, Nan, and Auntie tied endless balloon animals and swords, and Nana painted everyone's faces.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tqZW9ScfRQoH8jAbaEfyW4kso6po8J6M9YUn522FVKQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vYIVdLlfJ7I/UugYAG87aGI/AAAAAAAAJog/k9Hb0b7bfjc/s640/0264%2520%252837%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ihaYiqFIQf4XhOKVtLXGjokso6po8J6M9YUn522FVKQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7B6h7k9wFCA/UugYBInM2AI/AAAAAAAAJoo/tHQswcYsjek/s640/0264%2520%252866%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After playing outside for an hour or so, we invited everyone inside for cupcakes and a magic show performed by Auntie. Naturally, I videoed the show and forgot to take a single photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EOAfThLuwpS1TUYwamu-c4kso6po8J6M9YUn522FVKQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-k2kgsRtrO6A/UugYEPqY4GI/AAAAAAAAJpA/t_wqwAad698/s640/0264%2520%252879%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meggie was our afternoon's ringmaster, fittingly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jrogEZhz8e0eaQorh5X0dokso6po8J6M9YUn522FVKQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZeM7frSlDvc/UugYFaV4sDI/AAAAAAAAJpI/LsncBiwuQn0/s640/0264%2520%252889%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first of thousands of balloon sculptures.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1mqAlO1cDlTuizZfv1Su4okso6po8J6M9YUn522FVKQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jbWOf1nvhEk/UugYGG_f_rI/AAAAAAAAJpQ/SZYvtEXNzdo/s640/0264%2520%252899%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Dash proved to be a popular choice for face painting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Bxf63pJWhfL4o-AjL6nBsokso6po8J6M9YUn522FVKQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vltLUWvSqAM/UugYHQuJZcI/AAAAAAAAJpY/fDbZ9GtXxvo/s640/0264%2520%2528102%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinata loot: finger traps, paper yoyos, fortune telling fish, bubbles, stickers, pom pom balls, colored Band-Aids, and glitter glue pens.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8h2tU30Z01UyBExJu-hUVYkso6po8J6M9YUn522FVKQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_yyTWDUiOQ4/UugYOfQWxwI/AAAAAAAAJqQ/4zJ14kY-hOU/s640/0264%2520%2528134%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little brother was to be a strong man, with a mustache and chest hair painted on, but he managed to sleep through the entire party and only wake up in time to pick through the leftover snacks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RPSmaYZjteWGEe5KlZwFWYkso6po8J6M9YUn522FVKQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cwmBPbi9JHA/UugYPLrZruI/AAAAAAAAJqY/tGkj8AjwSOQ/s640/0264%2520%2528139%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone had a great day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XRRY8xibkJguCzIQKiQiLYkso6po8J6M9YUn522FVKQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-53A-bo0J0_4/UugYRJ18u4I/AAAAAAAAJqo/ANmjT8AYDG8/s640/0264-003.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And, oh, the mess afterward!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-2905819831009436882014-01-28T13:14:00.000-07:002014-01-28T13:20:18.011-07:00Nature Boy Birthday PartyWe celebrated Jamie's second birthday in November with a nature-inspired party.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0wmlikakbu64HcYqavEBIYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qoiuMuyYQ5Y/UufkmNmot6I/AAAAAAAAJkw/NGd7Cs_VpPo/s640/0278-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our palette was bright red, robin's egg blue, greens, brown, and metallics. For the nature element, we brought in tons of stars and nodded toward this time of transition between autumn and winter with felt autumn leaf table scatter and a wintry cake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Since he's still so young and his birthday falls right in the thick of the holiday season, we kept things simple and focused on small, pretty details for the cake table.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FANjtravBTZVkX1BF1cHXIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8fkdT9qObQ0/UufkpROtDNI/AAAAAAAAJk4/vAIYQHwu4aU/s640/0278%2520%252814%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had tons of party hats left over from Meg's party, so I turned one inside out, covered it in coordinating paper, glittered a number two, and added a yarn pom pom to the top. I like having a special party hat each year for the birthday child to wear in cake photos and later to tuck away in their memory boxes as a memento of the day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GLnIYBEDoyeCy_z5DnkQOYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d3aC54Jh60M/UufkviXxYcI/AAAAAAAAJlE/wlizuuxKJ4M/s640/0278%2520%252817%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As has apparently become our tradition of sorts, the drinks were served in glass milk bottles. I used washi tape labels to mark names. The birch-look paper straws are Kikkerland. I purchased them from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kikkerland-Biodegradable-Paper-Straws-Birch/dp/B009314ZSK/?colid=1ERKJJ13SBAVY&ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC&coliid=I1J7GE3I6P76KV&ie=UTF8">Amazon</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/c2v4SSuJqb8N7fuEVoqpMoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bphygQTqHks/UufkwCyu5gI/AAAAAAAAJlI/KMgKhqyg5i0/s640/0278%2520%252815%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I painted the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009EDZX3I/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1">wooden forks</a> with food-safe soy paint. I taped off the straight lines with painters tape, and I used circle stickers to tape off the polka dots. I used a bronze Sharpie to add detail, but it bled a bit, so I would use a paint pen instead if I ever do it again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/o4Tbp1krkncnEn5Waof65IXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlfs_GfiyCcZpxthyphenhyphenHT_g30p55rDzjf5DU1fWW66KShCJIdMX5koGEuWf4_t7ezeMMHno8j8ErDs-ZvD4v3cHJMMvKuksbsMqW3nENsfQq7el4UPz-lebtdYt7loQ3R9N0178LRs81gE/s640/0278%2520%252819%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I folded the napkins using <a href="http://www.napkinfoldingguide.com/08-diamond/">these</a> simple instructions. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SKpUM9tnxTFnZyy3KXP7SYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yDAzEpKr2BQ/Uufk_RkXRSI/AAAAAAAAJlo/0EtzuFW0L_A/s640/0278%2520%252848%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love a cheery bunch of balloons on the birthday child's chair.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/si0qfp7vCFK5reWedL-UN4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vEeEosYBjnc/Uufk5tNRfXI/AAAAAAAAJlg/YVXrgaCaqWA/s640/0278%2520%252827%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The balloons were secured with baker's twine and decorated with sweet satin bows.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
This year was a big deal for me, because it marked the first successful cake I've ever made. I am severely cake challenged, and every year I end up crying and swearing in the kitchen the morning of my kids' party, elbow-deep in batter and frosting, because I have no clue what I'm doing when it comes to baking. This year, I went with a simply decorated cake, and I searched the internet for tips on the baking and frosting before beginning. It's nothing special, really, but I couldn't be happier that it turned out just as I'd hoped it would.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RNNShn1YrGR8X4ayc99XVoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L4Fx99DZvR8/UufklSG-G2I/AAAAAAAAJks/VeyKtAw0E_w/s640/0278%2520%25286%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trees are from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005PQ3MZO/ref=oh_details_o05_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Amazon</a>, and I'll admit I wasn't crazy about how cheap they looked in person. The top of the cake was coated liberally in <a href="http://www.joann.com/wilton-edible-glitter-silver-stars/2426237.html#q=star+edible+glitter&start=1">Wilton edible glitter stars</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
For entertainment, James spent a leisurely afternoon opening gifts while we all visited with family, and we all played <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007O3E8KO/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1">this darling Belle and Boo version</a> of Pin the Tail on the Donkey.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sd636v-oZrib8z75q-lntoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wNWS0dz2wXA/UuflEPK8AFI/AAAAAAAAJl0/ZZXZWoHv--E/s640/0278%2520%252835%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And here's my beautiful big boy on his day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aSHVH_vamvVceQKK4MhQGoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mAynqFoVzjE/UuflEIcrAjI/AAAAAAAAJl4/-w_8GMhjIaU/s640/0278%2520%252860%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TCG1WPFYylfdxE9VWQ5QoIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ojmirMGarKo/UuflLu4m2oI/AAAAAAAAJmI/TcUFuKXi2aQ/s640/0278%2520%252862%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AZTQxoVz0x6khpUbq2cPTIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-j4pxQIuH94E/UuflLJwu3mI/AAAAAAAAJmE/OX1H7rhvfLo/s640/0278%2520%2528143%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/F-Z1M4y6eC9P-jgbzBfETIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYLVgRX-jhVc0Nr0XIiYz0xkJGGc2UZ2kwQnGLzHtGb2-zeoF27ozxaPfWWy5V4TirOYsyullUUySK3dfniTvGOlimHAOiH2QJYewa6gpiNMDJbNhvU5oSMMzH-FlJXolgvS3yCHSOrk/s640/0278%2520%2528151%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His Papa encouraged him to try this!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9hKNZHxWAR0H3qBtBqTsdIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gzUKYpUAUig/UuflSmgJmEI/AAAAAAAAJmU/uuPzmHcJank/s640/0278%2520%2528155%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-45010975606180415732013-12-05T17:07:00.001-07:002013-12-05T17:07:50.045-07:00December Activity ShelvesThis year's December activity shelves revolve, surprisingly enough, around winter and Christmas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6Y2jA-FDYA1VZr9ohWuh94Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0ijCYXehxitlAQDaYeDCcgku4tIkxc9nFwnuWQy2SG6Q4WN8mgsMaa5rSNZa3BSgyKtCxgqeyakxy1MXlp5i0YQCFzhuf0CQwNQj3wAQLyAqpuEH0Yp1tvHCWQXO6P9p3uuDfMZA8L0/s640/0282%2520%2528105%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As usual, the top two shelves are filled with themed activities while the lower two hold a variety of non-themed toys.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7Yk7ziuikPzJ7RjDYAm8NYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BnumJRTvh1c/UqCsVt8BwvI/AAAAAAAAJeU/NN4WW76vDDU/s640/0282%2520%2528107%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Our sensory bin is a white dish tub from Dollar Tree. It's filled with white rice scented with almond extract (I'd originally planned to use mint, but we were out), a bit of glitter, miniature mylar gift bows from Dollar Tree, and a scoop that I believe we purchased from Target's Dollar Spot earlier this year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Yndd6swRi0b1gx47Y4VtN4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ymzYd_FK7rI/UqCscJtaQ4I/AAAAAAAAJeg/O-hLnRKMLRU/s640/0282%2520%2528110%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Our treasure basket holds a few of the same things our <a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2012/11/shiny-stuff-treasure-tin-for-winter.html">Shiny Stuff Treasure Tin</a> held last year (holographic foil tissue paper, a large jingle bell, and a shiny gift bow), but we've also added some other jingly instruments.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RPeERbs7KEFN8_CqVYpTAIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R8aPGKhPhec/UqCsdFWSdxI/AAAAAAAAJek/3S4loJsSOMk/s640/0282%2520%2528112%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There's an art tin with a variety of papers - old dollar store greeting cards, pages from a Christmas picture book that got ruined, a snowman notepad, and festive foam shapes from Target's Dollar Spot after-Christmas clearance last year - as well as feathers, spangles, scissors, glue, and markers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s_sFK7IdXTs_kEd3a8wlA4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hdW7AJFGzV8/UqCsh9y8W4I/AAAAAAAAJes/_VNrfuMUTTY/s640/0282%2520%2528114%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We have a basket of books about various December holidays and wintry fun, some plush reindeer the kids were given last year at "Story Time with Mrs. Claus" at the mall, and a tree stacker from Plan Toys (purchased for a steal at the consignment store, since it was massing the top piece).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/R8Lmdyggl79XXAKSBcsut4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Xuk2193bsnI/UqCsjiNRH6I/AAAAAAAAJe0/36hDqus5YGU/s640/0282%2520%2528115%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Previous Seasonal Activity Shelves</b><br />
<a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2013/01/februarys-bookshelf.html">February and Valentine's 2013</a><br />
<a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2013/03/springtime-and-easter-activity-shelves.html">Springtime and Easter 2013</a><br />
<a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2013/09/autumn-activity-shelves.html">Autumn 2013</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Previous Seasonal Sensory Bins</b><br />
<a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2013/03/march-sensory-tub-springtime-rainbow.html">Springtime and Easter 2013</a><br />
<a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2013/09/autumn-sensory-bin.html">Autumn 2013</a><br />
<br />
<b>Previous Seasonal Treasure Baskets</b><br />
<a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2012/10/autumn-treasure-basket.html">Autumn 2012</a><br />
<a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2012/11/shiny-stuff-treasure-tin-for-winter.html">Winter 2012</a><br />
<a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2013/02/february-treasure-basket.html">Valentine's 2013</a><br />
<br />
<b>Previous Seasonal Shelf Activities</b><br />
<a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2012/12/freeform-festive-art-explorations-way.html">Christmas 2012</a><br />
<a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2013/02/february-fun-box-fine-motor-activity.html">Valentine's 2013</a><br />
<a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2013/09/five-little-pumpkins-child-made-story.html">Halloween 2013</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-73919560697720644442013-10-20T17:23:00.000-06:002013-10-20T17:23:35.530-06:00Halloween Colored Glue SuncatchersWe got the idea for these colored glue suncatchers from the fabulous early childhood blog, <a href="http://www.teachpreschool.org/2012/08/making-colored-glue-letters-numbers-and-shapes/">Teach Preschool</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kwlQVfH6Q6eOeoRHlFWUm4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRKWDAS9VaQgRmTfp7a3_qtQJzI5qH9Urgchr0LEtdFhmZJ6D9_wrS73HHAwiuS_vvFkFyPvxLZPpABK3SVxY59KZiAMEyCng3tdpFsiBFp0CFjzZb5BR4PvU-caBg9J6_wJYYR4EkOE/s640/0270%2520%252888%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
To make the colored glue, we filled empty condiment bottles ($1 apiece from Wal-Mart) with white school glue and a squirt of tempera paint. You can use food coloring or liquid watercolor to tint, if you prefer. I stuck autumn and Halloween cookie cutters (a Wilton set - $4 at Michael's) to contact paper to hold them in place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dRJ7uBK6JjE79YNCPJ2-2oXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FAZp8aSx2As/UkS7iHzeKSI/AAAAAAAAIdc/XkBgwVt24Wo/s640/P9260029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Meg simply filled the cutters up with the glue. I encouraged her to use different colors in the same cutter to highlight features, but she wanted to stick with one color per cutter. Just as well, because the glue did run quite a bit and the colors may have mixed too much. I've read that you can run a bead of hot glue around the inside and outside of the cutters to prevent the colored glue from escaping underneath, but, despite a lot of leakage, our cutters were still nice and thick, so I don't think it's necessary.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4AU7NV_MLLHZO_4ZnLJvT4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D0pFEU7Jk2I/UkS7cIzbgiI/AAAAAAAAIdM/xHp7FImyNm0/s640/P9260034.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MbiJnOT0H7L8d3FHKNYJfYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x_kg8pn4m7c/UkS7kTyV4GI/AAAAAAAAIdk/qvU_P3d8QKY/s640/P9260040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The shapes took a few days to dry, but they finally remained firm instead of sticking when we lifted a corner to peek underneath. The oranges and reds dried the slowest, probably because they had more pigment. After we popped them from the cutters (much easier when they're still a bit stretchy, by the way, than if you let them harden completely), we poked holes in the top and bottom of each shape and strung them together with thread to hang in the windows. For fun, I added some faces and other simple (<i>very simple</i>) features with a Sharpie before we hung them, like so:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XveCSuBZHGEf8b6k31gQUoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hYmPlCGvx8c/UlCXH1CDFeI/AAAAAAAAJPg/kKdaVC0wNgY/s640/0270%2520%252889%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qVtgoywRmmovRH5yCwop54Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2y0jckJ1liM/UlCXNRSYMJI/AAAAAAAAJPw/SBf4Xcih_1o/s640/0270%2520%252892%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was one that we left in the cutter until it hardened completely, and you can see that his hand and tail didn't pop out cleanly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fb4EIlnFUj2aZ_j9Z-o6SYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HOLcz4byTuw/UlCXL3q0VkI/AAAAAAAAJPs/uCPRJ3Ah2sM/s640/0270%2520%252891%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-75185363736814643962013-10-04T15:13:00.002-06:002013-10-04T15:13:13.094-06:00Hairstyle Photo DumpToday's bento photo dump inspired me to go back through some other photos on my computer that I may not have had a chance to share on the blog. I found a number of hairstyles Meg wore earlier this year when she was in her fancy stage, and I figured I'd give them a quick dump as well.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XeSLLCj33Nu29GS2H3YQGrVIF8P0Wr9BV4d5OWrNg-Q?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QfV3ebBfzMI/Uk8p780Y_RI/AAAAAAAAJNM/5BYVYOFTRZU/s640/0232%2520%252849%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three topsy-tails on top. Braided the middle tail straight down. Used the outside tails and the middle braid to start a chunky French braid with the remaining hair. This style would have looked much neater if I'd started with wetter hair, but Meg hates having her hair sprayed in winter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1QNwr8w4YQOSDV0s-4SE6LVIF8P0Wr9BV4d5OWrNg-Q?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HSZF-dxvU6o/Uk8p85kEmJI/AAAAAAAAJNQ/1PM8xOwVps8/s640/0234%2520%25287%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I believe Meg wore this to church the Sunday before Valentine's Day. Just a simple topsy-tail-turned-heart (There are tutorials all over Pinterest and YouTube - it's a very simple trick to execute.) with the rest of the hair braided down her back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_tJWS7OV0vSctdBKzKS9arVIF8P0Wr9BV4d5OWrNg-Q?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NakiKKFpRqc/Uk8p9-JiSyI/AAAAAAAAJNY/BCWY2tfBvSo/s640/0234%2520%252831%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was on Valentine's Day. I did a side topsy-tail heart and made it meet a sideways French braid that wrapped from the top of her left ear to the bottom of her right ear. This looked much softer and prettier as the hair dried.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jWAh3JTJB4i6_sxr12o6TrVIF8P0Wr9BV4d5OWrNg-Q?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ibiSO9kjq8U/Uk8p_ISq_hI/AAAAAAAAJNg/wbGA2Nua1us/s640/0237%2520%252866%2529.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top half topsy-tailed. Tail split in half and brought down to meet two pigtail braids. This one was very pretty in person and stayed in well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MtwCLaBY4AR3mppWuyl2fbVIF8P0Wr9BV4d5OWrNg-Q?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9HWFTSnWPrs/Uk8qADMPYlI/AAAAAAAAJNo/XzeMj259AIQ/s640/0241%2520%252844%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Puffy braid headband" across the top of her head pulled down to meet a messy bun beneath and behind her right ear.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_a-cte6DfhW14CSWWafnfrVIF8P0Wr9BV4d5OWrNg-Q?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Zxmk_bUdpHM/Uk8qBPah_KI/AAAAAAAAJNw/UyuEMcHYUPs/s640/0242%2520%252835%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dramatic zigzag part, pigtail puffy braids, ending in low pigtails.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/l2R4p7qEe_Sv6xZISqn0DrVIF8P0Wr9BV4d5OWrNg-Q?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gy8bz7isPWY/Uk8qCCQPaRI/AAAAAAAAJN4/kU9YQoK1s0I/s640/0244%2520%252873%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three topsy-tails on top. Middle tail split and pulled down to meet the outside tails joined with sections of lower hair. These tails crisscrossed and joined with all remaining hair in low pigtails.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kYOS5Zym34kkdF5GD5jAXLVIF8P0Wr9BV4d5OWrNg-Q?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWYt7clk_EC7OnGdnx1eYGoivl7qF7U5LfAIQL_IaX0APurWt7filybXJaEJ-mmsknpzv0uriO_9e2PbE6vln6THlCtA_foHjuq9pFvk7uqoXT-dQ-sZzb8nSYuFGd7inuieMzRtWfkI/s640/0255%2520%25287%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fourth of July short hair hairstyle. Two twisty knots on top. Pieces of lower hair behind the ears braided up and pinned behind knots with bows. Glitter spray.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SSjcAJRxIvYBER7HQMByfLVIF8P0Wr9BV4d5OWrNg-Q?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QLRHGaUTDFs/Uk8qEw3sSkI/AAAAAAAAJOM/QEdnKRpkFsE/s640/0261%2520%25288%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two very messy low curled pigtails. Scrap of fabric rolled and wrapped around head and tied. Bobby pins near pigtails to ensure the fabric stayed put through play. Glitter spray.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_JdXxBPm-gDvxG8Y0IaNn7VIF8P0Wr9BV4d5OWrNg-Q?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1HH1hy_2Yus/Uk8qGLQnlYI/AAAAAAAAJOU/KLryZjiF_gQ/s640/0267%2520%252825%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two topsy-tails on top, split to make three more topsy-tails, all pulled down to join rest of hair in a messy bun. <a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2013/09/handmade-pom-pom-headbands.html" target="_blank">Pom pom headband</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-2463500212939250612013-10-04T11:22:00.003-06:002013-10-04T11:22:52.987-06:00Bento Photo DumpIt's a well-documented fact that I hate to cook. Haaaaate. I get around this some by having a husband who loves to cook and handles all dinners and weekend meals, but the authorities say I still have to give my kids lunch while he's at work. In light of this fact, it's somewhat surprising I'd jump on the bento bandwagon, no? But, in fact, creating cute lunch boxes makes the food preparation process much more pleasant for me. And the kids are crazy about it.<br />
<br />
So, here's a photo dump of my first attempts at bento (and not-so-bento-but-still-decorated) lunches and snacks.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1PvcNU_DENpVsrgj66laFUbbya1EwyYYxKRxZG9U5As?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HiZSkiaNRWE/UkeKhtzj-rI/AAAAAAAAJJg/Jp8BSNVCKjI/s640/0259%2520%252817%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are the first bento-specific supplies I purchased. <a href="http://www.plumdistrict.com/moms/discount/everywhere/deals" target="_blank">Plum District</a> had a great coupon available for <a href="http://www.bentousa.com/" target="_blank">Bento USA</a>, an online retailer with a huge selection of BPA-free bento accessories. We've since added a number of cutters, picks, food markers, bento boxes, and silicone cups to our collection - some scavenged from the kitchen drawers, some purchased from Target or HomeGoods or other local stores.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Qbt6SAVfPzr4cgZDKO8YREbbya1EwyYYxKRxZG9U5As?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oiry4UmdOLw/UkeKisHcq9I/AAAAAAAAJJo/EsnDI0m6lFo/s640/0259%2520%252830%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first sad little attempt. Grape tomatoes, black grapes, cucumber stars, peanut butter and honey on whole wheat with a sprinkle-filled star cutout, string cheese stick. (Meg)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OYpupCEcovReA778iOSjrUbbya1EwyYYxKRxZG9U5As?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QLD_0BLv36U/UkeKjgy4oRI/AAAAAAAAJJw/TrxtMUhuixo/s640/0259%2520%252853%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grape tomatoes, raisins, carrot sticks, cottage cheese, cheese tortellini. (Meg and James)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z7EIXkW3CBAuj5hgloYyakbbya1EwyYYxKRxZG9U5As?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nsiDp15EeG4/UkeKk-eakBI/AAAAAAAAJJ8/CNaii2P_kCY/s640/0259%2520%252880%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grape tomatoes, turkey roll-ups, whole wheat star, string cheese, apple section with happy face drawn on, turkey and hummus on whole wheat with crusts cut off and star cutout. (James)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bENuyL2lDjWBOiQSq5xPlUbbya1EwyYYxKRxZG9U5As?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-i_dLx3EH6fI/UkeKlr6K5zI/AAAAAAAAJKM/SYHons9yV3U/s640/0260%2520%25284%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frozen peas, "cheesy beans" (kidney beans with melted cheese, crumbled whole wheat crackers, and Italian seasoning), mango. (Meg and James)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XfIRfut21-2Q4Lpo12D4q0bbya1EwyYYxKRxZG9U5As?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERHuhlq5hr7MGwst6kRKFh6GTOpJUbPiOyZvbnNtumcke_3sbBuRTU_er3ZgvDWCrEJkcwBOkdhBnasQKcL_OmUdi73EahKVR2gKwfcE9P7wk_-kSQUCw-I5NMDA1fDAcHcJYrZxxNnk/s640/0260%2520%25288%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple, grape tomatoes, peanut butter sandwiches on whole wheat cut into puzzle pieces and topped with green sprinkles. (Meg and James)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XQ1iANldfk3D3Irfi3gypUbbya1EwyYYxKRxZG9U5As?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-113KGa9fhdc/UkeKn1bfprI/AAAAAAAAJKQ/Brg-ngVCEDU/s640/0260%2520%252826%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whole wheat crackers with food marker initials, black grapes, carrots, Happy Panda cookies, (Not pictured: shaped hard-boiled eggs the kids just couldn't wait for me to finish before they started their lunch. The eggs bombed spectacularly anyway, because I put them in the egg molds the wrong direction.) (Meg and James)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pYSh7ipUQV0Q1L32O7p2wUbbya1EwyYYxKRxZG9U5As?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rHalBNtbjy0/UkeKoyNLmWI/AAAAAAAAJKc/44jSNg7yANU/s640/0260%2520%252834%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cucumber hearts, grape tomatoes, cottage cheese with pink sprinkles and strawberry heart, peanut butter and honey on whole wheat cut into a heart and drawn on with a food marker. (Meg)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oryd-hohz_6BDlyVLn0lUkbbya1EwyYYxKRxZG9U5As?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cEmYR-JtGbg/UkeKp1ZgjuI/AAAAAAAAJKg/6yysCRhaCVI/s640/0260%2520%252836%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snack of strawberries, cucumber slices, grape tomatoes, and veggie straws. (Meg)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GSP6DSYS3NSO5mwYpZE0Lkbbya1EwyYYxKRxZG9U5As?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZup9tMDBZ_yE-706HaIKVY74KE_kRMNeEkSac-DF3LEN-RhNJZqRufFDQjBUJiQ3Xv632drPvAOcM0nxWat4tSdkdpI6MrEBxaB6HdDnPUZDMIhMRp8qwGV0GGgfh0nbvCqpcquafHs/s640/0260%2520%252837%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plum, frozen peas, grape tomatoes, Happy Panda cookies, veggie straws, peanut butter on whole wheat cut into animal shapes and embellished with food markers and shaped sprinkles. (Meg and James)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hXBIWtvTHVtMs9ACI3AD40bbya1EwyYYxKRxZG9U5As?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-inmFxbPucF0/UkeKs_YNCWI/AAAAAAAAJK4/xvLPSJ6-o3k/s400/0260%2520%252858%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dyed egg snack. I just submerged boiled and peeled eggs in food-colored water and put them in the fridge overnight. The dye bled through part of the white inside, leaving neat rings of color, white, and yolk when the eggs were sliced into circles. (Meg and James)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sAZPoH9qK2fSU3x-mIBALkbbya1EwyYYxKRxZG9U5As?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DqP3cLLHtTo/UkeKsL3DfMI/AAAAAAAAJK0/CY0BMLl7PdQ/s640/0260%2520%252853%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frozen peas, cucumber stars, apple slices, olives, hard boiled eggs, Happy Panda cookies. (Meg and James)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WwBcbE3watrT3k0lrDfjjkbbya1EwyYYxKRxZG9U5As?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r2n6o4nRZas/UkeKtsSrm2I/AAAAAAAAJLA/quU1wbGRArs/s640/0261%2520%252832%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant strawberry, frozen peas, large grape tomato, cheese tortellini. (Meg)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-28046576860979877892013-09-29T10:02:00.001-06:002013-09-29T10:02:58.288-06:00Ghost Suckers/Lollipops and a Pumpkin Goodie DisplayIt's been a long-standing family tradition to make ghostie suckers to hand out to trick-or-treaters on Halloween.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xL-ENkzOvmxDA5jmuqyGVYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h6gkFBef-6c/UkhNNLmNKmI/AAAAAAAAJMo/3wN3hVUaJzg/s640/0220%2520%252873%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tootsie or Blow Pops, a tissue, some ribbon or twine or string, and a couple dots with a marker for eyes. We love to turn on a family-friendly Halloween movie and spend an evening making up 50 or 100 of these guys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jFP1cheDdy3ykzeLlI4yiYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3LnVZkduA6U/UkhNLhuOCMI/AAAAAAAAJMk/seo_OJl7pEM/s640/0220%2520%252871%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We usually just arrange them in a bowl, but last year we made them even cuter by drilling holes in a pretty pumpkin and sticking the suckers in. We had to refill frequently through the night, as these little ghosties were popular. I loved hearing the kids' exclamations of how cute and cool the candies looked!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-79661445717844579462013-09-29T09:45:00.000-06:002013-09-30T10:16:43.265-06:00Grace Kelly and The Hipster - Creative Kids' Halloween CostumesIt's nearly Halloween again, and I just realized I never took a moment to share the kids' costumes from last year. So, without further ado, I give you Grace Kelly and The Hipster:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EjrIPofV1DoGFR6T6S3ZP4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-q63Vs71A7xQ/UkhG0poLK1I/AAAAAAAAJLc/MX9soJQzj1A/s640/0220%2520%252875%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three year old Meg and I were watching an old movie one afternoon when she told me, "I want to be her for Halloween," gesturing to the lovely Miss Kelly. We searched through Google images to find a suitably fabulous gown to recreate (taking some serious artistic liberties), and I then set about making a skirt with miles and miles of pink, black, and white tulle. Meg already had the hat, purchased from the adult section at Target on clearance for $5. A black long-sleeved top and an old purse of mine finished the look off splendidly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nC08cOQsrdwrdzMINEBhDIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2y8i3Inpcd8/UkhGo7ScziI/AAAAAAAAJLU/L3Bz5iorUJQ/s640/0219%2520%2528104%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made the skirt by simply cutting long, thin strips of tulle and looping them around a piece of elastic. I stacked pieces of black and white or black and pink tulle before looping to be sure the colors were variegated nicely and not too stripey.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dTo6A8Ax97sYtyRMHKYjHIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--9IOWfoLTsY/UkhHCOegQbI/AAAAAAAAJL8/axNXpCTzuJM/s640/0220%2520%252895%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few strips of tulle tied around the hat helped it blend seamlessly with the rest of the costume.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8jiNLmRJR1P8oLqIEs8ScoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iHQGlRK-R3s/UkhHI2ra_OI/AAAAAAAAJMU/7N24jWbGcyU/s640/0220%2520%2528101%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JUP_O9XUVKfYxWVshil9AIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RX6d4Md_x2Q/UkhG7jOR05I/AAAAAAAAJLs/DJKR4u4lpD0/s640/0220%2520%252889%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby costumes are my favorite, because you can get a little silly or whimsical or downright ridiculous, with no protests from the wearer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NTb5tEgvw2kntpMWn-0804Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7eX2X_bvNqUiV0oyS505LHijzzjrN-gh-RlalN6rf9abGdO_IxGew7ujWsgawN2PMTkpJpaALEnEdPsgZWwpx7tKZjIGVBlTqxUGCVNvciLaxlE350ezQrjzGyas2B7Z58OfdK5Bxao/s640/0220%2520%252883%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James already owned the hat, t-shirt, jeggings (I purchase all his jeggings and leggings from the girls' department, because I love the fit and variety), and socks. I picked up the flannel top and shoes from the kids' consignment store for less than $5 total, the glasses from Dollar Tree (just popped out the lenses), and cut out a mustache from craft foam and hot glued it to a pacifier.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7l15GZ1X2bk4PDhycgFC-oXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6Ms4gg65gtk/UkhG9sWCwBI/AAAAAAAAJL0/fNjSJ8oO7Bo/s640/0220%2520%252894%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zpaH87dPQHOWh1M76lze8YXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1E6dk0oB5brAOHLO7TJ_Jz6WYxFagt06NGyLOg41GQNQRgTl_JFFA6dESUVDeoD5XqvfioNX2lsDw2QhbAsRQPHdGw8jpeCcfVM8mQ7twnDMs_uLAv1Kg9dGwnVicjB9bbeqYXOiMB4/s640/0220%2520%2528103%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're still giddy we managed to catch this awesome candid on camera!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-37908867985602374142013-09-27T17:14:00.000-06:002013-09-27T17:14:13.612-06:00Handmade Pom Pom HeadbandsMeg's going through a stage of preferring to do her own hair. Most days she chooses to just comb the tangles out, push on a headband, and get going, so I thought I'd make her a few cute new ones so she can still be fancy, which is apparently paramount when you're four. I've seen a number of pom pom headbands <a href="http://www.teacollection.com/product/W0A7013/girls-accessories-anais-i-pom-pom-headband.html#yellow" target="_blank">like these</a> for sale and just love them, so I used <a href="http://llevoelinvierno.blogspot.com/2011/08/pompoms-ears.html" target="_blank">these</a> <a href="http://www.designmom.com/2012/10/the-perfect-gift-yarn-ball-bookmark/" target="_blank">tutorials</a> to make a few myself.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6yZLmA0RZGBfIiokK_gMXoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWBhygPqnQIBZnZwW9wkdC6gB_ZyEUytWCYojowT9Xj6EHBwqgkKU3JSwtXdsySnI7rCq35vdTsQGKTzrIaqntyX5_JI3ouKurxg-XYSfmPn1CwPn9m4qtdxamPSeKU7udbMq0wX4hG0/s640/0266%2520%252847%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
They came together quickly, and I think she looks just darling in them. Most importantly, she thinks they're fab.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9j4I82z824AHCPDXJCgO9oXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5fiVuA6e-GU/UkYHn09qHtI/AAAAAAAAIzA/zjXrlvMBVFQ/s640/0266.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/j1QuVed5b6xEAFJXJA5T0YXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvccHJ1-G65b_KytWxNbL1LzuH0dSL316YJ1AXUpwTH7raztrNqlLqz-FCowN5H1KOMvNE5g8ojsuL1Gn_Yfa2TSkLzoqJ-haRRF4zXqinRQceUMXPU4apYEQbvWNjGUatMPEI7Ym8Ng/s640/0266%2520%252872%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IGSKVyip2vrhiri-j6vXxIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4vKbPQYUdqs/UkYHzZoo6aI/AAAAAAAAIzg/7Hg-gtx_sfQ/s640/0267%2520%25282%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QbYa5h5wdKgd3J4tXmWPaIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VGux3B-kPmA/UkYHwTHzfiI/AAAAAAAAIzU/l936eP1Ikw0/s640/0267%2520%252821%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HEagP2TIcg6wvS-n3gP0W4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-30LZvITjZRM/UkYH0zPoDLI/AAAAAAAAIzk/94ewMDayUrc/s640/0267%2520%252825%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-18993545550327415302013-09-27T16:59:00.000-06:002013-09-27T16:59:22.295-06:00"Let's Go Camping!" Pretend PlayI'd been feeling like a bit of a loser mom for a while. We had a lot going on in August, and I was getting snappy and short with my kids, and they were spending a lot of their days cranky as a result. One night I was laying in bed, thinking about how cute it is that my Meg is currently obsessed with the concept of camping when she has no practical experience with it, and on a whim I decided to set up a camping trip for her to wake up to.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fIHgX_btidWjV2xE3MpYqoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vIK_R5ztIyY/UkYHoxIISnI/AAAAAAAAIzI/IVF78uHWHmQ/s640/0265.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I sneaked downstairs and set up a "campsite" in the middle of the playroom with the kids' play tent, an overturned rug, and a "campfire" of Lincoln Logs and train tracks.<br />
<br />
The "fishing hole" was made from a blue yoga mat, plastic ducks, a frog beanbag toss game, and some hastily-cut cardstock fish with paperclips clipped to their heads. I made a quick fishing rod with a wooden dowel (pinata stick from Meg's birthday party), twine, and a magnet.<br />
<br />
I set up some gathering activities: pom pom "blueberries" (which is a game Meg made up herself ages ago) with tin pails, Dollar Tree faux leaves scattered on the floor, and plastic bugs hidden amongst the playroom toys.<br />
<br />
I set the scene further by tucking faux flowers into couch cushions and nestling woodland stuffed animals in appropriate "homes."<br />
<br />
Meg was greeted when she came down the stairs with a backpack filled with bug nets, a magnifying glass, cooking supplies, a flashlight, the fishing pole, a cardboard tube "spy glass" she'd made earlier, a sleeping bag, and an explorer's hat.<br />
<br />
All told, it took me maybe 15 minutes to set up.<br />
<br />
She was so excited when she woke up and heard we were going camping!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/olVLlSb3xaEuBh2Z1uOCBIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wiQTkOqeZec/UkYG9yZ0LFI/AAAAAAAAIyA/jbN04jZgVUs/s640/0265%2520%252856%2529.JPG" width="479" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She caught and cooked dinner,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0uDCNXVCeOBSlugzASdTCoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7RTzs7x8sNlE3QWWfIkx36L0sST3ELzSCeGuz7uGiBhRjSbQrOI4-_jcuTBU0yHD8lMhyy6ocw7xKtQeo7RPcT6fDOcnrzGYNvdJ_91-jVHUNSf0a8VIYmZXfIeFI9kbWV8xTSbafR0/s640/0265%2520%252857%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xYHiM_ICJV71nfQaqop3yYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hDkd8rq-3qM/UkYHOMn4UMI/AAAAAAAAIyo/duitxlyrXCQ/s640/0265%2520%252862%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
collected leaves and bugs and blueberries,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ji7Mf5gTTpw6g6NLDJQq8IXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LkLua0HROKA/UkYHD5ZShxI/AAAAAAAAIyM/mUywk0UsemY/s640/0265%2520%252859%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YLICsHhpzIUjCWh8V-yYBoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9sYznPJK-Rw/UkYHTgSzjVI/AAAAAAAAIy0/4zP1eQGfZAo/s640/0265%2520%252864%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
and spent a good long time hiding from bears in the tent. When we finished, we set it all back up and did it again. And again. And again.<br />
<br />
She's been asking to go camping again every day since, so I'm going to have to set up another surprise trip soon. Things were just tossed together and not very attractively, but the novelty of the activity and one-on-one time with Mom thrilled her. And it didn't cost us a cent!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-31625855871813976232013-09-27T16:05:00.000-06:002013-09-27T16:05:47.651-06:00Autumn Activity ShelvesI've mentioned before that we have a bookshelf in our kitchen full of novel toys and seasonal activities to keep our kids engaged while we're cooking dinner or otherwise occupied on the main floor of our house.<br />
<br />
For autumn, it's stocked with:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Art Supplies</b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eK3_VTLcrS2TsoaA6QZ5roXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ohc8-C-HPYk/UkS8vkmRS8I/AAAAAAAAId0/fNJ4lJXc8I8/s640/P9260042.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">glue, feathers, leaf stickers, autumn foam stickers, Halloween cookie cutters to trace, foam leaves, colored card stock and white art paper, and a jack-o-lantern sticker book</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v6AUpFWees8GJA26jmRB6YXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h849Dh5ESK0/UkS8wViFy9I/AAAAAAAAId4/nOPM7bKH0Uw/s640/P9260044.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The supplies are tucked away in a felt Halloween basket purchased on clearance last year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Fine Motor Activity</b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/f0_lbZaH8VdtALZ0ksDIAIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Z2J22W0Doio/UkS8zg1S9JI/AAAAAAAAIeA/5HT-5a3vszw/s640/P9260046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tiny jack-o-lantern erasers, pumpkin ice cube tray, and tongs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2013/09/five-little-pumpkins-child-made-story.html">Story Props</a> and Book</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wtOXJ0wEEkCnVHmjjrwvF4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AeY4MV5_IlE/UkS85vNJeVI/AAAAAAAAIeI/mZ5UgED1YvY/s640/P9260050.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Seasonal Picture Books</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EpCVT1MALJmxgs7Y1yz004Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnHWGhHY7E0O6I2pwl0V_gwLE6EauDDqyFSiADF_cPzkWNyl0dMEobwj1QQ2yPNdS42MoVbhr5Bhbdk9-VqiZW7R7iyYuSg38oZZoNEYojelhIgQREE_o0-Q8dMX0lIs7foUqYYrI9iU/s640/P9260051.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
and our <a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2013/09/autumn-sensory-bin.html">autumn sensory bin</a> and last year's <a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2012/10/autumn-treasure-basket.html">autumn treasure basket</a>.<br />
<br />
The art supplies, books, and fine motor activity fit neatly inside a basket.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GAOEb6quZyUoEW99KCbbQIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--Glx4wdBnAY/UkS9AvaR_zI/AAAAAAAAIeY/t6_Xw3x9F40/s640/P9260052.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/86IiUXmUe7HNwEh-7sWqxYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eKhv5bkZRVE/UkS9CzNKGpI/AAAAAAAAIeg/xJ0ZKW-iIWc/s640/P9260054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-17639107276813093592013-09-27T15:45:00.000-06:002013-09-27T16:06:04.260-06:00Autumn Sensory BinOur autumn sensory bin contains black beans, white beans, orange-dyed rice*, plastic leaf table scatter from Target's Dollar Spot (purchased last year after-Halloween clearance, but I believe they have it again this year), painted acorns, bowls, a scoop, and tongs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0gLZtjt7GeORNlTlPs29SoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OOvAja-7bro/UkS7YaFX1CI/AAAAAAAAIdE/79iGbAzCDAw/s640/0267%2520%252860%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We collected some acorns at the park recently, washed them, baked them in the oven at 350 for 20 minutes (to kill off any insects/larvae), painted the nuts with <a href="http://deltacreative.com/pcid/142/default.aspx" target="_blank">soy paint</a>, hot glued the caps on, then polished them up with some beeswax to protect the paint. They make a fun sensory bin addition.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ruuLBKf21rB2KNpNyvzZJYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yzBhx71852s/UkS7VYSnvhI/AAAAAAAAIc8/DSlWXWW9zHM/s640/0267%2520%252855%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
*To color the rice, I just dumped some vinegar and a few drops of red and yellow food coloring onto the rice, stirred thoroughly, then spread it flat to dry for a few hours.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-84263701102672269492013-09-27T15:36:00.000-06:002013-09-27T16:06:21.706-06:00Five Little Pumpkins Child-Made Story PropsOne of Meg's favorite autumn books is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Five-Little-Pumpkins-Harper-Growing/dp/0694011770/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380317211&sr=8-1&keywords=5+little+pumpkins">5 Little Pumpkins</a>. When I was at Michael's craft store recently and saw some little wooden pumpkin cutouts, I had a feeling she'd love using them to make her own story props.<br />
<br />
I offered her orange tempera on a plastic palette, a paintbrush, a black Sharpie, and the cutouts. She chose to prop the book in front of her as she worked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UbyLFN-aZLcuRu56uS_p3YXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGEm0KCjR1WFl7INTB4RWEwHurnTN47PzHy0e3PdcgdO5l7GPi8XiAktseEaiVvzehiYFkwJ4XRBCHaPkRXNkvLsXOnNfzsppba9p1UNEnJ1EGLJWP90UEN5hYI7INL_c-3qrP05AFDw/s640/0267%2520%25284%2529.JPG" width="479" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pRNUQbrKXrGxvycyhdk6t4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kidrT4p69XE/UkS7HeXkcbI/AAAAAAAAIcc/fRIvKuhNANU/s640/0267%2520%25286%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She put approximately 112 coats of paint on the pumpkins then left them to dry while she napped.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YQ-nNjUXPMcBsj3U4fiPtIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qhxPO00crXU/UkS7KejEbnI/AAAAAAAAIck/IitDVCF3AJQ/s640/0267%2520%25287%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When she awoke, she carefully drew each pumpkin face with the Sharpie. She really studied each pumpkin and tried to replicate its unique features. This is something fairly new for her, copying an image. She's usually adamant that she wants to do things her own way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v5umP8HzAz0_uJ9qtCq-xIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XsS51Zgmjvs/UkS7PtJxA-I/AAAAAAAAIcs/IIZvjuEXiLw/s640/0267%2520%252810%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She was so proud of how they turned out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iV0cNMP-Z82ohR_2VatW54Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mP09Iy-UOPs/UkS7RTsl4gI/AAAAAAAAIc0/MMYpMDbVd6E/s640/0267%2520%252817%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-9450160719773972712013-07-16T13:52:00.000-06:002013-07-16T17:00:29.594-06:00Citrus Lane Subscription Box Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GL9N7lKAhNEHd5hZpPeV4YXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-76Cd37FRHek/UeWfIWxygDI/AAAAAAAAIUo/xks0i0-FoWA/s640/0256%2520%252856%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This is not a sponsored post, I just like reading reviews of subscription box experiences, so I thought I'd share mine.<br />
<br />
Background, <b><a href="https://www.citruslane.com/invitedby/Karissa.Holloway.1333027">Citrus Lane</a></b> is one of the many subscription services for baby, child, and family products - toys, books, food items, and accessories - currently popping up all over the internet. You sign up for your preferred subscription period (monthly, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months - all auto-renewing until you cancel) fill in your child's name, age, and whether you prefer girl/boy/gender neutral items, and once a month a box of surprise items tailored to your child's age and gender is mailed to you. You can also buy gift subscriptions for friends and family. You can see some of the past boxes <a href="https://www.citruslane.com/invitedby/Karissa.Holloway.1333027" target="_blank">on their website</a>, but I recommend Googling for reviews, because they give you a broader picture of what you might expect. I loved that I saw a lot of brands I know and trust - Melissa and Doug, Skip Hop, Plum Organics, etc.<br />
<br />
I had a promo code and spent a good deal of time reading others' reviews online before deciding to go for it and give the service a try. I signed up for an 18 month gender-neutral box, hoping there might be some things to interest both of my kids included.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Qe4jW8i3NIhGgHz9DREy6IXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0EjpEOfB3yc/UeWfHsv8GyI/AAAAAAAAIUk/Gmg0KrDQ5IU/s640/0256%2520%252857%2529.JPG" width="639" /></a></div><br />
<br />
We received:<br />
<ul><li>1 Melissa and Doug counting puzzle - This is one of the only M&D wooden puzzles we didn't yet own - score!</li>
<li>3 Zo-li stacking snack cups - I've been looking at different ones online for a while. I wanted a set that was large enough for picnic snacks and that hooked together for ease of carrying. I'm glad I waited to buy one, because this ticked all my boxes. And the set is BPA and phthalate free, which is important to me.</li>
<li>1 GoGo Squeez flavored applesauce pouch - My 4 year old loves these, so it went straight into my purse.</li>
<li>2 instant disposable ice packs - Meh, disposable things make me nervous. I feel like I need to save them for a "special occasion." I'll toss these in the car, but who knows if I'll ever need one.</li>
<li>voucher for 10 free digital postcards - Whatever. I have no use for them, and I really don't know many people who would pay for something like this. I think this was a bonus item, though. (If you can manage to read the code on my photo above, go for it and use it. I won't be.)</li>
</ul><br />
Overall, pretty good. 3 things I would have eventually purchased, 1 I wouldn't purchase but will probably use, and 1 dud, but the dud wasn't one of the paid-for items, so I'm not bothered by it. I am, however, bummed we didn't get a book, as they usually include one. I'll keep the service for another few months before renewing or cancelling, because I got a really good deal on it and, you know, for the sake of science. ;)<br />
<br />
If you'd like to sign up, you can get $10 off your first box by using my <b><a href="https://www.citruslane.com/invitedby/Karissa.Holloway.1333027" target="_blank">Citrus Lane referral link</a></b>. Has anyone else used this service or one like it? Like I said, I'm a subscription box enthusiast, so I'd love to hear your experiences.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-56042719468428256992013-06-26T10:13:00.001-06:002013-06-27T09:00:04.813-06:00Margaret's Colorful, Whimsical, Happy SpaceEarly in the spring I got the itch to finally decorate Meggie's room. She moved into it and out of the nursery in the winter of 2011, but we never got around to doing much with the space. Eh, enough words, here's her lovely room.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nxoOqq1UsUYPC9j1keTUbIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yfKUL0XiqXk/UcsBmAc1qeI/AAAAAAAAIPU/YhsHIu0Rifk/s640/0241%2520%252817%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When deciding which direction to take Meg's room, I knew I had to incorporate some of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/trafalgarssquare" target="_blank">Trafalgar's Square's</a> beautiful art. I hung it with hidden Command strips for stability and added <a href="http://www.downtowntape.com/" target="_blank">washi tape</a> frames for interest. Meg's only request was for one of the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59392080/ride-em-cowgirl-red-haired-8x10?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=cowgirl" target="_blank">cowgirl prints</a>. Jessie is her best imaginary friend, and it charms me to think of her laying in bed looking at this picture. My favorite is the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/96972949/childrens-art-adventure-girl-a-11x14?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=adventure%2Bgirl" target="_blank">Adventure Girl</a> print, because it reminds me so much of my vibrant girl.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MN49wqhlxFuPXf63LkvCqIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mVHaInPueww/UcsBsUmQLJI/AAAAAAAAIPg/3aryix6nGXQ/s640/0241%2520%252818%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/KidKraft-53173-Red-Retro-Kitchen/dp/B0030HBVG2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372261974&sr=8-1&keywords=kidkraft+red+vintage+kitchen" target="_blank">KidKraft retro red kitchen</a> was a Christmas present from her Nan, as was the <a href="http://www.target.com/p/circo-love-n-nature-table-lamp/-/A-13513425" target="_blank">Target Love n Nature lamp</a>. The rug was purchased at Ross. Meg is quite insistent that the Easter tree needs to live in her room year-round.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SexckQX610GFRz2P-2hwfIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqj_tN0hCk20DPKhLeLel0f9tYw0Ue-_H-QReias2aIp9lGj0zGG12l8fDmM_fT4sc2QzJi8LnKk89Iv1PorAunOtk9ZPnNh-IgTdjT1IGC149lH6Z2iBJvQTfSVCK8vXr0IUu0bgxO0/s640/0253%2520%252852%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The white furniture was a handmedown from a family member. It's actually meant to be bathroom storage. The diminutive size is perfect for a preschooler. The pieces hold books, doll clothes and accessories, tea sets, jewelry, and memorabilia. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wx9OVpODH6FWyxNehT3yeIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-a625Ho3NcWM/UcsCuVJZENI/AAAAAAAAIRA/cSv09mtA12A/s640/0253%2520%252857%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GGk59Zs-rNRfy-fXHp4JSoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3QwKq9Jle5s/UcsBsrfB6VI/AAAAAAAAIPk/WC5C3clbtrA/s640/0241%2520%252824%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The buntings were originally made for our playroom. When we <a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2013/01/brand-spanking-new-playroom.html" target="_blank">turned the playroom into a TV room and the family room into a playroom</a>, there was no space for them anymore. Happy chance, because they go perfectly in Meg's new bedroom. The large one is simple pennants cut from cotton prints with pinking shears and sewn to a ribbon. The small one is miniature felt pennants sewn to the same ribbon. The other is needle felted balls strung on yarn.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s2C4igNL6kRe1LIjYoo_oYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gkM7OGh0crs/UcsCdnhoi0I/AAAAAAAAIQg/KaNxpACLKX0/s640/0253%2520%252863%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The frames and jewelry tree were purchased at 70% off from Target at an end of season closeout. The crocheted doll purse/bassinet was a gift from Nan and the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70216092/" target="_blank">hedgehog plush</a> is from Ikea. The bunny card is a Trafalgar's Square business card that was included in our order.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yh2qxJfTCEJISd750zH28oXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6nwyXGyirn0/UcsCckhRr1I/AAAAAAAAIQY/FEf8b-sfFxw/s640/0253%2520%252864%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/h1hIbfUYHunAr9pVqSyn84Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dOGS5kXMdC0/UcsY5BtkNTI/AAAAAAAAIS4/wpcfykN4h24/s640/0253%2520%252881%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HPPqkJL_SHKYiBOpRzYLxoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPY6VKqpEtGeNK-VEwpRNDRQtIY1jAxhOqSBXNArSDHJBU1p0Qi1RGMG21hcIU3-UDHvCA0r7H-edvipMhrlaJejmqA8DIph8m-4fKOFzcFUhtDUKApakXACsIscDiL3muwcCSxpRrus/s640/0253%2520%252878%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ACUeQBm9XHKd1ZUPqfbnnIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5112gjuT-w8/UcsCyNSTjmI/AAAAAAAAIRI/0kv-gEE0BSo/s640/0253%2520%252853%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glass case holds some of Meg's treasures - dolls Nana brought back from Jamaica and Mexico, special art projects, her flower girl basket from Auntie's wedding, and books she receives every year on her birthday - each has a main character named Margaret or Meg. Her <a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2013/03/portable-storage-for-hairstyling.html" target="_blank">hair styling basket</a> lives on top. On the wall is a cork board holding Disney trading pins from our last trip. The doll is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Haba-1578-Lotta-Doll-15/dp/B000H3H1M0" target="_blank">Haba's Lotta</a>.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1_-5rYJJVF6pJhSUHMGWJYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aFY9pWblRPY/UcsCRRt9JfI/AAAAAAAAIQM/ugvGBNyDms4/s640/0246%2520%252819%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aoY2rS71R6ehCr-lwlF3qIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DMnuxGJSvpU/UcsCjhVRYyI/AAAAAAAAIQo/shi80VaRqMg/s640/0253%2520%252868%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I make no effort to beautify her bookshelves, since they're hidden behind a door. Meg is in and out of there so many times a day, it would be exhausting to try to keep them neat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LKZMCbUdDLx26Y7K2-E4RIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7TowJn3u240/UPCDaZ45EJI/AAAAAAAAHpI/teqgIU4z3iA/s640/0231%2520%252840%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The<a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2013/01/perfect-hairbow-storage.html" target="_blank"> hair bow hanger</a> is hidden behind her bedroom door.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MtjhOCoxnNYN7W3Hz_78eoXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZZERwNvCOgo/UcsHd4AMevI/AAAAAAAAIR8/Hdb21YqKkiw/s640/0253%2520%252874%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I decorated the wall above her bed with fabric circles attached to the wall with fusible interfacing. I ironed them straight to the wall (with a pressing cloth between the iron and the wall). They've been up for months and still are holding strong. I've experimented with removing them, and they peel off cleanly. The flower table was purchased from Target is 2002 for my own bedroom. The very ugly piggy was mine as a child, and Meg loves it just as much as I did. The <a href="http://www.target.com/p/circo-mushroom-led-night-light/-/A-14132468" target="_blank">mushroom night light</a> is from Target. I love that you can plug it in to charge, then unplug and carry it around. Great for night time bathroom trips. The fan pulls are from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Thimbletowne" target="_blank">Thimbletowne</a> on Etsy, a fabulous shop for lightswitch/outlet covers, fan pulls, night lights, picture frames, etc. The shop owner is really fun to work with for custom orders.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yCmt72hMjBZWIVDMuAdSSIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9UhJXhMKCQY/UcsCNav3J3I/AAAAAAAAIQE/HYA7x6Dg3SM/s640/0246%2520%252816%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gorgeous doll bunk bed was a handmedown from a friend, and Nan sewed bedding for it to match Meg's. The backpack is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Pack-Little-Backpack/dp/B004U5FPOC" target="_blank">Skip Hop</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/N1_KxKan52fz0hXAIPoaR4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bH8NF3TZ7sk/UcsHfEroA0I/AAAAAAAAISE/winZay-r7FE/s640/0253%2520%252876%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The three toss pillows were purchased at the same Target closeout sale as the frames above. I sewed the owl pillow for Meg before she was born. It's a little dated now, but sentimentality compels us to hold onto it. The duvet set is from Target.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/lingallswannabe/meg-s-room-needs-some-flair/">Here</a> is the Pinterest board I made for inspiration during the process. There are still some small details I'd like to add to the room in time (pom pom pillow trim, a sweet mobile, a favorite quote up on the wall), but for now, Meg's very happy with her space, and that's all I need.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/p82RPiJi3NSCXRSsa88OkYXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VavYSoOuZj8/UcsStOa-mSI/AAAAAAAAISo/75IocuB-hkw/s640/0245%2520%252846%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-86154341183781215182013-05-21T16:47:00.003-06:002013-05-26T16:50:15.522-06:00Summer of Science and NatureOver the next few months, I thought I'd do a casual science and nature unit with my kids (aged 3.5 and 1.5) to pass the long hot summer days. As with all my bright ideas ;) my initial plan is likely to evolve as we go on, and I still have to flesh it out a lot and finish the latter sections, but here's a rough outline, if anyone would like to follow along. I've tried to work with what we have resource-wise as we've got some travel coming up at the end of the summer that we're still saving for. We'll likely heavily add to the books mentioned with ones from the library too.<br />
<br />
<b>Dinosaurs: </b>May 26-June 1<br />
<a href="http://www.playathomemomllc.com/2012/03/dinosaur-discovery.html">make and excavate dino rocks with plastic dino skeletons</a><br />
<a href="http://mommasfunworld.blogspot.com/2013/01/dinosaur-sensory-bin-with-erupting-mud.html">dino sensory bin with erupting mud</a><br />
visit nearby dinosaur museum <br />
snack: boiled and dyed “<a href="http://lifehacker.com/5197986/make-vibrantly-colored-tea-eggs">dino eggs</a>”<br />
books: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Dinosaur-Board-Book-Books/dp/B007360FPO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1369169760&sr=8-2&keywords=my+first+dinosaur+book">My First Dinosaur Board Book</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Oh-My-Dinosaurs-Boynton-Board/dp/1563054418/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369169802&sr=1-1&keywords=oh+my+oh+my+oh+dinosaurs">Oh My Oh My Oh Dinosaurs</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Big-Dinosaur-Book-Roger-Priddy/dp/0312513062/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369169924&sr=1-2&keywords=my+big+dinosaur+book">My Big Dinosaur Book</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Digging-Dinosaurs-Lets-Read---Find-Out-Science/dp/0064450783/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369343465&sr=8-1&keywords=aliki+digging+up">Digging Up Dinosaurs</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dinosaur-Eyewitness-Books-David-Lambert/dp/0756658101/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369343551&sr=1-1&keywords=dinosaur+lambert">Dinosaur</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/DK-Readers-Dinosaurs-Ruth-Thomson/dp/0756655854/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369343589&sr=1-5&keywords=Dinosaur%E2%80%99s+Day" >Dinosaur’s Day</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/DK-Guide-Dinosaurs-Guides/dp/0756617936/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369343624&sr=1-1&keywords=DK+Guide+to+Dinosaurs">DK Guide to Dinosaurs</a><br />
family movie night: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Land-Before-Time-Anniversary/dp/B0000AOX0O/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1369169949&sr=1-1&keywords=land+before+time">Land Before Time</a><br />
<br />
<b>Insects and arachnids:</b> June 2-8<br />
giant yarn spider web (inspired by <a href="http://www.teachpreschool.org/2013/03/weaving-through-a-rainbow/" target="_blank">this</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.teachpreschool.org/2011/10/very-busy-making-spider-webs-in-preschool/" target="_blank">spider web weaving</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Toysmith-Ant-Universe-Kit-each/dp/B001FD72D4/?keywords=ant+farm&qid=1366761048&ref=sr_1_4&ie=UTF8&sr=8-4" target="_blank">ant farm</a><br />
small world play with plastic bugs<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Insect-Lore-Live-Butterfly-Garden/dp/B00000ISC5/?keywords=butterfly+kit&qid=1366760521&ref=sr_1_1&ie=UTF8&sr=8-1">raise butterflies</a><br />
make beeswax candles<br />
play with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stockmar-Educational-Products-Modeling-preservatives/dp/B0010X8V2A/?keywords=beeswax+modeling+clay&qid=1366760830&ref=sr_1_2&ie=UTF8&sr=8-2" target="_blank">beeswax modeling clay</a><br />
snack: honey from honeycomb<br />
books: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Very-Hungry-Caterpillar-Eric-Carle/dp/0399226907/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369175270&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Very+Hungry+Caterpillar" target="_blank">The Very Hungry Caterpillar</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Very-Busy-Spider-Lift---Flap/dp/0448444216/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369175302&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Very+Busy+Spider" target="_blank">The Very Busy Spider</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grouchy-Ladybug-Eric-Carle/dp/0064434508/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369175328&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Grouchy+Ladybug" target="_blank">The Grouchy Ladybug</a><br />
family movie night: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bugs-Life-Two-Disc-Collectors/dp/B00007LVCM/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1369175426&sr=1-2&keywords=bug%27s+life" target="_blank">A Bug’s Life</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Very-Hungry-Caterpillar-Other-Stories/dp/B000BMGEJI/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1369175460&sr=1-1&keywords=very+hungry+caterpillar" target="_blank">The Very Hungry Caterpillar</a> ($5 at Target), or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Magic-School-Bus-Creepy-Crawly/dp/B002JUFPDG/ref=sr_1_3?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1369175500&sr=1-3&keywords=magic+school+bus+creepy+crawly" target="_blank">Magic School Bus Creepy Crawly Fun</a><br />
<br />
<b>Plants and rocks:</b> June 9-15<br />
plant new flowers in playhouse window boxes<br />
<a href="http://www.craftinterrupted.com/2012/06/fun-jar-friday-9-rainbow-trees.html" target="_blank">color tree trunks with chalk</a><br />
<a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QXqeBRIO7ns8QhNn3tzfXdahIlvfSclL7kKTKKEm-3MRta7YYPxPS7tXbPomphUmkgjYv6Sfa7FJzwCfjr5OKFwO-X_VcsOWVzzK5PonkJ3d8wa6yiIdZu5PTzjx4PXMqvSALn1P1Zw/s400/Garden+004.jpg&imgrefurl=http://flowersandweeds.blogspot.com/2008/12/enough-snow-already.html&usg=__T55P3hZyrP9kX9ngtdC6nrb8jgQ=&h=400&w=267&sz=47&hl=en&start=105&sig2=yWaI9qw6KWiaOzhyimyySg&zoom=1&tbnid=uC8GjW8E_MEsZM:&tbnh=158&tbnw=105&ei=0LgCTpH7H8fYgAed8OzkCg&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dfairy%2Bgarden%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D510%26gbv%3D2%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=964&vpy=113&dur=4075&hovh=275&hovw=183&tx=114&ty=170&page=11&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:105" target="_blank">make a fairy garden</a> (<a href="http://theknittedgarden.blogspot.com/2011/08/faeries-in-my-garden.html" target="_blank">another</a> inspiration picture)<br />
<a href="http://reggioinspired.ning.com/photo/objects-from-nature-2?context=album&albumId=1975426:Album:16733" target="_blank">nature in water table</a><br />
<a href="http://www.playcreateexplore.com/2010/05/contact-paper-collage.html" target="_blank">contact paper nature collage</a><br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/203787951861007027/" target="_blank">painting with flowers</a><br />
<a href="http://www.playfullearners.co.uk/2012/05/tuff-spot-ice-play.html" target="_blank">freeze nature in ice cubes</a><br />
<a href="http://www.jojoebi-designs.com/2011/10/collecting-boardtutorial.html" target="_blank">color walk</a><br />
<a href="http://www.teachpreschool.org/2013/05/dandelion-blow-painting/" target="_blank">dandelion seed blow painting</a> <br />
visit nearby state park <br />
display flower life cycle poster<br />
books: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tree-Plant-Lets-Read---Find-Out-Science/dp/B0000VV2CO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369175624&sr=1-1&keywords=a+tree+is+a+plant" target="_blank">A Tree is a Plant</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tree-Nice-Janice-May-Udry/dp/0064431479/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369175657&sr=1-1&keywords=A+Tree+is+Nice" target="_blank">A Tree is Nice</a>, Eye on Nature minerals book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Red-Leaf-Yellow-Lois-Ehlert/dp/0152661972/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369175702&sr=1-1&keywords=Red+Leaf+Yellow+Leaf" target="_blank">Red Leaf Yellow Leaf</a> <br />
family movie night: ?<br />
<br />
<b>Reptiles, amphibians, and birds:</b> June 16-22<br />
<a href="http://www.playbasedlearning.com.au/2012/02/frog-and-fairy-pond/" target="_blank">frog pond small world</a><br />
display frog life cycle poster<br />
search for lizards and toads in yard <br />
snakes?<br />
turtles?<br />
birds?<br />
books: Eye on Nature reptiles and snakes books, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Red-eyed-Tree-Frog-Scholastic-Bookshelf/dp/043978221X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369175740&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Red+Eyed+Tree+Frog" target="_blank">The Red Eyed Tree Frog</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Frog-Toad-Collection-Read-Book/dp/0060580860/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369175765&sr=1-1&keywords=Frog+and+Toad" target="_blank">Frog and Toad series</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Owl-Babies-Candlewick-Storybook-Animations/dp/0763650420/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369175802&sr=1-1&keywords=Owl+Babies" target="_blank">Owl Babies</a><br />
family movie night:<br />
<br />
<b>Underwater animals: </b>June 23-29<br />
blue Jell-O, green spaghetti, clear water beads in kiddie pool (similar to <a href="http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2012/06/messy-play-in-bath-jello-ocean.html" target="_blank">this</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.connectingfamilyandseoul.com/2012/06/out-of-ocean-story-and-small-world.html" target="_blank">ocean small world</a><br />
go swimming at nearby pool <br />
books: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rainbow-Fish-Book-Marcus-Pfister/dp/1558584412/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369175849&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Rainbow+Fish" target="_blank">The Rainbow Fish</a>, Eye on Nature sharks and whales books<br />
family movie night: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Two-Disc-Collectors-Albert-Brooks/dp/B00005JM02/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1369175888&sr=1-2&keywords=finding+nemo" target="_blank">Finding Nemo</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Disneynature-Oceans-Pierce-Brosnan/dp/B003QF1N7K/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1369176057&sr=1-2&keywords=disney+oceans" target="_blank">Disneynature Oceans</a><br />
<br />
<b>Farm animals: </b>June 30-July 6<br />
<a href="http://theimaginationtree.com/2012/07/farmyard-sensory-small-world-play.html" target="_blank">farm small world</a><br />
visit nearby farm <br />
visit farmer's market for fresh eggs, milk, and produce<br />
make butter <br />
books: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Barnyard-Dance-Boynton-Board-Sandra/dp/1563054426/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369175925&sr=1-1&keywords=barnyard+dance" target="_blank">Barnyard Dance</a><br />
family movie night: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charlottes-Web-VHS-Debbie-Reynolds/dp/6304015127/ref=sr_1_3?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1369175970&sr=1-3&keywords=Charlotte%E2%80%99s+Web" target="_blank">Charlotte’s Web</a><br />
<br />
<b>The Arctic: </b>July 7-13<br />
<a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2012/05/polar-ice-play.html" target="_blank">arctic small world</a><br />
<a href="http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/05/play-recipes-summer-snow.html" target="_blank">frozen shaving cream "snow"</a><br />
books: Eye on Nature penguins book<br />
family movie night: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/March-Penguins-Widescreen-Laurent-Chalet/dp/B000BI5KV0/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1369176020&sr=1-2&keywords=march+of+the+penguins" target="_blank">March of the Penguins</a><br />
<br />
<b>The Rainforest: </b>July 14-20<br />
<a href="http://www.icanteachmychild.com/2011/06/making-it-rain/?_szp=362480" target="_blank">making rain experiment</a><br />
<a href="http://herbarium.desu.edu/pfk/page11/page12/page13/page13.html" target="_blank">plants grow upward experiment</a> <br />
books: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Slowly-said-Sloth/dp/0142408476/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369175373&sr=1-1&keywords=slowly+slowly+slowly+said+the+sloth" target="_blank">Slowly Slowly Slowly Said the Sloth</a><br />
family movie night: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ferngully-Last-Rainforest-Geoffrey-Blake/dp/B000A2WAQK/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1369176093&sr=1-1&keywords=Fern+Gulley" target="_blank">Fern Gulley</a><br />
<br />
<b>Humans: </b>July 21-27<br />
play <a href="http://www.playathomemomllc.com/2011/06/doctors-office.html" target="_blank">doctor's office</a> or <a href="http://www.playbasedlearning.com.au/2012/02/hospital-play/" target="_blank">hospital </a><br />
doctor puzzle<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cproppe/4501619793/" target="_blank">land art self-portraits</a><br />
books: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Like-Me-Puffin-Storytime-Book/dp/014241445X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369176398&sr=8-1&keywords=I+Like+Me" target="_blank">I Like Me</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shades-People-Shelley-Rotner/dp/0823423050/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369176429&sr=1-1&keywords=shades+of+people" target="_blank">Shades of People</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Body-Board-Book-Books/dp/B002CKGYWY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369532528&sr=8-1&keywords=my+first+body+board+book" target="_blank">My First Body Board Book</a><br />
family movie night: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Magic-School-Bus-Human-Body/dp/B0009S4IME/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1369176118&sr=1-2&keywords=Magic+School+Bus+Human+Body" target="_blank">Magic School Bus Human Body</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Babies-Thomas-Balmes/dp/B002ZG974M/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1369186482&sr=1-2&keywords=babies" target="_blank">Babies</a><br />
<br />
<b>Sun, Moon, Stars, Planets: </b>July 28-August 3<br />
<a href="http://www.tamingthegoblin.com/2012/05/kids-co-op-link-up-7-for-me.html" target="_blank">alien sensory bin</a><br />
books: Wow, we don't own a single book on the topic!<br />
family movie night: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Magic-School-Bus-Space-Adventures/dp/B000089QB3/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1369176150&sr=1-1&keywords=magic+school+bus+space+adventures" target="_blank">Magic School Bus Space Adventures</a><br />
<br />
<b>Science Experiments</b><br />
1. <a href="http://www.crafttestdummies.com/crafts-for-kids/how-to-art-bombs-outdoor-crafting/" target="_blank">erupting paint bags</a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/04/eye-spy-slime-recipe.html" target="_blank">make clear slime</a><br />
3. <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2012/04/kitchen-craft-soap-clouds-and-homemade-kiddie-tub-soaps/" target="_blank">microwave Ivory soap</a><br />
4. <a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2012/05/toddler-chemistry-lab.html" target="_blank">chemistry lab</a> - This was a HUGE hit last year.<br />
5. <a href="http://www.playathomemomllc.com/2012/02/elephant-toothpaste.html" target="_blank">elephant toothpaste</a><br />
6. <a href="http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2012/05/mad-science-lab-fun-science-exploration.html" target="_blank">mad scientist lab</a> - I bought all the stuff to do this last year and never got around to it.<br />
7. <a href="http://www.funathomewithkids.com/2013/02/fizzing-gelatin-young-toddler-s-and-i.html" target="_blank">fizzy play</a><br />
8. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=178662805522879&set=a.227873900601769.58015.174614952594331&type=3&theater" target="_blank">lava lamp sensory play</a><br />
9. <a href="http://www.thechocolatemuffintree.com/2012/03/transparent-and-bouncy-egg-experiment.html" target="_blank">transparent and bouncing eggs</a><br />
10. <a href="http://www.artfulparent.com/2011/07/ice-salt-color.html" target="_blank">colored ice sculptures</a><br />
11. <a href="http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/original-mentos-diet-coke-geyser" target="_blank">Mentos and diet soda</a><br />
12. <a href="http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/colorful-carnations" target="_blank">color changing carnations</a><br />
<br />
I could get permission and post some inspiration pictures, but, frankly, I'm too lazy to bother right now. I hope you'll forgive a boring, incomplete, pictureless list.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894133993926676420.post-66031662316461783532013-04-29T15:30:00.002-06:002013-04-29T15:31:40.329-06:00Our New Block and Building CenterWe've been working on a block center this week in our ever-evolving <a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2013/01/brand-spanking-new-playroom.html" target="_blank">playroom</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/x2ZU-Nc7HgVOKEGVcIxOx4Xi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TQvn89xej2c/UX7dxLez3uI/AAAAAAAAIFc/Kpo255riDlI/s640/0244%2520%252884%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We bought a cube shelving unit from <a href="http://www.target.com/p/3x3-storage-unit-white/-/A-11819558#prodSlot=large_2_14">Target</a> that's similar to but smaller than the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40047675/">Ikea Expedit</a>. For a fairly inexpensive piece of furniture (we got it for $52), it's quite sturdy and was quick to put together. We have a couple of extra shelves from an old unit on the floor in the corner to provide a hard surface to build on.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/46KMv718me3tcHfRibgw8IXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2r5brHqIhY0/UX7dyHMXBYI/AAAAAAAAIFk/ZC_eRTf3wuE/s640/0244%2520%252880%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The unit is filled with a variety of blocks, building materials, and imaginary play figures. I may switch out the <a href="http://lauraingallswannabe.blogspot.com/2012/10/handmade-peek-boo-toy-storage-bags.html" target="_blank">bags</a> and buckets for more natural baskets in the future. Isn't <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/203787951861013543/" target="_blank">this</a> a lovely inspiration picture?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YvUyUkCv_YVVRJkjJuoevIXi5ERKQy0A4NRpuY7A56k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Uacy52fTJp0/UX7d1PmH_rI/AAAAAAAAIFs/5va_iLIVztY/s640/0244%2520%252886%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/?action=view&current=signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/acknowledgedhypocrisy/signature.png" /></a>Laura Ingalls wannabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09017865998210755382noreply@blogger.com0