More On Watches

We have had a few questions on where we got all of the materials for the bands, so we thought we would share some more!

We got most of the beads from Michaels and Roberts Craft. We also took necklaces that we did not like anymore and took them apart. We like having a lot of different sizes and shapes.

The stretch magic, glue, and lobster clips all came from Michaels.

We had a hard time finding the spacers at a regular craft store because they were always sold out. The ones we used we found at a local bead store. So, you may want to search online for those.

Lindsay told us about an awesome website to get watch faces! So check it out Here!

Germ Freak

I love how small this disinfectant spray is. It fits right in my diaper bag and comes in so handy with having a baby and being on the go! I found it with the travel size bathroom items at Target.

How to Make Beaded Watch Bands

My mom, sisters and I absolutely love our Bumble watches. We got together and made tons of bands to add to our collections. Here is how to make them and some of our designs. We found a little watch face and even made a couple of bands for my daughter. There are many different brands of these same kind of watches. Here is a website to our favorite brand if you to check out more.

What you need:

Lots of beads
Stretchy cording
Large lobster claw clasps
Spacers
Sissors
SuperGlue
Small Paint brush (optional)

The cording we used.

Our favorite spacers.

Step #1

String on a few small beads and two clasps as shown and attach to watch face.

Step #2
Start stringing more beads on to your liking adding spacers along the way.
You will use two spacers when making each band. Put one on about 1/3 of the way and the other about 2/3 of the way.

Step #3
Keep adding beads until you like the look and have the correct length.
Then add clasps and small beads like on the opposite side all to one side of the cording as shown.

Step #4
Tie coring together in a square knot.
Right over left, left over right. Check to make use it is secure.

Step #5
Use a small paint brush to apply super glue to help keep it all together.

All Finished!

Some of our bands.

All we made. It was so fun!

Covered Magnet Board

I covered magnet boards this past week. I made one for a gift and then one for me as well. I bought an unfinished magnet board at Roberts Craft.

Painted it Black
Covered the metal with fabric from the Quilt Barn Used a hot glue gun to attach the fabric
Put it in the frame--and that was it!
Here is the one I gave to my sister-in-law You could make this easy with a frame from anywhere and then just get some metal from Home Depot.

Mommy/Daddy Dates

This summer my husband and I let each of older kids plan one date with mom and one with dad. I thought they would plan something really big, but instead I was surprised with what they picked. The dates they planned were pretty simple.

My little 3 year old wanted to go to McDonald's and get a happy meal with me. He was so cute, and told me that it was his BEST DAY EVER and that he loved me so much. That was so sweet! It has been so fun to spend time with each child one-on-one. It is always interesting to me how the dynamics change when the other siblings are not around. It has been so enjoyable for us and our children. It makes the kids feel really special and is strengthening those relationships with them.

We want to continue to do this in the future. I just have to come up with a good system (ha ha, if you know me). Everything I do has to have a system. I am still trying to decide on how often to do the dates, a good rotation and at what age to let the younger ones start participating. If you have any good ideas on how you do this in your family I would love to hear them. Leave a comment!

Weekly Menu

Monday: BBQ with family

Tuesday: Spaghetti and Salad

Wednesday: Going to a Wedding Dinner

Thursday: Chicken Tacos

Friday: Hearty chicken and noodle casserole, cool and creamy salad

Saturday: BBQ on a bun

**Click on the links to find the recipes.

Baby Food

My baby is 6 months old and it seems like lately I have had tons of questions about what is the best way to start feeding my baby solids. I get the basics of it and all, but just wanted to know a good schedule to introduce certain foods. I have looked in books and online and feel like I have not found a set way of doing it until, yesterday when I went to the doctor. She gave me a great routine and schedule. Thought I would share for those first time mothers.

At about five months we started doing baby food.
Six months start feeding your baby your regular food. Nothing bigger than a pea.

First Month- soft foods, pasta rice, fruits, cooked veggies
Second Month- add in white meat
Third Month- add in red meat
Fourth Month- dairy

Every meal let them practice feeding themselves a little with their hands. Start using a sippy cup but take the "no spill" part out so it is more like a cup.

There were three things she said that she would steer clear of:
1. Any Nuts
2. Honey
3. Strawberries

I know that everyone has their own opinions and ideas. I liked what she told me because I felt like it had order and made sense to me.

Pirate Pool Party

My friend, Kathleen, had a pirate pool party for her son's birthday. She had a lot of really cute ideas.

The Invitation

It was made out of a brown paper bag that she cut and burned the edges. Inside was all the information along with a map and X to mark the spot for the party.

The Cake

The cake was my favorite part. It was adorable. You can find instructions on how to make a cake similar to this here.

Games:

Along with swimming and a slip-n-slide the kids played some fun games.

Pin the patch on the Pirate

Walk the Plank

Sword Fights with noodlesThe kids had cute pirate hats to wear and got to pick prizes out of the big treasure box after the games. They also got little treasure boxes filled with fun things to take home as a party favor.

A real live pirate even showed up to give the birthday boy a gift!

Hanging Letter

I had this G, but it was a little awkward because it would not stand up on a table and looked weird hanging by itself. So, I painted the G and board brown. Then I used Modge Podge to put scrapbook paper on the board. I had to use two papers to cover the board so I used ribbons to cover up my seams. I used wood glue to glue on the G. Screwed two holes in the board and hung it up with a ribbon. This hangs in my bathroom and has received a few compliments! It makes me happy because I was about ready to get rid of the awkward G!

Always Check for Coupon Codes!

I love to shop online. It is so fun putting everything in my shopping bag in the convenience of my own home with out my kids running crazy through the store. But I hate paying for shipping! It makes my good deals online no so good any more. So, before I check out I always do a google search for online coupon codes. Or retailmenot.com is my favorite site for finding codes. It only takes a few minutes to search, but with the codes I often get free shipping or a discount that saves me the cost of shipping. I love the internet!

Chicken Cheddar Rice Bake

This is such a yummy dish that my family loves. It's an easy one and doesn't take too much time. Thought I would share...

1/4 C. Butter
3 C. Cubed, Cooked Chicken
1/4 C. Flour
4 C. Cooked Rice
3 Chicken Bouillon Cubes
1 C. Shredded Cheese
2 C. Milk

Melt Butter. Blend in flour and bouillon cubes (crumbled). Gradually stir in milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in chicken. Spread rice in 8 inch square, greased baking dish. Spoon chicken mixture over rice. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until casserole is hot and bubbly. Serves 6.

{Whitney}

Weekly Menu

Monday: BBQ chicken Sandwiches (crock pot) & fruit salad

Tuesday: Eat Out

Wednesday: grilled salmon & rice packets

Thursday: chicken fajitas

Friday: stroganoff sandwich with veggies and dip

Saturday: manicotti, garlic bread and salad

Sunday: parmesan chicken, rice pilaf, rolls, veggie

Melt in Your Mouth

I got this recipe from one of my old neighbor Melissa. She brought it to me after I had a baby and few years ago. It tastes much better that it looks in this picture. I need to work on my food photography. ha ha

Crust:
1 c. flour
½ c. chopped walnuts
½ c. melted butter
Combine and spread in a 9x12 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes then cool.

Filling:
8 oz cream cheese
1 c. pd. sugar
1 c. cool whip
Bend cream cheese and sugar fold in whip cream. Then spread on crust.

2 small instant chocolate puddings. Follow package directions and spread on top. Spread the rest of cool whip on top. Let chill at least 4 hours before serving.

Crepes

We love crepes around here. They are so easy and yummy!! Here is the recipe I use:

1 C. Flour
1/2 C. Water
2 Eggs
1/4 Tsp. Salt
1/2 C. Milk
2 Tbsp. Butter (Melted)

First combine flour and eggs, adding liquid gradually. Beat until smooth. (I use the blender so I don't get lumps)

We love strawberries and bananas in them, but you can add whatever you want. Enjoy!

Free Fonts!

Who doesn't love darling free fonts? I just got done downloading lots of fun fonts from Kevin & Amanda HERE. I am so excited to get using them in my scrapbooks and other projects. They have great instructions and over 100 free fonts. My personal favorite is CRY KITTY. They also have over 300 handwriting fonts, and instruction if you would like them to make your own handwriting into a font for free. You need to check it out!

Wipe Case

I have tons of these wipe cases laying around the house. I have been wanting to cover them forever and finally found some time to do it.

All I did was cut a piece of scrapbook paper to fit onto the front and used mod podge to attach it. Then I used hot glue to add embellishments. I love using Fray Check on the end of my ribbons.
I added ribbons and a flower to the top. Here is how it turned out!
Here is the other one I made. I covered the whole top of this one because I am just going to use this one for storage instead of wipes. I might store either headbands or bracelets in it. I think I am going to make another one that matches my kitchen because I keep one by the high chair. Aren't these so much cuter then just a plain white case?!

I'm Bored Jar

I thought that this was a great idea to keep the kids entertained this summer. Whenever they get bored they can choose a paper out of the jar. "Take a Chance" some are chores and others are fun. I made this jar for my kids. They are really excited about it and have already done many of the activities. I found the idea at roommom101.blogspot.com and instructions HERE. It was great because all of the wording and activities were already typed out for you. I just picked the ones I wanted and added a few of my own. Simple, Easy, and Fun!