tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27472350004870040422024-03-13T21:52:58.495-07:00Laura's Daily MadnessLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-57953882995066846002012-06-05T16:19:00.001-07:002012-06-05T16:20:18.034-07:00$2 TuesdayThis week's featured product is Are We There Yet?! I thought we would kick off the summer right ;) So hurry over and pick up this great trip for all of your summer travels!!! You can pick it up for just $2 today only!!!! Don't forget to check out the other parts of this awesome collab too!!!<br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-3346704997223615852011-03-28T11:38:00.001-07:002011-03-28T11:38:56.435-07:00Dinosaur Activities that make for great photo ops!<p>I have to admit that Ramona’s new kit ‘Rawrasaurus’ reminded me of one of my favorite units when I was teaching, DINOSAURS!! Kids just seem to love these extinct guys!  There are plenty of fun things to do and learn with dinosaurs.  I thought I’d share a few with you today. </p> <p>Dinosaur Books</p> <p>Any good unit of study is going to be based on some fun and informative literature! Children authors know how much kids love dinosaurs so there are TONS of both fiction and non fiction stories out there.  Check out your library for some of these awesome titles!</p> <p><iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=lausdaimad-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=078948854X" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=lausdaimad-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0751352268" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=lausdaimad-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0439649501" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=lausdaimad-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0312492545" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=lausdaimad-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0753458721" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=lausdaimad-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0756658101" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=lausdaimad-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0140567704" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=lausdaimad-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0590446894" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=lausdaimad-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=006443298X" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=lausdaimad-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0375824197" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> </p> <p> </p> <p>Books are a perfect thing to add to Easter baskets!! Photograph your child reading or being read to. Write down their favorite facts or favorite dinosaurs. Have them draw a dinosaur picture and take pictures to add to your layout.</p> <p> </p> <p>Dino Land</p> <p>One of the first things I always did was cover a table with green paper and let the kids create a prehistoric land that the dinosaurs would live in.  You can get some green wrapping paper for pretty cheap or a $1 green table cloth from the dollar or party supply store.  That and a pack of construction paper is probably all your little creator needs. But lets say you add some sand, grass and some other accessories, you can come up with a pretty awesome dino land!  Then once the kids were all done, we released the dinosaurs! They were so excited and spent HOURS playing over there when their work was complete. </p> <p><iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=lausdaimad-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B000WECD7W" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=lausdaimad-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0033RVDVC" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> </p> <p> </p> <p>Take photos while your child(ren) put it together and while they are playing.  Document some of the things they are saying and the stories they are acting out. </p> <p> </p> <p>Dino Mask</p> <p>Have your child create their own dinosaur mask!You can print out a mask <a href="http://www.nms.ac.uk/PDF/Dino_mask_new_3832_4096.pdf">here</a>.  You can also just use a paper plate or paper. You might even get brave and delve into plaster of paris!  Take photos while your child makes and wears their mask.</p> <p> </p> <p>Make Them Life size!!</p> <p>Look up facts about how big the dinosaurs were or how big their foot prints were and draw them to scale using side walk chalk and your driveway or street.  This really makes the sizes come to life to older children. Take photos of your children drawing their dinos and standing beside them for size comparison!</p> <p> </p> <p>I hope these activities get your imagination going on some activities to do with your own dinosaur lover!</p> Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-42279401704871719042011-03-21T11:30:00.000-07:002011-03-21T11:56:12.008-07:00What should you be doing in your garden now?This warm weather is really getting me excited for summer time! This summer is going to be great because we are going to have TONS of fresh veggies from our garden. We're trying square foot gardening for the first time so I'm hoping we have great results! A few weeks ago we weeded, filled up our other bed we've never used and covered with trash bags:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoUz17Sa9Xw/TYedwyoyNgI/AAAAAAAAB1M/XX-VBjrwDbA/s1600/IMG_0073-4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 523px; height: 349px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoUz17Sa9Xw/TYedwyoyNgI/AAAAAAAAB1M/XX-VBjrwDbA/s400/IMG_0073-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586607324328506882" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here in Oklahoma the official last day of frost scare is April 15 but the planting guide gave me the ok on a few different veggies. I noticed most of them were bottom growing plants.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TYSCq05-4sQ/TYeeICcZtHI/AAAAAAAAB1U/MRzQ4Ip2mGs/s1600/IMG_0001-6.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TYSCq05-4sQ/TYeeICcZtHI/AAAAAAAAB1U/MRzQ4Ip2mGs/s400/IMG_0001-6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586607723708527730" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So we planted carrots, green onions, yellow onions and turnips. For square foot gardening, carrots and onions are both 16 per square feet and the turnips are 6. I planted 2 seeds at a time in hopes that one of them at least would grow.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OKZWSpjantY/TYeemfxUz1I/AAAAAAAAB1c/O5w1gu3irVM/s1600/IMG_0008-5.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OKZWSpjantY/TYeemfxUz1I/AAAAAAAAB1c/O5w1gu3irVM/s400/IMG_0008-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586608246976991058" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We also planted sweet peas and lettuce. I planted two sweet peas per square foot along the back so we can build something for them to grow up. And two lettuce across the front to take up the extra space. <br /><br />After we planted everything, I covered everything back up until they sprout. The black plastic is supposed to help warm up the soil and help germinating.<br /><br />It will be a month before we can continue our planting but for now, we're excited to see how our first batch of planting goes!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-73567076885928657412011-03-07T16:54:00.001-08:002011-03-07T16:54:13.383-08:00A fun (and easy) toddler art activity!<p> Its been awhile since I posted! Kids have been sick and things have been busy. Surprise, surprise right?  My husband is currently working a later than normal evening shift leaving me to cook dinner with two kids and no help.  So I’ve been looking for 20 minute art activities for Rett to do in the afternoon so I can clean up the kitchen and do some pre-cooking prep to make things go easier later on.  Here is a great activity that I ran across that I’d like to share!</p> <p>Recommended age: 2.5+</p> <p>Supplies needed:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TXV-KlDCGOI/AAAAAAAAB00/ERDjL1TWAfk/s1600-h/IMG_0009-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0009-2" border="0" alt="IMG_0009-2" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TXV-LCQOVRI/AAAAAAAAB04/t--acrfhcIw/IMG_0009-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="217" height="323" /></a></p> <p> paper</p> <p> food coloring</p> <p> eye dropper</p> <p> small plastic containers filled with water</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Directions: put 3 or 4 drops of food color into each plastic container. I recommend using colors that are brighter because there is some color mixing going on. Orange and yellow.. probably not a good choice. </p> <p> </p> <p>After this its more of what your toddler/child does.  They use the eye dropper to suck up the colored water and drip it onto their blank paper.  </p> <p> </p> <p>I did this with my 26 month old.  He did not get it. He LOVED stabbing the water with the eye dropped but couldn’t grasp the concept of having to squeeze the eye dropper to get the water into it and squeeze to get it out.  I had to help him a bit with his art.  He still enjoyed himself. This could also be a great mixing colors lessons for home schoolers.  Also great to work on fine motor and hand muscle building for special needs children or children with messy handwriting.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TXV-L3TLUxI/AAAAAAAAB08/I0asU0l0kTU/s1600-h/IMG_0012%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0012" border="0" alt="IMG_0012" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TXV-MekDUlI/AAAAAAAAB1A/_V-vE8Z1G5s/IMG_0012_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="289" /></a></p> <p>Here is before we started.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TXV-M_xG91I/AAAAAAAAB1E/i9NGx2_mO3M/s1600-h/IMG_0014%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0014" border="0" alt="IMG_0014" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TXV-NDONOYI/AAAAAAAAB1I/_d6_0bIRVsY/IMG_0014_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="495" height="331" /></a></p> <p>Here is our finished product! </p> Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-73456812579915496272011-02-25T06:45:00.001-08:002011-02-25T06:45:08.737-08:00Project 365- My Week in Photos!<p> I can’t believe March is almost here!  Just when the weather finally got warm enough to give me hope, its cold again today. Spring can’t come soon enough!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAW8_cxrI/AAAAAAAABzM/GFnmrzcxxLE/s1600-h/IMG_0017-7%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0017-7" border="0" alt="IMG_0017-7" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAXHukpCI/AAAAAAAABzQ/fneTTCdrTKk/IMG_0017-7_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="294" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAXgjWPhI/AAAAAAAABzU/O7Qyjcy8EG0/s1600-h/IMG_0019-5%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0019-5" border="0" alt="IMG_0019-5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAX9tUuaI/AAAAAAAABzY/St1CZOxd9lk/IMG_0019-5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="301" /></a></p> <p>We went to the zoo with mom group.  Beautiful weather!  Rett had a fun time running around with all the toddlers.  </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAYAqBNaI/AAAAAAAABzc/6wuQvW0HH0w/s1600-h/IMG_0006-6%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0006-6" border="0" alt="IMG_0006-6" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAYWcdxTI/AAAAAAAABzg/mt1RI2I7AtM/IMG_0006-6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="293" /></a></p> <p>My Coke replacement.  I started drinking Crystal Light instead and dropped 3 pounds. Then Mom stocked me up in Coke again later in the week.  I refuse to buy it for myself so unless she enables me, I don’t have it.  Luckily my mom is a GREAT enabler!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAY1IhxII/AAAAAAAABzk/KX88aTZJbVE/s1600-h/IMG_0056-6%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0056-6" border="0" alt="IMG_0056-6" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAZCpFq7I/AAAAAAAABzo/aRoNmHit52U/IMG_0056-6_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" height="214" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAZWChqvI/AAAAAAAABzs/D5zm3MHhBXs/s1600-h/IMG_0079-4%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0079-4" border="0" alt="IMG_0079-4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAZm_lytI/AAAAAAAABzw/oc9XbYJCKeE/IMG_0079-4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" height="208" /></a></p> <p>We got the garden ready for planting! Rett loved to watch Daddy shoveling.  He thought it was hilarious.  I also baked some clearance Valentine’s brownies. .80 well spent!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAZ_fbkiI/AAAAAAAABz0/qJAuXaCvoFg/s1600-h/IMG_0087%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0087" border="0" alt="IMG_0087" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAaEV2h-I/AAAAAAAABz4/wOcKJAHmlxk/IMG_0087_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="248" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAaSa3DwI/AAAAAAAABz8/uDIxWoHM8Fk/s1600-h/IMG_0082%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0082" border="0" alt="IMG_0082" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAalvJxVI/AAAAAAAAB0A/AzhIiWijhxE/IMG_0082_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Finished Sissy’s easter lamb hat.  This pattern also has a jumper that goes with it so it may transform into her Halloween costume if she can still fit into it.  The yarn is rather stretchy so I think we should be good! I attached one of her bows to the ear to make it even cuter.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAbBDCdkI/AAAAAAAAB0E/wy_2kBshxoo/s1600-h/IMG_0022-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0022-3" border="0" alt="IMG_0022-3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAbUqDZYI/AAAAAAAAB0I/95cNaSvefEk/IMG_0022-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" height="361" /></a></p> <p>Sissy sneezed while eating.  I absolutely hate baby food. So annoying.  She started eating pancakes for breakfast the last two days so hopefully the gross cereal phase is over!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAbm0LZmI/AAAAAAAAB0M/llkmrs2ldso/s1600-h/IMG_0034-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0034-2" border="0" alt="IMG_0034-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAb5p5-SI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/Tw0bPR7-g74/IMG_0034-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="397" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAcJzBAuI/AAAAAAAAB0U/VPEutLU0HV4/s1600-h/IMG_0069%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0069" border="0" alt="IMG_0069" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAcZqYCnI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/_QdUgk89R-8/IMG_0069_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="394" /></a></p> <p>Went to the zoo again. Twice in one week? Of course!  This time with Jenna, Lucas and Joseph. Jenna also brought her friend Molly and her two boys.  It started off pretty cool but it warmed up and ended up being a great day.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAci6rDVI/AAAAAAAAB0c/QyNLMSWN8kg/s1600-h/IMG_0074-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0074-2" border="0" alt="IMG_0074-2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWfAdIlKR5I/AAAAAAAAB0g/016nygV_qyo/IMG_0074-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="262" height="391" /></a></p> <p>I left the window open because we had a thunderstorm and wanted Rett to see the rain.  Sissy wanted to watch too so she climbed onto the drums.  Its amazing how much faster she is doing things than Rett did.  I’m not sure that’s a good thing either!</p> <p> </p> <p>So that was our week!  Today we are going to a bounce place so that should make for some fun photography!  </p> Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-70986837655211165442011-02-22T19:39:00.001-08:002011-02-22T19:39:38.774-08:00Let them eat cake.. or anything else!<p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWSBZCFU1LI/AAAAAAAAByY/juyq5_ksfPg/s1600-h/IMG_0113-2%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0113-2" border="0" alt="IMG_0113-2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWSBaZwkJ0I/AAAAAAAAByc/oVVYeZXHXWM/IMG_0113-2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" height="249" /></a></p> <p>Every time I see a photographer using food within their photos and everyone is talking about how clever that was and wow what a nice pop of color, I just snicker. Because I know the truth.  Eating food keeps kids still.  No one REALLY expects kids to smile while eating.  Kids are happy when eating things that are full of sugar.  I haven’t seen many photos of children eating carrots or broccoli. I suppose out there somewhere they could exist.  </p> <p>Honestly food photography is ingenious.   When you are photographing babies (especially after they start smiling) you have the easiest job in the world. Babies are naturally cute, they don’t move much and they LOVE attention they gain from smiling. Then they start moving. And they never want to stop.  Give the same kid a cake to smash when they turn 1 and you get this:</p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWSBa80HE0I/AAAAAAAAByg/C2u1UPk9zI8/s1600-h/IMG_0170%20copy%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0170 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_0170 copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWSBbPfHV1I/AAAAAAAAByk/zUcbQJynCXo/IMG_0170%20copy_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="274" height="409" /></a> <p>Of course broadening your horizons is always nice.  I had a session the other day and it was a 1 year old.  The mom didn’t want to do a cake smash. Its funny how moms NEVER think cake smashes sound like a fun thing.  Messy, cake mess.  That’s what the moms think about. Or maybe the purple poo that follows.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWSBbn3SfxI/AAAAAAAAByo/8GWUOiYLftg/s1600-h/IMG_0184%20copy%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0184 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_0184 copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWSBcIJQIRI/AAAAAAAABys/OAZuB7pOjvA/IMG_0184%20copy_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" height="463" /></a></p> <p>Of course then you miss out on this.  And if you ever wondered why my fake flooring is died blue, mystery solved.  Noah was totally worth it though.</p> <p> </p> <p>Well since this mom (like all the other sane mothers) didn’t want to do a cake smash,  I decided to use some of those yummy strawberries we had in the fridge.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWSBcRxrxpI/AAAAAAAAByw/VqnTwU3y098/s1600-h/IMG_0246%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0246" border="0" alt="IMG_0246" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWSBdHfu59I/AAAAAAAABy0/qT1YX4BqrUw/IMG_0246_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="289" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWSBdbtF5JI/AAAAAAAABy4/b5AjzGfyRjc/s1600-h/IMG_0228%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0228" border="0" alt="IMG_0228" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWSBd0ZTWxI/AAAAAAAABy8/k-t1Kiazwo4/IMG_0228_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="305" /></a></p> <p>Sometimes those quick ideas turn out very cute.  And she kept still.  Isn’t she a doll?</p> <p> </p> <p>I have yet to try ice cream, cotton candy, popsicles or glasses of kool aid but they are on my ‘to photograph’ list.  Along with carrots and broccoli.  So if you find yourself having a difficult time getting your toddler to sit still, bring out the goodies.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWSBeNMDqII/AAAAAAAABzA/rzZluAabDBE/s1600-h/IMG_0070-3%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0070-3" border="0" alt="IMG_0070-3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWSBeucl5RI/AAAAAAAABzE/iM-vpHhsIIc/IMG_0070-3_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" height="472" /></a></p> <p>Just remember to take the white shirt off first. </p> Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-68403284889976345262011-02-21T18:54:00.001-08:002011-02-21T18:54:05.125-08:00How does your garden grow?<p>Two years ago.. ok maybe 3 I lose count, we built some raised beds relatively cheaply with some lumber from Lowe’s.  Honestly we have yet to have a great gardening season. We’ve grown TONS of tomatoes but not much else.   While its really cold outside on some days, the sneak peaks of spring weather have been showing their lovely heads reminding us that planting season is right around the corner.</p> <p>So this weekend we tackled our garden beds.  Last year I was pregnant during planting season and I had a toddler so we didn’t even ATTEMPT a garden.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWMlOsV9EqI/AAAAAAAABxo/Y0_9LEI6stE/s1600-h/IMG_0027-4%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0027-4" border="0" alt="IMG_0027-4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWMlPP1dIkI/AAAAAAAABxs/5XkLutxACUc/IMG_0027-4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="639" height="427" /></a></p> <p>So here’s what our garden looked like at this point.  Right now is a great time to weed out those gardens before the greenery comes through and you’ve got to really use some muscle.  We pulled all the dead grass, weeds and tomato plants out of the garden.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWMlPixsDDI/AAAAAAAABxw/_-xX_3js-cg/s1600-h/IMG_0049-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0049-3" border="0" alt="IMG_0049-3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWMlQOIITiI/AAAAAAAABx0/wwXQ3zW6ycU/IMG_0049-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="317" /></a></p> <p>Not really sure why but Rett thought Tom’s shoveling was HILARIOUS. He cracked up every time Tom jumped on the shovel.  So cute.  After we pulled up all the mess, Tom went ahead and shoveled up the dirt and then raked out the huge clumps of roots and to stir up the soil.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWMlQ4C5MuI/AAAAAAAABx8/utbMGJdhNNU/s1600-h/IMG_0067-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0067-3" border="0" alt="IMG_0067-3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWMlRB7WSGI/AAAAAAAAByA/hnc_Fhrs1Qg/IMG_0067-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" height="408" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWMlRnVgfJI/AAAAAAAAByE/CLnd2v1SOdw/s1600-h/IMG_0063-5%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0063-5" border="0" alt="IMG_0063-5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWMlR9k2-hI/AAAAAAAAByI/Ma6lcpGVPt8/IMG_0063-5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="241" height="359" /></a></p> <p>We also found some worms!  Yay for worms!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWMlSvbDT8I/AAAAAAAAByM/f3ux8zPrRdo/s1600-h/IMG_0073-4%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0073-4" border="0" alt="IMG_0073-4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TWMlTBunHpI/AAAAAAAAByQ/oBEAmLmWou8/IMG_0073-4_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" height="348" /></a></p> <p>We went ahead and added about eight bags of topsoil to the bed. We over bought top soil last year so that was convenient.  Then we used trash bags and stapled them to the sides and weighted down the middle with rocks and sticks to keep the weeds and grasses from getting their seeds started before we’re ready to plant.</p> <p>Right now is a great time to start seedlings indoors.  Egg cartons make great plant starters and they also sell those cheap starter kits at Lowe’s.  You can also plant onions, potatoes and radishes right now!  We’re planning on having an above ground garden and an under ground garden so time to get that one started!  </p> <p>I know in Oklahoma we cannot actually plant most veggies outdoors until mid April because of late season frost being a concern. There are tons of sites out there for growing and planting tips specific to your area.  </p> <p>When planning out what you are going to plant this year, consider things you often buy at the grocery store. You can save tons of cash by providing your own fresh produce.  Your meals will be healthier and you can also give some free produce to friends when you’ve got too many goodies.  There are also programs to plant a garden for the homeless and donate your harvest.  </p> <p>I’m excited to see how our garden grows this year!</p> Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-30909365932487377212011-02-18T05:04:00.001-08:002011-02-18T05:04:29.628-08:00P365 My week in photos!<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV5uQJWLsRI/AAAAAAAABwY/RP6232ULKYo/s1600-h/IMG_0049%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0049" border="0" alt="IMG_0049" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV5uQWY9EsI/AAAAAAAABwc/aXyRDjqzMBs/IMG_0049_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" height="427" /></a></p> <p>Someone has been here! Little animal tracks in the snow.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV5uQwZDlxI/AAAAAAAABwg/7R-7mtY7atQ/s1600-h/IMG_0072-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0072-2" border="0" alt="IMG_0072-2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV5uRLeAHfI/AAAAAAAABwk/dKVixkNuMfg/IMG_0072-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" height="396" /></a></p> <p>Tom’s brother George came to visit on his way to Wyoming where he’s going to be living for awhile.  He met Evie for the first time and saw Rett for the first time in over a year.  It was nice to visit but it was too short!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV5uRpepBDI/AAAAAAAABwo/-RrZbze1bCk/s1600-h/IMG_0035-4%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0035-4" border="0" alt="IMG_0035-4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV5uSOwn_3I/AAAAAAAABws/AYbAe_bH_LQ/IMG_0035-4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" height="361" /></a></p> <p>We took the kids outside to play. It was in the near 60’s with snow on the ground still. Rett kept falling down so Tom dug him a path from the house to his toys.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV5uSfDG3GI/AAAAAAAABww/jVffbd919QA/s1600-h/IMG_0026-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0026-3" border="0" alt="IMG_0026-3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV5uS3Te03I/AAAAAAAABw0/Vz5UEuv0UR0/IMG_0026-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="247" height="368" /></a></p> <p>Everyone dressed up in red for Valentine’s Day to support our heart families.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV5uTHPGX2I/AAAAAAAABw4/h911Y8UKY1A/s1600-h/IMG_0005-6%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0005-6" border="0" alt="IMG_0005-6" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV5uTujonYI/AAAAAAAABw8/nNodtEow6Qo/IMG_0005-6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="276" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>And suddenly its warm!   It was in the 70’s.  Rett also went back to Mother’s Day Out. Evie and I had a good girl’s day together.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV5uT13MXrI/AAAAAAAABxA/2FhRYlNBxnM/s1600-h/IMG_0017-6%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0017-6" border="0" alt="IMG_0017-6" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV5uUVUZqWI/AAAAAAAABxE/g85T3kgEraI/IMG_0017-6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV5uUq4ZYGI/AAAAAAAABxI/hLXlmaQT0Uw/s1600-h/IMG_0021-5%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0021-5" border="0" alt="IMG_0021-5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV5uU0-TzFI/AAAAAAAABxM/02OtYwl3voY/IMG_0021-5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="176" height="262" /></a></p> <p>We went to Krispy Kreme with mom group to take the tour. You have to wear the little hat in the back for health reasons and Rett refused so instead of taking the tour, we just ate a donut.  Sissy liked the hat though!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV5uVU88G0I/AAAAAAAABxQ/za60T8ujXmc/s1600-h/IMG_0015-2-2bw%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0015-2-2bw" border="0" alt="IMG_0015-2-2bw" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV5uVk-B0VI/AAAAAAAABxU/MnW7tjH0spc/IMG_0015-2-2bw_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="272" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV5uWG34lUI/AAAAAAAABxY/q6cQLiMSwUA/s1600-h/IMG_0027-2-2bw%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0027-2-2bw" border="0" alt="IMG_0027-2-2bw" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV5uWRatyeI/AAAAAAAABxc/MszXfcTYVrI/IMG_0027-2-2bw_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="271" /></a></p> <p>This is actually the same day as Krispy Kreme but I had to share because I don’t get to take sleeping pictures of him very often. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV5uW7TDtJI/AAAAAAAABxg/SWLIIjmM9AE/s1600-h/IMG_0179%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0179" border="0" alt="IMG_0179" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV5uXC2dnuI/AAAAAAAABxk/rfYQVrjRJv0/IMG_0179_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="247" height="368" /></a></p> <p>Yesterday I received my big wall prints from WHCC. You know what they say about kids and empty boxes. This is when Rett first noticed the new family picture up on the wall. He pointed at it and said ‘Daddy! Mama!’ </p> <p> </p> <p>So.. that was our week! Today we are headed to the zoo so I better go get ready!</p> Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-2084593185541404062011-02-17T06:50:00.001-08:002011-02-17T07:18:14.342-08:00Cameraversary!<p> Today marks two years since me and my lovely camera joined forces to capture as much of my children’s childhood as possible. We are the unstoppable duo, just ask poor Rett who has been forced to sit through hours of photo sessions. And even though I’d had my eye on the 5d Mark II, I think I will keep my faithful friend as a back up. We’ve had some good times!</p> <p> </p> <p>Our two years together in review:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01cxk3dRI/AAAAAAAABss/awDQzeDgsSQ/s1600-h/Picture%20158%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="Picture 158" alt="Picture 158" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01ddZ65mI/AAAAAAAABsw/tgCyD_wbA1I/Picture%20158_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="347" height="233" /></a></p> <p>We captured a lot of firsts.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01dodcnCI/AAAAAAAABs0/CqifdjFuZ28/s1600-h/Picture%20178%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="Picture 178" alt="Picture 178" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01eHaoQ2I/AAAAAAAABs4/dvkQ14-VnzQ/Picture%20178_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="380" height="255" /></a></p> <p>We captured ducks .</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01eTJ6xgI/AAAAAAAABs8/DdLkfH1wRwU/s1600-h/Picture%20189%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="Picture 189" alt="Picture 189" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01e9pqELI/AAAAAAAABtA/XVtxatUMAK4/Picture%20189_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="372" height="249" /></a></p> <p>We captured friends that are no longer with us.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01fPIblZI/AAAAAAAABtE/WEDZZvBgz_g/s1600-h/baskbetbunny%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="baskbetbunny" alt="baskbetbunny" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01fpQkd_I/AAAAAAAABtI/ZvcAM0jgNAs/baskbetbunny_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="392" height="263" /></a></p> <p>We captured bunny ears.</p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01f2_aF-I/AAAAAAAABtM/PcBAfkTSqxc/s1600-h/Picture%20016%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="Picture 016" alt="Picture 016" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01gB0ykAI/AAAAAAAABtQ/K6gESYH9Ivs/Picture%20016_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="393" height="263" /></a> <p>and friends that have moved away.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01guDa8II/AAAAAAAABtU/NmGYUNKNnHQ/s1600-h/Picture%20147%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="Picture 147" alt="Picture 147" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01g5OWjQI/AAAAAAAABtY/JDfrPb6WzKM/Picture%20147_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="379" height="254" /></a></p> <p>We captured happy moments</p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01hQZJ_iI/AAAAAAAABtc/yqNw-rpFsKY/s1600-h/Picture%20151%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="Picture 151" alt="Picture 151" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01hn3uIqI/AAAAAAAABtg/LuN6iGOrXxk/Picture%20151_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="382" height="256" /></a> <p>and some that gave us chills.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01iOYAPQI/AAAAAAAABtk/VH0sP9P0zWE/s1600-h/Picture%20146%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="Picture 146" alt="Picture 146" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01ieen2mI/AAAAAAAABto/Oci4HEjYAsA/Picture%20146_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="384" height="257" /></a></p> <p>We captured painted Easter feet</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01i25iq9I/AAAAAAAABts/DD5qkD31BFc/s1600-h/Picture2%20103%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="Picture2 103" alt="Picture2 103" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01jGRu96I/AAAAAAAABtw/lO5PXCKq6mE/Picture2%20103_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="243" height="362" /></a></p> <p>first times on the beach.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01jj41G2I/AAAAAAAABt0/gbe2CAMzNHA/s1600-h/family%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="family" alt="family" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01kHdmIrI/AAAAAAAABt8/yxBJj-jom8Y/family_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="365" height="282" /></a></p> <p>We captured ourselves as a family.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01kuj9ewI/AAAAAAAABuA/mrW3en91o78/s1600-h/Picture2%20115%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="Picture2 115" alt="Picture2 115" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01kx3QQZI/AAAAAAAABuE/EgobuSem45U/Picture2%20115_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="403" height="270" /></a></p> <p>and naked baby bottoms.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01lWgdraI/AAAAAAAABuI/Q-Ttgpx0nNk/s1600-h/cutiechair%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="cutiechair" alt="cutiechair" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01lmhVFdI/AAAAAAAABuM/WD-hw2QKbf4/cutiechair_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="381" height="255" /></a></p> <p>We started getting serious.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01mefegjI/AAAAAAAABuQ/CHZfy1fySH4/s1600-h/picture%20165%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="picture 165" alt="picture 165" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01mvyyMOI/AAAAAAAABuU/YUoaUkgcmGI/picture%20165_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="239" height="356" /></a></p> <p>Enjoyed some summer days together.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01nMxkliI/AAAAAAAABuY/3d7L9-TesZI/s1600-h/166%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="166" alt="166" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01niq1DWI/AAAAAAAABuc/F5szBHZbWdI/166_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="388" height="260" /></a></p> <p>And some fall days together.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01n0HV2iI/AAAAAAAABug/jjrSDXg2l3M/s1600-h/210%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="210" alt="210" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01ou7gymI/AAAAAAAABuk/vcGacB3qt5Y/210_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="207" height="309" /></a></p> <p>We captured first birthdays.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01o0SOt3I/AAAAAAAABuo/DyPWv8qmuU8/s1600-h/week16%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="week16" alt="week16" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01pd-QiVI/AAAAAAAABus/QglV7hC4oWk/week16_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="384" height="227" /></a></p> <p>And my baby bump.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01pwBSuiI/AAAAAAAABuw/bXiXEBOzvrI/s1600-h/IMG_0001-3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0001-3" alt="IMG_0001-3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01qF7IVdI/AAAAAAAABu0/J1iCNbELJ3Q/IMG_0001-3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="164" height="244" /></a></p> <p>We captured spring flowers.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01qkTB23I/AAAAAAAABu4/wO_mS4h6aBI/s1600-h/IMG_0010%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0010" alt="IMG_0010" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01rKKuFcI/AAAAAAAABu8/7U1QjPiKbRg/IMG_0010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="164" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Cute little bottoms.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01re_3SbI/AAAAAAAABvA/blQWBAvqUKs/s1600-h/IMG_0003-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0003-2" alt="IMG_0003-2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01r2cl-dI/AAAAAAAABvE/rZR255cahX8/IMG_0003-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="406" height="272" /></a></p> <p>We captured bigger baby bumps.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01sacz5sI/AAAAAAAABvI/ObnWxPeAZNE/s1600-h/IMG_0009%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0009" alt="IMG_0009" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01ssSoGJI/AAAAAAAABvM/9qBZkvJf2Tc/IMG_0009_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="348" height="233" /></a></p> <p>The last day we were a family of 3.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01tCGFArI/AAAAAAAABvQ/VE1YIz6xY0I/s1600-h/IMG_0044%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0044" alt="IMG_0044" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01tT4YlPI/AAAAAAAABvU/9Fl5E13Rwk4/IMG_0044_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="219" height="327" /></a></p> <p>We captured a 2 day old little girl that is ours.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01t_trbkI/AAAAAAAABvY/odHOjopDvUo/s1600-h/IMG_0112%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0112" alt="IMG_0112" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01uNDdP4I/AAAAAAAABvc/mixoXCfWBs4/IMG_0112_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="205" height="306" /></a></p> <p>and some family time in bed.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01uYMns4I/AAAAAAAABvg/5xcaAG0ttUw/s1600-h/IMG_0002-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0002-3" alt="IMG_0002-3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01uyFJe4I/AAAAAAAABvk/HVrchvlY4EM/IMG_0002-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="202" height="301" /></a></p> <p>We captured a baby turning into a toddler.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01vcIjfxI/AAAAAAAABvo/a-ZiLI_9mtk/s1600-h/IMG_0025%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0025" alt="IMG_0025" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01vh5u_NI/AAAAAAAABvs/a7AjF63SVqY/IMG_0025_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="360" height="241" /></a></p> <p>And traveling long distances to meet some new friends.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01wAeJ-HI/AAAAAAAABvw/iW9cM91bZxk/s1600-h/IMG_0072%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0072" alt="IMG_0072" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01wW58kNI/AAAAAAAABv0/t3GpsQ-6n7Y/IMG_0072_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="311" height="209" /></a></p> <p>And another fall with some adorable little pumpkins.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01w7DFsdI/AAAAAAAABv4/ywDqnemGtQ0/s1600-h/IMG_0002-4%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0002-4" alt="IMG_0002-4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01xMbR3aI/AAAAAAAABv8/_3jUS483vQk/IMG_0002-4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="240" height="358" /></a></p> <p>We captured accomplishments big and small.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01xh08dUI/AAAAAAAABwA/y-2FbBgZZbo/s1600-h/IMG_0184%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0184" alt="IMG_0184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01x0lnxGI/AAAAAAAABwE/iPO5-Ikiby8/IMG_0184_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="219" height="327" /></a></p> <p>and half a year with our baby girl.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01ybVCrSI/AAAAAAAABwI/Rw9h-drfZ3k/s1600-h/IMG_0005-4%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0005-4" alt="IMG_0005-4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01yv6KW9I/AAAAAAAABwM/ZW9gbMobJek/IMG_0005-4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="362" height="243" /></a></p> <p>lots of snow!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01zAYq3JI/AAAAAAAABwQ/2r0ff_R7UBE/s1600-h/IMG_0026-3%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0026-3" alt="IMG_0026-3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TV01zRcMKvI/AAAAAAAABwU/twuGcG7ZODs/IMG_0026-3_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="323" height="483" /></a></p> <p>We captured our family.</p> <p>Its been a great 2 years, camera! </p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-64443490600303229092011-02-14T18:44:00.001-08:002011-02-14T18:46:49.316-08:00A Printable Freebie for You!<p>I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine’s Day.  I had a fabulous one.  First I dressed my family:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoSqYXxxI/AAAAAAAABq4/hATsdpxmliQ/s1600-h/IMG_0026-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0026-3" border="0" alt="IMG_0026-3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoTFWrGdI/AAAAAAAABq8/uy60RtUFkoE/IMG_0026-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="411" /></a></p> <p>We all dressed in red to support our heart families.  Sissy’s shirt says ‘I Love You Cherry Much’. That about sums this picture up.</p> <p>We went to swim school and had some yummy Italian. The kids opened up some presents my mother in law sent them via George.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoT7zC5OI/AAAAAAAABrA/b8FjV55RgXw/s1600-h/IMG_0021-2-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0021-2-2" border="0" alt="IMG_0021-2-2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoUYcjePI/AAAAAAAABrE/PQBXe1E0IvE/IMG_0021-2-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="217" height="323" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoUhPp_3I/AAAAAAAABrI/02rJHrKqTpc/s1600-h/IMG_0024-2-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0024-2-2" border="0" alt="IMG_0024-2-2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoVM887iI/AAAAAAAABrM/JvLuSEDWJB0/IMG_0024-2-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="216" height="322" /></a></p> <p>Sissy got one of those awesome bibs like Rett has. It even has a little loop to hold the spoon for on the go feeding. Awesome!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoVinnaqI/AAAAAAAABrQ/nT5__UWq36Q/s1600-h/IMG_0001-2-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0001-2-3" border="0" alt="IMG_0001-2-3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoV4gVkPI/AAAAAAAABrU/sdQqLmZ1xME/IMG_0001-2-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="237" height="354" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoWbP-QSI/AAAAAAAABrY/hl8FvStR-YE/s1600-h/IMG_0007-2-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0007-2-2" border="0" alt="IMG_0007-2-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoWuOwfeI/AAAAAAAABrc/Q94KhQIJP1Y/IMG_0007-2-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="237" height="353" /></a></p> <p>Rett matched the bow so that was cool. Trains! Awesome!</p> <p> </p> <p>So Mara’s newest release is too adorable!  She calls it Froot and Veggies and its full of fun elements and bright colors.   Here is a preview:</p> <p><img src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu203/mmarti2564/Kit%20Previews/mara_FrootVeg_preview.jpg" /></p> <p>Here are the layouts I created using this fun kit!</p> <p><img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/LauraLea1018/attack.jpg" /></p> <p><img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/LauraLea1018/first-bite.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>And I also created this fun little book:</p> <p><a href="http://www.4shared.com/file/IFmPwIcE/YumYumBook.html"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="yumyum" border="0" alt="yumyum" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoXFz6RyI/AAAAAAAABrg/kThtBqXYZuY/yumyum%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="591" height="591" /></a></p> <p>You can download it <a href="http://www.4shared.com/file/IFmPwIcE/YumYumBook.html">here</a>!</p> <p>Here is what you’ll need to put your book together:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoXhMcA5I/AAAAAAAABrk/UZbyUeRyEAY/s1600-h/IMG_0031-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0031-3" border="0" alt="IMG_0031-3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoYDi-Q9I/AAAAAAAABro/zOaFOd5VkpA/IMG_0031-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="259" /></a></p> <p>printed out pages</p> <p>scissors</p> <p>velcro</p> <p>stapler</p> <p> </p> <p>Step 1:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoYt7AJ2I/AAAAAAAABrs/jMpR0_9bwJQ/s1600-h/IMG_0032-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0032-2" border="0" alt="IMG_0032-2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoZIOXPPI/AAAAAAAABrw/b0hYr2d1U1M/IMG_0032-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="231" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoZfuZNoI/AAAAAAAABr0/qVTPIPo1pJM/s1600-h/IMG_0035-5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0035-5" border="0" alt="IMG_0035-5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoZxLaAzI/AAAAAAAABr4/R55KzEPVURQ/IMG_0035-5_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Print on cardstock, laminate if desired and cut pieces.</p> <p> </p> <p>Step 2:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoaJjzHZI/AAAAAAAABr8/CbmAVPPefp8/s1600-h/IMG_0039-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0039-2" border="0" alt="IMG_0039-2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoaq_VTgI/AAAAAAAABsA/bJiNVAQj_tI/IMG_0039-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="219" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoa_9bGVI/AAAAAAAABsE/2lBdOXXD42I/s1600-h/IMG_0040-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0040-2" border="0" alt="IMG_0040-2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnobeG823I/AAAAAAAABsI/f88Njsn9j-U/IMG_0040-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="145" height="216" /></a></p> <p>Place Velcro on the back of the fruits and veggies and on the places within the book where you apply them.</p> <p> </p> <p>Step 3:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnob460RCI/AAAAAAAABsM/0xMwBB8uFTI/s1600-h/IMG_0045-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0045-3" border="0" alt="IMG_0045-3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnocAPdc1I/AAAAAAAABsQ/e-eFlqDo-ao/IMG_0045-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="247" height="369" /></a></p> <p>Staple your book together. I also recommend getting a snack bag and stapling that on the back of the book to hold the pieces.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnpFqX3udI/AAAAAAAABsk/TIRwooSiMWg/s1600-h/IMG_0043-6%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0043-6" border="0" alt="IMG_0043-6" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnpGF30lyI/AAAAAAAABso/EvVhBzr4kJA/IMG_0043-6_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a></p> <p>So then your child reads (or has you read) the different clues in the book and attaches the correct photo to the clue using the velcro.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnocteZ-sI/AAAAAAAABsU/VE3qK6wlG_M/s1600-h/IMG_0048-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0048-3" border="0" alt="IMG_0048-3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnodO1lv5I/AAAAAAAABsY/bzkwc-i8iwY/IMG_0048-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="279" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnodoY6QVI/AAAAAAAABsc/zJk_acZGHcc/s1600-h/IMG_0047-4%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0047-4" border="0" alt="IMG_0047-4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVnoeK5kKuI/AAAAAAAABsg/5DDIJh_qUZA/IMG_0047-4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="281" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>And you are done! Pay no attention to my water damage. Hasn’t been dealt with yet.  </p> <p>So there you go!  These little books are perfect for car rides and waiting rooms!  Enjoy!</p> Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-76093059995459742342011-02-14T06:19:00.001-08:002011-02-14T06:19:13.761-08:00Setting Up an At Home Studio<p>This weekend I learned:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk5xen8p5I/AAAAAAAABpg/3nFpQ3_IkQY/s1600-h/IMG_0066-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0066-2" border="0" alt="IMG_0066-2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk5xrCtvCI/AAAAAAAABpk/mAikoI77Mac/IMG_0066-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="280" /></a></p> <p>Some people should come visit a lot more often.  Uncle George (Tom’s brother) came to visit on his way to Wyoming. He had never met Evie before and it had been over a year since he saw Rett.  He came through the door and Rett ran up to him and gave him a hug.  That boy has great judge of character skills</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk5x76fzsI/AAAAAAAABpo/CJkNFmcvubs/s1600-h/IMG_0021-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0021-2" border="0" alt="IMG_0021-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk5yJdmX9I/AAAAAAAABps/T3M0ISkYc00/IMG_0021-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="234" height="349" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk5ySSxtwI/AAAAAAAABpw/i_eVpwilqB8/s1600-h/IMG_0024-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0024-3" border="0" alt="IMG_0024-3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk5yoSHzZI/AAAAAAAABp0/EPgsiKYGVl4/IMG_0024-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="233" height="347" /></a></p> <p>Its not everyday you can go play outside with no jacket on with snow on the ground. We had temperatures in the near 60’s and the snow was still sticking around but barely. </p> <p> </p> <p>Ok onto setting up your home studio.  I think people sometimes see my photos and think I have some awesome set up with a room that’s painted in some funky artsy color with lots of my photos on the walls and lots of expensive equipment. Um. Right.  That’s just my dream world. I would LOVE to have a devoted CLOSED off space where I could do my photos but I have a loft upstairs.  </p> <p>When I first bought my camera (2 years ago in 3 days!!!) I did lots of mock sessions with Rett using sheets on the wall.  I then moved on to using paper meant for bulletin boards that I borrowed from my school.  And finally I did a session for a daycare and actually bought some real paper and my seamless stand.  So here is what my ‘studio’ looks like.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk5zJa2e5I/AAAAAAAABp4/_6pcCtIUcA4/s1600-h/IMG_0001-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0001-3" border="0" alt="IMG_0001-3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk5zXm1STI/AAAAAAAABp8/V29OJY8qMIE/IMG_0001-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="303" /></a></p> <p>Ok so here is my studio. I have a wide angle lens (thankfully) so I can get all this in.  What you are looking at here is, a white roll of Savage Seamless permanently mounted on the wall.  A transportable seamless stand with some chestnut Savage paper on it. There’s a bamboo carpet saver office rug that I bought off ebay and under that is a piece of shower board from Lowe’s.  Real ritzy right? </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk5zmNqr8I/AAAAAAAABqA/MFtQ0BpEPVA/s1600-h/IMG_0005-5%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0005-5" border="0" alt="IMG_0005-5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk50KIRbJI/AAAAAAAABqE/ibbiclig4eE/IMG_0005-5_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="522" height="349" /></a></p> <p>When I first set up my studio I bought a big roll of savage white. We went to Lowe’s and bought a curtain rod set, mounted it on the wall and then hung my white paper up.  I use clamps to keep it from unrolling.  I also have a piece of black muslin that I can clip up there to change it from black. I figure black and white should be accessible at all times easily.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk50kM_KlI/AAAAAAAABqI/rK1nnNmNebc/s1600-h/IMG_0003-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0003-3" border="0" alt="IMG_0003-3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk50swoLjI/AAAAAAAABqM/y9OsVX97Sc0/IMG_0003-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="421" height="282" /></a></p> <p>The day care session really moved me forward on getting some decent looking studio stuff. I ordered this rug off ebay for about $50.  Bought the wall molding from Lowe’s for about $3, the stand was more expensive, I think around $125 and one roll of smaller seamless in a blue shade, I want to say ocean?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk51CEg8rI/AAAAAAAABqQ/s18CYE1H0Pg/s1600-h/KennedyF%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="KennedyF" border="0" alt="KennedyF" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk51U59RpI/AAAAAAAABqU/XO1c2t4U_RI/KennedyF_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="250" /></a></p> <p>This is one of the photos I did for that session. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk51joefaI/AAAAAAAABqY/MKDD0IIdnZ0/s1600-h/IMG_0006-4%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0006-4" border="0" alt="IMG_0006-4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk52CiURyI/AAAAAAAABqc/wx_1Sgle7HQ/IMG_0006-4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="295" /></a></p> <p>I wish I would have taken a photo of the windows I’m working with upstairs but oh well.  I do all natural lighting and I fill with my speedlite.  I use my reflector to bounce the light back onto my studio because the light angles over to the right side as you can see by the sunburst there.  This room works much better in the morning then in the afternoon.  </p> <p> </p> <p>So here is my studio buy list:</p> <p><iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=lausdaimad-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=B001196MG0" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>  <iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=lausdaimad-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=B00061F8DC" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=lausdaimad-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=B001JSJWRY" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=lausdaimad-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=B000ONTJ5U" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=lausdaimad-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=B000LJOOVG" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> </p> <p> </p> <p>I also own these colors of seamless:</p> <p><iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=lausdaimad-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=B000B782V6" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk52de_hFI/AAAAAAAABqg/ILpgZTmomYg/s1600-h/IMG_0350%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0350" border="0" alt="IMG_0350" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk52pYcTxI/AAAAAAAABqk/BIV3lHOXtI4/IMG_0350_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="367" /></a></p> <p><iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=lausdaimad-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=B000B782ZC" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk52-cKDaI/AAAAAAAABqo/xthv6y61H7M/s1600-h/IMG_0105%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0105" border="0" alt="IMG_0105" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk53G0EFmI/AAAAAAAABqs/kBoLfU0W2b8/IMG_0105_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="461" height="309" /></a></p> <p><iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=lausdaimad-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=B000ONXA6E" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk53g9FzuI/AAAAAAAABqw/gol0YrfrHAw/s1600-h/IMG_0002%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0002" border="0" alt="IMG_0002" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVk53_hBshI/AAAAAAAABq0/Jmc-710mt58/IMG_0002_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="461" height="309" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>I prefer to buy my colored seamless in the 53” because I can’t permanently mount all of them which means I am switching them out constantly.  This size is still pretty large for a shortie like me but I can manage by myself.  They also fit in the car more nicely then the huge white that I own.  It is difficult to photograph children because you are constantly running out of paper but most people who have an at home studio just don’t have the space to devote to all that paper.  </p> <p>I hope you got some ideas on setting up your own at home studio! There is a bit of a cost to start out but when you think of the money you are saving from not buying your photos elsewhere, you recoup your cost pretty quickly.  </p> Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-42271984647816503122011-02-11T06:02:00.001-08:002011-02-11T13:22:31.934-08:00Give away winners!I'm drawing for the give aways today! If you haven't got your comments in, its now or NEVER! If you are the winner, please e mail me at lauraleahayes@yahoo.com. You have until February 25 to get in touch with me!<br /><br />I'm drawing one an hour so keep checking back for updates here!<br /><br />Bethany 5's hat- Lindsay<br /><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-give-away-2-valentines-bow.html">Ashley's Bow</a>- Shelly<br /><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/give-away-3-jessica-rae-jewelry-give.html">Jessica Rae Jewelry $20 credit</a>- Bethany<br /><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/give-away-5-braylins-boutique.html">Braylin's Boutique Fabric Flowers</a>- Michelle<br /><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/give-away-6-picket-fence.html">The Picket Fence $20 credit</a>- Ashley P.<br /><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/give-away-7-wendybird-designs-calendar.html">WendyBird Calendar and Wreath</a>- Melissa<br /><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/give-away-8-sock-monkey-hat-from-hugs.html">Hugs and Stitches Sock Monkey Hat</a>- Jen WellsLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-54033319053007015222011-02-11T05:43:00.001-08:002011-02-11T05:43:35.313-08:00Project 365- My week in photos!<p>This week was MUCH better than last week.  We had no cars getting stuck in the snow and no water pipes bursting!  Yay! Here’s what we did have:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVU82aIJfkI/AAAAAAAABoI/sWjw62xUT64/s1600-h/IMG_0002%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0002" border="0" alt="IMG_0002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVU825xS4lI/AAAAAAAABoM/WEwe6jzmPWs/IMG_0002_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="203" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVU83nqWILI/AAAAAAAABoQ/VJ961gF_MVM/s1600-h/IMG_0005-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0005-2" border="0" alt="IMG_0005-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVU84BeeltI/AAAAAAAABoU/KnRL32lYZoc/IMG_0005-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="198" height="295" /></a></p> <p>Saturday- Valentine photos of Evie and Rett and I got our homemade Valentine’s done</p> <p>I really want to work with this green background more.  I’ve had mixed results with skin tones using this.  Looks great with Sissy’s perfect complexion.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVU8446KXaI/AAAAAAAABoY/iN4aQERkzJk/s1600-h/IMG_0073-2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0073-2" border="0" alt="IMG_0073-2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVU85cjAkcI/AAAAAAAABoc/zmG8N59MjBM/IMG_0073-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVU85-maRjI/AAAAAAAABog/irZAjNY6QdA/s1600-h/IMG_0076-2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0076-2" border="0" alt="IMG_0076-2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVU86a4YyYI/AAAAAAAABok/POkMjK5G3P8/IMG_0076-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p>Sunday- Made my crafts for the blog</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVU866VFSSI/AAAAAAAABoo/tFccVN_y9_g/s1600-h/IMG_0017-2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0017-2" border="0" alt="IMG_0017-2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVU87hkzC2I/AAAAAAAABos/skhOljAfnG4/IMG_0017-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Monday- Celebrated getting the shower ALMOST finished. We still need to wipe off MORE excess grout so we can seal it and then it will actually be done. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVU88XEIfQI/AAAAAAAABow/4IFzv1BPnD0/s1600-h/IMG_0021-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0021-3" border="0" alt="IMG_0021-3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVU88427FoI/AAAAAAAABo0/9Az5YkjN89Y/IMG_0021-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="239" height="357" /></a></p> <p>Tuesday- Went to Hobby Lobby with mom and the kids and got craft supplies. Came home and made my bow board.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVU89oQRyPI/AAAAAAAABo4/y-_bPSJtizc/s1600-h/IMG_0006-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0006-3" border="0" alt="IMG_0006-3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVU8-Hzb2hI/AAAAAAAABo8/-3kwM1izHsk/IMG_0006-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="281" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVU8-hM0VSI/AAAAAAAABpA/XWcxy0cElvU/s1600-h/IMG_0017-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0017-3" border="0" alt="IMG_0017-3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVU8_LseAwI/AAAAAAAABpE/bKBEDR3erZ8/IMG_0017-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="189" height="282" /></a> <br /></p> <p>Wednesday- Rett and I made chocolate chip cookies.  Rett wanted to eat the batter out of the bowl instead of baking them. But in the end, he was glad he waited.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVU8_zfV6fI/AAAAAAAABpI/4In2QnHyWNw/s1600-h/IMG_0103%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0103" border="0" alt="IMG_0103" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVU9AbM6HQI/AAAAAAAABpM/nbteldf0usg/IMG_0103_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="553" height="370" /></a></p> <p>Also, more Valentine’s photos of Evie.  This may be one of my most favorite photos of all time.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVU9Aw6TnGI/AAAAAAAABpQ/E4kDnyiL32Y/s1600-h/IMG_0213%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0213" border="0" alt="IMG_0213" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVU9BgDFGDI/AAAAAAAABpY/ermEvzHK_SQ/IMG_0213_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="272" /></a></p> <p>Thursday- Rett in his plastic cabinet.  Every kid needs a plastic cabinet right? We keep all sorts of toddler friendly unbreakables here.  Also his plates and bowls. He loves to throw everything out and make a big mess.  </p> <p> </p> <p>And now its today.  I didn’t take many pictures of the kids this week just doing everyday stuff.  Since the snow is out we haven’t been doing very many exciting things but next week should be different! </p> Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-8272495648430130902011-02-09T06:54:00.001-08:002011-02-11T13:21:56.190-08:00Give Away #8 Sock Monkey Hat from Hugs and Stitches!<p>CLOSED- Winner was #6 Jen Wells!<br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Lora, the owner of Hugs and Stitches, is a good friend of mine. We have some mutual friends on Facebook is how we first met. She has two adorable little girls and she makes the cutest hand sewn items! Here are some of the things you can find in her shop:</p> <p><img src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/167255_189806371043237_147935671896974_616695_6247282_n.jpg" /></p> <p><img style="width: 618px; height: 665px;" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/168086_191093347581206_147935671896974_625447_5281533_n.jpg" /></p> <p><img style="width: 601px; height: 601px;" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/164091_189268317763709_147935671896974_614241_1144515_n.jpg" /></p> <p>Her give away is for one of her adorable sock monkey hats! You can choose pink or regular! Hats will be in your choice, newborn to child size.</p> <p><img style="width: 605px; height: 490px;" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/164123_189223741101500_147935671896974_614134_1492592_n.jpg" /></p> <p><img style="width: 621px; height: 508px;" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/166425_189205601103314_147935671896974_614051_1768054_n.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Those are so adorable! I want a set for Rett and Evie! </p> <p>So here are the ways to enter. Please leave a separate comment for each step you finish. So if you do all 5, you should have 5 comments!</p> <p> </p> <p>1. Leave a comment about Lora’s products here.</p> <p>2. Follow my blog.</p> <p>3. Subscribe to my blog.</p> <p>4. Like Lora’s page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/HugsAndStitchesKy#%21/HugsAndStitchesKy">here</a> and leave her some wall love.</p> <p>5. Share on your facebook page or blog or in another forum! </p> <p> </p> <p>I’ll be drawing in TWO DAYS! Good luck!</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-51960036982629555662011-02-09T05:57:00.001-08:002011-02-09T06:14:55.369-08:00Make yourself a bow holder!<p> Last night we went to bed with the idea that we would be receiving lots of snow last night. Tom didn’t know if he was going to be able to make it into work and I was looking forward to another day of him typing away on the couch. This morning we get up, it has hardly snowed. The online forecast is still calling for 10-12 inches. Its times like these when I think having the ability to watch the news might be nice. </p> <p> We do have a tv. It just doesn’t work besides watching Wall E and the Polar Express. It only plays DVD’s. You know back when we were going to digital there was this channel you could switch to. It was supposed to say if your television was ready to move on over. The channel lied. As soon as digital came in our television ceased to function. Oh well. We watch a lot of netflix and you can still get Grey’s on abc.com so what more do I need. Besides an updated weather report? There’s always the radio though right?</p> <p>I have to admit that the project for today was stolen from the adorable bow boards that <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=356631536685&ref=ts#%21/pages/Braylins-Boutique/125308027512559">Braylin’s Boutique</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=356631536685&ref=ts#%21/pages/The-Picket-Fence/369647438498">The Picket Fence</a> create. You don’t have to feel bad about not buying one from them however because I’m pretty sure these do NOT ship all that well. Or cheaply. I might be surprised in that? Here are some of the adorable bow boards Tanae and Cassie have created:</p> <p><img src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/24143_376506348498_369647438498_3872467_3848702_n.jpg" /></p> <p><img src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/24143_376506333498_369647438498_3872465_5204589_n.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Aren’t they adorable? And thus, I was inspired. At first I wanted to paint a bow board. I asked Tom if he thought wall molding cut at a 45 degree angled and then nailed together would work for a frame. He said no. I also couldn’t figure out what the girls had used for backing. Looks like wall molding, but not sure. Plus I know what my paint jobs look like, so I abandoned this idea to the professionals. Cassie and Tanae, hats off to you girls.</p> <p> </p> <p>But I think my bow board came out looking pretty durn cute!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVKdOHXoBdI/AAAAAAAABnA/L3S-Ga4mfPg/s1600-h/IMG_0019-2-2%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0019-2-2" alt="IMG_0019-2-2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVKdO1It-kI/AAAAAAAABnE/vPWWVFCjtBM/IMG_0019-2-2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="430" height="642" /></a></p> <p>And today I will share all my secrets on how you can make your own!</p> <p>Here is your supply list:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVKdPYErgJI/AAAAAAAABnI/tF0TsffemzU/s1600-h/IMG_0001-2-2%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0001-2-2" alt="IMG_0001-2-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVKdPgiTPiI/AAAAAAAABnM/gG9CWRtFbA4/IMG_0001-2-2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="575" height="385" /></a></p> <p><strong>1 frame</strong> Doesn’t really matter what size. Mine was 38x18 or something like that</p> <p><strong>cloth to cover it</strong> I bought a yard and a half but it was overboard. I probably have enough cloth to do another small frame.</p> <p><strong>ribbon </strong>These were each 3 yards. I definitely had an overstock of that also</p> <p><strong>stapler DO NOT USE A STAPLE GUN</strong> I thought this was a great excuse to use my husband’s staple gun.. don’t. There is now a hole in the train table. Just use the normal stapler.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVKdQEuL5VI/AAAAAAAABnQ/VVI1sgRXYVs/s1600-h/IMG_0003-2-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0003-2-3" alt="IMG_0003-2-3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVKdQWbUvpI/AAAAAAAABnU/E9ZEOQgcreY/IMG_0003-2-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="390" height="261" /></a></p> <p> The first step is to undo all the prongs and release the piece of cardboard that your frame came with. This is what you will wrap your cloth around.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVKdQ8bwZDI/AAAAAAAABnY/rvt7XTuL2y4/s1600-h/IMG_0006-2-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0006-2-3" alt="IMG_0006-2-3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVKdROx0uOI/AAAAAAAABnc/XimI5hHcjww/IMG_0006-2-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="447" height="299" /></a></p> <p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Next, wrap your cloth around your cardboard and cut away the excess.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVKdRk44-TI/AAAAAAAABng/uANGQB1Ey0o/s1600-h/IMG_0008-2-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0008-2-2" alt="IMG_0008-2-2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVKdR2S8QLI/AAAAAAAABnk/6g7vM5xzE3U/IMG_0008-2-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="248" height="370" /></a></p> <p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Next you can go ahead and staple the fabric around your cardboard. I’d love to tell you the scientific process that went into this but I just sort of folded and stapled until the fabric was secure. You want to make sure you are stretching it tight of course so you don’t end up with rolls. Also make sure the tops and bottoms aren’t too bulky because it has to fit back into your frame. I stapled three or four times up and down the sides and then folded the tops and bottoms and stapled them to the cloth.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVKdSULgzeI/AAAAAAAABno/4KicKnyAPQ4/s1600-h/IMG_0012-2-2%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0012-2-2" alt="IMG_0012-2-2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVKdSufSSAI/AAAAAAAABns/plV0j_YnTg8/IMG_0012-2-2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="400" height="268" /></a></p> <p> You need to decide if you want your ribbon to go vertical or horizontal. Then pull your ribbon across your board and cut to size. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVKdTKc06kI/AAAAAAAABnw/mEOVfP13UPo/s1600-h/IMG_0015-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0015-2" alt="IMG_0015-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVKdTdy0G0I/AAAAAAAABn0/l0RB4W74qRc/IMG_0015-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="277" height="414" /></a></p> <p> Now I stapled the ribbon on the back also. I let the ribbon on the pretty side be up straight so the staple back would fall behind the ribbon and be hidden. When I did the other side, I slipped the stapler under the ribbon so it was still hidden.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVKdTzxASFI/AAAAAAAABn4/HDBH7ypsY10/s1600-h/IMG_0016-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0016-2" alt="IMG_0016-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVKdUCMh-bI/AAAAAAAABn8/rdeYDhT-qMU/IMG_0016-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="289" height="432" /></a></p> <p> So continue doing that until you’ve got all the rows you want. I really could have done mind closer together. Also if you have a lot of bang bows or newborn clips you may want to consider doing some thin ribbon strips in between because they don’t really require all that much space anyway. </p> <p>After all your ribbons are done, you need to pop the glass out of your frame. I ended up breaking mine to get it out so be careful! Then pop your cardboard in and put the prongs back down to hold it into place.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVKdUlPvW-I/AAAAAAAABoA/SdnTNweeS9I/s1600-h/IMG_0021-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0021-3" alt="IMG_0021-3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVKdVEzEJbI/AAAAAAAABoE/HBZlxf7iF2c/IMG_0021-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="313" height="468" /></a></p> <p> And then you’ll be done! You can attach a hanger on the back to put it on the wall. Mine is so tall I’m just going to lean it up against the wall. Now my bows are all safe and sound from getting squished or messed up!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>This project took me maybe 30 minutes? It definitely wasn't as cheap as our other crafts but not 'too' bad.</p><p><br /></p><p>Frame- $15 (it was 50% off from 30)</p><p>Fabric- $6 (40% off)</p><p>Ribbon- $4 (50% off)</p><p>Total: $25 plus I have enough ribbon and cloth left over to do another small frame for a gift!<br /></p> <p>Don’t forget to sign up for my give aways! I’m drawing in two days!</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-19305299637630837182011-02-08T06:49:00.001-08:002011-02-11T12:35:58.285-08:00Give Away #7 WendyBird Designs Calendar and Wreath!<p>CLOSED- Winner was #14 Melissa!<br /></p><p>I’ve known Wendy as a scrapper for a long time but earlier last year she decided to go into designing hybrid templates! Her hybrids were always so amazing so its no surprise, her templates are too. Here are a few of Wendy’s templates in her shop:</p> <p><img src="http://www.browniescraps.com/shop/images/wbd_cutdown_preview.jpg" /></p> <p><img src="http://www.browniescraps.com/shop/images/wbd_heartbasket_preview.jpg" /></p> <p><img src="http://www.browniescraps.com/shop/images/wb_squarebox_preview.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>I love all the creative things she comes up with! Here are some cards I’ve created using her designs:</p> <p><img src="http://www.browniescraps.com/gallery/data/749/medium/thecure.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Today Wendy has TWO items up to win! An adorable hybrid pocket calendar she created and a wreath!</p> <p><img src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u283/wendya78/heartwreath-web.jpg" /></p> <p><img src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u283/wendya78/home-sweet-home-calendar.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>These would make beautiful little Valentine’s gift for a friend.. or for yourself! </p> <p> </p> <p>Please leave 1 comment for each step you complete! So if you complete 4 steps, you should have 4 separate comments!</p> <p> </p> <p>1. Leave a comment with some love for Wendy.</p> <p>2. Follow my blog. (If you already follow just put ‘I already follow you’ as your comment’)</p> <p>3. Subscribe to my blog.</p> <p>4. ‘Like’ Wendy’s facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=579876197004&set=o.154651153638&ref=notif&notif_t=photo_comment#%21/pages/WendyBird-Designs/148962811800103">here</a> and leave her some wall lovin.</p> <p>5. Share this give away on your facebook page or blog.</p> <p> </p> <p>I’ll be drawing on Friday! Good luck!</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-68371864309321512752011-02-08T06:42:00.001-08:002011-02-08T06:50:24.824-08:00Valentine’s Doggy Treats!<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVFWJ9ZZoiI/AAAAAAAABl0/83vPg__wkD0/s1600-h/IMG_0012-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0012-3" alt="IMG_0012-3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVFWKD2banI/AAAAAAAABl4/twO49bH1v8A/IMG_0012-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="275" height="410" /></a></p> <p>Last night Tom and I toasted our beautiful new shower with some champagne and pizza. Yum. I have a hangover today but it was worth it. Sometimes stay at home date nights are better then going out date nights. I’m sure our children appreciated being put to bed at 6:30 also. </p> <p>Our craft today is for our furry friends or our friends who’s ‘kids’ have four legs and require a leash. Here is your ingredient list:</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVFWKhWZXqI/AAAAAAAABl8/oAO30BGh--w/s1600-h/IMG_0038-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0038-2" alt="IMG_0038-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVFWK7ZfNAI/AAAAAAAABmA/cajVDFfFaAk/IMG_0038-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="379" height="254" /></a> 2 cups of flour</p> <p> 1 1/4 cups of cheese</p> <p> 1/2 cup vegetable oil</p> <p> 1 cup of water</p> <p> 2 garlic cloves finely chopped (optional)</p> <p> food processor/blender</p> <p>wax paper/rolling pin </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVFWLHw4d5I/AAAAAAAABmE/Yc_zQ8XSxWQ/s1600-h/IMG_0056-2%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0056-2" alt="IMG_0056-2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVFWLnm-p-I/AAAAAAAABmI/q8tvRmXBVA0/IMG_0056-2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="186" height="277" /></a></p> <p>Preheat oven to 400 degrees.</p> <p> First you are going to put in all your ingredients besides the water and turn on your mixer. You are going to mix it until it looks pretty coarse but mixed.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVFWL87UUQI/AAAAAAAABmM/gF_yf5NJpto/s1600-h/IMG_0060-2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0060-2" alt="IMG_0060-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVFWMfrNdOI/AAAAAAAABmQ/mos0MfHpOF0/IMG_0060-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> This is what it will end up looking like. Now you are going to SLOWLY add the water while the mixer is on a slow speed until it forms a ball.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVFWMspTmNI/AAAAAAAABmU/uc3NO0znDYY/s1600-h/IMG_0064%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0064" alt="IMG_0064" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVFWM-JPrcI/AAAAAAAABmY/6f7bLa_eSis/IMG_0064_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="164" height="244" /></a></p> <p> This is what it looks like once you’ve added enough water. You may not need the entire cup but its nice to just have a reserve to keep adding until it’s the right mixture. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVFWNgPFFeI/AAAAAAAABmc/QQQ-_GFHLc0/s1600-h/IMG_0065%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0065" alt="IMG_0065" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVFWN-bpx2I/AAAAAAAABmg/OAEU6Vlr0sg/IMG_0065_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p> Go ahead and roll your dough out on your wax paper until it is about 1/4-1/2 inch thickness. This dough is very moist so I found it was better to roll one way, pick up my roller and then go the other way rather then back and forth. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVFWOE-1uhI/AAAAAAAABmk/0GAz7qFUqCw/s1600-h/IMG_0067-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0067-2" alt="IMG_0067-2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVFWOlKm7uI/AAAAAAAABmo/BUUbyFkKq5g/IMG_0067-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="392" height="263" /></a></p> <p> I cut my treats out in heart shapes using the same cookie cutters I bought to make my <a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/making-valentine-soap.html">Valentine Soap</a>. You put these on an ungreased cookie sheet and cook for 15-18 minutes. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVFWO5R-cFI/AAAAAAAABms/7jNmn_MS9CU/s1600-h/IMG_0081-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0081-2" alt="IMG_0081-2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVFWPK6g9UI/AAAAAAAABmw/JFHk1j-0aEk/IMG_0081-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="240" height="358" /></a></p> <p> And there you have them! Easy, cheesy dog treats for your favorite furry friend!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVFWPtkK4UI/AAAAAAAABm0/8IQw_CRAFqo/s1600-h/IMG_0020%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0020" alt="IMG_0020" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVFWQDcXEYI/AAAAAAAABm4/pA3DTQ_CoyY/IMG_0020_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="304" height="454" /></a></p> <p>I put my treats in this cute little treat holder made with Wendy’s template <a href="http://www.browniescraps.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65_109&products_id=1950">here</a> and Ramona’s kits ‘<a href="http://www.browniescraps.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65_106&products_id=1426">Best Friends</a>’. These would also be adorable to sell for fundraising for your local SPCA or animal shelter. </p> <p>Here is a cute word art freebie I made to match our theme today:</p> <p><a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/b2BRTp5Z/mybestfriend.html"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="mybestfriend" alt="mybestfriend" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVFWQSDmbSI/AAAAAAAABm8/gbblunnixR0/mybestfriend%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="332" height="349" /></a></p> <p>You can download it <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/b2BRTp5Z/mybestfriend.html">here</a>!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Don’t forget to sign up for all the give aways! I’m drawing this Friday!</p> <p><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/01/give-away-1-bethanys-5-pigtail-hat.html">Bethany 5’s adorable knit hat</a></p> <p><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-give-away-2-valentines-bow.html">Ashley’s Valentine Bow</a></p> <p><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/give-away-3-jessica-rae-jewelry-give.html">JessicaRae’s Jewelry $20 credit to her shop</a></p> <p><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/give-away-5-braylins-boutique.html">Braylin’s Boutique 3 fabric flowers</a></p> <p><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/give-away-6-picket-fence.html">The Picket Fence $20 credit to her shop</a></p> <p><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/give-away-7-wendybird-designs-calendar.html">Wendybird’s wreath and planner</a></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-75165806351893042032011-02-07T07:47:00.001-08:002011-02-11T11:02:05.666-08:00Give Away #6 The Picket Fence<p>CLOSED Winner is #38- Ashley!<br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Today’s give away is really a great one! Cassie, the owner of The Picket Fence, makes the most adorable bows! She and Tanae of Braylin’s Boutique work together creating matching dresses/bows and other adorable little match ups. Here are some of Cassie’s gorgeous creations:</p> <p><img src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs893.ash1/180154_496020593498_369647438498_6323115_8085722_n.jpg" /></p> <p><img src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs020.snc6/167052_496032053498_369647438498_6323464_3048519_n.jpg" width="416" height="391" /></p> <p><img src="http://l19.sphotos.l3.fbcdn.net/hphotos-l3-snc6/hs065.snc6/167590_496019298498_369647438498_6323059_7408071_n.jpg" width="402" height="463" /></p> <p>Here are some of Evie in her The Picket Fence bows</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAT_ZnKqNI/AAAAAAAABlQ/DTYMFVFFeTk/s1600-h/IMG_0086%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0086" alt="IMG_0086" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAT_tblfMI/AAAAAAAABlU/h59yuXEwcXI/IMG_0086_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="237" height="354" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAT_y5TR1I/AAAAAAAABlY/l2EWjtpNALY/s1600-h/IMG_0144%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0144" alt="IMG_0144" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAUABkqg8I/AAAAAAAABlc/dAhm-1F_3DM/IMG_0144_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="235" height="351" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAUAWC0hKI/AAAAAAAABlg/Kl6N940meDs/s1600-h/IMG_0161%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0161" alt="IMG_0161" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAUAxf5JCI/AAAAAAAABlk/O3xts6LHWRk/IMG_0161_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="241" height="360" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAUBEKT7lI/AAAAAAAABlo/nX8mLYI5_0I/s1600-h/IMG_0063-2%20copy%202%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0063-2 copy 2" alt="IMG_0063-2 copy 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAUBd3yk7I/AAAAAAAABls/JUE4vkaf1qU/IMG_0063-2%20copy%202_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="240" height="358" /></a></p> <p>Yes we own just a few <img style="border-style: none;" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAUBa7wTAI/AAAAAAAABlw/JvWtaeH8p4s/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" /> </p> <p> </p> <p>Cassie has offered up $20 in free bows for the winner! Please leave a separate comment for each entry! Here are all the ways to win:</p> <p> </p> <p>1. Leave a comment with some love for Cassie’s adorable bows</p> <p>2. Follow my blog (if you already follow, just post I already follow)</p> <p>3. Subscribe to my blog</p> <p>4. Like Cassie’s fan page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_111095335620881#%21/pages/The-Picket-Fence/369647438498">here</a>.</p> <p>5. Share this give away on your facebook page or blog! Just post ‘I shared on my facebook page’.</p> <p> </p> <p>Five chances to win! Winner will be drawn this Friday! Good luck!</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-55970745940817198222011-02-07T07:30:00.001-08:002011-02-07T12:23:00.528-08:00Making Valentine Soap!<p>This weekend I learned:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP1MXZFNI/AAAAAAAABjI/5xuzymTz5Ng/s1600-h/IMG_0009-24.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0009-2" alt="IMG_0009-2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP1T7MS6I/AAAAAAAABjM/cqysr-bk4uo/IMG_0009-2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="376" height="252" /></a></p> <p> a 2 year old has an attention span exactly 4 homemade Valentine’s long</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP147vFfI/AAAAAAAABjQ/YJlqInMefLI/s1600-h/IMG_0006-2-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0006-2-2" alt="IMG_0006-2-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP2FGrUiI/AAAAAAAABjU/4Si54Y3C6sc/IMG_0006-2-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="233" height="347" /></a></p> <p>a cup makes great baby entertainment while you make the 4 Valentine’s</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP2pda0XI/AAAAAAAABjY/lY2BGnl1GH0/s1600-h/IMG_0012-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0012-2" alt="IMG_0012-2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP29zli9I/AAAAAAAABjc/jaMzHtMESd8/IMG_0012-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="433" height="290" /></a></p> <p>Baby knits make me want to be pregnant again</p> <p>AND I learned how to make my own Valentine’s soap! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP3dQNLjI/AAAAAAAABjg/RK_QHlPJeow/s1600-h/IMG_0073-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0073-2" alt="IMG_0073-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP31PQe0I/AAAAAAAABjk/ol_cVekyyvA/IMG_0073-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="446" height="299" /></a></p> <p>I am no Martha Stewart, people, so if I can make adorable little soaps, so can you!</p> <p> </p> <p>Ingredient list:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP4PrHteI/AAAAAAAABjo/3oo6h4faQUM/s1600-h/IMG_0014-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0014-2" alt="IMG_0014-2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP4rk2KjI/AAAAAAAABjs/0kFj55Llw7Q/IMG_0014-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="350" height="235" /></a></p> <p> wax paper</p> <p>measuring cup</p> <p>heart cookies cutters</p> <p>loaf pan</p> <p>microwave</p> <p>32 oz of soap (Michaels 9.99, use a 40% off coupon)</p> <p>box of soap dies (Michael’s 2.99)</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP40W-K-I/AAAAAAAABjw/Ah2mNoEgJ6g/s1600-h/IMG_0019-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0019-2" alt="IMG_0019-2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP5EtqxTI/AAAAAAAABj0/wpCwfu1W-uc/IMG_0019-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="380" height="255" /></a></p> <p> First you are going to line your loaf pan. If you have more then one loaf pan, all the better! This project will go much faster that way. Go ahead and line 2 if you’ve got them.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP5qIs1SI/AAAAAAAABj4/izpg1zcPNj4/s1600-h/IMG_0021%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0021" alt="IMG_0021" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP5zjGRiI/AAAAAAAABj8/9xYctZVdePc/IMG_0021_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="369" height="247" /></a></p> <p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Next you are going to need 1/2 pound of the soap. Mine was 32 oz so it was 2lbs so 1/4 of that. Cut it out using a knife and then cut each cube apart so they resemble ice cubes. Place into your measuring cup.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP6R4_gNI/AAAAAAAABkA/QLTcG47GZUs/s1600-h/IMG_0024-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0024-2" alt="IMG_0024-2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP6w5W7OI/AAAAAAAABkE/tQA8AYh4YLw/IMG_0024-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="385" height="258" /></a></p> <p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Put your measuring cup into the microwave and follow the directions on your soap package for melting. Mine was 40 seconds and then 10 seconds until melted. You have to sort of stir/cut up the chunks that gather in the center.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP7IvIsVI/AAAAAAAABkI/KMt6PNCkuBw/s1600-h/IMG_0025-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0025-3" alt="IMG_0025-3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP7RYXbTI/AAAAAAAABkM/3fJTuAULGFw/IMG_0025-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="418" height="280" /></a></p> <p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Pour melted soap into the loaf pan. Make sure your wax paper doesn’t get down and stick to the top of the melted soap. Press down on the paper and angle the loaf pan from side to side to allow the mixture to settle more evenly. It doesn’t matter if its not into every corner of the loaf pan but you do want it more spread out. Set your timer for 15 minutes and allow it to cool. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>If you have a separate loaf pan, you can go ahead and get your second batch of soap melted too. If you don’t have a second loaf pan, you need to wait for the first one to be done and then make your second batch. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP73WnysI/AAAAAAAABkQ/3XPo79c7sF0/s1600-h/IMG_0041-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0041-2" alt="IMG_0041-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP8Gh7rxI/AAAAAAAABkU/mht7WhVpQG8/IMG_0041-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="381" height="255" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><br /></p><p>After 15 minutes, lift the wax paper out of the loaf pan and set aside. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Go ahead and make your second batch of soap the same way. This time we are going to dye it before pouring it into the loaf pan so after its all melted we are going to add in our red.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP8tt53MI/AAAAAAAABkY/siOL2heLC1Y/s1600-h/IMG_0046%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0046" alt="IMG_0046" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP9Pbba6I/AAAAAAAABkc/QRPoeMu1gFw/IMG_0046_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="402" height="269" /></a></p> <p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>This is what I got 10 drops of red. I tried to make a lighter pink and even 4 drops got it pretty dark so if you are wanting a super light pink, start with just 1 or 2 drops. </p> <p> </p> <p>Pour it into the pan and set timer for 15 minutes.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP9V5Yt_I/AAAAAAAABkg/vJiwf3W7bxg/s1600-h/IMG_0043-3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0043-3" alt="IMG_0043-3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP9u4BREI/AAAAAAAABkk/VfJdb3N6Efo/IMG_0043-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="336" height="225" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP-GSmRfI/AAAAAAAABko/tO6FaokkFaY/s1600-h/IMG_0048%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0048" alt="IMG_0048" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP-en1QeI/AAAAAAAABks/SSWc7F-45Ck/IMG_0048_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="275" height="185" /></a></p> <p>Now that the second batch is setting up, go ahead and cut out your hearts. I cut out as many large hearts as I could. Then you can use your smaller hearts to cut out from the centers of them to fill in with the other color. You’ll know when your wax is set enough because when you press your cutter into it, the wax should pick right up into the cutter. If it sticks to the rest of the wax, it isn’t cool enough yet.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP-0coxUI/AAAAAAAABkw/l1IZTO-YCuE/s1600-h/IMG_0053%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0053" alt="IMG_0053" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP_RJ8wzI/AAAAAAAABk4/wjH84lYivGU/IMG_0053_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="411" height="275" /></a></p> <p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>So here’s what my first white soap ended up looking like. You can put the scraps back into your measuring cup and remelt to make more soap but you need to wait until you get this soap completely made and then do it separately.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAP_qVbNQI/AAAAAAAABk8/_6sRJnyyU0c/s1600-h/IMG_0070-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0070-2" alt="IMG_0070-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAQAcS-Z7I/AAAAAAAABlA/tUEzHX9ku7M/IMG_0070-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="420" height="281" /></a></p> <p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Once your pink sets, go ahead and cut them out and then put the soaps together as you wish. You are fighting against time here. If the white gets too cool you can’t squish the two colors together and the smaller hearts will just fall right out. </p> <p>If you have a second loaf pan, you can actually do 3 colors. If you don’t, the soap will NOT give you 30 minutes past when the first one is done to get 2 more batches finished. What I would recommend is doing 2 sets of 2 colors. Your second set might be white and purple or pink and purple.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAQBNmxUVI/AAAAAAAABlE/I8JYQDGoZVE/s1600-h/IMG_0073-2%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0073-2" alt="IMG_0073-2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAQBqKGlvI/AAAAAAAABlI/sq48kzb7npg/IMG_0073-2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="375" height="251" /></a></p> <p>And here are my soap. The soap says ages 9 and up but I assume that’s because of the heat. If you melt and pour the wax yourself, the little ones will love cutting out the hearts and arranging the soaps. There isn’t any heat left after the 15 minutes in the loaf pan. </p> <p>This was a lot simpler then I thought it would be and got really cute results! You can also purchase scents from Michael’s to make a scented soap. The small hearts might also make good bath melting scents. All in all a fun, cheap, easy project that produces cute results!</p> <p>Last week Mara released a new kit just in time for Valentine’s. Image is linked.</p> <p><a href="http://www.browniescraps.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65_105&products_id=1884"><img src="http://www.browniescraps.com/shop/images/mara_MyHeart_preview.jpg" /></a></p> <p>I love the blacks and whites paired with these bright vivid colors. </p> <p><img src="http://www.browniescraps.com/gallery/data/724/vday1.jpg" /></p> <p>Here’s my layout using her awesome kit! And here’s the FREEBIE that I created to go along with it! Image is linked.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/7HST8RQ3/webelong.html"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="we belong" alt="we belong" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TVAQB-c5tiI/AAAAAAAABlM/RxKmRGe0ZRQ/we%20belong%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="352" height="370" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Don’t forget to enter in the awesome give aways for this week! I’m drawing on Friday!</p> <p><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/01/give-away-1-bethanys-5-pigtail-hat.html">Bethany 5’s adorable hat</a></p> <p><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-give-away-2-valentines-bow.html">Ashley’s Valentine Bow</a></p> <p><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/give-away-3-jessica-rae-jewelry-give.html">JessiceRae Jewelry $20 credit to her shop</a></p> <p><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/give-away-5-braylins-boutique.html">Braylin’s Boutique 3 fabric flowers</a></p> <p><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/give-away-6-picket-fence.html">The Picket Fence $20 credit to her bow shop</a></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-2189797847569693612011-02-05T16:24:00.001-08:002011-02-05T16:24:29.800-08:00Project 365- My week in photos!<p>I got so caught up in our water issue that I forgot to post my week in photos! I’m sure you are all just dying to see them right! </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TU3qJzkjNpI/AAAAAAAABiA/i7TZUp7eMgw/s1600-h/IMG_0177%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0177" border="0" alt="IMG_0177" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TU3qKUhFJ6I/AAAAAAAABiE/ThcS2L98H3c/IMG_0177_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="359" height="241" /></a></p> <p>Friday- Jenna and I took 4 kids 2 and under to the zoo. It was a really nice day outside and we all had a great time. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TU3qKjlZ1-I/AAAAAAAABiI/P3plI1HLwfM/s1600-h/IMG_0707%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0707" border="0" alt="IMG_0707" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TU3qK4SbZxI/AAAAAAAABiM/jdVpwbf_0GI/IMG_0707_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="235" height="351" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TU3qLN_kUSI/AAAAAAAABiQ/hKuq--PPsD0/s1600-h/IMG_0683%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0683" border="0" alt="IMG_0683" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TU3qLnIrVuI/AAAAAAAABiU/REJgZGeDhjs/IMG_0683_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="233" height="347" /></a></p> <p>Saturday- More outside time! It was another beautiful day with a high of 75</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TU3qL-KFE9I/AAAAAAAABiY/WetAdQjjM20/s1600-h/IMG_0008-9%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0008-9" border="0" alt="IMG_0008-9" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TU3qMBAdDKI/AAAAAAAABic/xtr6hkFTNDI/IMG_0008-9_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="241" height="360" /></a></p> <p>Sunday- Tom spent the day finishing up the tile job.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TU3qMsSpmUI/AAAAAAAABig/ztcgQCVi0ko/s1600-h/IMG_0176%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0176" border="0" alt="IMG_0176" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TU3qM8QiAyI/AAAAAAAABik/6dWJiZSU4eM/IMG_0176_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="294" /></a></p> <p>Monday- My hands from scraping the extra grout off the tile.</p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TU3qNOVjfPI/AAAAAAAABio/y3ao4dSFWac/s1600-h/IMG_0186%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0186" border="0" alt="IMG_0186" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TU3qNdj4vKI/AAAAAAAABis/rjY8ED7c570/IMG_0186_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="221" height="329" /></a> <p>Tuesday- The blizzard hits. Tom gets his car stuck on the on ramp and ends up walking 2 miles home in the blizzard. His hair is frozen.  Curls up on the couch with warm tea. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TU3qN9Qs17I/AAAAAAAABiw/YlPDLJoamHE/s1600-h/IMG_0012%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0012" border="0" alt="IMG_0012" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TU3qOBY3PbI/AAAAAAAABi0/D7ldQf7TOzM/IMG_0012_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="267" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TU3qOUT86MI/AAAAAAAABi4/rlBJlxKikjs/s1600-h/IMG_0059%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0059" border="0" alt="IMG_0059" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TU3qO5NMiEI/AAAAAAAABi8/E0GZojYNxUQ/IMG_0059_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Wednesday- Tom has to work from home. Rett thinks this is great! Our friend Kristi and her husband Jeremy come and pick up Tom and take him to his car so they can pull him out. He drives home happy that his precious car is now safe in the drive way.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TU3qPPioIOI/AAAAAAAABjA/FPyTBNB9Zug/s1600-h/IMG_0076%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0076" border="0" alt="IMG_0076" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TU3qPXxDdrI/AAAAAAAABjE/nEgl8lomrPM/IMG_0076_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="387" /></a></p> <p>Thursday- The water pipe breaks and we have to turn off the water. </p> <p> </p> <p>So that was our week!</p> Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-8031258152301323772011-02-04T08:58:00.001-08:002011-02-11T09:01:18.273-08:00Give Away #5 Braylin’s Boutique!<p>CLOSED Winner was #24- Michelle!<br /></p><p>I met Tanae, owner of Braylin’s Boutique, at a local sale to benefit a teacher that taught with my mom and is now going overseas to expand literacy in other countries. And it turns out Tanae lives right down the road from me! She is a great gal with a lovely daughter and wonderful, quality products. Here are some examples of her products:</p> <p><img src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs056.snc6/168643_176782359031792_125308027512559_402478_4459861_n.jpg" /></p> <p><img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs419.snc4/46174_135386166504745_125308027512559_177950_4602095_n.jpg" /></p> <p><img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs192.ash2/45561_135342129842482_125308027512559_177741_6866560_n.jpg" /></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwwR8f5lQI/AAAAAAAABh4/TWhdifwBalg/s1600-h/IMG_0039-7%20copy%202%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0039-7 copy 2" alt="IMG_0039-7 copy 2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwwSq5kr-I/AAAAAAAABh8/4Jo7kU6oxR8/IMG_0039-7%20copy%202_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="403" height="270" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>This is Evie in one of Tanae’s pettiskirts!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>So one of her CUTEST products are her adorable fabric flowers. Each one is unique. Here are some of her fabric flowers:</p> <p><img src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs152.snc4/36950_129306987112663_125308027512559_149239_2841246_n.jpg" /></p> <p>You can put these in your or your babies’ hair, on your diaper bag on clipped to a hat. So adorable! Tanae is giving away 3 of these, you pick the colors!</p> <p> </p> <p>Ok so I know you are anxious to enter. Please leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry. So 1 comment saying ‘I follow your blog’ then a separate comment for ‘I ‘liked’ Braylin’s Boutique’ Thanks! <br /></p> <p>Ok here are the ways you can enter:</p> <p>1. Leave a comment with some love for Tanae’s products.</p> <p>2. Follow my blog</p> <p>3. Subscribe to my blog</p> <p>4. Like Braylin’s Boutique <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#%21/pages/Braylins-Boutique/125308027512559">here</a> and leave her some wall love!</p> <p>5. Share this give away somewhere! Either on your facebook page or your own blog. There is a share button at the bottom of this page or just cut/paste the address of my blog. </p> <p> </p> <p>5 ways to enter = 5 separate comments! The more you do, the more chance you have to win these adorable fabric flowers! Good luck! Winners will be drawn on the 11th.</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-19604511264404970762011-02-04T08:42:00.001-08:002011-02-04T08:59:27.080-08:00Valentine Craft: Catnip Heart<p> Snow is not fun. All the childhood memories in the world cannot dissuade me. Yesterday we heard the stomach dropping sound of water. Because one of our pipes froze and exploded. When this happens to you, you really wish there was a rewind button. Like can I just go back to the time before stupid mother nature flipped me the bird. Please. Unfortunately it is what it is. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsTQ_EgwI/AAAAAAAABgU/6s43aVdi5rk/s1600-h/IMG_0076%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0076" alt="IMG_0076" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsTu-XrfI/AAAAAAAABgY/4VbBzjOgzbY/IMG_0076_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="233" height="347" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsT5Sjq-I/AAAAAAAABgc/0EOkBQlWLgo/s1600-h/IMG_0003%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0003" alt="IMG_0003" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsVZdK3EI/AAAAAAAABgg/IgjWHoUaPT0/IMG_0003_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="231" height="345" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsVvPXg-I/AAAAAAAABgk/RlpiWOajRYA/s1600-h/IMG_0088%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0088" alt="IMG_0088" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsVxjp5WI/AAAAAAAABgs/8Ra1iDwUi8c/IMG_0088_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="234" height="349" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsWMzi7VI/AAAAAAAABgw/kTc1qqKPNi4/s1600-h/IMG_0001-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0001-2" alt="IMG_0001-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsWZ_yapI/AAAAAAAABg0/-QAlmgTy1dU/IMG_0001-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="234" height="349" /></a></p> <p>And this is what it is. A hole in our ceiling. Water damage and a hole in Evie’s wall treatment. Did I mention that the pipe was not even in Evie’s wall so there is now a HOLE IN HER WALL TREATMENT for nothing. For nothing. Wow.</p> <p>I took all these beautiful photos to show off the snow but now I hate it. But I will share them anyway.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsWjdfH6I/AAAAAAAABg4/8c408xF8PLM/s1600-h/IMG_0036%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0036" alt="IMG_0036" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsW97A-1I/AAAAAAAABg8/C3SynPqzYP4/IMG_0036_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="360" height="241" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsXEFrNhI/AAAAAAAABhA/ouyC4-t577c/s1600-h/IMG_0037%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0037" alt="IMG_0037" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsXu5xlrI/AAAAAAAABhE/mH_bq6m4lk4/IMG_0037_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="164" height="244" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsXwspdvI/AAAAAAAABhI/s7nqtLPgcv4/s1600-h/IMG_0038%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0038" alt="IMG_0038" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsYDTCuuI/AAAAAAAABhM/4Bx4V2BUOZw/IMG_0038_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="359" height="241" /></a></p> <p>And another 3 to 4 inches on Sunday. Great. I can’t contain the excitement. The Hard Rock Café and our local aquarium’s roof collapsed in some parts. It could be worse. </p> <p>Ok so on to more happier things.</p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsYYm0ChI/AAAAAAAABhQ/61MVcz2mZVw/s1600-h/IMG_0063%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0063" alt="IMG_0063" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsYoifCjI/AAAAAAAABhU/PwCYujWtZjI/IMG_0063_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="615" height="411" /></a> <p>Like Evie eating blueberries for dessert.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsYzo1yRI/AAAAAAAABhY/atKdkmVBfIE/s1600-h/blueberryboy%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="blueberryboy" alt="blueberryboy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsZQhpkdI/AAAAAAAABhc/Z39ZVQD-1f8/blueberryboy_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="542" height="363" /></a></p> <p>And here’s one of Rett. My kids love blueberries! Wow they look identical. </p> <p>Ok onto our craft for today. I would like to blame the blizzard for some of my craft’s lacking. But on with the show.</p> <p> </p> <p>Supply list:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsZk--wNI/AAAAAAAABhg/QDrJG_5O1oM/s1600-h/IMG_0247%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0247" alt="IMG_0247" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsZxv3WwI/AAAAAAAABhk/Mboa0_cakWY/IMG_0247_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="377" height="253" /></a> </p> <p> A hear container (bought this one at Michael’s for $1)</p> <p> Pink sponges (check the dollar store)</p> <p> Seed packet</p> <p> </p> <p>You could also use panty hose filled with dirt if you don’t want to go with a sponge.</p> <p> </p> <p>First off, I planned on this craft being a cat nip garden for your favorite cat lover or for your feline friend. Couldn’t find cat nip. Wal Mart looked like it was Black Friday with everyone grabbing everything in sight. Apparently deep cleaning was in the plans too because there were like NO sponges left. These curved sponges did NOT work so well. Get the plain jane ones.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsaJcLXeI/AAAAAAAABho/zMMYR8OhRMI/s1600-h/IMG_0250%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0250" alt="IMG_0250" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsaZeta4I/AAAAAAAABhs/bmF92T62S5w/IMG_0250_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="449" height="301" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> Your next step will be to cut your sponge so that it fits inside your heart mold. Your sponge will probably do a better job then mine since I had the odd shaped sponges. If you are really concerned with it looking pretty, this is where your old panty hose and dirt comes in. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsbNkMOyI/AAAAAAAABhw/kI0wHdalf8s/s1600-h/IMG_0253%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0253" alt="IMG_0253" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUwsbq9Q3hI/AAAAAAAABh0/wCjsX1roJZw/IMG_0253_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="353" height="237" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>You need to soak your sponge in water for about 1 minute so that its completely soaked through. Then poke your seeds into the little holes of the sponge. Unless you’re me and you only have marigold seeds which are huge and won’t be poked anywhere. *sigh* </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>And there you have it! Maintenance is just to pour in water to the basin of the container every 3-4 days. You can also start your veggies in sponges and then cut the sponge away and plant them sponge and all. So you could also put tomato seeds for your gardener friends or blooming flower seeds for the flower lover in your life.</p> <p>Lots more crafts planned for next week! Make sure you follow and subscribe to my blog so you don’t miss out!</p> <p> </p> <p>ALSO, don’t forget to sign up for the give aways!</p> <p><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/01/give-away-1-bethanys-5-pigtail-hat.html">Bethany’s 5 Hat</a></p> <p><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-give-away-2-valentines-bow.html">Ashley’s Valentine Bow</a></p> <p><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/give-away-3-jessica-rae-jewelry-give.html">JessicaRae’s $20 gift certificate for her jewelry</a></p> <p><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/give-away-5-braylins-boutique.html">Braylin’s Boutique Fabric Flowers</a></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-59236739903120459732011-02-03T06:48:00.001-08:002011-02-03T06:48:49.065-08:00Valentine Craft: Ribbon Bracelets!<p> I wanted to share some of the photos that I’ve taken for my Photography For the Heart sessions.  All proceeds are benefiting a family who just lost their daughter to congenital heart defect.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrAKGkybUI/AAAAAAAABe8/h2GxpKRVACY/s1600-h/IMG_0218%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0218" border="0" alt="IMG_0218" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrAK3a9fSI/AAAAAAAABfA/3T5AZO9YqAI/IMG_0218_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="277" /></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrALTCG2iI/AAAAAAAABfE/AXOgcVXUNyI/s1600-h/IMG_0459%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0459" border="0" alt="IMG_0459" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrALwj3QwI/AAAAAAAABfI/TmtefGL1-JA/IMG_0459_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="276" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrAMS5D4UI/AAAAAAAABfM/CWd4FcCTdAY/s1600-h/IMG_0591%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0591" border="0" alt="IMG_0591" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrAM7qE4UI/AAAAAAAABfQ/3frAELeDgnA/IMG_0591_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="417" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrANcTn4cI/AAAAAAAABfU/mG6yusyAd9E/s1600-h/IMG_0235%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0235" border="0" alt="IMG_0235" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrANm_vLfI/AAAAAAAABfY/P1zQyktapJ0/IMG_0235_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="414" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>This was of course one of the last warm days before our blizzard hit.  We had a great time taking the boys downtown. I was worried when I first heard it was going to be 4 boys but they all were such great guys it worked out just fine!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrAOEcgAvI/AAAAAAAABfc/dapb4bvQ7SU/s1600-h/IMG_0038-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0038-2" border="0" alt="IMG_0038-2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrAOk51PpI/AAAAAAAABfg/Qs9ZMXMYg2Y/IMG_0038-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="275" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrAO-K2ZLI/AAAAAAAABfk/X4N_R1tVCBY/s1600-h/IMG_0102%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0102" border="0" alt="IMG_0102" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrAPQY_CZI/AAAAAAAABfo/qihFi6jHl4s/IMG_0102_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="272" /></a></p> <p>This is one from the studio.  She made me work a tad bit harder. Nothing like 3 year olds to make you question your ability as a photographer.  Of course my 2 year old does this everyday. I can’t tell you the last picture I had of him looking at the camera and smiling. Oh wait.. yes I can.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrAP8w1kEI/AAAAAAAABfs/hJ8yb4nlwRU/s1600-h/IMG_0015-4%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0015-4" border="0" alt="IMG_0015-4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrAQI22ZkI/AAAAAAAABfw/qbin05QTljE/IMG_0015-4_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="541" height="362" /></a></p> <p>So there you go… Toddlers are definitely one of the most challenging subjects to photograph. </p> <p> </p> <p>Ok onto more pressing matters… Valentine’s Day crafts!  I love this craft because its another one of those great ways to use up excess craft supplies!  Waste not, want not.  </p> <p>Here’s your supply list:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrAQ-rYyLI/AAAAAAAABf0/VbMcTLfSUWg/s1600-h/IMG_0234%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0234" border="0" alt="IMG_0234" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrARJBmgVI/AAAAAAAABf4/zLiCWFcUl3o/IMG_0234_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="427" height="286" /></a></p> <p>  ribbon scraps</p> <p> scissors</p> <p> velcro strips</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Your first step is going to be to use the ribbon to measure around your child’s wrist. Or your own if you want to rock some of these awesome bracelets for yourself.  Cut ribbon to size.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrAR_mBHWI/AAAAAAAABf8/l640iB60EX4/s1600-h/IMG_0242%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0242" border="0" alt="IMG_0242" align="left" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrASFHn0AI/AAAAAAAABgA/EenbvC-nDXA/IMG_0242_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="367" height="246" /></a> </p> <p>  Your next step is to place the velcro on.  One of the velcro pieces needs to be on the underside of the bracelet (the ugly side).  The other piece needs to be on the right side (pretty side) of the bracelet.  On the thinner ribbon I had to cut my velcro in a half moon shape for it to fit. Also after taking mine off and on a bit, the velcro started to come detached.  Hot glue might be of use here.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrASj838XI/AAAAAAAABgE/3bc_9PyFaAc/s1600-h/IMG_0244%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0244" border="0" alt="IMG_0244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrATAlzCMI/AAAAAAAABgI/h_Tg1kr8FJM/IMG_0244_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="299" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>And you’re done!  Final step is to put bracelets on and admire yourself!</p> <p><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrATgXJ5NI/AAAAAAAABgM/CQbmpjwdZRw/s1600-h/IMG_0245%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0245" border="0" alt="IMG_0245" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kpoE3TE6rcI/TUrAUKVDUYI/AAAAAAAABgQ/t7P_zl2FVf8/IMG_0245_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="284" /></a></p> <p>I used scraps from my <a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/01/countdown-to-v-day-begins-come-join-fun.html">ribbon wreath</a>.</p> <p>Fun ideas for these: hole punch your Valentine’s cards, loop bracelets through and attach. Of course it won’t work with the thicker ribbon.   Make bunches and put them on your little girl to wear to school to hand out.  Nothing feels better then giving somebody else a little gift! Plus what little girl wouldn’t look adorable with about 50 of these on her arm. </p> <p>And your congenital heart defect fact for the day.  Think congenital heart defect is a small problem? About 650,000 to 1.3 million Americans have a congenital heart defect. Approximately 36,000 babies are born with a defect each year. </p> <p> </p> <p>Don’t forget to enter the give aways!</p> <p><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/01/give-away-1-bethanys-5-pigtail-hat.html">Bethany 5’s hat</a></p> <p><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-give-away-2-valentines-bow.html">Ashley’s Valentine Bow</a></p> <p><a href="http://laurasdailymadness.blogspot.com/2011/02/give-away-3-jessica-rae-jewelry-give.html">JessicaRae Jewelry $20 credit to her store</a></p> Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-52295536890058552512011-02-03T06:28:00.001-08:002011-02-11T08:01:04.686-08:00Give Away #3 Jessica Rae Jewelry Give Away!<p>CLOSED Winner is #16- Bethany!<br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Today’s give away is to Jessica’s fabulous store which specializes in hand stamped jewelry! She makes personalized necklaces, bracelets and key chains. Also rings and cufflinks! Her stuff is so unique! </p> <p><img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs061.snc4/34433_1619457484430_1176202651_1761752_3320431_n.jpg" width="208" height="254" /> <img src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1152.snc4/149424_458107019175_329631269175_5254102_1599110_n.jpg" width="381" height="254" /></p> <p><img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs255.snc4/40089_420058464175_329631269175_4498626_6523125_n.jpg" width="428" height="285" /> <img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs425.snc4/46869_427344729175_329631269175_4675546_1845563_n.jpg" width="191" height="286" /></p> <p>My fav:</p> <p><img src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs740.ash1/163197_498605569175_329631269175_5854437_4313866_n.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Today’s give away is for $20 to Jessica’s store to order WHATEVER you want! How awesome is that? Also makes a great Valentine’s gift for grandma or yourself! Here are the ways you can enter, if you already follow or subscribe to my blog just leave a comment saying ‘I already follow you’:</p> <p>1. Leave a comment with some love for Jessica.</p> <p>2. Follow my blog.</p> <p>3. Subscribe to my blog.</p> <p>4. ‘Like’ JessicaRae Jewelry <a href="http://www.facebook.com/JessicaRaeJewelry?v=photos#%21/JessicaRaeJewelry">here</a> and leave her some wall love.</p> <p> </p> <p>Winners will be drawn on the 11th! </p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747235000487004042.post-41240995524327122282011-02-02T07:05:00.001-08:002011-02-11T07:21:03.833-08:00Valentine’s Give Away #2 Valentine’s Bow from Ashley!<p>CLOSED- Comment #25 won- Shelly!<br /></p><p>Today’s give away was made by my good friend, Ashley. She also lives in Oklahoma. We met on an online baby board and just happen to live semi-close. We haven’t met yet but we keep making plans! One of these days, its gonna happen. Rett and Parker are the same age and its been fun sharing those crazy boy stories. Ashley lives on a wheat farm and always has fun stories of farm life! Here is her bow she is giving away:</p> <p><img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs013.snc6/166375_1805280620866_1505419976_1932310_1720873_n.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Here’s how you win! Post a comment for each step you complete, if you already follow or subscribe to my blog, just leave a comment saying ‘I already follow you!’ or ‘I already subscribe!’ </p> <p>1. Just leave a comment. A little love for Ashley is nice!</p> <p>2. Follow my blog.</p> <p>3. Subscribe to my blog.</p> <p>4. Follow Ashley’s blog <a href="http://ashleythefarmerswife.blogspot.com/">here</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p>4 ways to enter! I’ll be drawing a winner for this on the 11th! </p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13419002286754531896noreply@blogger.com31