Two Tips Tuesday

Tip #1:  Secret Admirer Valentine Ideas

Secret Puzzle Message

 Here I used black and white photos of the girls when they were a bit younger on a thick piece of cardboard I saved from a discarded box.  I just used scrapbook paper and Modge Podge to seal the photos and then distressed the black paper to reveal the pink underneath.

 You can cut the pieces using another puzzle as a template or freehand. Use sharp scissors or a craft knife.  Other options are to write a love letter or sweet message over the front of the pictures or on the back.

Secret Cookie Message

I plan on baking some wonderful heart shaped, sugar cookies for my sweetie. (Like above but  with a fun message)  After icing them, I will write out a message on each of the cookies.  Once they set, all the cookies will be put in a pretty container for my fabulous husband to  figure out my love message to him. Just like a puzzle but you GET TO EAT IT!

Tip #2:  Flowers for a Stranger

You know, I thought of this idea but I have to confess that I am nervous to implement it.  I think it is such a nice idea and it would make someone's day.  I thought about buying one or two bouquet's of flowers and have Cati and Ella hand out flowers to people in the check out line at the grocery store, at the library, or neighbors. 

I have to admit I am not always comfortable putting myself out there but I believe nothing would communicate the love of Christ like a gesture such as this. 


Would anyone be willing to do something like this with me?  Just to bless someone for no reason?  I think I would be encouraged if some of you did it with me.  


And seriously, who could refuse a flower given from two cutie, patootie little girls?


Happy Tuesday!


Oh and PS:  I think this week I am going to renege on my promise to post every day with the loooove theme thingy. I overextended myself. So since I am accountable to no one regarding this blog I seriously questioned the undue pressure.  Now I will post when the mood strikes.  Why?  Because I am feeling stressed about it and that is just silly.  I am going to stop over-committing myself to things I have no time to do and just blog when I am inspired...not because I gave myself a schedule.  Amen and amen.

The End on my little self pep talk.

A Week of Loooooove

I decided that this whole week will have a Valentine's Day Theme as part of the post. Monday through Sunday.  That is seven days of craftiness my friends!  It might be about  food, kiddie stuff, ideas that you can use at other times of the year rather than just Love Day (hint, hint) so stay tuned this week for some fun stuff.
I love getting craft inspired and this week it is is all about the L.O.V.E. 

OK.  I 'll stop.

Today is...A Valentine Flower Ball...

 

These pretty flower balls hang from the ceiling in Cati's room.  They were really simple to make.  

You just need:

 styrofoam balls of varying sizes

silk flowers of your choice ( I used 4 different kinds)

strong wire or cord

glue gun

wire cutters

straight pins

I decided to do this project again but with more Valentine flair and share it with all you wonderful friends who visit me here. I was convinced that all I needed to do was go to the dollar tree for my simple valentine decor but to my crafty dismay...the balls were gone.   

But when handed lemons I make a mean lemonade.  

So I shifted gears to plan B and bought two styrofoam discs and a styrofoam wreath figuring I would come up with something after I get started.  This is what I came up with...

I shall call this a Hanging Flower Ring. 
(what should I call it?) 

I can't think of it as a wreath because it is suspended from a ceiling or hook.  By the way, making this and the flower balls are exactly the same, you just use different shapes.

 

You will need all the supplies listed above above but replace the balls with the ring and 2 discs as pictured here.

First I cut the flowers off with a wire cutter leaving about a 1/2 inch of stem to stick into the foam. After pushing the flower into the foam, I removed it and filled the hole with little glue from the glue gun and then re-inserted the flower back in. I did this all the way around the front.  It looked liked this...

It takes about 3 or 4 rows to fill up the ring (depending on the type of flower you choose).

Next, I glued flowers to one of the round discs. 

 

With this one, I put a different type of flower (hydrangea) and did the exact same trimming of the stem.  I put another flower in the center for contrast. I glued flowers around the edge as well.

For the other disc, I used a cookie cutter to make a heart shape.

Then I chose green flowers for the heart and did the same as the ring and the disc shapes.

Finally I used this plastic cording (have no clue what it is called but it is fun since it has a tiny bit of glitter and cost .79 at Joann's). Sorry for the dark pictures.  I took these at night.

I secured a straight pin through the cord with a little hot glue to secure it.

Here I have it hanging on a front door as an alternative to suspending it from the ceiling or hook.I like that is is not too Valentine looking except for the little green heart at the bottom.  But I think only I know that is a heart.  And it's green.  So that's good. 
Did you also notice I used TWO SHADES OF PINK?  Huh? Huh? 


You love that I am a geek.  You know you do.

Do you have a crafty Valentine crafts you have done or posted?  If so let me know!  I would love to come visit you and leave a comment.

The Simple Things: LINK UP!

I came across a post over at Butts and Ashes by Marla who I seriously wish I could meet in person.  She is so raw, so real, and a humanitarian to the lost, the broken, the needy. I love her heart.  She has linked up to a blog, Enchanted Oak who has committed to donate $2 to Heartline Ministries for every blogger or commenter who posts a list, poem, or prose piece about the joys of the simple things in life. After that you just notify her about your post.  This link up lasts until midnight Sunday.  Easy peasy!

Here is my list of the simple things...

• Drinking a cup of coffee and listening to the silence of morning, the falling rain, or the birds chirping outside
• Dancing in the rain with my daughters
• A hug from my husband that lingers
• Catching the eye of my oldest daughter and both of us bursting out in laughter.
• Seeing the magnificence of God in the expanse of the ocean or just examining the intricacies of a fallen leaf
• My youngest daughter making kissing noises across the house until she reaches me to land one on my lips with a hug around my legs
• A child's laughter
• My girls hugging each other as they giggle in the bath tub
• The smell of fresh air through an open window
• The exhilarating first taste of a peach as you bite into it
• Re-reading a favorite book
• Walking through the front door and knowing your house is a home
• Food in my fridge, money in the bank, clothes on my back
• Friends who call me before I call them
• The sound of my children breathing as they sleep
• At the moment my husband has turned on the kitchen faucet and I am so thankful that we have running water or I can go to the pantry for a bottle of water
• Singing out loud to God and knowing I am free to do so
• Holding hands

I could go on and on.  Please link up to do this.  What amazing perspective this gives as I remember I am so blessed in the little things.  

Let's pray for the many people in Haiti who do not have the luxury of the simple things we often take for granted.

Before and After

I was sooooo excited.

The big change...a new do.  Chopping off my tresses.  Going drastic.  Severing of about a 12 inches of hair.

Yes.  That's right.  A. FOOT. OF. HAIR.

Here is the... BEFORE

Does this or does this not look like I was taking my own mug shot?

But there are the long locks that really needed some assistance.  I had become a mommy, lost the layers I previously had and became a retro throwback to a generation before my time.

The AFTER

This was the night I got it cut. 

Still not sure how I feel about it.  Seriously. I mean, this amazingly skilled stylist sat me in the chair for 2 hours and schooled me on the horrific products I was using that are NOT good for my hair (woops) and then taught me how to style my hair detail by detail. 

I was so excited when I got home! I was going to be able to make these follicles look FABULOUS!

So the next day I ran on the treadmill and produced more than a healthy glow.  Let's just call it what it is...I had an odiferous sweat going on. I showered and the moment of truth came when I wet the masterpiece that she had created by putting my head under the shower. 

But no worries, I told myself.  I was now equipped with new KNOWLEDGE.  She was my beauty Yoda and I was her young skywalker-esque novice in hair-ology.

I go to do my hair like she said and realized I was not listening totally forgot what she told me.

I DID NOT REMEMBER THE BEAUTY FORCE!

What on earth is up with my Star Wars references? Go with it, Jess.  Just go with it.

So I did the best I could and here is what I did. All by myself. Really. No help.

 

Kinda big, right?  

I think I began mingling different hair eras together and got confused.

Then I began mulling over the fact that I cut off like a foot of hair.  I mean, I can't even put the thing in my messy pile I would always have on the top of my head.  So what can I do with it? I decided to experiment and here are some of my hair creations I tried...

We have the cute little pig tail look.  

Cute but more appropriate for a run on the hamster wheel or movie night with the family. I mean I am thirty...ish.

I thought of more justification for the pigtails since I am digging the fact that I could actually put it up in some way.  This works for the gym that I never go to, the beach, or even grocery shopping.

This is just wrong. 

Don't I look like two different decades of SNL with the church lady look & Mango's hair?

OK.  Sassy little clip is working for me here.

It is looking better but this is still a work in progress. I am having a tough time getting used to such a drastic change and if I could do it over again I might have done long layers (like I used to have) and then go drastic the next time.  She kind of cut it shorter than what I wanted but it is an excellent cut.  So I am having fun with it and just trying to figure it out. And by the grace of God almighty...

Hair grows.

Making Changes

Whew.

That was a much needed break.  I suppose you may be curious about the "why" since the "what" was obvious that I wanted to spend more time with my girls. 

I guess I have been in a life slump and just needed to remember what is important.  I was making so many selfish decisions that benefited only me, myself, and moi.  Plus, this blog has become what I did not anticipate with such a  fun little writing outlet.

An idol.

I will tell you that honestly I would peek in on my email numerous times a day just to see of someone stopped by my little blog.  I would cruise other blogs like crazy and I do believe I would be appalled if I added up all the minutes I did this throughout the day.  A waste.  Here my girls are asking me to play, hugging my knees with mac and cheese hands, and I am more concerned about what people in the blogosphere are saying to me.

Then my BFF, often the voice of reason, said something that stopped me in my tracks.  She said that often, as moms, we feel like we are living in the midst of a thankless job in this particular season of our lives.  After confessing this to her and appealing to her for her wisdom, she said that perhaps I had a need to feel appreciated or distinctive in some way outside my normal mommy role. And in blog-land I find it.

Oh such wisdom. No truer words have never been spoken about the quiet place in my heart that no one can see.  Sometimes I feel like I am never me anymore.  My name is Mommy and that is it. I wanted that title for so long that it pains me to admit how misinformed I was. Basically since I conjured up my own fantasy land and  went to live in there.  I just thought I would dress up these cute little peanuts, play with them, show them off to the public, and throw in some scripture for a happy, DIY, simple upbringing.

Um, Jess? Visit reality much?

This parenting thing is so wonderful, so incredible.  It touches places in my heart I did not even know existed  But this ride is certainly not a simple one.  And it it is teaching me so much about dying to self.  To literally be a servant to God in my home.

That is a hard pill to swallow, friends. 

If I had it my way, I would read, craft, and drink coffee in my spare time.  My reality tells me to fold that laundry waiting in the basket for 3 days, get the dishes out of the sink, plan that menu, give my hubby the respect and home he deserves and hug your little girls a gazillion time because they won't be little for long.

But the FUN NEWS?

Here are some notable discoveries during my hiatus as I took time to engage in the little stuff...

• Cati blows her nose and then puts the tissue BACK IN THE TISSUE BOX. Lovely discovery. I had just thought they pulled them out and stuffed them back in. 
• They both discovered that inserting raisins into door knobs is a favorite pastime.  I can assure you they are not exclusive to raisins. Bendaroos, craft pom pom balls, paper, and littlest pet shop toys that can only be viewed under a high powered microscope.
• Ella is talking more and more every day. Her latest? "No. No. Nonononononononono." But my favorite word she can say is Play Doh.  But she needs to say it. Not eat it.
• Cati & Ella no longer enjoy my singing with them.  I am told it is "Cati & Ella time."  Okidokes.
• I have discovered that a British accent (of which I do an inexcusable job) renders fear in my children rather than fun.  I made a  note to self:  British accent, though all together dignified and lovely (like calling a pimple a "spot," prounounced "spaught") is not fun to little children."  It instills fear that mommy does such a poor portrayal.  I shall stick to my mixture of NJ, NY, MD, with a dash of southern.  That ain't so pretty either but it's what they know.
• Cati has become extremely exuberant about her awareness of her private parts.  This is a work in progress to tone down her "Go Tell it on a Mountain" proclamation of said parts.
• Ella prefers to offer up affection on her own terms but my arms are open whenever she is ready.

So I think I am back on track again.  I have so many fun ideas for this blog but no time for the application of them.  So right now I will continue to wing it in the hope that all of you are along for the ride with me. 

P.S.  Big change a-brewing tonight...I am getting a haircut. 
MAJOR SEVERING OF LENGTH I tell you.  Before and after pics to come.  I am nervous.   Excited.  OK.  I kinda want to throw up.  But this is so necessary. 

Priorities

 

I will be back very soon!

Two Tips Tuesday

Tip #1: Word Gems

So easy a KID can do it!

Obviously, the options you have with this easy craft are absolutely endless but I love when crafts turn into learning tools too.


My BFF's oldest son is learning his letters, letter sounds and beginning to read.  This exciting new time of learning inspired this fun little craft. I used clear, craft, gem stones purchased from the dollar tree and bonded paper right from the computer with my chosen font.  

That simple!  

You can make them in to magnets for the fridge. ( I am all about magnets at the moment). Other ideas:

• Cut out photos of distant relatives so your kids learn their names and faces
• Back them with fabric (my next endeavor)
  
• Make them into a fun travel matching game

Oh, there are so many more but sweet slumber is beckoning...but what would you do?

 Here I used words to make fun sentences.

Tip #2: Get Your Kiddos (or you) Crafty & Organized

I have been in craft mode lately...hence the crafty tips.  And this one seemed particularly useful because I tend to make anything crafty become my personal chaos.  Whether it is the crafts designated for the kids or the stuff for me, it can end up all over the house.  Our dinners are sometimes relegated to floor picnics due to a craft extravaganza on every square inch of the dining room table.  Sadly, I have no craft room.


So I tried to come up with ways to make it easier for the girls to have crafty fun.  Here are two ideas and I used what I had in the house to do it.  Hopefully, inspiration can strike you when  considering all you have.

This is one of those utensil holder thingys I got at a party store.  Great craft caddy when not in use. I filled it with all the kid craft essentials...construction paper, scissors, pom pom balls, crayons, markers, glue sticks, foam sheets, and contact paper.

This was my ABSOLUTE favorite idea!  I took a set of 6 cups bought at IKEA, glued them to a lazy susan used for spices and looky there...a nifty art caddy to keep on the kid's art table!

Happy Tuesday Friends!