Archive for January, 2012

I’m always looking for fun stuff to do with the kiddos and it’s no secret The Discovery Science Center is one of our favorite spots! We were invited to  check out the new Dora & Diego – Let’s Explore! exhibit.

The kiddos were just giddy to get inside! Can you see the excitement on Cora Jane’s face!? She is VERY into Dora. So much so, that I may or may not have accused them of using subliminal messages in some way shape or form.

The exhibit is hands-on-fun. I got to follow Cy around while my hubby hung out with the big kids. It was awesome to watch him discover everything on his own. Though the exhibit is geared for 3-8 year-olds (in my opinion), he was able to find lots to do at each station. The maze below was a big hit with him…

How was I able to hang out with Cy??

I pawned off Tess on some friends. Jill from Sandy Toes and Popsicles and Liz from Thoughts of a Mommy. Thank you guys for blessing me with free arms!

Everything was really fun and the pirate ship was a huge hit with Eli!

The Dora and Diego – Let’s Explore! is fun fun fun. I recommend going if you have little ones. It was super interactive just like the Sesame Street one last year. There is so much to do it would be perfect for a one on one day. The exhibit will run from January 28th- – May 6th and is included in the regular ticket price (adult – $14.95, children 12.95). For loads of info about each part of the Dora & Diego exhibit click here.

Of course we have to do our regular Discovery Science Center stuff…

             H

    I think Tess may be a future Dora lover too…

We were on vacation this year for New Year’s Eve, so we didn’t get to celebrate our traditional New York New Years Eve Party (2011, 2010, 2009,). My friend Rachael got creative and we celebrated Italian New Year’s Eve at 6pm Ohio time.

Rachael found this idea and I think we are going to add it into our family tradition list-o-fun! You take down your Christmas tree decorations and replace them with goodie filled balloons ripe for popping.

We hit up The Dollar Tree for some festive wear.

Some people liked it more than others…

And we ate pizza. It was Italian New Years.

We counted down with the laptop…

…and then celebrated!

Then spent a considerable amount of time taking family/group photos. (This picture has the most people looking at the camera… and I’m not one of them!!)

Dessert was homemade cookies and Italian honey balls. We sang happy new year to the tune of happy birthday and blew out candles.

Why?

Just because.

Then we finished up the night with the grand finale – balloon popping!!

Money, candy or goodies were in each balloon. I think it would be fun to have a special balloon for each kiddo with their name on it and a special blessing or prayer for the new year inside from Mommy & Daddy.

This celebration was so much fun and sooooooo easy to do!! I’m already looking forward to next year!

After the busy month-o-Christmas, Valentines Day always sneaks up on me. And since Vday is Cora Jane’s birthday as well, I’m about to go into hyper drive!

I made this Valentines Day printable to decorate.

Simple and sweet as all those conversation hearts you’re about to eat!

Get a frame and print this Free Valentines Day Printable…

I got my frame at The Dollar Tree and painted it white for the grew/pink one.

I think red would look great with the red/pink one!

Happy Printing:

Grey and Pink 8.5×11

Grey and Pink in 8×10

Red, white and pink I 8.5×11

Red, white and pink I 8×10

I’m kinda obsessed with making printables now… that and the Amish. So look for more soon!

And don’t forget we are coming out with a new Lid in a couple of weeks. I’m planning the photo shoot now and getting ready to introduce you to the sweetest family ever!!

Dollar store earrings + spray paint = kick a%$ earrings

While walking the aisles of the 99 cent store I came across the cutest wooden earrings. So I bought 10 pairs.

REALLY!

I gave a few as favors at a craft night, kept one wooden and spray painted the rest.

You can do it in minutes too!

You’ll need:

~Earrings (duh)

~Spray paint (double duh)

~Needle nose pliers

~Some sort of drop cloth (I used a paper towel)

1. Use the needle nose pliers to remove all the hardware.

2. Lay the earrings on your drop cloth. Spray. Let dry. Flip. Repeat till you like the color.

3. Use the pliers to reattach the hardware.

I get compliments every time I wear mine… I’ll probably go back and get 10 more pairs.

REALLY!

Side note: I ended up getting my hair colored darker and loved it… but now I think I hate it. Blarg. (me with blonde hair below)

Sometimes after folks buy Lids they send me pictures of their adorable kiddos wearing them (or post them on our Facebook page).

I love it.

Like really LOVE it.

Because I really think people who buy Lids are my friends.

Is that weird??

Anyway, each Sunday I feature one of the Kids in Lids pictures sent to me!

This is 4 month old Dexter in the Navy Snowboarder Lid. As the only lil’ boy in a play class of 21 girls his Lid keeps the ooooos and awes focused on him! The pic is a little blurry but isn’t that smile priceless!!