Baby It's Cold Outside!!

Ok, not just cold- FREEEEZING!!!!

It is all of 1 degree outside and my poor hubby has to be out in this, keeping the federal banks safe. Yikes! Even my kitty doesn't want to go out, the same cat who insisted on spending Christmas Eve outside hunting last year. I am all for ice, snow, and cold... but I expect it in Alaska, not here in Ohio! Now I have to go hide in my heated bed under my heated blankets with a cup of tea!

A Lil Zen for the Kids

We are all about being "peaceful piggies" in my house and I really enjoy finding children's books that help demonstrate those qualities that make up a peaceful mindset. One book that I found at the library was Zen Shorts by John J. Muth.

This book is one of those books that is going to be read over and over by both my girls and me. It is both charming and wise, attention grabbing and very....well Zen-like. The story is about Stillwater, a giant panda who moves into the neighborhood, bringing companionship and wisdom to two brothers and a sister. Their friendship grows while Stillwater retells three ancient Zen tales about materialism, good and bad, and what it means to hang on to anger.

What I love most is that the illustrations are gentle and soft and the stories are just as tender. Highly recomend it!

Another lil Printable for the kids

Well since I had such a great response to the print and color calendar for the kids and the print and give bookplates I decided to combine to two into a print and color set of bookplates.
My girls love love love to read and sometimes we lend out books to our friends so these funky bookplates are perfect.

Just print them out onto either label paper (the same as the previous bookplate post) or onto plain paper, color, and then attach to books! Simple and fun on a snowy, cold day like today!!

More fun Projects to try

Here are some more really fun and simple projects to try, I can't wait to do some of them once I am done with my current slew of things! =)

Cute Japanese Coin Purse
Party Garland
Dresser Makeover
Fabric House- this one is making a plush house that is filled with stuffing, more suitable for a baby than the other house which is more for a preschooler and up. Very cute!!!
Child's Tent
Fabric Fortune Cookie
Fabric Bucket
Japanese Knot Bag

Considering that the high tomorrow is supposed to be 8 degrees the Children's Tent might be a good idea to try! Happy Crafting everyone!

Home Sweet Home

So as many of you know I have the patience of a 2 yr old, especially when it come to crafts and new projects. After staring and staring at the tutorial of the plush doll houses I decided to drag up our ancient sewing machine and see if I could make a house for the girls.

I would like to say that on my first try I made a perfect house, however, the sad reality is that the first house was only suitable for AJ who wouldn't care that it was lopsided, the handles were an afterthought, and you couldn't tell that it had a roof! The second house though, was much much better. Actually I am very proud of it since my sewing skills are pretty basic and the only reason I was able to work the machine was thanks to my hubby who knew how to thread the needle properly, lol!

Here is the house I made for Gabby's Kokeshi dolls:

*The tutorial for this is here! Don't forget to check out the link to the Flickr group here to get some great ideas for your own house!!!

Something to Aspire To

I have been getting more and more interested in sewing since my curiosity led me to Spool Sewing and got me hand sewing little birdies galore. I think I may be getting a sew machine for my birthday this month and am already looking for fun projects to do. Here is my list of projects and talent to aspire to, especially this first one. Enjoy and please send me some more project ideas, how-to's, etc.... I have serious crafter ADD so I need a lot of ideas to keep me occupied!

Fabic Dollhouse - This is THE project that I want to master first! I am going to try to make two little pagoda's for the girls for Valentine's Day to house all their little Kokeshi dolls.
Pencil Roll and Art Bag - Perfect for car rides to Ashland!
Lunchbag- I would love to make a manly one for Klint so he stops using the blue shopping bags
Pillowcase Dresses- I have visions of AJ and Gabby wearing these all summer
10 Minute Headband- It is taking all my willpower not to try to do this one by hand, I really need to get some more patience....
Reversible Shoulder Bag- oh the possibilities... I am a serious bag junkie!
Ruby Doll- Because AJ will never have too many handmade dollies
Go Fish- What kid doesn't want to pretend to fish with cute fabric fishies?

So what are your favorite tutorials and projects? (Just don't make it too hard!)

A Lil Bit of Zumba Does a Body Good

OH MY GOODNESS!!! I am just now catching my breathe from my Zumba class that was from 6-7 and I feel like my butt was kicked by a pro. I promised myself that I was going to take it as much as I can since I get to take it free at the dance studio where I teach and it is ultra convenient that two out of the three classes offered follow two of the classes I teach so I don't have any excuses not to go. I have never felt as energetic and worn out at the same time, this is no comparison to taking a class instead of "working" out at home. I can never push myself the way a class can!

I heavily suggest to anyone who hates working out, loves shaking their butt to latin beats, and wants to just have fun to come to a Zumba class, especially the ones offered at Rock City Dance in Middlburg Heights. Aside from having great teachers (*wink*) Rock City's fitness package is awesome- for just $45 a month you get unlimited fitness classes which range from Cardio Boot Camp to Yoga. And you can try out a class for free to see if it is for you... with an offer like that what do you have to lose except for those pesky holiday pounds???

I can't wait to see everyone there!!!! (Be sure to bring a lot of water and a small towel, you will need it!)

Photo Meme

I was tagged by Prasti from Here to There for this easy photo meme:

• open the 4th picture folder in your computer.
• open the 4th picture folder in that folder and post it on your blog.
• explain the picture.
• tag 4 other bloggers to do the same (you can notify them in their comments section).

Photo Explanation: AJ and I were playing in the kitchen area and AJ thought it would be funny to put a mixing bowl on her head. So for about 25 minutes we took turns wearing the bowl... very stylish!!

Here are the 4 bloggers I am tagging:
1. Leah
2. Jen
3. Jessica
4. Bethany

Print and Give

I love giving books as gifts, if you do as well then feel free to print these bookplates for your next gift! They are suited for Avery label style 5168 or you can just print some out on paper and attach them with some glue. Let me know what you think!!!

My New Craft Space!

Da dada DA!!!!!!!! My Christmas present from Klint was finished this weekend and looks just like I pictured it. I am sure that there will be more additions to it, but I am loving having my own area to work and craft!