How did that happen so fast?
Monday, November 19, 2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
One Kings Lane
Just a quick share today as we're on our way to a birthday party.
My shop, Green Baboon Designs had the opportunity to work with the amazing online home decor site, One Kings Lane for the holiday season. You can find my felted acorn ornaments here. Get them fast though, because once they sell out on the site there aren't any more available this season.
Cheers!
Simple Mama
Monday, October 22, 2012
As it seems to do lately, life just keeps flying by.
We're well into October (Hello! My birthday month! Feel free to send presents) and this is the first time I've had to myself to sit down and blog anything. And at 1:15 a.m. no less.
The Boy is thriving in kindergarten. He's made friends, loves his teacher, thinks P.E. is awesome. We had a few moments of worry about another student on his bus initially, but he worked through that problem with a grace and maturity that most fully grown adults lack.
Our mornings have settled into a wonderful routine. After dinner, lunch is packed for the next day and placed in the fridge. We look at the lunch offerings and he chooses the school hot lunch one day a week. Clothes are picked and placed on a special bedroom chair for easy changing the next morning. A story is read each night at 7 p.m. By 7:30 it's lights out. Because everything is prepared the night before, our mornings tend to run smoothly. We have a little hiccup now and then, but thus far we seem to have this getting-to-public-school-on-time thing down.
We even carve out a bit of space for this:
Yes, we're doing a kindergarten picture a day - these are just some of them. Totally his idea. I particularly like Day 26. It was a Monday.
Sometimes I remember to pull out the fancy camera. Sometimes I grab a quick shot with my camera or ipad. We change the number on the chalk board each night so it's not one more thing we're trying to remember in the morning. My plan at the end of the school year is to create a photo book using Mixbook or Shutterfly. Cool present for the grandparents, no?
I'm working (contemplating) getting back into the blogging habit. It seems like the world rushed by at break neck pace this summer and I just didn't have enough hours in the day.
Until I see you all here again,
Simple Mama
We're well into October (Hello! My birthday month! Feel free to send presents) and this is the first time I've had to myself to sit down and blog anything. And at 1:15 a.m. no less.
The Boy is thriving in kindergarten. He's made friends, loves his teacher, thinks P.E. is awesome. We had a few moments of worry about another student on his bus initially, but he worked through that problem with a grace and maturity that most fully grown adults lack.
Our mornings have settled into a wonderful routine. After dinner, lunch is packed for the next day and placed in the fridge. We look at the lunch offerings and he chooses the school hot lunch one day a week. Clothes are picked and placed on a special bedroom chair for easy changing the next morning. A story is read each night at 7 p.m. By 7:30 it's lights out. Because everything is prepared the night before, our mornings tend to run smoothly. We have a little hiccup now and then, but thus far we seem to have this getting-to-public-school-on-time thing down.
We even carve out a bit of space for this:
Sometimes I remember to pull out the fancy camera. Sometimes I grab a quick shot with my camera or ipad. We change the number on the chalk board each night so it's not one more thing we're trying to remember in the morning. My plan at the end of the school year is to create a photo book using Mixbook or Shutterfly. Cool present for the grandparents, no?
I'm working (contemplating) getting back into the blogging habit. It seems like the world rushed by at break neck pace this summer and I just didn't have enough hours in the day.
Until I see you all here again,
Simple Mama
Friday, September 7, 2012
Kindergarten....already?
A month again since my last post. So much has been happening. Our little man had a tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and tubes in both ears two weeks ago. Recovery was rough. And while this mama was in the hospital with him I managed to pick up a raging case of strep throat and double ear infections.
Yes. Things have been awesome around here.
Which is why, when my boy started feeling better a few days ago I was thrilled.
Today was his first day of kindergarten. I don't think anything could have held him back. He was SO excited. Excited for the school bus, excited for new friends, excited for a new teacher, excited to learn new things.
Do you remember when you last had that kind of excitement about life? About new possibilities?
It was amazing to see. Inspiring to witness. A little heart breaking because my baby is growing up so fast.
This journey is a whirlwind.
Yes. Things have been awesome around here.
Which is why, when my boy started feeling better a few days ago I was thrilled.
Today was his first day of kindergarten. I don't think anything could have held him back. He was SO excited. Excited for the school bus, excited for new friends, excited for a new teacher, excited to learn new things.
Do you remember when you last had that kind of excitement about life? About new possibilities?
It was amazing to see. Inspiring to witness. A little heart breaking because my baby is growing up so fast.
This journey is a whirlwind.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Bless me interwebs, for I have sinned. It's been over a month since my last posting.
We've been busy playing with Legos, reading books, participating in dance recitals and swim lessons, canning, cooking, going to the gym, thinking about washing piles of laundry, etc., etc., etc., We even threw in a round of illness and a severely sprained ankle.
In other words, we've been busy living life.
I did want to take a moment and share two recent photos. The first is of my precious little boy and his dance troupe. We signed him up for Ballet/Tap level one after he went to a take-your-friend-to-dance-class event. He loved it so much that he wanted to go every week. What's a mama to do?
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I love this photo so much. The thing that blows my mind is that all of these kids are within a year of each other. 4 and 5 years old. My boy, who is 5 in this picture is clearly on his way to becoming a giant. Is this what happens when you breastfeed for 2.5 years?
Anyhow...I digress. Dance is over for the summer, but he's graduated into Ballet/Tap II and has asked to continue. So we will.
The second photo I want to share with you, dear readers, is of the honey we have brewing on our counter. The Boy and I went to a local shop just outside of town and picked up a gallon of local, raw honey. We came home and poured the honey into quart jars over organic vanilla beans and organic sage freshly plucked from our garden. The vanilla honey will be a nice variation from our usual this fall. The sage honey is specifically for the upcoming sniffles, sore throats and colds that accompany a new school year and winter season.
I'm surprised by how much honey we consume here- between canning, tea, peanut butter and honey sandwiches and as a sweet topper to oatmeal, ice cream, and crisps, we often go through 2 - 3 gallons a year.
I hope your summer is keeping you sunny and warm,
Simple Mama
We've been busy playing with Legos, reading books, participating in dance recitals and swim lessons, canning, cooking, going to the gym, thinking about washing piles of laundry, etc., etc., etc., We even threw in a round of illness and a severely sprained ankle.
In other words, we've been busy living life.
I did want to take a moment and share two recent photos. The first is of my precious little boy and his dance troupe. We signed him up for Ballet/Tap level one after he went to a take-your-friend-to-dance-class event. He loved it so much that he wanted to go every week. What's a mama to do?
.jpg)
I love this photo so much. The thing that blows my mind is that all of these kids are within a year of each other. 4 and 5 years old. My boy, who is 5 in this picture is clearly on his way to becoming a giant. Is this what happens when you breastfeed for 2.5 years?
Anyhow...I digress. Dance is over for the summer, but he's graduated into Ballet/Tap II and has asked to continue. So we will.
The second photo I want to share with you, dear readers, is of the honey we have brewing on our counter. The Boy and I went to a local shop just outside of town and picked up a gallon of local, raw honey. We came home and poured the honey into quart jars over organic vanilla beans and organic sage freshly plucked from our garden. The vanilla honey will be a nice variation from our usual this fall. The sage honey is specifically for the upcoming sniffles, sore throats and colds that accompany a new school year and winter season.
I hope your summer is keeping you sunny and warm,
Simple Mama
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil - Giveaway! Ends 7-13
It's time for a giveaway folks!
I recently had the opportunity to receive and sample Tropical Traditons Gold Label Coconut Oil, and let me share with you how wonderful it is! Creamy, smooth, light and imparting a hint of that tropical coconut flavor I love....this is truly some of the best coconut oil I've had the pleasure of tasting - or using.
If you haven't tried coconut oil, you definitely should. We use it for a variety of applications in our home, not all of them cooking (although it's great for that too!)
When I opened my heavy 32oz glass jar of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Coconut Oil I knew exactly what my first order of business would be - I set about making some much needed, all natural lotion bars. In a few days I'll post a tutorial with my favorite lotion bar recipe, but I will tell you now this coconut oil imparted a lovely texture and scent to the bars - I was just thrilled with the outcome. I have plans to meet with a friend of mine and spend a whole afternoon making more for personal use.
I've also used my new coconut oil as a dairy free "butter" for an evening snack of salted popcorn. It does give the popcorn a slight coconut-y flavor, but both the 5 year old and I loved it. My husband? Not so much...but he's a well known diary connoisseur so I wasn't really surprised. For my son, who has a dairy intolerance, it was the perfect solution for his popcorn snacking needs.
Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.
I recently had the opportunity to receive and sample Tropical Traditons Gold Label Coconut Oil, and let me share with you how wonderful it is! Creamy, smooth, light and imparting a hint of that tropical coconut flavor I love....this is truly some of the best coconut oil I've had the pleasure of tasting - or using.
If you haven't tried coconut oil, you definitely should. We use it for a variety of applications in our home, not all of them cooking (although it's great for that too!)
When I opened my heavy 32oz glass jar of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Coconut Oil I knew exactly what my first order of business would be - I set about making some much needed, all natural lotion bars. In a few days I'll post a tutorial with my favorite lotion bar recipe, but I will tell you now this coconut oil imparted a lovely texture and scent to the bars - I was just thrilled with the outcome. I have plans to meet with a friend of mine and spend a whole afternoon making more for personal use.
I've also used my new coconut oil as a dairy free "butter" for an evening snack of salted popcorn. It does give the popcorn a slight coconut-y flavor, but both the 5 year old and I loved it. My husband? Not so much...but he's a well known diary connoisseur so I wasn't really surprised. For my son, who has a dairy intolerance, it was the perfect solution for his popcorn snacking needs.
Tropical Traditions is America's source for coconut oil.
Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their
website:
What is Virgin Coconut Oil? You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:
Tropical Traditions also carries
other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online.
Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.
To enter the contest, fill out the form below. You must sign up for the Tropical Traditions Sales Newsletter. Earn extra entries by commenting on this blog post and by following this blog, Homemade Serenity.
a Rafflecopter giveawayTo enter the contest, fill out the form below. You must sign up for the Tropical Traditions Sales Newsletter. Earn extra entries by commenting on this blog post and by following this blog, Homemade Serenity.
Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Fun With Science
Sick kid = science project time. Baking soda, vinegar tinted with liquid food coloring, plastic water dropper. A whole hour of quiet, focused fun.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
The Lego Party - Part Two
When I asked my friend Amy to take photos of H's 5th birthday party I knew she'd do a great job, but I wasn't prepared for just how beautifully she'd capture all the special moments that made up that great day. There's just so much to share and tell, so I'll jump right back in.
After we spent some time outside, it became clear that the kids (and adults) were getting warm. We moved everyone inside for our version of Pin the Tail on the Donkey...only this time it was Pin the Birthday Number on the Minifig. I found a basic black and white outline of a classic minifigure online and had my local print shop enlarge it for me. Using the same Avery round label stickers we used for the water bottles, we made #5 stickers for each child. We wrote their name on the front of the sticker and had them try to get as close the number 5 on the minifig's chest as possible. We had a couple of peekers...but it was all great fun.
The kids cooled off, and it was back outside for cupcakes and singing.
There are those stickers again! I had NO idea they'd come in so handy. The cupcakes were homemade, white wrappers were gluten free vanilla and red wrappers were regular vanilla. Can you tell it was my first time frosting cupcakes? My best friend drove down to help with final party prep a night early and we laughed and laughed about how "artistic" and "homemade" they looked.
We played "Guess How Many Legos?"
And just generally had fun.....
We made our way back inside for presents. I was torn about opening presents during the party. When I was a kid, we always opened presents during the party, but it seems that this is out of fashion nowadays. I've been to many parties where the presents sit discretely out of the way until after all the kids leave. I'm not sure the reason for this change in social norm, but I decided I wanted my son to open his gifts while his friends were there. If for no other reason than for a gentle lesson in grace and thankfulness. And, it seemed, all the kids wanted him to open their gifts while they were at the party as well. So that's what we did.
After we finished unwrapping presents, we had two things happening simultaneously. The mother of all balloon fights broke out, and kids took turns having their photos snapped in our homemade photo booth - which was really just a large piece of wrapping paper tacked to the wall. It was noisy, crazy, exhilarating fun!
Simple Mama
After we spent some time outside, it became clear that the kids (and adults) were getting warm. We moved everyone inside for our version of Pin the Tail on the Donkey...only this time it was Pin the Birthday Number on the Minifig. I found a basic black and white outline of a classic minifigure online and had my local print shop enlarge it for me. Using the same Avery round label stickers we used for the water bottles, we made #5 stickers for each child. We wrote their name on the front of the sticker and had them try to get as close the number 5 on the minifig's chest as possible. We had a couple of peekers...but it was all great fun.
We made our way back inside for presents. I was torn about opening presents during the party. When I was a kid, we always opened presents during the party, but it seems that this is out of fashion nowadays. I've been to many parties where the presents sit discretely out of the way until after all the kids leave. I'm not sure the reason for this change in social norm, but I decided I wanted my son to open his gifts while his friends were there. If for no other reason than for a gentle lesson in grace and thankfulness. And, it seemed, all the kids wanted him to open their gifts while they were at the party as well. So that's what we did.
It was such a perfect day. The kids all had a great time giggling, playing, socializing, running around and gorging themselves on sweets. My beautiful boy told me later that it was his most favorite day ever, and is busy "planning" his next birthday party. Me? I'd be remiss if I didn't admit I've already started thinking about the next party too. I had as much fun as he did. Thank you again to everyone who helped put this party together...from decorations, to sweet treats, to set up, to photography. You helped us make some very special memories together.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
The Lego Party - Part One
I feel like we've been prepping for this party for months now. I knew I wanted to make it special for Hunter. My birthday always fell right around Halloween, and while I don't remember much about the presents and gifts, I do remember my parents always invited a ton of friends over and made the party incredibly special. I wanted that so much for my own son, especially now, knowing that he's just at that age where he's going to start having memories of his childhood.
*We always order his birthday crown from my dear friend, Kelli at Oh Sew Sweet Creations*
With so much going on the day of the party I figured I wouldn't have much time to snap photos, so I enlisted the help of my friend and photographer, Amy Wilbanks to document the day. She did such a stunning job capturing the little details and amazing fun we had.
We sent out invitations my techie inclined husband created. Simple postcards printed at home that could be hand delivered or mailed depending on the destination:
I scoured the web and Pinterest for inspiration. There are so many great Lego birthday party ideas out there. I borrowed from some of my favorite parties and just ran with the rest.
Our dessert table was so much fun to put together. The weather has been gorgeous here in the Pacific Northwest for several days straight, so rather than keep all the kids couped up inside, (which was the plan if it rained) we held the party both indoors and out. It was a last minute decision to move the dessert table outside, but it really opened up space in our house for the kids to play and move around freely - even if it was a bit windy at times outside.
The sweet Lego brick cookies were sent by my friend, Anna. The edible minifigs I made using Wilton candy melts and a Lego minifig silicon mold.
I created Lego straw toppers using some free Lego head clip art I found online (Just type in "free Lego clip art" in Google.) We filled square acrylic containers up with various Lego colored candies as part of the buffet. The Lego brick candy can be found on Amazon. We layered pudding in the classic yellow, red, and blue Lego colors - although in the above picture it's been mixed a bit after one of the kids was eating it. I dipped giant pretzel sticks in more Wilton candy melts and sprinkled them with coordinating colored sugar - they were also placed in the square acrylic containers. Our water bottle labels were handmade. I cut 2 inch strips of bright card stock and placed a hand made sticker (Avery round lables) dead center. I sealed it to the water bottles using clear packing tape. Here's a good water bottle label tutorial.
Most of our decorations were handmade. From the giant Lego artwork created using old canvases, empty satin ribbon spools, craft paper, puffy alphabet letters and spray paint, to the paper garland from Hoop Da Loop on Etsy and my friend Lavina. Our home looked like a Craft Warehouse and Lego factory exploded in it for several weeks prior to the party.
Once the kids all arrived it was time to get down to some serious party fun. They all received Lego minfig t-shirts I created using iron on transfer paper. A few of the little girls opted not to wear their t-shirt during the party in lieu of their cute party dresses. Who could blame them? I made goody bags to look like Lego bricks and printed out each child's name in a free Lego font I found online, coloring around their name in yellow to give it the classic Lego appearance. Inside each gift bag I placed some Lego crayons, stickers and handmade Lego rings and necklaces for each child to wear.
We attempted a relay race where two teams split up and ran a Lego atop a spoon down the length of the yard and placed it into a bowl on the other side.
Notice I said, "attempted." The first few runners were totally on point, dashing across the lawn. But apparently the waiting in line was too much for the other 4 and 5 year olds, because soon, this is what we found:
I should have known that the big bin of Legos would be more fun than an organized relay race!
I let the kids play for a bit, and then we moved onto the pinata! Picture high pitched excited squeals and a raucous round of, "Pinaaaaaaata!!!!!" when the kids saw it come out. I opted for a pull string pinata because, well...I'm just leery of 5 year olds and sticks. Call me crazy. I followed the pinata tutorial From Delia Creates and it turned out great!
We opted to fill the pinata with goody bags instead of loose candy. Each bag contained a little Lego notepad, a Lego Memory game, and some Lego brick candy. All the kids picked out one bag - no hurt feelings because someone wasn't quick enough to gather up loose candy. Not pushing, frantic grabbing, shoving, etc. The pinata, because it wasn't bashed open with a stick can be used as a decoration in my sons bedroom now that the party is over. (Did I mention he's getting a bedroom remodel in Lego paraphernalia?)
Part 2 still to come...
Simple Mama
With so much going on the day of the party I figured I wouldn't have much time to snap photos, so I enlisted the help of my friend and photographer, Amy Wilbanks to document the day. She did such a stunning job capturing the little details and amazing fun we had.
We sent out invitations my techie inclined husband created. Simple postcards printed at home that could be hand delivered or mailed depending on the destination:
I scoured the web and Pinterest for inspiration. There are so many great Lego birthday party ideas out there. I borrowed from some of my favorite parties and just ran with the rest.
Our dessert table was so much fun to put together. The weather has been gorgeous here in the Pacific Northwest for several days straight, so rather than keep all the kids couped up inside, (which was the plan if it rained) we held the party both indoors and out. It was a last minute decision to move the dessert table outside, but it really opened up space in our house for the kids to play and move around freely - even if it was a bit windy at times outside.
The Lego Head cookies created by our friend Lisa, from Half Acre Homestead. The Lego men/women cookies created by our friend Joi at Robots Love Cupcakes. I created the DIY Lego marshmallow head pops from the tutorial at Living Locurto. The "Happy Birthday" flags are from Anders Ruff
I created Lego straw toppers using some free Lego head clip art I found online (Just type in "free Lego clip art" in Google.) We filled square acrylic containers up with various Lego colored candies as part of the buffet. The Lego brick candy can be found on Amazon. We layered pudding in the classic yellow, red, and blue Lego colors - although in the above picture it's been mixed a bit after one of the kids was eating it. I dipped giant pretzel sticks in more Wilton candy melts and sprinkled them with coordinating colored sugar - they were also placed in the square acrylic containers. Our water bottle labels were handmade. I cut 2 inch strips of bright card stock and placed a hand made sticker (Avery round lables) dead center. I sealed it to the water bottles using clear packing tape. Here's a good water bottle label tutorial.
Most of our decorations were handmade. From the giant Lego artwork created using old canvases, empty satin ribbon spools, craft paper, puffy alphabet letters and spray paint, to the paper garland from Hoop Da Loop on Etsy and my friend Lavina. Our home looked like a Craft Warehouse and Lego factory exploded in it for several weeks prior to the party.
This great poster with Hunter's name came from Anders Ruff.
Once the kids all arrived it was time to get down to some serious party fun. They all received Lego minfig t-shirts I created using iron on transfer paper. A few of the little girls opted not to wear their t-shirt during the party in lieu of their cute party dresses. Who could blame them? I made goody bags to look like Lego bricks and printed out each child's name in a free Lego font I found online, coloring around their name in yellow to give it the classic Lego appearance. Inside each gift bag I placed some Lego crayons, stickers and handmade Lego rings and necklaces for each child to wear.
Party bags securely in little hands, it was time to get down to the business of partying. We took the kids outside for photos in the Lego Minifig Place-Your-Face cardboard cutout I created. This was a huge hit for parents and kids alike. They all lined up to wait patiently for their turn to be photographed.
We attempted a relay race where two teams split up and ran a Lego atop a spoon down the length of the yard and placed it into a bowl on the other side.
I let the kids play for a bit, and then we moved onto the pinata! Picture high pitched excited squeals and a raucous round of, "Pinaaaaaaata!!!!!" when the kids saw it come out. I opted for a pull string pinata because, well...I'm just leery of 5 year olds and sticks. Call me crazy. I followed the pinata tutorial From Delia Creates and it turned out great!
Part 2 still to come...
Simple Mama
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