More things I love!

I have gotten a few new things lately and wanted to share the goodness with you all!

First off is a great site that is helping me teach Gabby how to write her name. It has tons of great free worksheets and makes learning to write fun for her. Go here to see what I mean!

We are so lucky to have found a great dog that is so well behaved most of the time and doesn't tear her toys up. She still has all the toys we got for her when we first rescued her! Well, I saw this toy awhile ago and knew that it was perfect for Spooky- it is perfect for keeping your dog busy and thinking. Better yet, there are other variations if your dog is as attached to the toy as ours is- a magician hat with rabbits, a bird house with birds, etc. Here is a good site to get it from!Nothing is worse than having your child sick and not wanting to eat anything. Last week when the "ick" claimed our house (all but me), I went to the grocery in search of popsicles and found the most wonderful new product- Slow Melt Mini Popsicles!! For some reason when I searched the web for them I could only find the full size Slow Melt ones, but believe me, there are mini versions that are perfect for toddlers. They have gelatin in them that makes them melt slower (or not at all if your kids are like mine) and are soooo yummy!

And finally, here is a cool and quick project for all you budding sewers out there- a simple Tea Towel Apron. Easy as pie and cute as a button!


I am sure that there will be more goodness heading your way, happy shoppin everyone!

To Ad or Not to Ad

I am noticing more and more blogs sporting fancy ads but today's ad sighting reminded me of why I am not loving the new trend. I totally get that it is an easy and free way to make money, but the last thing I want to see when I am looking at a blog that features kid products is an ad for a penis-enhancing pill as seen on www.CoolMomPicks.com. Not only does the woman in the ad look completely frightened of the man's "new look" (seriously scared!!) but I think it is really inappropriate. I expect those kind of ads on more adult-based blogs and site, not sites about kids.

I am ok with trading ad space for crafters on Etsy and such, that is supporting small business, but corporate ads on blogs and such just don't add up to me and actually turn me off of the site. I have heard a lot of talk about Project Wonderful on Etsy but I am still unconvinced that it is for me.

Am I alone in this train of thought?

Surf's up Saturday- Lucky You!

I know it has been awhile since I did a Surf's Up so here is a great collection of ideas, products, and websites sure to make your day extra lucky! Just click on the pic to go to the original site!

So different and trendy at the same time!
Brought to you by uncorked on Etsy!!

Isn't this necklace from Dogeared.com beautiful?
The best part is that when it wears out and falls off
your wish will come true!
Love it!!!

Want to know how to say "Good Luck" in tons of other languages?
Go here!
(Click on the blue words to hear them spoken!)

Want a great pastry or bread that also supports local Cleveland farmers?
Come to Lucky's Cafe in Treemont!

A necklace that is sure to bring you lots of good luck!
Another beautiful product from Etsy!

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Here is a good luck spell to help you in your everyday life:
For good luck, throw a pinch of salt over your left shoulder thrice each time saying.

“Bad luck turn and bad luck flee. Good luck fortune come to me.”

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Think you have the luck of the Irish? Learn your shamrock trivia and quiz your friends over a pint.

More Ick- Chapter 2

Well at least I had one day of non-ickiness.... the stomach bug has now claimed Klint and Gabby. Unfortunately when it hit Gabby we were sitting at the Nature Center watching a star show.... thank goodness I was with my friend Jess (my very understanding and tolerant friend!!). I rush with Gabby to the bathroom and beat feet out of there.
So now Klint and Gabby are on the couch, Gatorade in hand, watching Inspector Gadget. =(

Please pray for me that I do not get this awful bug.... please please please! (Somehow I think that it is inevitable though... even one of the kids I watch is out with it today....ugh!)

Is it Spring yet?

Finally the sun has decided to peek out. Even though it is 34 out it still feels nicer when it is bright and sunny. I think the worst of AJ's stomach bug is out, although there is some ickiness remaining. 5 loads of laundry later.... =(
Today is a pretty good day though, all in all. I made my first plush pear from my own pattern. Super duper easy. Here is how I did it:


find some scrap fabric
draw a skinny pear shape
cut out 4 skinny pears
sew all of the sides together, carefully matching up the curves, leave a bit of room to turn it right and stuff it
finish sewing the side after it is stuffed, leave the top part open to stuff the stem in
cut out a leaf shape
roll a little bit of brown fabric for the stem
attach stem and leaf.... and voila! You are done!!

Here are some pics of my recently finished projects- my book pillow, a cool sock monkey- complete with strawberry on the bum, the pear, and my bamboo handled summer tote!

Now what to do??

Tummy Troubles

Quick post: AJ has a REALLY nasty stomach bug, I have changed clothes about 6 times today, Klint as well. Poor thing! Hopefully no one else gets this... =(

Ugh!

So remember the post about us finding a great new place to live- well nix that!

Short version- nice guy turns out to be slumlord, yours truly goes with gut feeling that this was not the best choice after asking some questions about property upkeep, and thanks her lucky stars that it has only been 4 days since we gave money and DID NOT sign papers yet. Called up said slumlord to decline property and after TWO frustrating conversations involving arguing about "non-refundable safety deposits?!" and such....UGH! (Note: there is no such thing as a "non-refundable safety deposit" if it is not disclosed before signing lease!)

Luckily good legal advice was given and we should have everything settled shortly thanks to our Realtor and his attorney. Still, the thought that this guy thinks that he can keep A LOT of money when no papers were signed , we didn't move in, and certainly didn't do any damage to the premises burns my britches!

Lesson of the Day: If a landlord is not taking good care of the property when it is vacant, he is not going to take good care of it when you are there!

Enjoying the City

This week has been Field Trip Week- Krebs Style! Since we got our Boonshoft pass we have gone to the zoo three times, the Science Museum twice, and the Natural History Museum once- all in the last week and a half!!! =)
I absolutely adore a new friend that I made at the Lakewood Library, we have been hanging out a lot and I feel like I am back at college with my sorority sisters. She is down to earth, has great kids, and I feel like we have soooo much in common!
Here are some pics from our latest escapades:

Winner!!!!!

Thank you to everyone who entered my February giveaway!!! What nice comments and crafty tips! The winner is:

Pfeiffer Photos said...

I'd like a tote for school stuff! My project book fave right now is anything in the Pottery Barn library of home decor ideas/how-tos.

My name is Tina Pfeiffer
email: pfeiffer_photos@yahoo.com

Thanks!

Congratulations on winning a custom made tote (I love Pottery Barn as well!) I will email you and we will get going with making you a fabulous new tote! To everyone else, be sure to check back at the end of March for another great giveaway. =) Happy Crafting!!

DIY Japanese Style Book

Love love love this!!! Everyone knows that handmade gifts are the best and this tutorial for a handmade Japanese bound book is for sure a crowd pleaser!!! Little Bird Secrets has a wealth of tutorials, recipes, and just cool stuff. If anyone has a go at making a book please share, I can't wait to try it myself.