BrainQuest...

I've been on the lookout for quite sometime for something I can do/play with Emma to implement a learning time during the day.

Since we are considering homeschooling, I need to get a schedule in place early and although Emma is only two, I don't think children are ever too young to learn.  Not to mention, for me, it's never too early to start a habit of it for her!

There are a ton of books on the market for the toddler age range that incorporate learning into games and/or crafts.  In fact, I love the Dollar Trees selection of pre-K workbooks that teach colors, shapes, numbers, letters.  We have a ton of those.

But one thing that I just recently came across is BrainQuest.  I happened upon them at a children's consignment shop and they are so fun!  We got the 2-3 age range, but they go on up to age 13.

Basically, for our particular set, it's about vocabulary development.  Max the Monkey is the star of the show and through a series of familiar places and activities (like getting up, lunch time, nap time, etc) he encourages conversation with your toddler, thus widening their vocabulary.

For example:

On the getting up card, you might see Max sitting up in his bed in his room and the following questions.

1) Who just woke up?

2) What is Max wearing?

3) What do you see in his room?

Simple to us, but oh so stimulating to your child.  And in my opinion, not only is it teaching words, it also teaches what to do during specific times of day or how to act in certain situations as it walks them through a variety of events.

Emma loves it, too!  This is a special time that she gets to sit down with mommy and "talk"!  What a great way to coincide learning with a time of bonding as well!

So check it out at brainquest.com for more details and their entire product line.

By the way...

BrainQuest has no idea who I am.  Nor was I reimbursed in anyway for this post.  I simply found a product that I love and wanted to pass it along!

For more head over to

Works for Me Wednesdays at We are that Family

&

Things I Love Thursday at The Diaper Diaries

Blessings,

The P-Dub Experience...

Yes, you read that right...

P-Dub.

PW.

THE Pioneer Woman.

Ree Drummond.

This lady...

You might recognize her...

Joseph-Beth Booksellers, in Charlotte, NC, around 6pm (on May 7th) sounded like a Justin Bieber concert. 

Seriously, all us crazy fans belted out like...well...crazy fans when she walked in!

My friend and I (Angela from Angela's Peony Patch) had planned on meeting PW in Atlanta during her winter book tour, but as fate would have it, we weren't able to make the trip and I thought all hope was lost.

But then we caught wind of her "short" Spring book tour and Charlotte was one of the lucky spots!

Boy, we jumped on this like hungry ducks on a june bug...

Seriously.

We were fortunate enough to land some GREAT tickets and were some of the first to meet Ree.

I almost wet my pants with excitement.

Here's another picture of her.  She really is this beautiful.

Though she kept talking about not taking shots from this angle. 

I didn't listen...

And obviously "this angle" isn't a bad one for her.

She also made mention of her beloved spanx.  And tugged at her britches.

Funny gal =)!

While I was snapping away, it never once occurred to me that I would have to actually talk to her when she signed my cookbook.

Yeah...

When they called our group number, we started up the steps and all of a sudden I became a basket of nerves.

I've never met a famous person before.

Nor have I ever met one as inspiring as a mom, wife, photographer, cook and homeschooler.

It got scary...

real quick like.

Here I come P-Dub.  Forgive me if I say something stupid...

I say, "Angela...you go first.  Show me how it's done."

(note: while I'm saying this I'm scarfing down a million Altoids)

This doesn't look so bad.

I mean, she's human like anyone else.

As my momma said, "she puts on underwear in the morning like the rest of us."

Here goes nothing....

Of course I brought her a gift...

Maybe an apron?

then...

I froze.

And giggled.

I did manage to get out a "It's so nice to meet you" in my best I'm terrified, you're famous, I love you voice.

Oh boy...

Nice face huh?

Real nice.

Just the one you want captured on film while talking to your favorite blogger.

If only I could've stuck with the frozen and giggling.

Nope...

All those nerves and I just started yapping.

That's where she asked if I lived near by.

I proceeded to tell her I lived waaaaaay out in the country, but close enough.

Stupid comment #1.

I think she knows something about living "waaaaaaay" out in the country.

Oh, Lord.

She's signing my mom's cookbook here.

I'm telling her that my mom is at a Lee Greenwood concert.

She said, "Well, I can't compete with Lee Greenwood!"

Then the picture lady asked for big smiles and I was wisked away.

But wait...

I had no time to explain that mom was in VA at a Lee Greenwood concert.

Ugh...

Of all the things I could have said.

You rock.

You inspire me in everything you do.

I want to be a Pioneer Woman when I grow up.

I love your chicken salad.

Giggle, giggle....

"Yeah, that's my mom's...she's at a Lee Greenwood concert."

giggle.

Stupid comment #2.

Oy vey.

But she was very gracious.

Ree~ if you're reading...

You rock.

You inspire me in everything you do.

I want to be a Pioneer Woman when I grow up.

I love your chicken salad.

And Lee Greenwood~ if you're reading...

I've seen you three times since I was five years old.

Me and my mom love you.

I'm proud to be  an American, where at least I know I'm free.

But no offense...

You're no match for PW.

Sharing this on Works for Me Wednesdays over at We Are That Family

&

Things I Love Thursdays at The Diaper Diaries!

Peace out,

Cheap and Semi-Homemade Birthday Parties...

 

Well, I survived!  Emma's 2nd Birthday Party was a huge success!  I think I added a little more stress to the process then was necessary, but it all worked out and she had the time of her life!

I set out on this little adventure with the goal of keeping the entire party (for 30+ guests) under $100.

And let me just say...

I came in right at around $95 for everything!  And I think that's pretty darn good!!

Some may say I set a precident with this party and I'll have to have huge shindigs from this point on.

Some would ask what's the point seeing as Emma probably won't remember any of it.

I threw this party because Emma didn't have a 1st Birthday bash.  And I take great pride in the fact that one day she will look back on these pictures and know that so much love and attention to detail and fun was put on all for her!!  Not to mention, when she's older (and has children of her own) she'll really appreciate the thrifty~ness of it all!!

You might be wondering how I pulled it all off for under $100 and I have two words for you.

Dollar Tree.

Now, some stuff did come from Target and Party City, but most of what was used was either made from supplies from DT or bought and used directly from there.

Here's some pics...

This was Emma's Invitation.  And I simply did this on Microsoft Publisher.  You don't have to be a PhotoShop Junkie (though that helps, too) to come up with simple projects.  I found a personalized invite online that I liked (might I add some were being designed and sold for $12.95 a pop) and I just made my own, using what I found as a foundational idea, but tweaking what I needed here and there.  This included scanning in a picture from one of Emma's Thomas the Train books and incorporating it into the invitation.  I printed out on photopaper that I found at Ollies for $3 a pack.

Balloons came from Dollar Tree as did the plates, cups and napkins.

Of course the Thomas themed items came from Target and/or Party City.

For the favor bags I gave out Bubbles, fruit snacks and personalized bookmarks to each child.

A tutorial for the bookmark can be found HERE.

We're really fortunate to have a neighborhood park (with a nice shelter) right across the street from our house!  This worked out perfectly as we didn't have to reserve it or anything.  FREE!!

I did make a sign for the entrance of the park so everyone would know where to go!  I got the posterboard from the Dollar Tree and because we were having a Thomas Party, I went with an "Island of Sodor" approach!

While we're on the topic of drawing, I found this idea for Pin the Nose on James HERE.  There are so many great resources out there on having DIY birthday parties and the Mom that came up with this game has a whole slew of Thomas Party ideas!  Check it out.  To draw James, again, I used one of Emma's Thomas books as a guide.  I cut out little circles from contruction paper, wrote the kid's names on them and used glue dots to make them stick!

The Dollar Tree had this great little train banner, but I didn't like the middle picture, so I printed out a picture of Thomas and glued him on!  To spruce it up and blend colors a little I added blue stars at each corner!

Because this was a kids party, I kept the snacks simple: pretzels, goldfish and animal crackers, water and apple juice.  I also printed out coloring sheets from PBS and left them on each table for the kids to color and take home.  Party City had the packs of crayons for $0.49 each.

We had Funfetti (box mix) Cupcakes, too! YUM!!

I did not make this cake.  WalMart did.  But it was a petite one (perfect for the Birthday Girl) and only $5.88.  I couldn't resist!

Emma loved it so much she kept giving "Baby Thomas" kisses! =)

Everyone having a good time!  More peeps are on the playground!

Here's the Birthday Girl herself!  I wanted her to have a special Jr. Conductor outfit so I heat-bonded a number two to a t-shirt and hand stitched around the edges.  Did the same for the little Thomas badge I cut from the same fabric.  For her ruffled pants I used THIS TUTORIAL!  I didn't use a pattern, like the instructions, instead I used some of Emma's own pants as a pattern.  And I did cropped pants instead of full-length.

Happy Birthday to my Sweet Girl!  I love you, Emma!

You can stop growing up now!

So there you have it!  Anyone can throw a cheap and semi-homemade Birthday party!  I'd love to hear your ideas, too!  So please share!!

I'm sharing this as part of Works for Me Wednesdays at We Are That Family

and

Things I Love Thursday at Mama Mia!

Check them out!

Would you help me get to 100 followers??

My goal is to reach that (or more) by May 17th!!
I think we can do it!

And to give you a little extra incentive, on that day ALL of my followers will be entered in a really super, Fantabulous Giveway (details later so stay tuned)!! It might include something pretty and kitchen-y :)!!

Blessings,

DIY Party Favors: Bookmarks

With Emma's 2nd Birthday Party coming up, I'm in the market for party favors for all the kid's goody bags.  And though I'm going to go with the staples (bubbles, cheesy toy and coloring sheets) I wanted something a little original.

Now, I by no means consider myself artistic.

But I surprised myself with this project. 

We're big fans of reading here so I thought a bookmark would be fitting.

Here's what you'll need:

stencil (not necessary if you can draw really well)

a black marker (I used a sharpie)

a pencil

tape (or those srapbooking glue dots)

colored paper (cardstock or regular construction paper)

scissors (or any kind of cutter~ can use the fancy edge ones too)

laminating sheets

hole punch

yarn

Step 1: You're going to trace out your picture.  We used a train stencil because we're having a

Thomas the Train Party.

Step 2: Then you're going to want to outline it in black marker.

Step 3: Trim it up.  I trimmed rather close to the edges because I'm overlapping it on a contrasting color. 

I wanted that second color to show as a boarder.  Here's where I used my scrapbooking cutter with the decorative edge, but scissors are just fine, too.

Step 4: Now that it's the shape and size you want, write the child's name on it. 

Get as creative as you want with your print.

Step 5: Take your contrasting color paper (also trimmed slightly bigger than the first sheet) and place it under your traced picture.  Adhere it with tape or those glue dots.  Leave some space at the top for a hole punch.

 

Step 6: Next, if you want, you can write a little message on the back thanking them for coming to the party.

This step is optional.

Step 7: Following the instructions on your laminating paper, laminate your bookmark and trim the edges.

Step 8: Hole punch the top and feed some yarn through it, tying it off so it doesn't come undone.

Step 9: Repeat as many times as children there are attending your party!

There you have it!!  A cheap and neat party favor to WOW your guests with...nevermind they are all kids=)!!

I'm sharing this as part of Works For Me Wednesdays over at We Are That Family!

and

Things I Love Thursday over at The Diaper Diaries!

and

Feature Yourself Friday at Fingerprints on the Fridge!

Would you help me get to 100 followers??
My goal is to reach that (or more) by May 17th!!

I think we can do it!
And to give you a little extra incentive, on that day ALL of my followers will be entered in a really super, Fantabulous Giveway (details later so stay tuned)!! It might include something pretty and kitchen-y :)!!

Blessings,

Writing Nooks in the Bedroom: Part Deux

Remember this picture?

You can read all about it HERE!

This of course is the BEFORE shot!!

Let me tell you.  I have been a busy little girl on this writing nook of mine!

I took the desk that was serving as my sewing table and put it in this corner then threw in a few decorative touches and PRESTO!!  Instant creative sanctuary!!

I have to note though, I'm missing a desk chair.

And...

Nannie and Papa are gone, too.  But they will return!!  I promise!!

They were in a frame that was too big for the picture and it just irked me. 

If I'm going to have a space of my own (and in order to crank out masterpieces) it can be nothing short of perfect.  Nannie and Papa are getting a new frame and they will be back where they belong in no time.

For the time being Toulouse Lautrec resides there.

I've also got a few little shelves to put up, but I'm holding off on that.

Anyway...

Are you ready??

TADA!!

AFTER

And a close-up...

What do you think!?!

I'm all set right!?!  Well, I need a computer, too (note: I'm currently using the hubster's laptop for bloggin' purposes)!  But for now I'm going ole skool and using a trusty pen and notepad.  Yep...that yellow notebook right there holds it all.

Which, by the way, I have most of my outline already mapped out!!  Woohoo!

Have no idea what I'm talking about?

Read about my writing adventure HERE!

Do you have a space you're working on for yourself?  Is so...do tell!!  And get right on it!  You'll be so glad you did!!

I'm sharing this as part of Things I Love Thursday over at the Diaper Diaries!  Check it out!!

Blessings,

Writing Nooks in the Bedroom

In light of my recent post on writing, I have decided to create a special spot for myself to work.  We have a home office, and though lots of time went into painting and arranging it, for me the room is as uninspiring as a room can be.  It suits my husband's taste more than mine, which is fine, but even more reason why I want some space of my own.

In our bedroom we have a corner occupied with a nice chair and ottoman.  That was perfect when I was nursing my girl, but she's two now and it's current job is to hold clean, folded laundry.  As convenient as it is, that area could be put to much better use in my opinion.

Ok, so maybe the clothes aren't always folded, but I assure you they are clean.

Ahem...

Moving on.

I envision this space to be my creative sanctuary.  One that houses all the things I need to jumpstart my brain in writing this book of mine.

I've got a writing desk just waiting to be written on.  An empty vase that would love to hold some pens and pencils.  And that picture hanging on the wall...well, that's my Nannie and Papa smooching in it.  What greater inspiration do I need then that beautiful representaion of love?  I happen to think they would much rather hang over my writing nook then {unfolded} laundry.

Now, some would suggest not putting "work" in the bedroom, but honestly it's where I experience some of my greatest ideas what with it's calming environment.  I need to be able to jump up, in the middle of the night if I have to, and jot stuff down while it's with me.  So really, there is not better place than in my bedroom at this point.

Here's some examples of writing nooks that I hope to fashion my own after...

Photo by William Waldron for Elle Decor (Design by Matthew Patrick Smith- Oct. '06 issue)

Photo and design by Sarah Gilbane Interiors

Aren't they lovely!?!  Despite me drawing from elements of both styles, mine won't be near as ornate or extravigant.  But it will be groovy in it's own little way, and it will be mine which will make it beautiful in my eyes.

I promise to post pics of the AFTER once it's all done.

Do you have a special nook of your own in your house?  Tell me about it and how it inspires you.

Ideas and inspiration for this post (and my nook) can be attributed to the awesome post over at So Haute: Decor & More, titled Writing DESKS in the Bedroom.

(I'm sharing this as part of Things I Love Thursday over at The Diaper Diaires.  Check it out!)

Blessings friends,

Another Ten Things...

So, this is going to be a wordless version of Ten Things I Love.  Sorry ya'll, I have no words today.  I'm in the process of trying to retrieve lost photos (Emma's entire first two years of life) on my stupid piece of crap computer, so my brain is fried.  But despite the severity of this situation, sitting down and posting about what I do love will do me some good.  I'm just going to post pics...no discriptions today.

But before I do...

Thank you all so much to those who contributed to yesterday's conversation on Family Planning.  I have so enjoyed your comments...and actually, I look forward to more.  Go here if you want to chime in!

Also, don't forget to enter my Apron Giveaway hosted by The Sweetest Petunia.  Only a few more days left before the contest ends!

Ok...Things I Love...

1) Sushi

2) Dr. Pepper Chapstick

3) My Reef Sandals

4) That I'm part Irish

5) Family Trees

6) The smell of old furniture

7) The Grandin Theater in Roanoke, VA

8) Little Old Men

9) Shaking my Groove Thang...

10) Anything tie-dyed or peace sign related (or both)

I know...kind of random.

Quirky

But me.

(I'm sharing this as part of Things I Love Thursday over at the Diaper Diaries. Check it out!)

Blessings ya'll!