Busy Bees

Operation Christmas Child

2010-11-09T22:36:00.002-05:00

I remember seeing a video years ago about Operation Christmas Child and seeing a group of kids screaming with joy as they unpacked their shoe boxes. In these boxes were simple things like a small doll, or washcloth or a game of jacks or a yo yo, but to them it meant everything.

I've always had it in the back of my mind as a project that I would like to do and this year is the perfect year to do it with Busy Bee.

We started around back to school time gathering school supplies on clearance (they are a BIG hit, according to Samaritan's Purse) and have added to our stash with stickers, small toys, hard candy, hygiene items, clothing etc. We now have enough stuff that I think that we will have to pack two or three boxes.

You can learn more about Operation Christmas Child here. Be sure to check out ideas for what to include in your box.

Samaritan's Purse asks that you donate $7 per box for administrative/shipping costs and if you do it online you can use their new tracking system to "follow your box." If your Busy Bees might be interested in hearing back from your Operation Christmas Child, be sure to include a self addressed stamped envelope and notecard. You just might hear back from your recipient.

The last step: check here for drop-off locations. (Or if you know me IRL, let me know and I can take yours along with ours) :)

I hope that you will join us in packing a box! I mentioned this to a friend of mine and her kids packed a box in no time with new items from their linen closet, pantry and "gift" stash. She said that it was a lesson learned that things that they weren't even using or had as "extras" could mean a brighter Christmas for a child halfway around the world.

A few more Halloween Ideas

2010-10-30T23:01:00.001-04:00

Ok, so I know it's the 11th hour (literally) but maybe you're a night owl like me & conjuring up a craft project that you can do with minimal mess but spooktacular impact. Try a colony of bats!

{Martha Stewart}

We have them clipped up on our blinds. We like to move them around and hunt for them with binoculars. :)We also used the template to create a few for our windows out of black vinyl. You could also use black contact paper or construction paper.

Head here for the directions & template.

(My tip: who has time to spray paint clothespins? Seriously... a Sharpie works just fine.)

We made these last year for treat giving. Frankensteins from take out boxes. CUTE, cute, & CA-UTE!

{Parents}

And as the name of my blog implies, I'm busy.. :) so a few projects didn't make the cut this year for one reaon or another.

Here are my favorites that are going in my inspiration file:

Pumpkin Topiaries

I wanted to do the topiarys last year. Oh well...

{BH&G}

Welcome Wagon

This gets me every time. I can't stop thinking about the execution of this. Loooove it.

{Under The Table and Dreaming}

Mouse Motel

I like her version better than Martha's!

Oh well, there's always next year!

Bee Happy,

Neighborhood Pumpkin Carving Contest

2010-10-30T22:32:00.000-04:00

So, last year, 2 of my neighbor friends & I initiated a parade, party & pumpkin carving contest for our neighborhood. We entered 3 pumpkins.

Our witch was made from a green pumpkin, sported pom pom hair, a hat and nails in the stem for warts. :) This was Busy Bee's creation. I looovved it!

And our second pumpkin was similar to this ceramic one. I freehanded our last name in chunky letters for the teeth. I loved the way that it turned out & plan to carve it from a foam pumpkin sometime. (lol, by next year hopefully!)

This year I got a crazy design in mind & hunted for the perfect pumpkin. Gathered my supplies & commandeered my hubby's new drill to create this:

Well, one hour, a messy drill, some duct tape, electrical tape, & a few staples later I had a porcupine with half of the lights sticking out/half pulled back through the holes. I was ready to tackle that issue when I decided to test the lights again & plug them in. You guessed it. NOT working!!

So, I wasn't willing to do it all over again. I quickly moved to Plan B which involves floral foam and multicolored glow sticks. Hey, you try to find 60+ of the same color the night before Halloween. (not easy :) )

I'm calling this one a big FAIL.

I don't see this coming home with me tomorrow night:

I had this made for $15 and we'll pass it on from year to year. Cheesy, I know - but isn't that the point?

I hope that your pumpkin carving was better than mine. I may or may not post a pic of the final rainbow porcupine. Depends on how he turns out.

Bee Happy,

Yummy Mummys

2010-10-30T22:02:00.001-04:00

Aren't these little guys so cute?? Busy Bee & I made these adorable yummy mummy lollipops, although Busy Bee kept teasing me and called them "mommy" lollipops. When we gathered the ingredients together, Busy Bee asked, "Mommy, did you see this on Martha Stewart?" She cracks me up! I don't even watch Martha Stewart... :)

I found the idea over on How Does She? Be sure to check out their Oreo sucker tutorial first.

Head here for the Royal Icing eyes. Be sure to order a few extra, because a few broke in transit for us.

For some reason, our chocolate didn't melt really well so we had trouble creating the bandage look. We finally used the tines on a mini fork. We used two bags of the melts & ended up with 24 lollipops.

And guess what we'll be having for lunch on Halloween?

Mummy Hot Dogs, of course!

{Pilsbury}

So cute, right? Can't wait to make those. Gotta run, we have one last house to BOO tonight!

Mouse Silhouettes

2010-10-28T22:29:00.001-04:00

{Grandin Road}

{Martha Stewart}

I have LOVED this idea for years and years, but just got around to executing it this year. I set out hunting for a SVG file that I could cut with my Cricut & I found one at Michelle's Adventures with Digital Creations. I literally did a happy dance when I discovered it!

I loaded up my black vinyl and cut out 8 mice. 4 small and 4 large (Busy Bee and I decided that they are 4 mama mice and 4 baby mice).

Then we set out to place them all over the house... frolicing along the fireplace, scurrying down some steps, dangling from a window sill and about to get into our jar of candy corn. Those peksy little houseguests!

They were such a huge hit that I think I will be making more tomorrow for the outside of our house. Gotta love my Cricut, it cut them in under 10 minutes!

If you don't have a Cricut, try this template from Martha Stewart or if you aren't very crafty, you can order them from here. This is now one of my favorite Halloween decor items!

Bee Happy,

Halloween Banner & Countown

2010-10-28T21:11:00.001-04:00

Oftentimes I consider my computer my canvas. I love that in a matter of minutes, I can create, print and enjoy something. Most of the time that I'm blogging or creating, I have a nursing or sleeping Baby Bee in my arms. Tak about multitasking! ;)

This Halloween I knew that I wanted to create a cute banner that I could enjoy in my home, use as decoration for our preHalloween party and even hang on my garage for the night of trick or treating. I opted for orange and black damask and polkadots for the color and pattern scheme.

{sorry for the glare & yes, we will be painting those white walls!}

I wish that I could share it with you as a free printable, but unfortunately, I used some licensed papers in this project. Bummer, huh?

It would be easy enough to create with triangles of scrapbooking paper. I made mine about 4 x 6 in size and strung it on 3 feet of ribbon.

Our friend Martha has these darling alphabet templates that would work perfectly for your DIY creation!

I plan to add a 'Boo" banner to my collection too!

While I'm talking about digi-creations - I thought I would share another project with you! Busy Bee kept asking how many days there were until Halloween so we came up with this cute idea...a countdown! Don't worry, it wasn't candy everyday (LOL)!

I simply created the circles in my favorite picture editing software, printed them and punched them out using my 2 inch scallop punch. I suggest this one. Seriously you need one! You will be dreaming up things to punch.

Anywho, back to the project at hand. I then attached the circle to a magnetic clip... perfect for surprising my Busy Bee with Halloween tricks & treats leading up to the big day:

Bee Happy,

Wednesday Words

2010-10-27T22:57:00.000-04:00

Whatever you are, be a good one.

Abraham Lincoln

Bee Happy,

Pottery Barn Knock Off: Chalk Rocks

2010-10-22T07:25:00.011-04:00

Hello New Pottery Barn Catalog!! How nice to see you... Hmm, what do we have here?

Wait, let's take a closer look...

{Pottery Barn}

That looks easy enough to replicate. And what kind of blogger would I be if I didn't have chalkboard paint in the house. I just need to find some nice smooth river rocks.

Fast Forward to (*cough*) WalMart (my least favorite place on Earth). What do I spy when Busy Bee heads over to the fish aquariums:

BINGO!! And they cost under $3 for 6 of them.

Went home and painted them up while we waited for some water to boil.

Once they were dry, we seasoned them by rubbing chalk on them. This is a VITAL step or else the first thing that you write on them will forever be "ghosted" on the item. Ask me how I know. It has nothing to do with a small piece of furniture in my garage that needs to be repainted. :(

Then write your cute spooky sayings or scary faces!

Hurry before your Busy Bee snags them and does this:

Awwwwwwww.

No that wasn't planned! :) So sweet.

P.S. I think that they make super cute placecards too:

And I spent a whopping $3 for 6 of them instead of $4 each for the Pottery Barn version.

thankyouverymuch

Bee Happy,

Preserving Pumpkins

2010-10-21T23:26:00.000-04:00

Do you know the best way to clean & preserve the gourds & pumpkins that you use for indoor decorating?

It only takes a few minutes and really makes a difference in how they look and makes them last longer.

First, give 'em a bath! In a solution of bleach water. I use 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.

Let 'em hang out in there for a little while. If you put the stems down, they won't bob up.

Then dry them off and buff them with some Vaseline. You can't tell a whole lot in the pic, but the one on the left is buffed and the one on the right isn't.

Now look how cute my little pumpkins look after their bath & buff!

In case you were wondering - the cute little BOO stickers came from Target in their scrapbooking section for .99! I did the same thing last year, but just drew the letters on with a Sharpie. They make me smile everytime I see them!

Hallween Kid Crafts

2010-10-21T21:13:00.001-04:00

We've been having so much fun making halloween crafts every day! Here are a few of our faves:

Handprint Spiders

These cute little spiders are too cute & super easy! You just fold a piece of paper in half, trace your Busy Bees hands and cut out (cutting off the thumbs). Add eyes and a smile (if they are friendly spiders like ours!) :) I plan to hang these from fishing line so they look like they are dangling in the corner of the room. For now, they are getting a lot of laughs as we scream like crazy and call for Daddy to come and get the spiders in the dining room. Eeeeek!

Handprint Ghosts

These ghosts are so simple but so cute! I just love how the palm makes little mouths. Looove

'em!

Apple Print Pumpkin Patch

This is my favorite and will definitely be framed and put out year after year.
We did the pumpkin shape by slicing an apple in half and dipping it in paint. I just love all of the characters. Top row: (L to R) Vampire, Witch, A cup (?) :) Bottom Row: (L to R) Bat (on it's side), Cat, Owl
Could these be any cuter??

Thumbprint Halloweenies

Another favorite activity is thumbprint pictures a la Ed Emberly. I just love to do these because all you need is an inkpad or two and a marker and your imagination. Busy Bee's creation didn't photograph well, but here is a pic to give you an idea and inspire you. These little cuties are so adorable! Get them here!

If you are a crafty momma like me and you don't have one of his books, you need one!

Bee Happy,

Do You Boo?

2010-10-20T08:29:00.003-04:00

Last year Busy Bee & I started a new tradition with booing! You've probably heard of it, but in case you haven't - it means leaving a treat on a neighbor's doorstep. They then pass on the boo by leaving a treat for another neighbor and so on and so on! Once you've been booed, you hang a cute little ghost in your window to let others know not to boo you. Our goal last year was seeing most of our neighborhood with that little guy hanging and we did it! (We enlisted the help of 2 accomplices to start booing at the same time so that we would have 3 "chains" going.)

To make it easier, I created a BOO packet in an envelope to pass along with the treats. It includes a poem, instructions & the "We've been Booed" signs. Yes, I reallize that some people might compare "booing" to an annoying chain letter... but it's for the kids! And let me tell ya'... Busy Bee loves it! I let her pick the target & what we do for the treat.

Last night was our first "Booing!" We'll do 2 more to keep the Booing going later in the week.

I love seeing the excitement & anticipation build. We practice being quiet and make up silent hand signals. So fun! We do not do the "ding, dong, ditch" version that some people do. We leave it at night to be found in the morning.

PIC REMOVED :) Until after Halloween... we don't want to give ourselves away!!

Check out this site for printable poems and ghost signs.

Here's the little ditty that I compiled from different sources online along with instructions. Feel free to borrow it!

Since this is the time for goblin and bats
Halloween spirits and ghosts and cats...
Happenings are silly and witches make brew
The following things are the things I wish for you.

May the only spirit you chance to meet
Be the spirit of love and friends that are sweet.
May the only goblin that comes your way
Be this neighborhood ghost that's coming to say:

Happy Halloween & Have a Boo-tiful day!

So in the next few days,
pick a friend down the street
and give to them a Halloween treat.
Fill this container with goodies galore
then leave it for them at their front door.
As this pail moves along from friend to friend,
All good wishes go on and never end!

Instructions:
1. Enjoy your treats!
2. Post your ghost sign for others to see that you've been BOOED.
3. Feel free to to reuse this container or do something new.
4. Choose a neighbor (or 2) to BOO!
5. Be sure to include with their treat a poem and sign for them to hang.
6. Pass along the envelope with poems and signs for them to use when they boo somebody.
7. Watch as hopefully the BOOING goes aroud the neighborhood.

Bee Happy,

Wednesday Words

2010-10-20T07:46:00.001-04:00

There are certain people who bring out the best in you. Just being around them raises your game, makes you a better version of yourself. Let go of those who whittle you down, little by little, to fit you into their smaller experience of the world.

-Karina Allrich

Bee Happy,

Caramel Corn

2010-10-19T21:44:00.000-04:00

{Babble}

This has been on my "to try" list for a few weeks. We decided to whip up a batch for a train ride that was coming up. We had to postpone the train ride by a week & thanks to that and some hungry houseguests - we are all out and will have to make another batch!

A few tips:
We used organic microwave popcorn & I suggest using an unbuttered variety.

Coat your measuring cups & spoons in nonstick cooking spray.

Clean up is a breeze! ( I was surprised!) Super hot water loosened everything in a jiffy.

You'll probably use about 3 bags of the popped popcorn.

Have enough ingredients on hand because you will be making this again & again.

If you see a lot of unpopped popcorn, it's worth fishing out the kernels.

I was worried about how long it would stay fresh for... stored in an airtight container, it stayed fresh for 6 days before it was all gone! :)

You are welcome! (Because I know you will be thanking me!)

Heard from Busy Bee: "Yummmmmmmmmm this is sooooo good. I can't stop eating it, it's so good! Yummmmm!" {Insert happy noises} I think that you will agree!

Ingredients

1 cup butter

2 cups brown sugar

1/2 cup corn syrup

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

5 quarts popped popcorn

Directions

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (95 degrees C). Place popped popcorn in a very large bowl.

In a 2 quart casserole dish, or other heat-proof glass dish, combine the brown sugar, margarine, corn syrup, salt and vanilla. Heat for 3 minutes in the microwave, then take out and stir until well blended. Return to the microwave, and cook for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from microwave, and stir in the baking soda.

Drizzle over popcorn & mix well.

Place in two large shallow baking dishes and bake in preheated oven, stirring every 15 minutes, for 1 hour. Remove from oven and let cool completely before breaking into pieces.

Bee Happy,

Wednesday Words

2010-10-13T07:01:00.000-04:00

Flaky Owls

2010-10-11T21:35:00.006-04:00

This treat was so fun to make with Busy Bee & was the perfect way to get us in the Halloween spirit! We used Nutella for the eyes & candy corn for the beak, but you could get creative and use lots of things. The best part of this recipe is that you probably have everything that you need in your pantry!

One quick tip: we froze our crescent rolls for about 10 minutes beforehand & I think that it helped with cutting them.

These reminded me of elephant ear pastries & got lots of Mmmmmms from our lucky friends & family who got to try them.

INGREDIENTS

1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls

8 candy corn candies

1tablespoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted

16 chocolate kisses or M&Ms for the eyes

DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 375°F. Remove dough from can; do not unroll. With serrated knife, cut roll into 16 slices.

For each owl, use 2 dough slices. Unroll a 2-inch strip from each. Place slices on ungreased cookie sheet with sides touching and 2-inch strips at top center. For owl’s horns, fold strips in half and bend toward outer edges; pinch strips at fold, forming points. For owl’s beak, press 1 fish-shaped cracker, tail end pointing toward top of head, into bottom center of dough. Repeat with remaining dough slices and crackers to make 8 owls, placing owls 2 inches apart on cookie sheet.

In small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Brush owls with melted butter; sprinkle with sugar mixture.

Bake about 10 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown. Immediately press 2 chocolates on each owl for eyes. Carefully move to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 15 minutes, before serving.

Halloween Decor Poster

2010-10-08T23:15:00.004-04:00

I have had this idea on my brain for months and months! Seriously... I have always been a big fan of the "Keep Calm & Carry On" posters. I know, I know - they've been a bit overdone in home decor blog circles, but not in my circle of family and friends. I pictured 3 in different colors hanging in my home office.

I looked into buying a reproduction or 2 or 3, but couldn't settle on colors. Then I saw a reproduction at Target that wasn't as large or framed the way that I envisioned. I almost bought them though and even had them in my cart. At $14.99 they were a bargain, too!

Then I decided to do some research and I realized that really with the right font, I could create a decent version myself. I'm a litle bit of a font freak/font-a-holic so I set out to find something that would be close to the original.

I have seen plenty of customized versions such as this

for sale on Etsy and the like and I got to wondering about the possibility of copyright infringnement. The general concensus is that the original poster is out of copyright so you may do with it what you will.

That is when the idea for a halloween version came to me! I figured that I coud whip it up in a matter of a half an hour or so (hunt for the right font included!) but on yet another search for the perfect font, I came across the Keep Calm-O-Matic I literally made it in a matter of 30 seconds.

And I LOVE it! I plan to print as an 8 x 10 and frame it to hang for this time of year.

It should be easy enough for you to reproduce it with the link. But if you prefer, leave your email or email me and I can send you the high resolution file. I think it would be best printed on matte photo paper by a professional photo lab, but you could even print this at home.

If you are interested in the history of the poster, be sure to check it out!

Bee Happy,

I'm back!

2010-10-08T22:52:00.001-04:00

Not in an "I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaack" kinda way, but in a friendly-neighbor-knocking-on-your-back-door kind of way. I'm back & I have missed you!

I never intended to take such a long break from blogging, but it's been good for several reason. In all honestly, I was feeling a tiny bit "blogged down". Not by my own blog - but by others. You know the ones, with the perfect lighting, great cameras, stunning home decor vignettes... and apparently a few extra hours in the day. When do these ladies have the time to crank out amazing project after project? I have a Cricut sitting in my office closet gathering dust. :(

Recently though, I reminded myself why I started this blog. For two little bees that will probably not even remember this time in their lives. I want a record other than photos and videos of the day to day in our little hive. Of the quotes that struck their mom as worth sharing. Of the fun recipes that we cranked out together. Of the amazing craft projects that they created. Not perfect or cookie cutter or smudge free for that matter. So here goes!

I have SO many ideas for fall and Halloween that I really don't know where to start. I'm just diving right back in and hope that you will stop by soon to see what I have been up to.

Bee Happy,

New Neighbors

2010-07-14T22:06:00.000-04:00

Look who is new to the neighborhood? So sweet!

Wednesday Words

2010-07-14T21:45:00.000-04:00

When I stand before God at the end of my life,

I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say,

"I used everything you gave me".

Erma Bombeck

Summer Plans

2010-07-11T22:19:00.001-04:00

At the start of summer, Busy Bee and I brainstormed and came up with a few special things that we wanted to do during summer. I then hopped on over to Wordle and input all of the words to make our very own word cloud. We printed it out and had ourselves a great 'to-do list' for these fun summer months. At the end of the summer, I plan on creating another one to put in our scrapbook.

A few tips if you want to make your own:
-to create a space you want to use this ~ in between words.
-you'll want to create your list in another document. You are not able to simply add words if you forget them, so it's easiest if you have a list already going and then you can just copy and paste.
-I picked Chunkyfive for the font and Organic Carrot for the color.
-to make one word larger than the others - simply type it in several times. For example, if you want the word 'Summer' to be 5 times the size of the other words, type it in five times.

Since we are past the midway point of summer (how did that happen?), we are going to review our word cloud and see what we have accomplished and make plans for the things that we haven't!

Bee Happy,

Happy Fourth

2010-07-05T21:58:00.000-04:00

Busy Bee loved asking if folks wanted 'stars' or 'stripes' when serving up this pie!
It was so simple and easy - and a BIG hit!

Bee Happy,

Stamped Washer Necklace & Keychain

2010-07-01T22:00:00.000-04:00

I have to admit - once I saw this idea for a craft - I couldn't wait to try it! I was all set to order a stamping set from Beaducation (and I probably still will for the variety) when I found this set from Harbor Freight. And at $4.99 - it was a bargain too!

{I forgot the washers in the above pic - oops!}

For this project you will need a stamping set such as the ones mentioned above, a hammer, a black Sharpie or permanent marker, antibacterial gel (or baby wipes or a magic eraser) and a variety of washers. It honestly took us a few tries to get the alignment and hammering just right, so be sure to buy a few extra. At .13 a piece grab a few handfuls of different sizes.

You simply use your hammer to stamp your letters - we used a strip of painter's tape to help guide us and then color your indentations with your marker. Use one of the methods listed above to rub away the excess and there you have it!

I ordered some sterling silver blanks from Beaducation as well - and I can't wait to make my own stamped jewelry piece. More on that later!

Bee Happy,

Chicken Pot Pie

2010-06-30T21:24:00.005-04:00

I love Chicken Pot Pie and it's been unseasonably cool for us this week...so I think that I'll be making a comfort food favorite! I use a similar recipe to this. I always use mini cookie cutters to vent the pie and Busy Bee loves to eat the cute shapes first. I find the cutest little cookie cutters in the crafts store near the modeling clay!

Bee Happy,

Wednesday Words

2010-06-30T08:26:00.000-04:00

MOTHERS

Real Mothers don't eat quiche; They don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.

Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?' and get their answer when a little voice says, 'Because I love you best.'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade...
It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother.

Wednesday Words

2010-06-23T10:51:00.001-04:00

Bee Happy,

Cucumber Lemonade

2010-06-22T23:29:00.002-04:00

I'm surprised that I'm sharing this recipe because a few years ago - this was my signature drink. :) The cucumbers add just a hint of flavor and cut the sourness in the perfect way. Pour yourself a tall, cool glass and stay a while!

Below is the homemade recipe that I follow, but you can always use storebought lemonade (Simply Lemonade is my favorite!) I promise not to tell!

Ingredients
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup water (for the simple syrup)
1 cup lemon juice
3 to 4 cups cold water (to dilute)

Method

1 Make simple syrup by heating the sugar and water in a small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved completely.

2 While the sugar is dissolving, use a juicer to extract the juice from 4 to 6 lemons, enough for one cup of juice.

3 Add the juice and the sugar water to a pitcher. Add 3 to 4 cups of cold water, more or less to the desired strength.

Slice a frozen cucumber into lemonade! Enjoy! This amount Serves 6-8.

One of the first items that I bought for my kitchen starting out was a Williams Sonoma Juicer. I always heated my lemons for a few seconds and rolled them back and forth on the counter to extract the most lemon juice from them!

{Photo: Williams Sonoma}

Bee Happy,

Father's Day Candy Bar Wrapper

2010-06-19T00:32:00.002-04:00

One of the many surprises & treats that we have planned is to surprise the world's best Daddy (ours :) ) with a giant Mr. Goodbar with this personalized wrapper.

Click here for a printable version!

Busy Bee is also planning a "carnival" where our special guest will have to win his gifts!

Wednesday Words

2010-06-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

Homemade Slushies

2010-06-14T14:43:00.004-04:00

Thanks to Ramblings of a Crazy Woman for this great idea!!

Yesterday was just Hot Hot Hot & a perfect day to try out this new trick! As my note states, we didn't have much luck making the grape pop into a slush... but when we replaced it with grape juice from juice pouches (hey, it's what we had to work with!), I'm happy to report that we had slush in a matter of minutes!

Here's what you'll need:

-2 zipper bags

-2 cups of ice

-1/3 cup of ice cream salt (no, not rock salt like Busy Bee's friend thought :) )

-3 juice pouches or similar amount of juice/lemonade

Pour the juice into the first bag and seal. Then place the sealed bag in the second bag and add the ice & salt around it. This is the fun part, take turns shaking it! This is where Busy Bee & her friend came in handy... Busy's Bee's favorite method was to jump up & down while holding the bag. You might want to wear winter gloves because it gets cooooooold fast!

We poured the frozen concoction into bowls and used silly straws to enjoy it! This got two thumbs up & we'll definitely do this in the future.

In the interest of full disclosure, I think that the pop would have slushified (is that even a word??) eventually as we saw signs of it starting to work!

Here is the result - granted it's a few minutes after being poured into the bowl. (I told you it was hot!) On a side note, don't you moms just love clear grape juice?

Bee Happy,

Wednesday Words

2010-06-09T11:00:00.000-04:00

Sneak Peek

2010-06-04T08:09:00.000-04:00

Here is a sneak peek at a new project that I've been working on! I can't tell you how excited I am about it! More details coming soon... :)

Bee Happy,

New Designs

2010-06-04T08:03:00.002-04:00

When my Busy Bees are sleeping at night, I've been working on a few new designs! I'm anxious to get my new website up and running. In the meantime, here is a sneak peek!

My new site will feature 'collections' where you can print your own cupcake toppers, banners and wrappers!

Like these:

Bee Happy,

1-2-3 Fudge Sauce

2010-06-03T22:56:00.001-04:00

Yum!! We enjoyed this oldie but goodie for Memorial Day!

Our power went off on the holiday, so we were figuring out a way to heat it up on the grill's side burner. Just then, the power flicked back on and the first thing out of my mouth was, "Heat up the fudge sauce!" for fear that it would go off again!

I cringed too at the amount of sugar used in this recipe... but as with most sauces - a little goes a long way!

Busy Bee wanted to eat this from the container with a spoon and I don't blame her!

Bee Happy,

Wednesday Words

2010-06-02T11:00:00.001-04:00

Bee Happy,

Wednesday Words

2010-05-26T11:00:00.000-04:00

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain

Bee Happy,

Wednesday Words

2010-05-19T07:40:00.000-04:00

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my

first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately
wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a
stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind
to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my
favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little
things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a
prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always
talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a
meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
learned that we all have to help take care of each
other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of
your time and money to help people who had nothing,
and I learned that those who have something should
give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care
of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have
to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you
handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't
feel good, and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come
from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you
cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of
life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and
wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when
you thought I wasn't looking.'

Bee Happy,

Cake Slice Box Favors

2010-05-17T22:42:00.002-04:00

Grammy Bee & I worked together on my first big Cricut project and I love the way that it turned out! Once we got the hang of it, it was super simple!

Materials needed:
12 pieces of scrapbook paper (we used cute raspberry polkadot paper)
Embellishments (we used scrapbooking flowers, a rhinestone brad and sticky gems)
ribbon
tape or glue
and that's it!

I got the cake box svg. from here and cut it at 11 x 9 1/2.
We got 12 slices.

Stop back soon to see how to make the adorable center flower! I'm whipping these up left and right and using them as hair ornaments and to decorate crochet headbands and hats. TOO cute!

If you don't have a Cricut, you can use this pdf ! I've heard of people printing the template right on the back of 8.5 x 11 scrapbook paper which would be super easy!

I can't wait to make these cakes again and again!! I looove them! And a single slice would be an adorable way to present a birthday gift or gift card.

Bee Happy,

Monday Mission: Welcome A New Neighbor

2010-05-17T08:30:00.000-04:00

I've been wanting to come up with an idea to welcome some new neighbors to the neighborhood. I kept it super simple with a pail from the dollar spot at Target, cute embellishments and a few apples (ambrosia variety - yumm!). With the help of my new best friend, my Cricut, I added 'welcome' in vinyl. To bulk it up, I'm going to add a gift card to our favorite farmer's market. So sweet & simple!

Bee Happy,

Ice Cream Coupon Printable

2010-05-17T07:49:00.001-04:00

Busy Bee painted that adorable ceramic ice cream cone for me to keep my jewelry in! I just love it... & it inspired me to create some printable coupons to share with you.

These are perfect to give as incentive/awards or sneak one into your kid's lunchbox with a note that you'll be heading to their favorite ice cream shop after school! For extra 'Super Mom' points, run them through a sewing machine to create a perforation and bundle them in a booklet.

Head on over here to print your own!

Enjoy!

Linkin' up @

Bee Happy,

Wednesday Words

2010-05-12T07:05:00.000-04:00

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” Dr. Seuss

Monday Mission: Prepare Pajama Program Package

2010-05-10T22:16:00.002-04:00

{Photo Credit: Pajama Program}

I've been wanting to do this project for a while and when I came across $2 pajamas at Walmart, I snagged a bunch for this purpose! I made sure to get a pair in Busy Bee's size & Baby Bee's size so that I can think of children just like them receiving them.

Bedtime is one of my favorite parts of the day - picking out Busy Bee's pjs, reading bedtime stories, saying prayers and cuddling, talking about the day's events and planning tomorrow's. It's bliss!

The Pajama Program began when Genevieve Piturro visited a children's center in Harlem and witnessed bedtime where the kids went to bed in the clothes that they were wearing all day with no bedtime story or even a hug goodnight. Shortly therafter she returned with a dozen pairs of pjs and "The Pajama Program" was born.

In the 9 years since it's inception, the Pajama Program has given away 571, 617 pajamas and 274,426 books!

Busy Bee and I got the idea to donate after seeing an advertisement about the great Sprout Tuck In. Want to join us? Click here for a pdf for mailing information.

Chicken Pecan Quiche

2010-05-10T22:00:00.002-04:00

{Photo : Kashi}

This is one of my favorites! I'll be enjoying some leftover today from Mother's Day brunch! We sometimes omit the pecans & it's just as yummy!

Click here for the printable recipe

Pastry:

1 c. flour
4 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
3/4 c. pecans, chopped
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/3 c. vegetable oil

Combine the flour, cheese, pecans, salt and paprika in a bowl; mix well. Stir in the oil. Reserve 1/4 of the mixture. Press the remaining mixture over the bottom and side of a 9” quiche pan, preferably with a removable bottom. Prick with a fork. Bake @ 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Let stand until cool.

Quiche:
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. chicken broth
1 c. sour cream
1/4 c. mayonnaise
2 c. cooked chicken, chopped
1/2 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 c. onion, minced
1/4 tsp. dried dill weed (optional)
3 drops hot pepper sauce (optional)
1/4 c. pecan halves (or one half for each serving)

Combine the eggs, chicken broth, sour cream and mayonnaise in a bowl; mix well. Stir in the chicken, cheese and onion; add optional dill weed and hot pepper sauce, if you want. Spoon into the baked crust; sprinkle with the reserved flour mixture and arrange pecan halves on top. Bake @ 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until set.

Bee Happy,

Wednesday Words

2010-05-05T07:03:00.001-04:00

“A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” Tenneba Jordan

Happy {Early} Mother's Day!

Bee Happy,

Family Rules Project

2010-04-29T22:50:00.003-04:00

If you've been around the blog block a time or two, then I'm sure that you have seen the family rules canvases that are super popular right now. I can't be sure where I first saw the idea, but I think that it was over at The Pleated Poppy.

{Photo Credit: The Pleated Poppy}

I loved the idea of it, but it wasn't exactly my style. So, I took the idea and made it my own! Busy Bee, Hubby & I brainstormed and came up with these family rules to live by. The last two are Busy Bee's and possibly my favorite, "Leave a trail of loveness" (loooooove this) and "no coffee in the family room" (don't ask)!

I plan on printing this on canvas and hanging it in our office. I'll let you know how it turns out!

In case you have trouble reading them, here they are:

be kind & speak nicely

mind your manners

sing & laugh & dance & play

clean up after yourself

always tell the truth

believe in yourself

be grateful

keep your promises

count your blessings

work hard & play hard

give your best to your guest

no coffee in the family room

leave a trail of loveness

Bee Happy,

Wednesday Words

2010-04-21T21:07:00.000-04:00

In honor of Earth Day, I thought that I would share one of my favorite quotes with you!

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.
- Native American Proverb

Bee Happy,

Swedish Pancakes

2010-04-11T22:19:00.005-04:00

{Photo : Taste Of Home}

I tried my hand at making a family favorite this weekend! They were a delicious change and so yummy with blueberries on top. They must have passed the Busy Bees Household test because I got a "Thumbs Up!" & a "Put these in the rotation!"

2 eggs

1/2 t. salt

1 T. sugar
1/3 c. sifted flour
1/2 c. milk
1 t melted shortening
(batter will be thin)

butter for frying
berries for topping (optional)
Beat the eggs and add the milk and flour gradually along with the sugar and salt. Heat a small frying pan over medium heat and brush with butter. Pour 1/4 cup batter into center of skillet. Lift and tilt pan to evenly coat bottom. Cook until top appears dry; turn and cook 15-20 seconds longer. Repeat with remaining batter, adding butter to skillet as needed.

Enjoy!

Click here to print this recipe! They are sized as a 3 x 5 to fit perfectly in your recipe box.

Bee Happy,

Easter Egg Hunt Recap

2010-04-09T21:11:00.001-04:00

The Easter Egg Hunt turned out to be great fun! We kept it simple and didn't too much planning - knowing that it would be all over in a matter of minutes! We followed it with an ice cream picnic and some of the kiddos stayed around to play!

In case you are planning your own for next year, here are a few ideas!

We created cute carrot shaped favors with Wilton 12 inch pastry bags, some polkadot (of course!) ribbon and some of Busy Bee's favorites - chickadees cheddar cheese snack crackers. For the babies in attendance we filled them with sweet potato puffs by Gerber. And since those babes wouldn't be able to enjoy the goodies in the eggs, we got them little books as a favor too.

We had extra baskets on hand in case our friends forgot theirs and made sure to have a first aid kit handy (although we didn't need it, thankfully).

We filled about 2 dozen eggs per child and one extra large one. We also hid mini bottles of bubbles. We decided against doing a "golden egg" or putting cash in one because we didn't want anybody feelings to be hurt about not getting the "big" prize. All in all, it was a great success and I'm looking forward to next year - and hitting up the clearance department for cute decor!

Bee Happy,

Make Your Own Lacing Cards

2010-04-07T23:15:00.003-04:00

Today Busy Bee and I made our own lacing cards! They were "sew" simple ;)! I simply trimmed some characters that Busy Bee had colored or painted. The watercolor books worked the best because they were thicker paper and also did not have anything on the backside. Then we laminated them and punched holes around the edges, using a heart shaped punch for a little whimsy!

Bee Happy,

Spring Flowers

2010-04-02T21:47:00.000-04:00

Nothing says Spring to me more than these beautiful egg carton flowers! I just love the color combos!

Monday Mission: Plan an Easter Egg Hunt

2010-03-29T07:05:00.020-04:00

in FIVE days! :)

Busy Bee and I were talking about what fun it would be to host an Easter Egg Hunt with her friends in the neighborhood and I heard myself saying, "Maybe next year..." because I was thinking that it was getting too late to send invites. Then I asked hubby his opinion and he was game. Then I checked the weather. High 70s with tons of sunshine! It has *snowed* on Easter before - so I figured that we might as well as take advantage of the weather and go for it!

I'm a party planning girl by nature. As in, I start to plan next year's birthday party the day after this year's party. I pore over the design of the invites and collect ideas and goodies for months. Scour blogs for inspiration. I run through the set up and decor in my mind like it's a military exercise. I have trouble falling asleep the night before because I'm so excited. It's crazy!

But, because of the timing - the Easter Egg Hunt has to be more on the impromptu and simple side. (As simple as 250 filled eggs can be, right?)

I don't *do* simple! But I'm gonna try...

Today Busy Bee and I delivered these adorable (if I do say so myself, LOL!) invites to the guests along with an egg filled with chocolate treats. And before you say, "Not more candy!~" I do plan on finding a good many nonedible treats for the egg stuffings.

When I told Busy Bee that the hunt was on - she said, "Yeah, you are SUPERMOM!" I can't turn back now! :)

I'll let you know how it goes!

Bee Happy,

Wednesday Words

2010-03-26T22:25:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share a video with you today. Be sure to have a tissue handy. I promise you that nobody gets sick or passes away. It's just a gentle reminder to savor every single day with your own busy bees. Before you know it, they will be leaving the hive... Enjoy!

Bee Happy,

More Rainbow Fun

2010-03-17T21:14:00.003-04:00

We finshed off St. Patrick's Day fun with more rainbow activities. First up, we planned a rainbow dinner and made sure to include something for every color. We even had rainbow striped plates!

Next we created rainbow bracelets with colored fruit cereal and string licorice so our creations were totally edible! We took some time to discuss favorite colors and patterns.

We read this book and then took a look at some of Van Gogh's masterpieces and the use of color.

Last but certainly not least was what Busy Bee had been looking forward to and planning for months! We had billed it as a boring plain old vanilla cake with vanilla frosting. If you've been around the blogging block before you know what's coming. If you are offended by technicolored food - click away and come back tomorrow. :)

Here is the finished cake- please keep in mind that I iced it in a matter of 5 minutes while trying to occupy Baby Bee with silly faces and in between having playdates with Busy Bee's neighborhood friends.

If you decide to tackle this cake here are two tips:

use Wilton gel food coloring and be sure to get the ones with "no taste" and

use disposable cake pans (you can use them afterward for crafting purposes)!

We had a few of Busy Bee's friends over for the big cake reveal and I have to say that it did earn me a few points in the "Cool Mom" department.

I'm off to go feed Busy Bee nothing but organic food for the next few weeks to counteract this colorful concoction! :)

Bee Happy,

Wednesday Words

2010-03-17T07:57:00.001-04:00

May you always find

Blue Skies Above your Head
Shamrocks beneath your feet
Laughter and joy aplenty
Kindness from all you meet
Good friends and kin to miss you
If you ever choose to roam
And a path that's been cleared
By the Angels themselves
To carry you safely home.

-Irish Blessing

Bee Happy,

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

2010-03-16T07:04:00.001-04:00

The other day Busy Bee and I made some yummy chocolate chip banana bread! It was so good that we wanted to share the recipe with you!

To create the cute heart shaped pat of butter, we simply softened some butter in the microwave and used a knife to press it into a candy mold. We popped the mold in the freezer until the butter was solid. Simple & sweet!

Recipe

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup mashed ripe banana(2 to 3 medium)
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom only of 9x5-inch loaf pan.

2. Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips in large bowl; blend well on medium speed of mixer. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared pan.

3. Bake 60 to 65 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack. Makes one loaf.

Bee Happy,

Backwards Letter from The Leprechaun

2010-03-14T22:50:00.005-04:00

A few of Busy Bee's friends get a visit from a leprechaun on St. Patrick's Day! He does all sorts of silly things like color the milk green, turn things upside down and leave a trail of mini footprints and green sugar in his dust! If they are lucky, he leaves them a treat or two!

I'm not sure if the leprechaun will visit inside our house this year. He may create some silliness in the yard and leave this note and a treat in the mailbox.

I was thinking earlier this evening of a new printable to share with you, a letter from the leprechaun for him to leave behind, but I wanted to make it extra special! That's when it hit me - do it in reverse!

Simply have your busy bee hold it up to the mirror to see the message left behind from lucky the leprechaun!

It reads:
Sorry for all of the mischief and mess...
I hope that this St. Patrick's Day is the best!

Love,
Lucky The Leprechaun
(I also have a no name/blank version in case you have been doing this in year's past & your leprechaun has a different name!)

Hop on over here to download a copy for yourself!
No name version

Bee Happy,

I'm linking up @

Coffee Filter Crafts

2010-03-11T06:37:00.003-05:00

We've been busy working on coffee filter crafts in our house!

We wanted to share a few with you!

1. Shamrock

Gather markers in varying shades of green.

Have your busy bee scribble all over the coffee filter.

Spray lightly with water from spray bottle until the colors run together.

Lay flat and allow to dry.

Once dry, fold in half 3 times. Trim to this shape (think half of a heart).

Save excess for stem.

Open to reveal your shamrock shape and add your stem!

I plan on framing this and adding it to my St. Patrick's Day Decor.

2. Rainbow

Gather a rainbow of colored markers.

Fold Coffee filter in fourths and color like a rainbow.

Trim bottom in arch shape.

Spray lightly with water from the spray bottle until the colors run together.

Lay flat and allow to dry.

When finished you can trim to make 4 half rainbows or 2 full rainbows.

We framed a half rainbow and hung a full rainbow in our window like a sun catcher!

Rainbow Scavenger Hunt

2010-03-10T14:06:00.002-05:00

Today we've been working on rainbow crafts and activities in anticipation of St. Patrick's Day! We started off this morning with a rainbow scavenger hunt! We kept it to one room, the playroom and tried to find items that were solid in color.

My favorite moment was when Busy Bee told the chair to "Say Cheese!" (She took all of the pictures!)

We also read one of our favorite books...and while I realize that Indigo is missing - it is still a pretty cute read as the rainbow unfolds in the form of a ribbon rainbow!

What Makes A Rainbow by Betty Ann Schwartz

Check back soon to see our other rainbow crafts and activities!

Bee Happy,

Wednesday Words

2010-03-10T13:27:00.002-05:00

When I was expecting Baby Bee, little sibling to Busy Bee, a friend shared this poem with me. Now I want to share it with you! Luckily for us, it was adoration & affection from the start between Busy Bee & Baby Bee. It's amazing how in the span of a few moments - you can't imagine life with a second child and then you can't imagine life without them.

Loving Two

I walk along holding your 2-year-old hand,

basking in the glow of our magical relationship.

Suddenly I feel a kick from within,

as if to remind me that our time alone is limited.

And I wonder, how could I love another child as I love you?

Then she is born, and I watch you.

I watch as the pain you feel at having to

share me as you have never shared me before.

I hear you telling me in your own way,

"Please love only me" and
I hear myself telling you in mine "I can't".

Knowing in fact that I never can again.

You cry, I cry with you.

I almost see our baby as an intruder
on the precious relationship we once shared.

A relationship we can never have again.

But then, barely noticing, I find myself attached

to that new being, and feeling almost guilty.

I'm afraid to let you see me enjoying her

-- as though I am betraying you.

But then I notice your resentment change, first to curiosity,

then to protectiveness, finally to genuine affection.

More days pass, and we are settling into a new routine.

The memory of days with just the two of us is fading fast.

But something is replacing those wonderful times we shared, just us two.

There are new times -- only now we are three.

I watch the love between you grow, the way you look at each other,

touch each other. I watch how she adores you, as I have for so long.

I see how excited you are by each of her new accomplishments.

I begin to realize that I haven't taken something from you,

I've given something to you.

I notice that I am no longer afraid to share my love openly with both of you.

I find that my love for each of you is as different as you are,

but equally strong.

And my question is finally answered to my amazement.

Yes, I can love another child as much as I love you, only differently.

And although I realize that you may have to share my time,
I know you'll never share my love.

There's enough of that for both of you --

you each have your own supply.

I love you both and I thank you both for blessing my life.

Author Unknown

Bee Happy,

St. Patrick's Day Printable - Kiss Me I'm Irish Sign

2010-03-08T10:51:00.000-05:00

This one speaks for itself! It is sized for a 5 x7 frame or opening!

Head on over here to download it for yourself & have some instant St. Patty's day decor!

Bee Happy,

Moose Juice

2010-03-07T20:12:00.002-05:00

Busy Bee headed to Grammy's to play

and to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday.

They put their heads together
and started to think...
not of a treat that you eat...
but of one that you drink.

The ingredients they gathered
and blended and poured.
Tasting the silly concoction,
they were floored!
It was orangy and frothy
and oh so yummy...
and just hit the spot
in their rumbly tummy!

They toasted to Dr. Seuss
the 'Rhymer Extraordinaire',
with a cup full of Moose Juice...
here's the recipe to share!

Ingredients:

3/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup orange sherbert
1/2 banana, sliced
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon whipped cream

Directions

1. Combine the juice, sherbert, banana, and extract. Mix it in a blender until smooth.

2. Pour it in a glass and top with the whipped cream. Enjoy! A bendie or silly straw is a must!

Recipe from:

Green Eggs and Ham Cookbook by Georgeanne Brennan

Bee Happy,

Boy Playdate Card

2010-03-06T18:12:00.001-05:00

As promised, here is a version of the playdate card that isn't so girlie!

Head on over here to download the pdf. I have fit 2 to a page for your convenience. Have fun planning those playdates!

Up next on my design to-do list is a fill in the blank thank you note! Stop back soon for that one!

Bee Happy,

Pipe Cleaner Bracelets

2010-03-06T18:03:00.002-05:00

I'm not sure why I didn't think of this idea sooner! We love to make jewelry together but threading a thin string can be a bit of a challenge. Enter my stash of pipe cleaners! With a selection of colorful & alphabet beads we created cute bracelets for each other! Be sure to tuck the ends of the pipe cleaner into the last beads so that the sharp end doesn't poke out.

We loved the ease of this project so much that we plan to do it our Spring Tea Party... more on that soon!

Bee Happy,

St. Patrick's Day Printables

2010-03-04T21:49:00.004-05:00

One of my new favorite things is cupcake toppers! I whipped up these St. Patrick's Day ones to share with you and then Busy Bee and I got creative and made them into a pin and hat decoration! We may just print a bunch out and make a mini banner too!

Oh, and please don't laugh at my round cutting skills - I had a little helper *and* was using elephant shaped scissors!

We hope that you have as much fun with them as we did! Enjoy!

Download your own cupcake toppers/pins/hat decorations :) HERE!

Check out my Kiss Me I'm Irish Sign too!
Download it here!

Wednesday Words

2010-03-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

In the blogosphere, it's popular to do a Wordless Wednesday where you'll find a blog post that is only a picture. I've decided to do the opposite of that with a 'Wednesday Words'! Today Busy Bee melted my heart when she said that she wanted to be just like me when she grew up.

It reminded me to be aware of my interactions with all of my loved ones in my life and even strangers... and made me think of this little poem:

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my

first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately
wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a
stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind
to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my
favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little
things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a
meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
learned that we all have to help take care of each
other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of
your time and money to help people who had nothing,
and I learned that those who have something should
give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care
of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have
to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you
handled your responsibilities, even when you didn' t
feel good, and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come
from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you
cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of
life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and
wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when
you thought I wasn't looking.

Bee Happy,

Mini Rain Stick

2010-03-02T20:45:00.002-05:00

When Busy Bee and I were contemplating what to do with an empty oversized Pringle's can, I remembered back to a project that I had done in High School Child Development Class. It was a favorite of mine and will hopefully be a favorite of Busy Bee's.

Materials:

-Can similar to a large Pringle's can or mailing tube
-30-40 nails
-hammer
-dry ingredients such as rice, cereal, beans etc.
-clear contact paper
-decorative scrapbook paper
-double stick tape

and

On the Pringle's can there was a diagonal seam that we followed. We simply hammered the nails in around 3 of the seams creating a "spiral staircase of nails" inside. No need to be even about anything - just eyeball everything. The inside will look like this:

Fill with about 1/4 of the dry goods.

Using double stick tape, adhere the scrapbook paper to outside of can.

Use the clear contact paper to cover and seal the lid to the can.

Very slowly tip the can from one side to the other and you will hear exactly why this is called a rain stick! Maybe with all of the snow that we have been experiencing, Busy Bee and I are hopeful that a Spring rainshower is just around the corner!

Monday Mission: Frame Homemade Artwork

2010-03-01T21:41:00.002-05:00

My mission for this week was to frame some homemade artwork for our bedroom and another piece for Busy Bee's playroom. I chose a floating frame (Target) for ours and a plastic surround frame (for safety) for Busy Bee's. I just love that we will see and enjoy ours every single day and so will Busy Bee!

In a matter of minutes I had accomplished this week's mission and I can only imagine how proud it makes Busy Bee feel! I know just how proud it makes me!

Week 2: Monday Mission Accomplished!

Bee Happy,

Puppet Theater Personalization & Ticket Printable

2010-03-01T21:33:00.001-05:00

Busy Bee went shopping with birthday gift cards a while back and one of her picks was this adorable puppet theater! We have been talking about personalizing it for some time now along with making a few cute accessories to go along with it! Last night we added our "Last Name Theater" to the marquis with vinyl cut with my Cricut (LOVE it!) along with a few glow in the dark stars.

This morning I whipped up some personalized tickets and created a generic one for you to have fun with! I printed ours on cardstock and laminated them for durability.

Pint Size Production Theater Company Ticket PDF

Next on our puppet theater project list is some felt popcorn in cute popcorn holders and a personalized playbill or 2! You'll have to check back to see those projects and printables...

I'm off to see the afternoon matinee starring these homemade cuties!

Bee Happy,

Monday Mission: Household Manual

2010-02-21T17:06:00.002-05:00

In my neverending quest to become more organized and keep this ship sailing smoothly - I will be sharing with you my Monday Missions. I'm going to give myself the week to accomplish them and share my ideas and resources with you! Maybe you can get a little more organized & efficient right along with me.

Mission 1: Create a Household Manual

I bought a cute 3 ring binder and matching expanding file and plan to keep this in my pantry so that it's always close at hand!

I was all set to create a few forms and calendars when I discovered these handy printable forms from the folks at Organized Home. See below for the ones that I included in my manual. Just click for the printable pdf! See the site for many more.

These first few forms I printed on cardstock for durability:

Emergency Contact List
Birthday and Anniversary List
Restaurant Take Out List
Spring & Summer To Do list
Fall & Winter To Do list
Monthly Calendars

I printed multiple copies of these and store them in protective sleeves:

Weekly To Do Lists
Shopping Lists
(no more scribbling on paper towels or old receipts! Yeah!)
Menu Planners

I printed these on plain paper:
Phone and Address Info
Phone Directory Sheet
(I plan to designate these for different groups such as 'neighbors' etc.)
Blank Pages
Perfect for gift idea lists, username and password info etc.
Recipes to Try
(Organized Home - my hubbee thanks you!)

In business card sheets, I placed business cards for our most frequently used services such as our furnace repairman and my rent-a-hubby (handyman)! :)

In the pockets of the planner I placed a sheet of address labels, stamps and, of course, a few of my girlie printable playdate cards :) !

I don't even want to admit how long ago I bought the binder and file with the hopes of getting this all together. I'm just glad to have it checked off my to-do list!

Week 1: Monday Mission Accomplished!

Sock Cupcakes

2010-02-20T16:14:00.000-05:00

We have a dear friend who is recuperating from surgery, so Busy Bee and I have enjoyed sending her surprise mail and yesterday we whipped up this cute creation.

Can you guess what the cupcake is made from? A pair of super fuzzy socks! I found mine at Target, but I've heard that they also have them at Michael's in the $2 bins.

Santa brought me a new Cricut for Christmas and these are all the rage on the Cricut forums. I didn't have the cartridge/program needed so we just improvised with what I had. In about five minutes, we had this oh-so-sweet gift ready to go!

Materials:

-Fuzzy socks
-Scrapbook paper
-red construction paper for cherry
-Scissors
-gumband or elastic
-cellophane treatbag or ziploc(optional for wrapping)
-clear tape

Step 1: roll your socks tightly from heel to toe. Push center up to resemble an iced cupcake. Wrap gumband or elastic around middle.

2. Cut a strip of scrapbook paper. I was wondering how to make a template to offer on the blog when hubbee came home with a treat. Guess what fit my cupcake like a glove?

I then crimped my paper with one of my favorite scrapbooking tools!

3. Cut a small circle from the red paper for a cherry (I used a water bottle cap for tracing).

4. Wrap scrapbook paper around sock cupcake and close with clear tape. Add cherry on top and secure with tape.

5. Wrap for gift giving!

Bee Happy,

What I'm Loving & What I'm Wanting

2010-02-16T21:54:00.000-05:00

Loving:

Leap Frog Scribble & Write

Busy Bee got this as a gift and it's been a big hit!

For $20 you can't go wrong with this for your own busy bee or as a gift.

Wanting:

Message in a Cookie Cutters by William Sonoma

You may have noticed that I LOVE Valentine's Day! Well, I won't be waiting for next year to get these, because I can already think of a dozen ways to use these before next year rolls around. These are so sweet! I *think* that they were only $20 too!

I see that they are sold out online, but I'm crossing my fingers that I can find them locally.

Bee Happy,

Girl Play Date Card

2010-02-16T21:44:00.000-05:00

Today Busy Bee and I were talking about planning a few playdates with her favorite little friends.

It inspired me to create a new little character and design a playdate card around her! I've never created a character before, but I'm hooked. Let me know what you think of her...

The lines are for your name and number! Simply fill in your personal info and mail! They should fit comfortably in an A6 envelope.

Head on over here to download the pdf. I have fit 2 to a page for your convenience. Have fun planning those playdates!

Moms of boys - don't worry - I'm working on a just-as-cute boy version!

Bee Happy,

Ice Wreath

2010-02-15T23:17:00.000-05:00

It's been perfect weather for this next project! I've been wanting to make one of these for years! I was all set to head to the store for some supplies when it started to snow and I decided to go "shopping" in my own home! Good thing that I did, because I forgot completely about a beautiful wreath that I had gotten on clearance last year. The backside was decorated and I wanted to remove that anyway so that it wouldn't scratch the door.

The leftovers were perfect! I had greenery, red berries and pinecones galore!

You simply take a bundt pan and fill it with your decorative items, add water and freeze!

Once Frozen, run warm water around the outside edges of pan. Your wreath will pop free!

Add a ribbon and hang outside! This is the best pic that I could get because it is coooooold outside!

Bee Happy,

Snow Watch 2010 Chart

2010-02-15T14:39:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we started "Snow Watch 2010" and had a blast measuring the snow, creating weather forecasts on the flip video camera (even bundling up and doing them "on location" from our front yard) and updating our Snow Watch 2010 chart! We used 11 cotton balls per page to represent about an inch of snow. Yes, that means that we had about 24 inches of snow! And we're expecting more tonight!

If the idea of cotton balls and glue makes you nervous - as it did me - simply use a strip of foam poster tape. It held the cotton balls and was mess free! Phew!

Don't forget to get a picture of your busy bee beside the chart to show just how high the snow is!

Bee Happy,

Crochet Heart Envelope

2010-02-15T14:35:00.000-05:00

Grammy Bee surprised us yesterday with this adorable crochet heart envelope! It is too adorable not to share! Perfect for gift cards and small gift giving.

Busy Bee will be using it as a purse/wallet to spend her Valentine's gift card at mommy's favorite store: Target!

The pattern is available free from this site (although you do have to register).
It is 81111AD Valentine Envelope.

Bee Happy,

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

2010-02-14T19:14:00.002-05:00

Today Busy Bee and I whipped up a quick last minute gift for hubby - some homemade chocolate covered pretzels! We had all of the ingredients on hand and had them made in a matter of ten minutes!

Our secret ingredient was pink icing that we melted in the microwave for 20 seconds and then drizzled on top of the oh-so-sweet treats! Hubby raved about them and was nice enough to share!

Bee Happy,

Trail Of Hearts

2010-02-14T19:05:00.001-05:00

Busy Bee woke up to a trail of craft foam hearts, each one with a special message detailing something that I LOVE about her! It was so easy to fill them up with sweet messages and Busy Bee enjoyed reading and rereading them all day long.

Along the trail we put some of her smaller treats and surprises and they all led to her larger ones!

I plan on binding the hearts into a book for Busy Bee- more on that later!

Bee Happy,

Doll Baby Tutu

2010-02-12T18:30:00.001-05:00

This is one of my favorite crafts to do for big girls - and it struck me the other day that busy bee might love one for her favorite baby dolls to play dress up too!

For this project I took

Materials:
-a piece of ribbon trimmed to 2 feet
-tulle strips cut to 18 inches (about 40 of them - you'll have to adjust accordingly for the waist size of your doll)
*TIP* I used to buy the tulle by the yard at the fabric store and I would cut them... too much work! I finally thought of buying the tulle sold on the roll! It's already trimmed to the perfect width!

1. Lay your ribbon flat. Take one piece of tulle and fold it in half. Place behind your ribbon. You'll have a loop on top and two loose pieces on the bottom.

2. Take the two loose ends and pull through loop tightly. Repeat until all of the tulle is tied on to your ribbon.

If this isn't clear - check out this video for a great tutorial on tutu making!

You'll note that she uses the tulle sold in yards - it's so much easier to use the one on rolls! I found mine in the wedding department in assorted colors!

It's so simple! I created the doll baby one in less than 10 minutes!

Heart Hand Prints

2010-02-12T17:50:00.000-05:00

If you are in a pinch for a cute Valentine's Day project, card or gift idea (this would be adorable framed!)... here's a perfect one for you!

Pick two complimentary colors and paint each of your busy bee's hands a different color. Have them place them on the paper in the shape of an upside down heart. Turn it rightside up and you have a heart made from your little one's handprints.

I defined the shape more by writing a special love note message around the edges!

Super simple, yet super sweet!

Bee Happy,

Potato Printing

2010-02-09T20:35:00.000-05:00

With a simple heart cut from a potato we created three fun projects.

A Valentine's Day turtleneck.

Heart notecards to give as gifts.

Simple Valentines!

Bee Happy,

Snow Painting

2010-02-09T20:27:00.000-05:00

Busy Bee had a few neighborhood kids down over the weekend and they had fun 'painting' the snow. I simply bought 4 spray bottles in the Target travel section and filled each one with some water dyed with food coloring.

This was a huge hit with big kids and little kids alike!

Bee Happy,

Heart Crayons

2010-02-09T20:24:00.001-05:00

This is another oldie but goodie! Remember those trays that we used for our homemde gummy candies? Well, I got a second set so that we could whip up some heart shaped crayons.

The first time that I tried this project, I didn't think it was worth the hassle - but I've since learned a timesaving secret... soak the crayons in ice cold water first. Some of them peeled themselves!

Simply take your broken crayon pieces (I save restaurant ones for this purpose) and put them into a muffin tin or candy mold. Put into a 275 degree oven and remove when melted. Let cool and pop them out!

Stop back later for adorable bag toppers that you can print to share your crayon masterpieces with all of your busy bee's friends!

Bee Happy,

'Homemade'Lollipops

2010-02-09T20:04:00.000-05:00

Ok, so these sweet lollipops are only semihomemade - but they turned out adorable! You can have these made and cooled in minutes!

Materials
-Jolly Rancher Candies
-Parchment Paper
-Cookie Sheet
-Lollipop sticks

Preheat your oven to 275. Line up 3 candies in a row. You'll probably be able to fit about 8-9 on a sheet and you'll want to stagger them to allow for the stick.

Pop them in the oven for about 5 minutes. They will start to melt and pool. Remove from the oven and insert stick. That's it!! Enjoy!

Look how adorable they look on top of a pretty package!

Bee Happy,

Felt Sweet Treats

2010-01-29T15:30:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite crafts is making felt food! All you need is some inexpensive felt squares, embroidery floss, scissors and a needle! You don't even need a pattern! I just winged it on these projects and used some sparkly tshirt paint as icing for a little dimension and fun!

I also whipped up a super easy sandwich that I will be posting about soon!

They look yummy enough to eat and only took minutes to make...
next up on my felt food to do list is cupcakes. I'm totally intimidated by them but I'm anxious to give it a go!

Need some more inspiration, head on over to the
Flick'r felt food group!
Bee Happy,

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Root Beer Floats

2010-01-29T13:45:00.002-05:00

Hubby treated Busy Bee and me to root beer floats last night! This is an easy treat for Valentine's Day! We found the cute honeycomb straws at Target. So fun & yummy!

Shrinky Dink Heart Pendant

2010-01-28T18:26:00.001-05:00

This is another oldie but goodie!

Materials:
-One sheet of poly shrink
-rubber stamps and inkpad *OR* permanent marker
-markers
-decorative scissors for edging (optional)
-hole punch

Busy Bee made shrinky dink heart pendants today and it was not only super fun, but also a blast in the past for me! We simply stamped a heart stamp with a black inkpad and then colored them in with markers. We used decorative scissors on the edges and finished it off with two holes with our adorable heart punch! Simply add string or ribbon for a fun necklace!

Note: Our designs shrunk to about a third of the original size and took about 7 minutes in a 270 degree oven.

Bee Happy,

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Heart Shaped Brownies

2010-01-28T18:23:00.003-05:00

Grammybee and Busy Bee whipped up some brownies today, so we decided to surprise Hubby with some heart shaped brownies. Sure, they aren't perfectly heart shaped - but Busy Bee is super proud because she did it herself. We plan to serve them up with hot chocolate for a perfect after dinner desert date with daddy.

Bee Happy,

Spa Day With A Brown Sugar Scrub

2010-01-27T15:43:00.000-05:00

I thought that today would be a perfect day to treat my busy bee to a spa day! We whipped up some brown sugar foot scrub, soaked in a foot bubble bath and painted her fingers and toes cotton candy pink!

Brown Sugar Scrub Recipe
-1 cup of brown sugar
-1/3 cup of olive or vegetable oil
-a squirt of honey (optional)

Mix all of the ingredients together and there you have it! The perfect scrub to give your busy bee's tootsies the extra attention that they deserve!

Bee Happy,

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Free Printable: Owl Treat Bag Topper

2010-01-20T11:11:00.000-05:00

Here is an adorable treat bag topper that you can print yourself! It is sized to fit a sandwich bag and perfect for school treats! Contact me if you are interested in a personalized version!

Printable Owl Treat Bag Topper PDF

Bee Happy,

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10 Things I Love About You Album

2010-01-19T12:26:00.000-05:00

Materials:
-Shabby Shoppes Ten Things Piece Of Cake Album
-8 x 8 scrapbook album

I made this adorable album for my busy bee in under 45 minutes. It highlights 10 things that I love about her.

Simply purchase the album from the link above and then add your own photos and journaling. I printed my pages as 8 x 10s and had the photo lab trim them to size.

My busy bee loves to look through these albums made especially for her!

Bee Happy,

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Create an I LOVE... Mini Scrapbook

2010-01-19T12:12:00.001-05:00

Materials:
-Mini Scrapbook (we got this one for $1 at the Dollar Spot at Target)or as an alternative trim some scrapbook or construction paper to the same size and staple them together
-Crayons or markers
-Valentine's Stickers or letter stickers (optional)

Create a darling mini scrapbook of things that your busy bee loves! Create a cover with alphabet stickers or scrapbook embellishments. On each page, ask your busy bee to draw something that they love. Then create a title for that page with your alphabet stickers.

This is a quick and easy way to create a keepsake that you'll cherish forever! Be sure to inscribe a love note on the inside to your busy bee!

Bee Happy,

Make Your Own Gummi Candy

2010-01-19T12:01:00.000-05:00

Ingredients
-2 boxes of flavored gelatin (we did Cherry for Valentine's Day)
-3 packets of unflavored gelatin (1/4 oz each)
-1/2 cup of water
-candy molds or silicone ice cube trays (we got ours at the $1 spot at Target for $2.50)

Pour 1/2 cup of water into a small saucepan. Add both the flavored & unflavored gelatin. Over medium heat, stir for about 5-7 minutes until you no longer hear the granules and it's become a soupy mixture. Pour into a pitcher, such as a pyrex. Pour into the candy molds. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. Pop them out of the trays!! You can stretch them to remove them and they will still keep their shape.

Enjoy!

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Valentine's Day Crayon Shaving Hearts

2010-01-19T11:44:00.000-05:00

This is an old school craft that will add some festive Valentine's Day decor to any window in your home!

Materials:
-Wax Paper
-Crayons (we chose Valentine's Day colors: red, pink, purple, white, gray)
-An iron

Create crayon shavings with a pencil sharpener or with a paring knife (be careful!)

Use a spoon to spread the crayon shavings on top of a piece of waxed paper. Put another piece of waxed paper on top. Place an iron (on the lowest setting) on the top sheet of waxed paper for a few seconds only.
This should melt the crayons and create a large puddle of color for you!

Allow to dry. Trim to heart shapes and attach a colorful ribbon. Hang in a window and enjoy!

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Cinnamon Playdough

2009-12-20T18:32:00.001-05:00

We got some darling gingerbread playdough from a friend and decided to do our own cinnamon version this year. We tweaked several recipes and came up with our own recipe.

Busy Bee gave them as a gift to all of her little friends and they were a huge hit! Best of all, it was super easy! We attached a colorful holiday cookie cutter, adorable polkadot ribbon and a personalized gift tag!

We were also sure to include the recipe, so that her little friends can whip up their own batch!

Here's the recipe:

-1 cup flour
-1/2 cup of salt
-2 taspoons of cream of tartar
-1 cup of water
-1 teaspoon of vegetable oil
-1 tablespoon of cinnamon

Mix the dry ingredients. Mix oil and water first and then add them to dry ingredients. In a pot, and on medium heat mix for about 5 minutes until it forms a ball. Allow to cool for 20 minute and then knead the dough with your hand.

We doubled the recipe and had plenty to share. We rolled the dough into balls and placed them in a mason jar. To the top of the mason jar, we added decorative scrapbooking paper and a personalized gift tag. We then finished it off with adorable ribbon, holiday cookie cutter and - of course, a copy of the recipe printed on pretty holiday paper!

Bee Happy,

Thanksgiving Crafts

2009-11-20T16:00:00.000-05:00

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