Christmas Give-Away TBA

Hey there. I know you're here now, but after you look around, I think you should also come back on December 3rd because I'm going to participate in Sew, Mama, Sew's "Give-Away Day." You might win something! By the way, have you seen my other little project on their site? I was, ahem, sort of highlighted for a little tutorial I made for tissue holders. How fun is that?

Quick Advent Calendar

Here's a cute advent to try if you have young kids (I wasn't planning on blogging about it, so you'll have to excuse the poorly lit photos. This was from last year). Aside from gathering your materials, you and the wee ones can complete this project in less than an hour. I've made this one over and over in different ways for many years. Sometimes with glitter, sometimes with the kids' handwriting, and sometimes with cute stick-on cutouts, like this one. I suppose it would be very organized and crafty of me to come up with a nice wool felt design that I could use every year. You know the kind...with rustic stitches and embroidered numbers. That'd take patience and planning. I don't do well with those two things. I'd still have to add new candy canes each year, obviously. That's the most important part, aside from the count down.



Try this one though. Use my photos as an "idea starter" if you want and let the kids use their imaginations. All that really matters is the candy cane each day. :)


You'll need:

Ribbon, Clothespins, Candy canes in individual bags, Markers, Cardstock paper, and I found those Little Snowmen at Target. Then, just find a place to hang it and the kids will quickly figure out who gets which candy cane on what day.
(hint: the odd numbered kid gets more candy)

Brown Bag or Bento?

Ahh, the Bento Box lunch. It's healthy, easy, fun, etc. etc. But here's what I don't get. Does it pack itself or something? Why is it healthy? Can't I still put a PB&J and chocolate in it if I want? And easy? Looks like a lot of chopping and peeling and making pretty decorations with my food. And there's NO POSSIBLE WAY that my kids will eat a rice ball, even if it IS shaped liked Spongebob Squarepants. Bleh. Frankly, I'm not interested.

BUT, I am interested in using less and less plastic bags for my kids and their lunches, so I've been surfing around the net looking for great lunch packing ideas. What keeps popping up is the Bento Box lunch. I wonder what's so different about it than say...a piece of tupperware? I guess since it all fits in one spot it is more handy. I found one called, "Mr. Bento" and it's more like a thermos with multiple containers. My kids do like soup at school, so perhaps I'll check that one out.

Meanwhile:

• Here's a site explaining (way too much) information about Mr. Bento and how to use one.
• I always go to Instructables to learn things, and they have bento how-to as well.
• Here's some bento eye candy.
• And a blog about bento lunches is over here.
• These bentos actually look like they hold real food.
• Some totally beautiful bentos which I will not be making anytime soon are right here.
• And don't forget Mr. Bento.
  

Fancy Nancy, Part 2

Ooh la la! My Fancy Nancy costume turned out so much better than I could've expected. Yes, I can't actually sew...the ruffles were crooked and the whole thing was too big, but the ending product was exactly what we wanted. Little Miss Fancy Nancy also put a stuffed french poodle into a red beaded bag with a hand beaded leash that she had made earlier that day. Tres chic! She even played the part in photos.

We did somehow manage to forget to put on the fancy crown. That was a huge bummer because it would've capped off the costume perfectly. Oh well. the pink hair was "stupendous" according to the wearer. All was good. (Indiana Jones and Pirate Boy don't look too shabby either) Now that you've got a better understanding for Fancy Nancy, why not head over HERE to have a looksie at the book?