A few years ago, I invited Emily to splatter paint the driveway with sidewalk chalk paint and she has not stopped talking about it ever since!! It was around that time when I realized the more messy the art project, the more memorable (and FUN) the experience becomes. So when the girls were feeling particularly […]
Toys vs Laundry Basket
The girls wanted to go visit with Grandma this afternoon, but thought it would be more fun to travel by boat instead of the 5 hour car trip. Who am I to stop them?? …and really, who needs toys when you have a laundry basket??
Around the Web — Displaying Kids’ Art
It’s no secret that I am a BIG proponent of displaying kids’ artwork in the home. Not only does it send the message that you value their work, but it is also super-cheap & stylish decor! Added bonus — GREAT conversation pieces, AND seeing kids art on display always makes people smile!! Our home has LOTS of […]
iPlay
Need to get hold of your peeps for a play date, call a princess, or just pretend to be important?? Then you need the latest in pretend play technology — introducing iPlay!! iPlay is not available in stores everywhere, but is made using THE most technologically advanced cardboard, specially engineered plastic film (i.e. recycled packaging […]
Giveaway — Stonyfield Party Prize Pack
I am SO excited to be hosting this super-fun giveaway from my friends at Stonyfield!!! Did you know that they have NEW organic frozen yogurt novelty bars?? They are dipped in dark chocolate, are cheaper than going out for ice cream, and they’re organic! So, no high fructose corn syrup, no synthetic growth hormones, and […]
Hot Air Balloon Ride
The girls enjoyed a wonderfully scenic hot air balloon ride this afternoon!! They flew SO high that when they looked down, all the people looked JUST like ants!! There were fierce winds to navigate….Oh, the thrill! The excitement!! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!! Somehow Mark’s ride wasn’t quite as eventful…. 😉 …. but it was […]
Photo Shoots on the Cheap
Please give a warm welcome to our newest sponsor, Kodak! From now until June 19th, visit a local Kodak Kiosk near you for a special BOGO deal on their 8″ x 10″ photo books — get two photo books for the price of one. These make great personalized gifts for dads or grandfathers this Father’s […]
DIY: Tele-Transporter
Airplanes are a hassle, trains are too slow, and cars can get stuck in traffic. What you really want is a tele-transporter to instantly transport you wherever you need to go!! The girls and I went to a local park to build a prototype for our own tele-transporter, and used it to instantly transport us […]
Father’s Day Gift — Daddy’s Car Wash Kit
Our girls love to help wash the cars, so for Father’s Day I thought Mark would like to have a special car wash kit to have on-hand to keep all his supplies together in one spot! This way he won’t be wasting time trying to find all the supplies that are “somewhere out there in […]
Around the Web — Cardboard Vehicles
Cardboard is one of our all-time favorite crafting materials because it’s super-cheap (if not free), and can be made into all sorts of amazing toys or play spaces for kids (or those of us who are kids-at-heart). Here are a few inspiring ideas from around the web to try for some great frugal imaginative travel […]
Our New Creative Space!!
Mark has been very hard at work recently — for our wedding anniversary, he transformed what used to be our dining room into a wonderful creative space for me and the girls. He installed all new flooring, lighting, and a pegboard wall — all budget-friendly!! This could win him Husband of the Year Award! I […]
Summer Fun — Let’s Build a Road!
As a kid, I remember using my dad’s electrical tape to make elaborate playscapes for my younger brother in my parents’ basement. There was a small-scale basketball court, a soccer field, and plenty of race tracks that were made over & over again — good times!! This afternoon, Clara and I built our own roads […]
Sunday Snapshot — Growing Garden
Much of the weekend was spent taking care of our lovely garden. This makes me SO HAPPY!!! There is plenty of fresh lettuce to share with friends & neighbors! Yummm!! Also?? I’m starting to get excited about the potatoes — BIG plans for those! Wishing you and your family a lovely weekend!!
I’m on Pinterest!
Exciting news!! Thanks to my lovely neighbor & friend Yelena from Chefin’ w/ Baby on the Hip, I’m on Pinterest! And I’ve been pinning away ever since! Pinterest is a FUN, easy, (and very addicting) way to catalog the things you love. Every day on my Pinterest boards, I’ll be sharing inspiring ideas for kid […]
How to Seduce a Man Using Bacon
Ten years ago today, I shamelessly seduced my husband Mark and tricked him into marrying me. Here’s how I did it using items I already had on-hand (super-frugal) in my tiny dorm room in college. Step 1: Cook bacon. Don’t let the man of your dreams get away. Be sure to keep a never-ending supply […]
Wordless Wednesday — Sprinklers!!
They say that money can’t buy you happiness, but for $4.99 it will buy you a sprinkler at Target — and that’s almost the same thing. Lots of good (clean) FUN!!
Inspired Picnic Spaces from Around the Web
We’ve been on a bit of a picnic kick lately, and I wanted to share some inspiring picnic ideas from around the web. So grab your favorite picnic blanket, pack up some tasty food, and enjoy some time outdoors!! Better Homes and Gardens has a great article featuring ideas for budget-friendly outdoor spaces. I love […]
Our Favorite Picnic Games
Know what’s LOTS of fun?? Grabbing the kiddos, packing up some lunches (or better yet, breakfasts), and whisking them away for an impromptu picnic!!! Whether you go to a local park, or just enjoy the time in your own backyard, here are some of our favorite picnic games to make things even more fun! […]