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Alice in Wonderland Theme Baby Shower

Filed Under: Creative, Party March 30, 2017

Alice in Wonderland Baby Shower

(This post includes affiliate links. This means if you decide to try one of the products then I may receive a small commission from the company at no additional cost to you)

We threw an Alice in Wonderland theme baby shower for one of my sisters. It was so much fun to plan! It was also relatively easy to do and find things that would fit in with the overall theme.

Decorations For the Baby Shower

I’ve learned that a lot of decorations can be re-used if you put away and store them properly. I’ve also learned to work with things I have (or have access to) like toys to tie into the decorations as well. The Cheshire Cat below was actually one my niece (the big sister) had gotten from Disney World a few weeks prior.

I LOVE these flowers! I actually made them for a Wonderland themed birthday party originally but have used them to decorate several other times for things like spring lunches we’ve done and Easter. They fit in great with the baby shower!

They were super simple to do. I purchased them from JoAnn’s Crafts along with a pack of eyes and hot glued the eyes on. Then I bent some of the stems over (so they weren’t straight up).

I bought the little Alice in Wonderland figurines from the Disney Store, the pack was on sale for $10 and I added them around the food for fun.

Food and Drink

Babyshower food is always fun because typically it’s bite-sized and there can be a lot of different variations of the food you offer. My mom and aunt did the food, it was food my sister loves. The food included- mini-philly-cheese steak, meatballs, turkey pinwheels, tater-tots with cheese.

Sandwiches mini Philly cheesesteak — Mini Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches

The centerpiece on this table was actually ‘meant’ to go with a Texas hold ‘em/card themed party but I thought it fit in well for Wonderland.

For drinks, there was strawberry lemonade and regular lemonade.

Strawberry leamonad regular lemonade — Strawberry Lemonade and Regular Lemonade

The cakes and cupcakes were AMAZING! Funny enough, my five-year-old came up with the idea for it. Let me tell you, she kept checking to make sure the “Eat Me” signs were on there! She was also very specific that there should be eyes on the cake (for the Cheshire Cat).

The cupcakes were super yummy also and bite-size which made them even better! They are on Meri Meri Happy Birthday Patterned Party Cake Stand a that I love and have used several times!

I also bought some note cards and envelopes for the guest to write a note for the new baby to be opened when she’s older.

Everyone had a great time and it was easy to put together! You could easily do this for a birthday party too using the same type of decorations it isn’t necessarily something that is baby specific.

Do You Love Alice In Wonderland?

Check out this post on a DIY Alice Table!

Kids and Electronics- Yes, They Are On My Phone

Filed Under: Kids March 20, 2017

Kids and Electronics

*This post does contain Affiliate Links, meaning if you decide to try them I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products/services that I have personally tried myself.*

There’s an on-going debate about kids and cell phones/tablets. Some are quiet passionate about it. My biggest rule of thumb is- you let the hold it you take your chance on them breaking it. Don’t get mad if it happens. If your two year old gets mad at something and throws your phone across the room, it’s not completely their fault they didn’t know it was going to crack the screen. Oh, and obviously it’s not a babysitter (I feel like I don’t have to mention that but just in case.)

Letting the kids play on my iPhone or iPad helps me out sometimes in a store or at a restaurant when the kids are restless to let them hold my phone. Yes, I can see people judging me but if it wasn’t for letting my kids hold my phone then I’m sure it would be for something else. My favorite comment is “you know, their finger is going to turn into a stylus if they are always playing with that!” Um, it is?? Really? And you know this how? lol. I keep those questions to myself but one day I might ask if it comes up again.

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Educational Fun

I have always tried to find educational type games for my iPad or iPhone that the kids can play with. There’s a peekaboo app from the iTunes store that they both love. There also a wheels on the bus app that is another big favorite. They’ve learned a lot from these apps and it has the added benefit of keeping them quiet when needed too.

One of my favorite apps and one that grows with them is ABC Mouse. I had seen multiple Disney Jr advertisements for it and my sister had downloaded it for her kids. They year my daughter would have started pre-school we received the notice that my company was closing our office and because I didn’t know exactly when my job would be over so I wasn’t sure where to send her to pre-school. My mom and sister watched the kids while I worked and I would either send her somewhere close to me or take my chances and send her somewhere closer to them so they could help with picking her up. The issue being that when my job was over whether I’d have to go further to get her to preschool and pick her up. On top of, where would my next job be?

In the stress of everything I winded up not sending her and making it a point to work with her at home as much as I could. I decided to try ABC Mouse, after all there was no obligation to it so what could it hurt? It offers it all…education, music, ‘pets’, and I can configure it to fit where they are at and what they need practice on.

As lessons are completed they get tickets that allow them to buy things such as a pet, things for their ‘room’, outfits for their avatar. I found with my daughter it was a big incentive. I was able to login to the parent side and check her progress as well as change her path if needed at any time. A lot of times we’d sit together while she did the activities. Can I tell you that she’s been absolutely on par and above with where she should be when she entered Kindergarten this past fall? I’m not saying it’s all due to the app, we put a lot of work into helping her learn but ABC Mouse gave us direction and made it a lot of fun for her. My three year old has recently gotten in on the fun to and is practicing letters and numbers with the app.

Kids still need outside time, and to play with blocks and Play-Doh along with other sensory enhancing items. I don’t think we should discount electronic things merely because they are electronic. Moderation is key. I do believe you should monitor the screen time your child has, but I wouldn’t say that banning it totally is the perfect answer either.

Tell me your thoughts!

What do you think? Do your kids play with your phone and/or tablet? Have you ever had your child throw it or dunk it in their drink?

About me

Filed Under: Mommy March 19, 2017

My Story

Hi! Nice to meet you! I’m a wife, mommy, WordPress developer/designer, full-time worker, independent contractor for a travel agency, student (almost done with my bachelors degree!) and blogger. It’s a lot… but if you were to list out all the hats you wear it would be a longer list than you expected as well.

The BIG Change

In 2015 the company that I was working for, and had been for the last 6 1/2 years called a “state of the union” address on a random Tuesday and had us all on a conference call (there were 3 offices around the country). As they are going through the growth and changes they get to our office and say, we’ve decided to close this office and will be discussing it in further detail with you after the call. It was like a bomb dropped. Everyone looked around and didn’t know what to say. We had all been sucker punched. We were the office with the most experience, and they were always asking more of us and this is how it goes?

The Lay-off’s

The layoff’s happened in shifts the first one beginning six months after the announcement. I winded up being there until 12-31-16. It was a difficult blow, not because I loved the company- although they did get my hard work- it was the people whom I had worked with. They had been with me through some of my biggest life events, the death of all my grandparents (over a 2 year period), me getting married, having two babies…we had become family and regardless of how we’d keep touch afterwards I wouldn’t get to see them everyday and have that same interaction that we enjoyed. This job also offered me a lot of flexibility with my kids, I was sometimes able to work from home if they were sick, or if I had appointments.

I was offered the opportunity to move to another office in Colorado Springs but I would have preferred to cut off my right arm then move for a company that dropped the “we’re closing” bomb like they did. After all, what would happen a year after I got there if it closed? I’d be thousands of miles away from all my family. I stayed until they asked me to leave so I’d get the severance and could move on from there.

The Next Chapter

I LOVED being off with the kids. Who knew I would enjoy it so much. I knew after the first couple weeks that when I went back to work I wanted it to be something flexible for the kids schedule. My daughter would be starting school in the fall and I wanted to be able to take her and/or pick her up. I was still working on my bachelor degree but decided to learn code as well. I went through Skillcrush and Codeacademy as well as some Udemy courses. I also worked on my technical certificate for for Web Design and Development in addition to my bachelors. Running out of severance money soon and needing insurance I had to find something to do for work.

Accepting that sometimes there is an ‘in-between’

I winded up getting a job in the public sector as a coordinator and I’ve learned a lot but flexibility doesn’t exist, along with vacation time. I will say in the instances of one of the kids being sick or something like that they have been very kind to me and understood, but when the rule is if you don’t have the time off you can’t take it- then that could stop at any moment. I don’t take it for granted and I know that it won’t always happen.

Moving forward

I am determined to find work that offers me the flexibility to be a mom. That is my main goal. I’ve been working on getting my dream rolling with a WordPress Design/Development business as well as this blog. I have a side gig as well as a travel agent specializing in booking Disney destinations. I do that though, because it was my was way of doing something that helped people and making them happy.

So, that’s my story. Failure is not an option. I am going to find some way to make this happen.

Thank you for joining my on this journey and juggling blogging, family, school, work and a new business. I hope you can relate to some part of it and will find it encouraging.

Thanks again & Enjoy!!

♥Little Miss…

Refurbishing Furniture!

Filed Under: Creative, Home March 18, 2017

Refurbishing Chairs for a Dining Room Makeover

We love to create things. From crafts with the kids to DIY items for our home (see Alice in Wonderland Table) or family members homes. And Little Mr is quite talented at bringing Little Miss’ ideas to life when it comes to building or refurbishing things! Little Mr. had made a table from reclaimed wood for my mom, the table she had in there didn’t fit correctly. The next goal was to find chairs that would work for this compact dining space.

The Chairs

We used an old church pew as a bench for one side and wanted chairs for the other side. The church pew worked like a bench and saved a lot of space. It was used on the side by a wall. For the opposite side, we found these chairs at a Habitat for Humanity Store. They were $25 each. This was MUCH cheaper than any of the new chairs (that we weren’t really crazy about) that we found in stores.

We didn’t realize it until afterward, but they are actually Ethan Allen dining room chairs. There was one with a split in it, so Mr. B took them completely apart and then put them back together with additional wood glue to make sure they were sturdy. We also cleaned and sanded them before painting them.

We decided to paint the chairs grey and white, which would match the colors in my mom’s dining room area.

Have you ever half painted something like a chair? It can get complicated especially when there is contrast such as white and a dark grey. We had to make sure that the part we didn’t want painted was fully covered. It was tricky, however it turned out well!

As you can see below, the contrast works well and it is a big difference from the word wooden chairs that we started off with.

Final Product…

This is the completed table with the chairs! It fits great in her compact dining room! It gives a farmhouse feel to it with the painted church pew on one side and the refurbished dining room chairs on the other.

When you’re looking for furniture never discount what you can find at thrift stores...sometimes you can find a great deal! Share on X

Here are more creative post!

You can also check out this trellis that we made a frame of!

Trellis Picture Frame

Filed Under: Creative, Home March 18, 2017

Trellis DIY Picture Frame

One of my favorite projects was the DIY picture frame we created to go into my mom’s dining room. It was so EASY! And it looks fantastic!

Note:

*This post does include some Affiliate Links, meaning if you decide to use the products I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.*

The Process

We started with a trellis from Home Depot, like this one-

If you aren’t near a Home Depot or Lowes, there’s this one on Amazon that looks to be similar and you wouldn’t need to cut anything (it is however, more expensive).

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We cut off the ends so that it was just square, and then sanded and painted the entire trellis. Then we added some scrap wooden pieces in to break things up. We then painted it a solid color and then used a ‘white wash’ glaze over it.

We found specialty screws at Lowes that we used to then wrap the wire around to be able to hang the pictures on with mini clothes pins. You could also use something like this though-

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This is nice because you get the wire, clips and hangers all in one package.

We then ordered some photos to be printed out and then clipped them right on! It makes it easy because when you want to change them out it’s easy to do and hassle free (as long as your remember to get the photos printed..lol).

In the center we happened to find a metal sign on clearance for $2.98 that fit perfectly. You could use a metal sign or also print out something decorative if you prefer on thick card stock. Hobby Lobby is a great place to find metal signs like this at a good price.

Here’s the completed project on the wall!

This is an easy to do picture frame and would also be a great gift idea for someone as well!

Want More?

See the DIY dining room chairs for a dining room makeover

Teaching Kindness In An Entitled World

Filed Under: Kids March 14, 2017

Teaching Kindness in an Entitled World

We live in an entitled society. I’m not sure at what point it started but there are times when it feels like it’s taking over. People are either entitled to something or pointing fingers at why they haven’t accomplished a goal because it can’t be their fault after all. I know it’s always happened and will always be around but to sit back and let it go on feels wrong. It scares me, as a mom that my kids could fall into this way of thinking. Here’s the absolute truth about it all- Nobody owes you anything. Be grateful for the good things that come along. Be kind to people, even when you don’t think they deserve it. It’s tough sometimes, I know, but that doesn’t make it any less true..be kind

Teaching Graciousness

Graciousness doesn’t always come naturally. There are times when you have to step back and pause a moment before you respond so that you can see the situation in a different light.

I try (not always successfully) to pass this along to my kids. They are 5 and 3 so it’s not always the easiest thing to convey. I recently had to explain that we don’t buy a toy every time we are in Target. Let’s just say, it wasn’t the prettiest of situations at first…did I mention we go to Target a lot? It’s a struggle as any parent knows.

The Doll Kind

This past Christmas I came across a new doll from a company called The DOLL KIND. You choose a doll, it comes with tokens on one said it says “Pay It Forward” on the other it says “This is a token is a sign of (love, kindness, ect). The idea is, that your child shares these tokens with others. Their website has a great graphic on suggestions to do so-

AND…for each doll you buy one is donated to a less fortunate child. The donation sites include orphanages, hospitals, shelters and more throughout both the United States and other parts of the world.

I love this doll because it promotes kindness and thinking of others. It promotes taking the time out to ‘pay it forward’ and put a smile on someone’s face. My daughter loves to share these with people and a lot of times she tries to do it anonymously (which she came up with on her own). My son, who is 3 doesn’t quite get the whole concept but he’s learning it which fills my hear with joy.

We have Masha (The Grace Doll) and Jack (The Hope Doll). I love that not only are they adorable, but they teach a lesson as well. Not to mention that you get one, you give one. Teaching kindness and being mindful of it as well as graciousness takes time and even as adults we have to be reminded of it. This is a great way to open up that conversation with your child and use it as a reminder as well.

Masha & Jack⇑ ♥

One of the tokens that come in the pack 🙂

Kids and Kindness

Affirmations and Encouragement

First Field Trips and Fears

Filed Under: Wisdom March 12, 2017

First Field Trip and Fears

My daughter is in Kindergarten and her first field trip was Friday. I signed up to chaperone and then after turning in the form, instantly got worried that something would go horribly wrong, or what if all the kids hated me and then no longer liked her because of it? What if all of the other parents were just better than me? I seriously considered reneging. Why I had these feelings, I don’t really know…and yes, they do seem kind of silly in hindsight but were very real and nerve-racking up until we were well into field trip day. They are completely unfounded, to be honest, it’s the lack of confidence that I have that sometimes overwhelms me until I realize that I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do.

I mean, I’m not a mean or scary person. I have successfully kept a 3 and 5-year-old safe every day not to mention the hours upon hours of babysitting since I was 12 years old. I’m just a few credits short of graduating with my BAS in IT Management, have technical certificate in web development, finished multiple online classes, and I’m quick to pick up on new programs or task that I have to complete. What I’m getting to is, it’s not as though I have no experience or haven’t accomplished anything.

In confessing this I also realize I may be the only person who has ever had these fears. It’s ok though…because they didn’t stop me, I did it anyway and just as a follow up the kids I chaperoned had a great time. All of the other parents who were chaperoning as well were awesome and kind. Everyone had a great time.

The Why?

There’s nothing I remember ever happing to me that has caused such a lack in confidence. My parents have always told me I am capable of whatever I put my mind to. If I didn’t reach my full potential at something they’d encourage me and let me know that I could do better. I’ve never been told that I was ugly or not worthy of something.

A Good Name

My parents always pressed the point that a good name is better than many riches. They taught me to remember when people saw me, I represented those I loved such as my parents and grandparents and that I wouldn’t want to do something to tarnish their name. I suppose it’s this foundation that allows me to suck it up and ultimately ‘fake’ it (my confidence) that I can belong.

A Good Name is Better Than Many Riches Share on X

My parents praised, encouraged, loved and supported me with everything and could not have done more- I think that maybe it’s because they didn’t always believe in themselves. I saw (and see) my mom and beautiful and incredibly talented- she can cook anything and make it taste delicious. She’s created beautiful wedding and birthday cakes that are just unbelievable and taste incredible. However, she’d always say she just wasn’t good enough. A lot of the women in my life were that way. They are super talented in various areas- be it teaching, singing, cooking, art…but they couldn’t see it. (They could see it in the other person and would praise it, but in themselves, it was impossible to see it in). I think that maybe that’s where this comes from. If they aren’t good enough than I certainly am not. If they aren’t pretty enough, and I can see features of myself that are similar to theirs, then that must mean that neither am I.

Conclusion

These thoughts have lead me here…I work as hard as I can (sometimes against every fiber of my being) not to convey to my daughter (and son) that I don’t feel like I’m good enough. I consciously don’t complain about how some days I feel like I can’t do anything with my hair because it’s so thick. That I wish my legs were longer (I’m 5’4), and my smile was better. No, if someone compliments me I accept it and say thank you instead of the reaction I honestly want to give which is … ‘no, really I’m not good at whatever it is you are saying I am. You have no idea how I’m not. In fact, let me point out the ways…’

I embrace my after baby body. I have two beautiful incredibly smart, gifted kids that this body carried for 42 weeks each. If I can’t accept this body, will they feel as though they came from it so they aren’t good enough either? I don’t’ know, but I am willing to be as conscious about it as I can to convey confidence to them and to encourage them they are smart and do belong. I may be totally wrong, but ultimately it won’t hurt, that much I do know for sure.

Have you ever had the moments where you feared you wouldn’t be up to ‘par’? Are you great at finding ways to improve your confidence and banish your fears? Share with me in the comments!

Check out my instagram for a few of our zoo pictures!

Check out more post!

Raising Kids with Grit

It’s a Hoot!

Filed Under: Kids March 8, 2017

*This isn’t an affiliate or sponsored post… I just really love this app!*

Little Hoots App

One of my FAVORITE apps is Little Hoots. It allows you to keep track of cute/funny/sweet/ in some cases sarcastic sayings that your children have. It has been around for a few years now, so when I go back and find something my daughter said at 2 it is a sweet surprise. Kids are hilarious and honest. There are so many things that we tend to look back on and wish we could remember how our child said or did something. This app helps you easily keep track of it.

Turn your memory into a keepsake or gift!

They also have a shop (I haven’t tried it just yet) where you can make a book, canvas, shirt, mug, etc with your favorite sayings on it. I definitely plan on checking the shop out!

Some of my favorites…

The app is free, there are freestyling options and then some that you can pay for. The great thing about it is you can share these memories easily with friends and family.

Have you tried the app before? What did you think?

Thinking About Starting A Blog? See the Benefits of blogging

Filed Under: Uncategorized March 3, 2017

Thinking About Starting a Blog?

Are you wondering if you should blog? Would it be worthwhile? It can be overwhelming trying to decide if you should start a blog.

*This post contains affiliate links, meaning that I may receive a small commission if you choose to try the services. I will only suggest products that I truly believe in and have tried myself.*

Benefits of Blogging

Here are a few benefits of blogging that can help you understand why you should start a blog. You can also check out why WordPress is a great option!

Blogging allows you to become a better thinker.

When you blog you are having to organize your thoughts in order to write them out.. Blogging causes you to look further into subjects that you are tackling. This continuous practice helps you train your mind to think better

It makes you a better writer.

Remember the saying “Practice makes perfect” or “Use it or lose it”? Both of those come to mind when thinking about writing. The more you do it the better you get. Also, when you don’t practice something you start to forget the details of the process. Writing on a regular basis will build these skills which can help you both professionally and personally when communicating.

Blogging makes you better with conversation

As you start having people follow your blog, you’ll receive emails and comments from your audience. These interactions with people will help you better articulate yourself and allow you to gain confidence in expressing yourself.

Share your knowledge

Blogging is a great way to help people by sharing your knowledge on a subject or process. In turn, it makes you feel better for having made a positive difference on someone.

You can make Money!

Whether through ads, affiliate marketing, sponsored post, or selling your own products you can make money blogging.

Find a sponsor for your web site. Get paid for your great content. shareasale.com.
Blogging empowers you to raise awareness about things you care about. Share on X

Blogging empowers you to raise awareness about things you care about.

Do you have a specific cause or a charity that you want to raise awareness about or support? Through your blog, you can help raise awareness and money for these causes.

No Degree Required

To blog, you don’t need a special degree or classes. There is some training that is nice and can make things easier but there is no specific degree required to be a blogger.

Minimal Start up cost

To start a blog, you can do it for free by hosting through a platform such as WordPress.com or you can get a host and have your own domain (www.name.com). There is a cost to host through your own domain, however, it’s well worth it.

Blogging Instills Discipline

To blog successfully you must come up with a schedule and be consistent so that your audience knows what to expect. It can feel very difficult at first until you get into the groove of doing it.