Monday Moments: A Finicky Food Eater

"Yucky" has become the new word at our house.

Actually it's getting old rather quickly.

It seems no matter what the object - food, bug, piece of lint on the floor, the newborns belly button - it's all yucky.

I must say this word a lot without realizing it, because I don't know where he picked it up.

As a result, nothing has been deemed edible at our house in the past week. It's yucky. I have noticed that he will eat string cheese, white bread, and crackers. So I'm guessing anything white is okay.

What an odd child.

Freebee Friday

Due to the economic downturn that I'm sure oh so many of us have felt, I can't at the present time afford to do Freebee Friday. I know. Sad.

So, in the meantime, if there are any sponsor's out there, let me know. I will do my best from here on out to point you in the direction of any great giveaways that are going on out there.

Happy Weekend!

Thrifty Thursday: Cleaning Up

Has your wall ever looked like this? Or perhaps even with red Sharpie?

Have I mentioned how much I love two year olds?

Here's a simple way to remove it with hardly any elbow grease: Pour rubbing alcohol onto the surface and rub with a wet rag. Works like a charm everytime!

Workin' Wednesday: Natty Sue Designs

I came across Natty Sue Designs while reading one of my favorite blogs Just A Girl. {I'm a lurker, I'll admit it.}

Anyway, I love her designs. Ranging from kid friendly birthday invites to birth announcements, they are so well done. She even has really fun Halloween party invites on sale right now. Just what I'm after! {If you live in Arkansas and want to come to my annual party, email me your address!}

Here's a small sampling of what she has to offer. Seriously, so creative and affordable. She sends them to you in high resolution after you okay the proof and you can print them off yourself.

Tutorial Tuesday: Wet Bag

found HERE

A wet bag has a thousand uses! Okay, I'm not going to list all of them but I do use my DIY waterproof bags for dirty diapers, dirty clothes with spills on them and wet beach clothes. I keep one tucked in my diaper bag when I go out and it comes in handy. Often.

Even if you don't use cloth diapers you will still use one! You can keep a clean change of clothes inside of one, ready to be swapped out if your baby spills, spits up or has a poop explosion down to her toes. Take out the clean clothes and put the dirty ones inside...all zipped up nicely, protecting all the other stuff in your bag. Wet bags are also fantastic when it comes to beach and pool trips! Toss in the wet swimsuit and all the other stuff in your bag stays dry. These are much prettier than a plastic bag, re-usable and washable too.

Okay, you've read my sales pitch (too bad I'm not selling these, eh?) and now you have to make one! So easy to sew, you just need the right ingredients, which are:

• Waterproof Material - This can be PUL fabric (which is usually polyester fabric that is coated with plastic on one side) or vinyl. You can also use felted wool if you are wanting go to the all-natural route. Keep in mind that wool isn't waterproof, it will only absorb moisture but works fine for spills and beach clothes.
• Outer Fabric (optional) - I never like the PUL fabric selection at my local fabric store, so I just buy the white stuff and then have an outer layer of pretty fabric.
• Zipper - Length depends on the size of your bag. Yes, zippers can leak, but as long as you do not put cups and cups of water inside (why would you...) it should be fine. I've never had a problem with zippers. Some people just use drawstring closures.

Cut a rectangle of fabric and simply fold it to create the bottom. Put the shiny side of your PUL fabric on the inside of your bag, facing the contents. Sew on your zipper, sew up the side seams and then turn right side out. That is it! Now get yourself to the beach or pool and put it to good use.

So the other day I was putting my two year old son to bed. You all know the routine: bath, pajamas, teeth brushed, story read, etc. etc. I had just closed his bedroom door and breathed that big gulp of air that seems to say, "Finally, a couple minutes of just me time" and that's when I heard her.

My beautiful baby girl starting to wake up. Until this point she had been sleeping peacefully all afternoon in her swing in the living room.

I had totally forgotten that I'd had another child. Mother of the year award right here.

As such, as I begin my blogging ventures again you'll have to forgive any faults on my part as I learn how to juggle two kids and life in general. Hopefully you'll all share you wisdom, insights, and help me find the humor in forgetting I had a baby.

Here's to remembering the important things!

Look for all new posts starting Monday, October 5th!
It's good to be back!

My Pretty Girl

Aniston Brie
9.17.09
7 lbs. 6 oz.
20 1/4 in.

Precious!

Calling all Crafters

"Hospitals all across the country are in need of small, very small, baby blankets. In cases of fetal demise, babies are so tiny, even the smallest nursery blanket is much too big to wrap around their tiny bodies."

Go to Greyson's Gift to learn more.

If any of you have had {or know of someone who has had} a still born or an NICU baby I am sure this is especially close to your heart.

The sizes needed are:

small (12" x 12")

medium (24" x 24")

These blankets can be sewn or crocheted/knitted.

Please invite your friends to join.

I know we can make a HUGE difference if we all make 1-2 blankets {or more}!!

Great Deal Alert!

Visit Udder Covers for an awesome deal on nursing covers. They are giving you $32.00 off anything you put in your cart - meaning you can get a nursing cover FREE and only pay S&H. The best part is, you can keep using the same promo code if you do multiple transactions. So stock up for yourself and all those upcoming baby showers.



Go to the main site and click on SHOP NOW. When you add something to your cart it will automatically direct you to enter in a promo code. Use "backorder". Then submit. Use over and over again!!!

Fun Giveaway: Lil Cutie Hair Bows

Found out about Lil Cutie Hair Bows through a friend and thought I'd pass on the info to ya'll. So cute and affordable too!

Have to admit I'm a little busy, so I copied and pasted her message for you. Head her way!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I see that there are a bunch of you out there that are too shy to leave a message, so I am doing a GIVEAWAY, I just decided right this moment. Up for grabs, the Halloween Korker Flower Bows pictured below.

Here's how to qualify:

1. Comment on my Hair Bow Blog, each comment is good for 1 entry.


2. Sign up to follow my Hair Bow Blog, good for 2 entries.


3. Blog about my Hair Bow Blog and leave a link so I can read it, good for 1 entry.
   

The comments will only count if they are for this post and any new posts here on out.

The top three bloggers will win a set of Halloween Korkers, but to sweeten the deal, there will also be a Surprise Gift to the 1st Place Blogger. It could be anything from a set of bows, a headband w/ coordinating bow, or a beanie w/ coordinating bow. It all depends on what that winner shows interest in. I will be reading your posts and will decide the Surprise Gift from what you comment.

Giveaway ends September 14th and the winner will be announced September 21st. This way the winner will have their bows for the whole of October!

If you are wondering what these look like in place, here are a few pictures of ways to wear.

Photos by Jamie Allen

A Quick Update

Well, I have a spare moment in my chaotic life and thought I'd update ya'll on what's happened the last few weeks:

* Moved to North Little Rock, Arkansas

* Currently revamping a destroyed rental house - love this website that's helped me along!!

* Registered for nursing classes

* Found a new doctor that would take me 35 weeks along - and yes, he is the same man who delivered me many a years ago!

* Missing my blog like crazy and can't wait for some baby inspiration to come my way!

Hope you are all doing fabulous - let me know what's going on in your neck of the woods.

Gone

...for now anyways.

All good things must come to an end? Right? One of those phrases we hear but we don't often believe.

I have given this a lot of time and thought. It's not a decision I took lightly. I have really struggled with this decision. Something happened recently in my life that requires my full-time attention. Unfortunately, this blog has thus been put on the chopping block.

I am sad to let it go. At least all of the way. You may see posts pop up now and then, but it is something that has to go on the back-burner until at least after our new baby comes.

You have been such a fun group of women and I have grown to admire and love all of my regular commenters.

See you no later than October!!

Freebee Friday: Baby Blvd. "Bowdacious" Giveaway

Enter to win this whole lot of adorable bows! Who can enter? Anyone! Family, friends, strangers, all are eligible for this fantastic give-a-way!

It comes with :

-one apple green waffle headband

-one pair of pink and white polka dot bows

-one pair of yellow bows

-one purple Chunky bow

-one blue flower bow-one orange flower clip

-one white flower clip

That equals one "BOW"-dacious giveaway! A value of almost $30.00!

TO ENTER:

1. Leave a comment at Baby Blvd. HERE and make a quick and easy new post on your blog referring your friends to visit our site.
**you may also send out an email to all your friends and cc babyblvd@live.com to enter.

DONE!

You are entered after that. Check back on July 16th to see the Winner!

I will ship the winner the prize for FREE!

THANKS and GOOD LUCK!

TO EARN MORE ENTRIES, please do any of the following for an extra vote:

1. Become a follower of Baby Blvd. Then you will know about all our give-a-ways and promotions.

2. Add our link to your blog roll or list of favorites.

3. Facebook your friends about our website.

Leave one comment for every extra entry. If you are already a follower, you are one step ahead.

Thrifty Thursday: 15 Money Saving Tips for Families

Author: Dee Adams
Found HERE

There are many big and small ways to save money. Here are some money saving tips for families for these tough economic times and beyond:

1. If you use credit cards, switch to cards that pay you back - either cash dividends, miles, gas, or goods that you can actually use.

2. Cut your kid's hair yourself - you can pick up an easy "how to" book at your local library. This money saving tip has the added bonus of flexibility and convenience - you can do it whenever you feel like it.

3. And speaking of the library - you can spend a lot of money on kids books without even realizing it. You see a book your kid really likes and it's only $5.99 and before you know it you're out $50. Most likely your kid will read it once or twice and get bored with it. Solution: get a library card and visit your local library on a regular basis. Many libraries also have Story Time and other fun activities for kids of all ages that will have your kids looking forward to the weekly visit.

4. You can save huge money by coloring your own hair or doing your own highlights. You can save about $50 for each color ( x 6 times a year = $300) and about $100 for highlights ( x 4 times a year = $400). It's really easy to do once you get the hang of it. You can find kits with instructions at your local beauty supply store.

5. Take with you snacks and drinks for the kids on family outings (unless you go to a place that specifically prohibits outside food and beverages). Bring a bottle of water with you and fill it at the water fountain. Not only will you be saving money, but also time standing in long lines and ending up buying junk food and caffeinated sugary drinks you had no intention of buying in the first place.

6. Bake your own muffins, brownies and cakes (from a ready mix) - as a single mom with a full time job I always have to weigh cost savings vs. time savings. To me, If I have to slave over an elaborate cake for a few hours in the kitchen it's not worth the money savings. But if I buy a ready mix and have a dozen cup cakes ready in minuets and save some money in the process, I'd give it a thumbs up. Better yet - let the kids do the mixing, and you've got another fun activity to add to your list.

7. Buy generic: prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, cleaning supplies, groceries, ink cartridges, and anything else you can find.

8. Let your kids wash your car - what kid would say 'no' to such a fun activity?

9. Instead of buying 3 extra large Pepperoni Pizzas for $60 for your kid's birthday party, make little cute sandwiches with Turkey & Cheese and PB & J. Everybody will love them.

10. Cancel your gym membership and ride your bike with your kids.

11. Some people swear by the savings they get by switching from paper napkins to clothe napkins, but I'm not a big fan. You'd still have to spend money, energy and effort on washing, drying, folding and putting them away. Paper towels are just so easy that it's hard for me to make a case for cloth napkins, but if you like the idea - go for it!

12. Same goes for making your own play doh - some mothers just love making it themselves and love the money savings, but for me it's just too much work and not enough savings. But again, if you like the idea - go for it!

13. Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they are full. Another oldie but goodie.

14. Switch your Premium Cable package to Basic package and get Netflix instead.

15. You can find and print free eCards on the Internet for all holidays and any kind of occasion. You can also have your kids make their own cards for Valentine's Day, their buddies birthday parties, and holidays. Those Hallmark cards are SO expensive!

Workin' Wednesday: Kenzie Poo

This is such a cute blog for any and all things baby. I am looking for some inspirational baby rooms and LOVE what I found here. Kenzie Poo has darling ideas, fantastic photos and some really interesting thoughts. Check them out for sure!

I am madly in love with these Twitter Birds (I thought of birds on a wire) that Rachelle came across. Don't they just make you want to redecorate?

Tutorial Tuesday: Cookie Costume

I am already planning out our Halloween costumes. I know, it's the mad over-achiever in me, but I figure in 8 weeks time I will have NO TIME whatsoever to plan and create something fabulous. This is one of the fun tutorials I came across. Simple, clever and cute! Enjoy it HERE.

Monday Moments: the Clingers

I always prided myself on how well adjusted Bryson was. He didn't mind going to the babysitter, always reached his arms out to anyone who would take him. He just figured everyone loved him as much as I did.

Now I am having to take back every thought I have ever had concerning parenting -- my child has become "the clinger".

I don't know exactly how it happened. One day he was fine, the next day he was a scaredy cat. He won't go to people, he hates being left (though he still will settle down within 10 minutes), and seems to be terrified that I won't come back.

Darn, this whole claiming his independence thing is hard.

Does anyone know how long this phase lasts? How did you deal with it? Any advice?

Contact Me

I'm working on getting my contact me button fixed, but my designer is out of town until the 5th and my internet keeps going out. If you need me, please email bobbi@mytinysweetcheeks.com

Thanks and Happy 4th!

Thrifty Thursday: Kool-Aid

That favorite, cheap past-time of a drink can actually come in handy in some areas around the home...

Color wall paints
Mix any flavor of unsweetened Kool-Aid into water-based latex paint to alter its color. Or mix unsweetened Kool-Aid with water to create your own water colors, but just remember, Kool-Aid stains can be tough to remove.

Make play makeup lip gloss
Make some tasty lip gloss for little girls playing dress-up. Let the girls pick their favorite pre-sweetened Kool-Aid flavor. Blend a package of the drink with 3 tablespoons of vegetable shortening, then microwave for one minute. Transfer to a 35 mm film canister and refrigerate overnight.

Clean your dishwasher
Is the inside of your dishwasher rusty brown? The cause is a high iron content in your water. Dump a packet of unsweetened lemonade Kool-Aid into the soap drawer and run the washer through a hot-water cycle. When you open the door, the inside will be as white as the day you bought the machine.

Clean rust from concrete
Nasty rust stains on your concrete? Mix unsweetened lemonade Kool-Aid with hot water. Scrub and the rust stain should come right out.

Freebee Friday Fourth of July Winner

...is our only entry

Elliott Mom said...

We're going to some city-sponsored 4th events - a parade and, of course, the fireworks!

Please email me with your address to claim your prize!

UPDATE

Hey Everyone!

I am obviously out of town and on vacation, and for some reason Blogger is no longer publishing my scheduled posts.

I will do my best to get them out, but my internet access is limited.

Sorry, hopefully I can figure out what's up...

Workin' Wednesday: Baby Hideaway

I am very pro-nursing. I am not anti-bottle or anti-formula lest you get me wrong. Obviously I think every woman should do what is right for her and her baby. I, however, love being able to nurse. I feel a greater connection to my child and just overall really enjoyed the experience.

There are a lot of nursing covers out there, but the covers from Baby Hideaway are great! They are affordable, stylish, and I love that they come in a carrying case. They are also bigger than the name brand Hooter Hiders - and we all know that bigger, in some cases, is better.

There are tons of fabric options available - I am just partial to brown and pink. Check them out if you're in the market for a nursing cover. These also make excellent baby shower gifts - and for under $20.00!

Tutorial Tuesday: Luggage Handle Cover

This is such an awesome tutorial found HERE! I made one for myself to attach to my luggage, only I substituted snaps for the Velcro. Makes your luggage easily identifiable and a little more stylish!

What you'll need:
*2 pieces of 6" x 6 ½" fabric
*1 piece thin batting 6" x 6 ½"
*5 " of sew-on Velcro
*Iron
*Sewing machine and thread

1. Lay one piece of fabric right side up and the second piece of fabric on top of it right side down.


2. Layer the piece of batting on top.


3. Using a ¼ inch seam, sew all around the three pieces. Leave a 2 inch opening for turning.


4. Trim your corners.


5. Pull the fabric through the 2 inch opening. You may need to use a dowel or dull pencil to push out your corners. Tuck your 2 inch opening in and press with an iron.


6. Sew your opening shut. You can just sew the two inches or you can sew down that whole side. Whatever suits your fancy.


7. On one of the sides that is now 5 ½ inches long, sew down one piece of the Velcro. Once this is done, turn your square over and sew the other piece of Velcro down on the opposite side.







8. Attach it to the handle of your suitcase. Now you're ready to travel in style.

Monday Moments: Family Vacations

Remember how I was supposed to go on vacation and instead got called to jury duty. Dang civic duties. Well, we're finally getting around to taking that scheduled trip and I'm so excited! A week at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, courtesy of my awesome grandparents!

I have lots of very fond memories growing up of road trips, family reunions, and other fun vacations my parents made sure to take us on. We learned silly songs, ate lots of junk, and probably annoyed the heck out my parents. But hey, that's what it's all about right. These are the days they'll remember...

So, what are your favorite family vacations? Have they happened yet? Are they yet to happen? Are there any great get-away ideas you want to share?

I hope you make some fabulous memories this summer!

Looking for a favor...

I realize this has nothing to do with My Tiny Sweet Cheeks or babies in general, but I've learned to never underestimate the power of the internet.

We have decided to sell our 2006 Nissan Xterra and are hoping to spread the word. Please pass this along to anyone you know who is interested in purchasing a great SUV!

Visit HERE to see all its features and points.

We're willing to get it wherever you are:)

Thanks for your help.

Freebee Friday: Fourth of July

Just a fun bib to get ya'll in the patriotic spirit! This giveaway will end earlier so you have it in time for the holiday, just FYI.

Check back next week for a big giveaway!!!

TO ENTER:

1 Entry: Create a new post about this Freebee Friday on your blog & leave a comment here! If you don't blog, you can also email and CC it to me.
{Please leave your email address if it is not on your profile}

1 Entry: Become a follower of My Tiny Sweet Cheeks. Leave a comment if you follow, please!

1 Entry: Add a My Tiny Sweet Cheeks button to your sidebar! Again, please comment!

Bonus Entry: Tell me what you're doing for the fourth!

Give-a-way ends July 30th, 2009 at 11:59 pm

The lucky winners will be selected by Random.org and will be notified by email. You will have one week to respond and claim your prize or another random winner will be chosen.

Thrifty Thursday: Bleach

Bleach is one of those fail-safe cleaning supplies you always have in your cabinet. It's cheap. It's reliable. It also reeks, so if you're like me you don't use it too often. Here are some unique ways to safely use it!

Brighten up glass dishware
Put the sparkle back in your glasses and dishes by adding a teaspoon of bleach to your soapy dishwater as you're washing your glassware. Be sure to rinse well, and dry with a soft towel.

Increase cut flowers' longevity
Freshly cut flowers will stay fresh longer if you add 1/4 teaspoon of bleach per quart (1 liter) of vase water. Another popular recipe calls for 3 drops of bleach and 1 teaspoon of sugar in 1 quart of water. This will also keep the water from getting cloudy and inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Kill weeds in walkways
Do weeds seem to thrive in the cracks and crevices of your walkways? Try pouring a bit of undiluted bleach over them. After a day or two, you can simply pull them out, and the bleach will keep them from coming back. Just be careful not to get bleach on the grass or plantings bordering the walkway.

Clean plastic lawn furniture
Is your plastic-mesh lawn furniture looking dingy? Before you place it curbside, try washing it with some mild detergent mixed with 1/2 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Rinse it clean, then air-dry.

Workin' Wednesday: Economizing Measures

Recently there have been some changes in my life that have caused me to look even closer at my budget. I was raised to be frugal, but at certain times, frugality becomes more of a necessity than a lifestyle. Total bummer, but what do you do?

Looking around on the internet I cam across this great blog Economizing Measures. The goals: being thrifty, frugal, and green.

There are some of the most interesting posts - with everything from saving money on groceries, to making your own laundry soap, to cheaper entertainment ideas.

Check it out, see if it can make a difference in your home!

Tutorial Tuesday: Adding Ruffles

This week I had another request to learn how to add ruffles to onesies. I found this tutorial HERE and am hoping I either have a little girl or a friend does so I can try this out. Looks so cute and pretty easy too! Enjoy.

What is it about big poufy diapered baby butts adorned with ruffles? You just gotta love it!

I may be the only sewer in the world who doesn’t hang on to every bit of scrap fabric… I have one medium sized bin and that’s all I allow myself, so I end up with only the bits and pieces I really love. This was a great way to use up some of those smallish scraps. I used Steam-a-Seam2 double stick fusible web to trace, cut, and iron on baby's name, Liv, in all lower case. Here’s the scoop on how I made the ruffles. Measure the butt part of the onesie and cut strips, mine were an inch and a half wide, of coordinating fabric twice the length (maybe a little extra if you want a more serious ruffle going on). I used pinking shears on both edges of the strip… it’ll fray a bit when washed but I kind of like that look anyway and it makes this project extra simple. Baste a line of stitches down the center of the strip. Pull the bottom thread of your basting stitch to gather it up. Line the edges of the strip up with the side seam of the onesie, pin the ruffle down randomly across the butt, ending with the other edge of the ruffle even with the other side seam of the onesie. Sew down the middle of the ruffle & pull out the basting stitches. Pin the next strip above or below it and repeat. Instant cuteness!

Monday Moments: What do you do in the Summertime?

I love being a mom in the summertime. Obviously, I love being a mom all the time, but in the summertime especially. I love being able to introduce babies to grass for the first time, to soak in the rays and enjoy the beautiful world we live in.

So here are some fun things I have/will do this summer to spark you into getting outside and live vicariously through your kids.

Please share any fun things you're thinking about as well!

1. Visit the Sno-Shack
2. Run through the sprinklers
3. Walks
4. Sparklers
5. Kiddie Pools - soak your toes while the kiddos splash away
6. Picnic at the park
7. The Zoo or Petting Zoo's
8. Relay Races
9. Sidewalk Chalk
10. Giant Bubbles (for tutorial see HERE)
11. The Rodeo
12. Homemade Ice-Cream (if you have a good recipe, please share!)
13. Bike Rides
14. Sand castles
15. The Drive-In
16. Wash your own car

Well, I finally made it back. Flying stand-by has its perks and its definite drawbacks. I feel as if I have neglected you all, but I promise to be back with a vengeance on Monday. Thanks for being so patient with me!

Stuck

I am stuck in Redmond, OR due to a series of unfortunate events. Hope to be returning soon :)

Freebee Friday

Sorry ladies, I've been out of town this week and next and am not up to date on good giveaways, or able to host ones of my own. But please leave comments letting the others know of any good ones!

Happy weekend!!

Thrifty Thursday: 4 Nontoxic Bug Blasters for the Kitchen

You can make your kitchen a no-fly zone for insect pests with nontoxic repellents and traps that you can make from everyday kitchen staples.

To get rid of fruit flies hovering in the kitchen, get out a fine-misting spray bottle and fill it with rubbing alcohol. Spraying the little flies knocks them out makes them fall to the floor, where you can sweep them up.

Make your own pest strips by covering empty paper-towel or toilet-paper rolls with transparent tape, sticky side out. Hang them in the kitchen or wherever else you need them.

Keep your kitchen free of flies with a homemade flytrap that uses no toxic chemicals. In a small saucepan, simmer 2 cups of milk, 1/4 pound of raw sugar, and 2 ounces of ground pepper for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour into shallow dishes or bowls and set them around the kitchen, patio, or anywhere the flies are a problem. The pestiferous bugs will flock to the bowls and drown!

To ant-proof your kitchen, give it the lemon treatment. First squirt some lemon juice on door thresholds and windowsills. Then squeeze lemon juice into any holds or cracks where the ants are getting in. Finally, scatter small slices of lemon peel around the outdoor entrance. The ants will get the message they aren't welcome.

Workin' Wednesday: the Buti Bag Company

So as much as I love bags, I am not a huge fan of big diaper bags. I prefer the smaller bags that can hold all the necessities and still manage to be chic. Problem is, very few diaper bag companies manage to make small bags that can actual hold all the necessities, look cute and not fall apart. The Buti Bag Company, however, got it right. Their Bundle ($59.99) is an amazing diaper clutch/bag that is extremely well made, durable and super cute. With tons of roomy pockets and their ingenious closure, these bags are perfect for moms of infants and toddlers. Best of all, because of their chic prints and style, the bags can be used as travel bags to hold toiletries and make-up after your little one is through with diapers! Just recently, The Buti Bag Company released their simplified version of the Bundle called the Bundle Baby. With fewer pockets and an included changing pad, the Bundle Baby ($39.99) is perfect for the budget-minded mom. Check out the Bundles and all the other cool stuff The Buti Bag Company has on their website at http://www.butibag.com/ I suggest picking up a couple of their binkmeisters as well. They work not only to hold pacifiers, but also sippy cups and snack cups!

This post was found HERE

Tutorial Tuesday: Ribbon Wands

By special request, I've come up with a couple of different sites on how to make Ribbon Wands. I personally don't know what these are, and have found a couple of different "looks" so please look at all the sites and gather the info you need!


These seem to be the basic instructions, however:

SUPPLIES

All supplies can be purchased at a local craft and hardware store. Ribbon: 3 yards Choose a color combination, or one solid color, that suits your needs. Additionally, if you want your ribbon wands to be fuller than those shown in the sample image, just add more ribbon. Dowel rods: 1/4" width Craft stores sell dowel rods at precut lengths in bags of 8-10. The 12" length makes for an ideal ribbon wand. While you can also purchase dowel rods at a hardware store, you will most likely have to cut them to your desired length. Paint Purchase one small bottle of craft paint in the color of your choice. For a simpler option, you can also leave them unfinished. Sponge brush Sandpaper: Fine grade Screw eyes: 214 x 13/16 size These can be difficult to screw into the head of each dowel, so use pliers after getting it started. Also, be gentle, as the wood can split.

DIRECTIONS

Using the sponge brush, paint all dowels. Stand them on end in holes punched in a piece of styrofoam to dry. After the wands have dried completely, gently sand them with fine grade sandpaper. Painting may roughen the surface, so sanding them will remove rough areas without removing the paint. Attach a screw eye to one end. **NOTE** The above picture has a fishing line swivel attached to the screw eye - I personally really like this look. Cut the ribbon into 15-20" lengths. Cut ribbon at an angle to avoid any fraying that might occur. Gather a total of 5-6 ribbons and slip through the screw eye. Tie in a nice, tight knot. **NOTE** Again, the above picture uses only 1 long, thick ribbon.

Check out more great ideas and images HERE.

Also, these are also available from a seller on Etsy to buy and super cute. See her products HERE.

Monday Moments: on Being a Mom

I have a very sick, very ornery little boy, so this post will be short to say the least.

But as I was lying in bed last night around 3 a.m. after finally getting him back to bed, I thought, "Man, this is what being a mom is all about. I'm so tired, but I'd get right back up if I needed to."

So kudos out there to every mom who has ever nursed a fevered brow, been sleep deprived, and still manages to put on a happy face!

Freebee Friday: Something for Dad

I was just thinking with Father's Day around the corner, wouldn't it be awesome to win something just for him. Check out this giveaway HERE. The deadline is coming up rather quick (Saturday night) but just hop on over right quick. (I can use that phrase, I'm from Arkansas!)

Good luck Ladies, and happy weekend!

Personalized Cuff Links

Site: Mom Start

Giveaway: Sports Themed Personalized Cuff Links

How To Enter: leave a Comment

Value: $50.00

Deadline: 6/6/2009 11:00 PM

Thrifty Thursday: Speed Cleaning in Your Kitchen

Distilled white vinegar is one of the best grease eliminators around. Here's how to put it to good use.

Grease: After frying, wash off grease splatters with a sponge dipped in undiluted white vinegar. Rinse with another sponge soaked in cold water, then dry with a soft cloth.

Dishwashing Liquid: Pour 3 to 4 tablespoons white vinegar into your dishwashing liquid bottle and give it a few shakes. The vinegar will increase the detergent's grease-fighting capabilities and make it last longer.

Frying Pans: Boiling 2 cups vinegar in your pans for 10 minutes will keep food from sticking to it for several months at a time.

Stainless-Steel Cookware: Remove burned-on grease and food by mixing 1 cup distilled cinegar in enough water to cover he material (if it's near the top of a large pot, you may need to increase the amount of vinegar). Boil for 5 minutes. The material should come off with some mild scrubbing.

Broiler Pan: Get blackened, cooked-on grease off by softening it up with a solution of 1 cup cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Apply the mixture while the pan is still hot, and let it sit for an hour or so. The grime will slide of with a light scrubbing.

Kitchen Table or Counter: Eliminate grease stains by wiping them with a cloth dampened in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.

Hot Plate: Does it look more like a grease pan? To get it back in shape, wash it with a sponge dipped in full-strength white vinegar.

Oven & Grates on Gas Stoves: Fight grease buildups in your oven by wiping the inside with a sponge soaked in full-strength white vinegar once a week.

Workin' Wednesday: Toni Tierney

So we all know that boy clothes are never as cute as girl clothes. Well that is, until now. Toni Tierney has some of the coolest, funkiest, cutest designs in her infant boy layette line that I have ever seen. Her designs are so fabulous and are reminiscent of vintage clothing with a modern twist. I love all the baseball designs she has in her collection, as well as her "hip CEO" creation shown for boys. And the girl clothing in Toni's collections are beautiful, all with amazing details and fun silhouettes. All the clothing is made in the USA and made from super soft high-end 100% cotton. Better yet, Toni helps empower stay-at-home moms by hiring them to make the clothing she designs and allowing them to stay at home with their families. Check out the Toni Tierney website for weekly specials, where you can get amazing pieces for almost 50% off! Visit www.tonitierney.net

This post was found HERE