Tips for Paper-Mâché School Projects
Three times this year my laid-back 3rd grader came home from school with a list of projects she could choose from: make a model/diorama, dress up as a historical character and reenact a key event, do a powerpoint presentation, etc. Me: Powerpoint presentations are fun! How about a Powerpoint? Daughter: I think I’d like to make a paper-mâché model of (insert whatever topic it was). Me: Great! Super great! That’s cool too, I guess. You’re really missing out on this PowerPoint thing though. Daughter: I don’t think so. Me: (thinking to myself) The ONE time I don’t want her to be an over-achiever and she picks that moment to be one. Well, that backfired.…
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Happy Friday Folks! I’m taking the day off to do a little of this. While the kids do a little of this. I think they picked the perfect spot for a happy birthday celebration. I’m 99% certain I’ll be back on Monday. Maybe 98%… Share this:
Nine and Six
For the love. For all the love. My kids fill me with so much love, joy and sometimes exasperation that I want to burst. If you’re new to these parts, then here’s a bit of trivia for you. My kids were born three years and one day apart. I am either a brilliant planner or an abysmal planner. I’d like to think my kids share a special bond because of their close birthdays. I hope they will always have fun together, fight and makeup, cheer each other on, watch each other’s back and take care of me when I’m old. Like I said, a special bond. They have been counting down since, well, they…
Deconstructed Fresh Berry Oatmeal Crisp
What do you get when you combine fresh berries, pie, oatmeal cookies and homemade whipped cream? Heaven. You get Heaven on your tongue. Yes, it is that glorious. My inspiration for this treat was my inability to pick a dessert. Kidding. Not kidding. Actually, way back in the day, around 2 B.K. (before kids), my husband and I would frequently dine at an amazing restaurant in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, called Wildfire Grill. The chef made a berry crisp with sweetened, fresh (not cooked) berries and ice cream. The kicker was that the crisp part of the recipe was tiny oatmeal crisps. Kind of like mini oatmeal cookies. It’s hard to describe,…
Why a Good Book is a Secret Door
We have books in almost every room in our home. It wasn’t a conscious decision…just a reflection on the importance we place on learning and imagination. And, in all fairness, when it comes to my husband’s ugly computer books…I like to decorate by hiding them in plain sight too. My grandma was a first grade teacher and she retired before I would have been in her class, but she didn’t stop teaching in retirement. No. She taught me how to read before I started school. To say she gave me the greatest gift is an understatement. Reading unlocks all the world’s possibilities for a child. That’s why this TED Talk given by…
Vintage Wood Gate
I found a wood gate recently. Actually, Handy Husband found it and said, “hey, you should do something with this.” That sweet talker. This gate is the real deal. Kind of like me. The gate has the weathered patina that can only come from years spent in the elements. Kind of like…uh…wear sunscreen kids. It got me thinking, what could I do with this gate? Use it outside? Use it inside? I liked the idea of inside, but that moment of spontaneity struck when Handy Husband wasn’t home. My girl muscles are impressive, but I could still only lift one end of the gate. Getting it in the house without…
Dining Table Refinish
It’s confession time. I try not to become emotionally attached to inanimate objects. It’s silly in the grand scheme of things. I do know this, but still…I really, really love my dining room table. It used to be the lunch table at one of my favorite jobs. Over time, one too many hot paper plates was set on the table and the finish started to wear off. I bought the table and 4 chairs for $150. I was over-the-moon excited. The legs on the table alone were worth it. They make my heart go pitter-patter. But I’m not emotionally attached or anything. The good thing about the finish wearing off the…
That One Time I Went On a Trail Run
I’ve mentioned at least once that Handy Husband is a runner. He loves all the parts of running. The competition, the stats, the runner’s high, the gear, that part where your chest burns and your muscles want to die. Yeah, all of it. I run too. At least 3 times a week for the past 5 years. However, I’ve never reached the “love” stage of running. I’m still in the, “how far do I have to go so my pants still fit” stage. Handy Husband and I used to go running together. Then he decided to be a show-off and run 6-minute miles. I’d have to purposefully not tie my shoelaces very…
Upcycled Tic Tac Toe
My son’s kindergarten homework for the week of Earth Day was to: 1) play outside 2) do a project that involves reusing or recycling I was ALL on board with #1. In the interest of full disclosure, I had every intention of ignoring #2. It’s kindergarten. It’s not even required in our state. I know, I know. Mother of the year. Don’t worry. I have not sent my son down the path of underachievement…yet. We pulled the project off – even if it began accidentally. Here’s how it went down… While the kids were outside playing, I decided that would be a good time to apply a coat of stain…
DIY Felt Spring Wreath
I know you have been waiting with bated breath for me to share another felt project. Wait no more. I have a doozie for you today. Meet happiness on a door. Otherwise known as my spring wreath. In the interest of full disclosure, I love how bright and cheery this project turned out, but boy, was it a pain to create. Literally. Doesn’t that inspire you to make your own? I have a way with these things. I decided to make this wreath after seeing similar ones on Etsy. While my project was drastically less expensive, it did take me several nights to make it. I also incurred quite a few hot glue burns.…
