Meet Tommy Teal, our Elf on the Shelf. He first visited our house last November 26th. Tommy isn't as crazy as some elves you see out there. He's actually quite boring. That's ok and I'll tell you why! Yes, I do admit that I get a bit jealous of some of the ideas people come up with for their Elf on the Shelf. I've seen some cute ones, some mischievous ones, and some just plain wrong ones. However, not everyone is that creative nor do they have time to make those little scenes. If you are anything like me, you have to set an alarm to even remember to move your elf each night! Plus, I thought the point of the Elf on the Shelf was to help your kids be good during the holiday season. Your elf is suppose to sit somewhere in your house all day and watch your childrens' behavior. Each night he goes back to the North Pole and reports to Santa how they have been. This is where I have an issue with some of the ideas I've seen and why I think our boring Tommy is just fine. 1) … [Read more...]
Christmas Tree Bunting
Some of you may remember my Bunny Bunting Banner I made last spring for Easter. If not be sure to HOP over and check it out (sorry, I couldn't help myself). I loved the way it turned out so much that I decided to make one for Christmas this year, except put a spin on it. Instead of using colorful paper (which you can still totally do) I decided to use Christmas colored fabrics and make little trees! I am SO excited with how it turned out and I thought I'd share it with you for a little inspiration as well.Gather enough fabric to make several trees. Cut and stitch them each, leaving the bottom open for turning right side out and for stuffing and adding the tree stump. *If your kids are good with scissors, they can help you cut the trees out.My least favorite part of sewing is making sure my corners (or points) are nice and precise. My grandma was a stickler for perfect sewing so I kind of feel like I would be letting her down if I gave it half of my effort. Using a small scissors or a … [Read more...]
The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas!–Giveaway
Have you seen the commercials for The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas? Did you watch it when it debuted on TV a few days ago? If not, you are missing out!Lindsi--Let me start by saying my daughter does NOT watch TV. I can't get her to sit down and watch an entire show (so I can get things done) for the life of me (or her!). I put in The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas for movie night for my kids and all of them (including my daughter) were enthralled through the whole thing! They even asked to watch it again!Jamie--We watched The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas the night we received it in the mail. Both my girls loved it and were dancing along to the songs. The only complaint my 4 year old had was, "Mom, it's not close enough to Christmas to watch this." Thanksgiving we went to my in-laws house and it was on TV. My girls went on and on about how they owned the movie so they could watch it again. My nephew was jealous!Both--We loved the movie … [Read more...]
500 Holiday Craft Projects for Kids
Thanksgiving is over and that means it's time to gear up for Christmas! In honor of that, we've gathered up 500 fabulous holiday craft ideas for you and the kiddos! 500? Yup, you read it right! 500! Enjoy and be sure to tell us which project you are planning.11 fabulous finds at Kidspot40 cute crafts at Family Fun 20 awesome arts at Parents49 super Stewart inspirired ideas100 lucious long thread ideas205 Marvalous Michaels creations12 Spoonfulls of sillyness and fun27 crazy cute crafts at Amazing Mom's 14 Adorable arts and crafts at Apples4theTeacher7 creative crafts from Circle of Moms 15Terrific ideas HERE!!! … [Read more...]
Make Your Thanksgiving Easy with P&G and Katie Lee–Giveaway
Thanksgiving is only one day away are you ready? We've got some last minute tips and products to help your Thanksgiving and the rest of your Holiday season go as smoothly as possible.I had the great privilege of conducting a phone interview with the famous food critic, best selling author, and entertainer Katie Lee last week. It was a fun interview filled with ideas not only for making things easier on yourself during the holiday time, but also for getting your kids involved in the process.Kids can easily help you get ready for your celebrations using P&G products that Katie Lee uses herself!Swiffers are much easier to use than a bucket and mop and kids find them fun! Let them wash the kitchen floor before your guests arrive!Let them help out washing the table cloths and/or the place mats with Tide Pods. Katie said that not many of her friends knew how to do laundry when they moved out of their parents' house. "Teach your kids how to do laundry early!"Let your kids spray … [Read more...]
Four More Thanksgiving Activities for Kids and Adults
Last year we did a post on four Thanksgiving activities for kids and adults to do together while you hang out and celebrate as a family. This year, we bring you four more! 1. Pin the Feather on the Turkey This game is played just like Pin the Tail on the Donkey but instead you are pinning the feather on the turkey! We found a great turkey template that you can print and color. 2. Cornucopia Game Similar to musical chairs but Thanksgiving related! Players sit on chairs forming a circle. There should be one more player than there are chairs. Pick an adult or older child that is not playing the actual game to be the leader. The leader points to each player to give them a name, such as "Turkey, Pilgrim, Cranberry," anything related to Thanksgiving. After names are chosen, the leader calls out two names, "Turkey and Corn." Those two players must quickly switch places. The leader keeps calling at a quick pace, until suddenly they say "The cornucopia has tipped over!" Everyone, then … [Read more...]
