Things I Love on Tuesdays....lego fun!

This week I feature something that might make for a great Easter basket treat.  I had always wanted to get my boys these and I pointed them out to Ed's mom when we shopped one weekend.  The next thing I know, two little cases with "Legos" stickered on the top arrived via the snail mail!  And the boys have been busy ever since.  The cases are big enough to keep them busy but not so big that they are overwhelming.  The lids close flush against the dividers so the legos stay in their spots even if they are tossed about.  The boys empty and fill them throughout the day.  And next weekend when we travel - heck we might get to bring some legos along :)

Things I Love on Tuesdays...cupcake papers!

I was recently shopping at Michaels craft store and in one of their many dollar bins I found these!

Aren't they adorable! They had sets with different farm animals. I wish they were mixed instead of 50 of one animal...but they are super cute! And you don't see the farm animal, since it is on the bottom, so you could ignore that part of it. The sides of the cups are decorated bright and cute too!

You get 50 for only $1.00!

Things I Love on Tuesdays...Clock Timer for Kiddos!

For Christmas I asked for and recieved this handy dandy clock timer.

It is made to help children get a handle on time. You just swing the marker to how many minutes you want to give them and then the children can watch as the red slowly gets smaller and smaller.

We use it for clean up time, for tv time, for wii time, waiting for a friend or relative to arrive, for quiet time, and lots more. It really is a great tool!

For more things people love...go here.

Things I Love on Tuesdays...packing lunches!

Lately, I have had some fun things come into my life that I have wanted to share.  So for a few weeks here I am going to share a post on Tuesdays showcasing a little item that I have come across and love. 

This first week I am going to showcase some lunch boxes that are AWESOME!  When I came across the website, http://www.easylunchboxes.com/ I knew that these were a hot item.  I emailed Kelly and asked her about her boxes and she stuck a set of the boxes and a case in the mail for me to try! 

 I am not in the lunch packing mode for the kids yet, but next year I will become an expert when Charley ventures off to all day first grade.  I do however, pack lunches these days for the boys and they love when they come in a fun box.  I also love to pack lunches when we go on adventures and I pride myself on having very little trash at the end of the picnic.  I also had a new years resolution to help pack Ed's lunch more often...not doing so well on that resolution lately.  Soon, honey, soon.

So this past week we journeyed to St. Paul to the Children's Museum and we brought our lunches.  I packed us each our own little tray.  They all three fit perfectly inside the lunch box that you can also buy on her site. 

The amount of food that you can fit into the compartments is plenty for a healthy sized lunch.  They are stronger than a "gladware" type container but probably not as durable as a "Tupperware."  But the price is incredible.  I have washed them in our dishwasher and they come out great!

After pulling them out at the Children's museum the boys sat with them on their laps, eating their lunch.  And the mom I was with noticed them...AND a stranger came right over and wanted to know where I got them.  They are that HOT! 

Visiting their site you can get incredible ideas on packing fun lunches.  GO CHECK IT OUT! 

And stay tuned...I plan to show off a few of my lunch creations and possibly hold a give away for a set of these awesome lunch containers! 

When you pack a lunch...what are some of your favorite items that you throw in?

These are a few of my favorite things...

It is that time of year when people are asking for gift ideas.   It is also cold and you tend to be cooped up just a little bit more.  So I have selected a few of my favorite things that you might consider for your Christmas list.  They are all things that I either can't live without, enjoy, or hope to get this holiday season! 

1.  My Ugg boots were a splurge a couple years ago.  It took me a year or two to brave the cost and get them.  But I can say that I have had these suckers for 2 years and they have worn wonderfully.  The style hasn't changed much so they are still current.  I wear them most days without socks and they actually keep my feet warmer when I don't wear socks.  I do this when I shove them on to run Charley to school or to the grocery store - because I like bare feet with slippers around the house. 

2.  When I mention feeding my kids lunch in muffin tins most people say their muffin tins are so baked in they couldn't serve lunch in them without cringing at the site of the pans.  So why not throw a couple new tins on your list so you have a couple for serving your children lunch in! 

3.  If you have kids and they are open to eating the skin of an apple...then maybe your only issue is coring the apple.  I got this apple corer from my mom - and she got it from Pampered Chef.  My boys love when I core the apple and then slice it so they get donut apple slices.  Or when I send an apple to school with Charley...coring it keeps it from turning brown all over like when I slice it. 

4.  I love a yummy Cafe Latte...especially a vanilla latte... but they are a significant splurge because the cost can be pretty steep when you indulge at a favorite coffee house.  But this time of year treating your self to an occasional warm yummy drink can make you feel cozy inside...even when you are heading to the dreaded office or are venturing to the doctor's office with one crabby sick child.

5.  Christmas music rocks out in our house throughout the day.  And I have fallen in love with the show Glee.  I didn't watch it last season but caught up this summer when they reran it.  Now I look forward to the quirky show on Tuesday nights.  This CD is an upbeat selection of holiday music.  My friend Paula recommended it to me and I am so glad she did!  SO FUN! 

6.   This shampoo and conditioner is my current favorite.  It is Coconut Milk Shampoo by Organix.  When you use it the scent makes you think of being on a tropical vacation...and this time of year is the perfect time for that fantasy!  It is available at Target and it runs about 5-6 dollars a bottle. 

7.  I have had many people ask how I make my photo collages or what I use to edit my pictures.  I subscribe for about $25 a year to http://www.picnik.com/ .  It is also available for free, buying the membership allows you more options for collages and editing.  It is really easy to use.  LOVE it! 

8.  Last Christmas I got this planner from Ed's mom.  It was my favorite gift last Christmas and I have used it and loved it all year.  It has space to keep track of exercise, water in take, meal planning,  a grocery list, and more.  It is a little bigger than a standard sheet of paper.  I LOVE IT!  They have one that not called a MomME planner...and they have a bunch of other really fun notepads and things.  I think it runs about $19.95 - TOTALLY WORTH IT!

So these are a few of my favorite things...


What kinds of things in your life would you recommend to someone as items that are must haves or items that make your life just a little more happy?

I also added a few of my favorite Christmas music to my play list at the bottom of my blog. 

And don't forget to comment on this post so you can enter to win one of my favorite bags!  I will pick a winner at 9 pm Today!

Things I love Thursday: Farm Fresh Eggs

Charley has a buddy who lives out on a good chunk of land where they will give raising chickens a try.  We got to visit the chickens yesterday during his playdate. 

On the way to pick him up the last few months I drive by a farm that has a sign out front that says Eggs.  Every time we pass by, I write the phone number down and about a week ago I finally stopped PROCRASTINATING and called. 

Yesterday we picked up three dozen eggs straight from the farm where the chickens run around happy as can be!  

 

I am hoping to ask the farmers for a little tour of the chicken coop...once they realize that we are committed customers. 

I don't do everything perfectly healthy in our house.  I also don't do everything organic.  But the two things that I am firm on are the eggs and milk.  The little bit I have read and heard leaves me feeling better when I know that our milk and eggs have come from cows and chickens that are raised happy and healthy - not modified, shot up with antibiotics, cramped in pens, filled with hormones (that some say are part of the cause of young girls maturing faster).  

So from now on we will be supporting a local farmer and enjoying farm fresh eggs! 

This post is linked to Anti-Procrastination Tuesday on Amy's blog New Nostalgia and Things I love Thursday. 

Things I love Thursday: Mrs. Meyers

 

I was introduced to Mrs. Meyers (the cleaning brand not the woman) a few years ago....  it is developed in Minnesota (making it kind of local).  We use the Meyer's handsoap and the Mrs. Meyer's countertop spray.  It is my small contribution towards the going green when I clean lifestyle.  This is a hard area to change but I believe just changing one product helps our earth.  However, I will also admit that sticking with Mrs. Meyer's countertop spray is more about how much I LOVE the scent and product.

Instead of buying a new spray bottle each time my mom figured out that you can buy Mrs. Meyer's All Purpose Cleaner in a 32 ounce container and you can dilute it 1/4 cup with a gallon of water to make the refill for the spray bottle...since the spray bottle is only 16 ounces...you use VERY LITTLE to refill your bottle!  We have had our refill bottle for over a year...

My favorite part of Mrs. Meyer's cleaning products:  They smell real (not chemically) and they don't leave a weird film on the counters.  I appreciate that the product is biodegradable and uses natural ingredients.  I love that it is safe around children.   You can visit Mrs. Meyer's website to learn more!

Go visit The Diaper Diaries for more Things people love on Thursdays

Incredible.

 

This looks incredible.

Babies.

Life.

One World.

Many experiences.

Can't wait!

April 16.

Jelly Belly Love

For Christmas Ed took the boys to Target and let them pick something out for me.  One of the items was a variety pack of Jelly Bellies...one of my favorites.  They have been taunting me since I unwrapped the gift.  Today I busted them out and immediately devoured one color in its entirety.  It is not normally the color I go for...usually it is the Very Cherry flavor.  However, lately, this other flavor has caught my attention.  odd. yes.  But boy did I enjoy the little stash.

Can you guess what flavor I devoured?  Ed will draw a name from a hat...of the people who guess correctly at 8pm tomorrow night.  If you are a follower...you get your name in twice.

And what is the prize....

Some Jelly Belly LOVE will come your way!

 

Score! Another great Birthday Gift....

 This Christmas Henry received the Melissa and Doug Cookie Baking set from his Grandma Charlie (maker of that adorable apron) and Grandpa Ed.  It was a HUGE hit.  Both boys have played with it a TON!

 

 

So when it came time to shop Grandma Charlie knew she was going to get him more of these awesome cooking sets.  However, I couldn't resist the cupcake set.  So we got him that one!  It even comes with markers that they can decorate the frosting with...and then wipe off!

 

 Today in the mail Henry received this ice cream making kit that is spectacular.  With magnets he gets to scoop and present cones of all flavor.

 

He is also baking up some yummy pizza!

 

And of course serving birthday cake! Plenty of cake!

 

 

He also received the sandwich making kit but he was smiled out by this point!

So all afternoon the two have turned our front room into a restaurant.  And they are serving up spectacular concoctions.  Note the baskets and other tools that my mom gave this Christmas (Team Grandma thinks a like!)

 

Charley was both a customer and cook.  Here he is putting mustard on his burger.

 

Ed had to work a little later this evening and walking in the door he could tell I am tuckered out.  We did a lot of playing and thank goodness all this food is pretend...because I started my healthy eating today...did the elliptical for 30 minutes...and am sore from working my muscles.  All good things...but makes for one tired mama!

Thanks Grandma Charlie and Grandpa Ed for such a fun gift!  All of it will be enjoyed immensely.  And if you are skeptical that these toys are worth it...take the chance...I was skeptical and even told my sister not to go this route at Christmas- which proves that sometimes you should just go with what YOU want to give and not what the mom is suggesting!

I wish I had bought stock in Melissa and Doug because this Christmas we have accumulated much of what they sell. Many of these sets were purchased at www.toysandgamesonline.com

Jackpot!

Henry's birthday has arrived.  Big Brother Charley has been obsessed all day with the presents.  Partly, due to the fact that he didn't know what Ed and I got Henry.  Charley picked out some Star Wars guys that are perfect for our two year old Star Wars enthusiast.  Ed and I managed to come up with a couple fun things for him. 

I know that because of where his birthday lies, we will forever struggle with ideas...since it so closely follows the Christmas season.  I am so excited with the ideas that I gave to family and the ideas that Ed and I came up with because he received all toys that will grow with him and be enjoyed for YEARS!  Proving this with the excitement Charley showed for each item. 

One of the gifts I will share with you today. 

I read about these people on one of my favorite blogs.  You can find her post here.

Her post got me so excited because my boys LOVE "guys."  For Christmas they got a bunch of Star Wars "guys."  Which they LOVE!  BOTH OF THEM!  Henry's favorites are Chewy (I am sure I am spelling it wrong) and Ben.  He carries them around and talks about them.  LOVE. IT.

I struggle with the Star Wars Guys because I don't enjoy the movies and therefore know very little detail about them.  Therefore, with my five year old son, Charley, I am unable to play Star Wars "right/correct." 

So when I read her post I got excited.  I figured these people would give the boys a break from the Star Wars play.  Henry would totally understand these figures - he knows Grandmas and Grandpas and brothers and sisters.  He knows babies, boys, girls, moms, and dads.  And similar to this other blogging mom - I do worry that our life doesn't expose them to as much diversity as I would like.  So why not throw five families of people into a bin and let the play begin. 

So my mom and dad, my brother, and sister (and family) went in together and got these.  TOTAL last minute gift idea that my mom, of course, magically made happen.  THANK YOU! 

Each family (there are five families: a Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American) arrives in it's own package.  Each family has a Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Dad, sister, brother, toddler, and baby.  Ed and I quickly opened them and poured them all together in a bin that I previously purchased for these very people.  Henry immediately found this fellow:  

and announced:  "SANTA!  SANTA!" He has since carried him around and even baked a cookie for the gentleman!

And my heart pitter pats because I LOVE these people and the fun that we are going to have - the fun I am going to have playing "right".  They will invade our castle, play hide and seek, pose for family pictures, go to school, and they might even battle Chewy, Luke, and Darth Vader someday! 

Thank you family for such a great gift. 

These are a few of my favorite things...

Usually, winter means walking to the mailbox can be a dreaded task each day....it is cold, slippery, and you come in trekking snow.  However, this time of the year...these four weeks of December... are the best four weeks of the year for mail.  I wait for the mail truck to show up.  I quickly throw on my boots or I convince Charley that what awaits at the end of the driveway is the most exciting thing of the day. 

I LOVE getting Christmas cards.  I especially love getting picture cards....and if there is a letter - BONUS!  I love hearing what is going on with people (especially those who I don't see often) and I do not look down on the tradition of a Christmas letter.  Many people are against the tradition...or say they will never send one.  My thought - they just don't think they can write one....or they don't have the time...because I know when I get an end of the year letter I can't wait to see what it says.  I have sent the Christmas letter in the past - this year I am just doing a Christmas card.  Ed suggested, in the middle of making him stuff envelopes, that maybe we should skip doing sending out a card.  NO WAY!  I LOVE getting the mail...and I LOVE knowing that I have made someone else's day by giving them some old fashioned mail! 

Thank you friends for including us in your holiday greetings. 

My question to you...what do you do with your holiday cards?  Do you display them?  Do you toss them after the season or do you keep them in an album?  I struggle with what to do with them after the season passes. 

Here is what I do with the picture cards we get:
I usually post the pictures of the kids my boys know on the bottom half.  They love seeing their friends!

Toys that are enjoyed daily in our house...

The time has arrived to fill stockings, shop for loved ones, wrap presents, donate to those in need, be Santa....etc.  I thought I would post a few of the gifts that we have given our children or that they have received.  The following gifts are items that I bend over and pick up DAILY!  They are favorites.  The sticker book isn't played with every day but it is an item that has organized an otherwise annoying collection.  A few other items that I did not include are "guys" of any kind, the castle Charley just got for his birthday, a Big Digger ride on truck, puzzles, and Quatro lego blocks (the big ones).   

If you have something that you have given or received that is a huge hit comment and share.  I know we are all looking for great ideas. 

 Crazy Forts these are like huge tinker toys...they actually work with tinker toys.  The boys still need help building actual forts with sheets but Charley can use these to build pet cages when he plays pet store.  He also uses them to invent larger tinker toy creations.  A great investment!

TinkerToys  Both our boys enjoy these daily.  They invent and build things.  Even daddy has built elaborate ferris wheels and robots.  I actually would love to get another set so that they can build bigger!

Play-Doh Burger Builder   This actual toy is a little dippy but it has kept Charley busy for 45 minute chunks of time.  We have gathered playdoh toys from garage sales. This one we got Charley for his birthday.  They also have an ice cream shop.  I remember this particular toy from when I was little.  Playdough is always fun.  Henry loves it too now. 

The Twilight Turtle  both boys have one of these.  Charley has the Ladybug.  They use them every night.  They have a timer that shuts off automatically after 30 minutes.  Friends have an older version and the stars aren't clear but the ones we have are awesome.  Very peaceful!

 
Board games...you can't go wrong.  Start with Candy Land...I think Charley started playing this when he was two...Henry is just about ready to give it a try.  Other favorites:  Caribou, Trouble, Zingo, Chutes and Ladders, Memory, Go Fish, Sequence for kids, Cootie, Elefun, etc....We love games. 

These are in the kids bath aisle at Target.  You drop one in the bath water and it changes the color...you drop two and your child will learn about mixing colors.  Great stocking stuffer...and they are not 10 dollars...more like 2-4 I think!

Give your child a baking mix.  Tell them that it is theirs to bake.  They pick the afternoon and you will be their assistant chef!

An old style photo album...the kind that have the plastic you pull back and stick the picture under and then try with all your might to get it to lay flat again.  Make it their "Sticker" book...maybe you had one when you were a child.  They can stick all the stickers in it as they collect them in life.  I know they sell cute ones...but I like these because you can stick an entire sheet in these and then go take them off if you want to use one.  Or they can remove and stick them on top of the plastic.  Might solve the problem of finding stickers where you don't want them.