Pool Days Teacher Appreciation Gift

Hey Loves!

To know me is to know I love celebrating and although gifting is not my ministry, I love to show appreciation. This year my two most precious gifts have been loved,prayed over, protected and taught by some amazing people and I am so glad to show our appreciation to them.

As always, budget was a concern. nWhile teachers are worth all the dollars, I am not rich. I also needed to find a gift that would work for both genders and/or those not specifically identifying as female. I also really wanted my kids involved. They loved putting together the Christmas gifts for teachers and coaches so I knew they would love this too.

Once we narrowed down a theme, with lots of guidance, we decided on some items to help make summer time at the beach or pool more enjoyable. I ordered drink floats, cookies, hair ties and chair clips from amazon. You can find everything here.

Then, with my silhouette, I quickly the names of their teachers and applied them to the cookies.

Next, I designed these cute gift tags to to add.

After combing all the items in a Dollar tree cellophane bag and finishing with ribbon and tags, my kids and I wrote quick thank-you notes.

That’s it! To see how I put it together, check it out here.

Easy DIY Lego Trays

Hey Loves!

You ready for the easiest DIY ever? This one is for the parent over the lego “disagreements”. This is also for those who have spent entirely too much time for one very specific lego brick. Enter, lego trays. 

Supplies 

Everything is liked here

  1. Plastic or wooden large tray
  2. Lego plates
  3. Carpet tape
  4. Small storage Container 

Method

  1. If you found the tray and containers in your house line I did, clean thoroughly and let dry
  2. Using carpet tape, adhere the lego plate to the tray. To secure, place heavy items on lego plate for 15-20 minutes. 
  3. Do the same for the small trays. 

Voila! There you have it! A portable, light- weight, multi-storage lego tray with plenty of room for creating! 

12 Days of Gifting-Ideas for Everyone In Your Life: Keepsakes

Hey Loves!

Day 8 is GREAT! I love a keepsake gift and these are what we give to our parents for Christmas every year. Each one of them have been loved and appreciated by grandparents and each house guest of theirs admires them as well.

  1. Silhouette Portrait- I mean, is there anything more classic?!?!? I need to update my kids’ silhouette portraits. You can purchase these or do them yourself and pair them with a nice frame.
  2. Photo Ornament- These may be a dime a dozen but they are so cute and it is the gift that keeps on giving! Every Christmas after, you get to remember that little angel’s face!
  3. Digital Photo Frame- This has actually been on my list for a while but I never pull the trigger. I always marvel at them when I see one though! You can sync to your phone just upload them from a USB. I do love how you can update them though
  4. Recordable Story Book- Wanna read a loved one a story but they are far away? What about wanting to hear a story from someone faraway? Well, you can! Recordable stories can be found online or in some stores but the treasure of this gift stays in your heart.
  5. Gift Certificate for Family Photos- I’m not sure who won’t love this gift honestly! It is a winner all around!
  6. Personalized Mug- Ok, so it may seem basic but go with me on this one-parents, grandparents, aunties and dog parents alike are all about a loved one’s picture on something they drink out of. It is a proven fact.

2021 Boo Baskets


Hey loves!

Spooky Season is upon us and I am kicking it off with baskets again this year my little boos!

Can I be honest for a second? I’ve been exhausted… I’m talking about the kind of fatigue that is mental, physical and emotional. It is ever abundant and yes, while I am doing all I can to take care of myself, these boo baskets are a little skimp. However, that made me be really intentional about what is included and the intention I want to set for the upcoming fall season.

You all know how I feel about traditions, holidays, and memories. They are on the top of my list as far as parenting goes for me in my house. Yes, making memories with my family, regardless of what is or what is not in their boo basket, is what will happen. 

Now, to the deets of this year is boo baskets. I’m gonna go ahead right now and give credit to the Dollar Tree, Target Dollar Spot and Gymboree because those three retailers are literally where everything in my kids’ boo basket came from.

From Gymboree, the kids got two pairs of pajamas. Last year they asked me for skeleton jammies so I grabbed a pair of those as well as some super cute mummy ones. As usual, for holiday jammies I size up to make sure they fit and can hopefully wear them the following year.

From Dollar Tree, they got a spooky face sticker book, a wooden craft and cute jack-o’-lantern socks.

Rounding it out with the following items from Target Dollar Spot: window clings, a cute thing holiday book, glow bracelets, themed puzzle, and a little stuffed monster. I couldn’t leave these huge bubble wands there so I grabbed one for each basket.

The finishing touches are these adorable name tags from my favorite small shop, Grace and Grain Studio

That’s it!

Keep it spooky, ghouls.

First Day Teacher Gifts

Hey Loves!

To quote (and then add in to quote) the incomparable artist, Prince, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate a thing called” GRATITUDE. 

Note; This blog will be presented in two parts. 

Part 1: Here’s the thing, teachers, especially in this country, deserve all the things. I mean, I know after the last year some of you have decided to co to use to homeschool so you get it. You only have to educate your child(ren) and all that encompasses. You rightfully deserve your gratitude in verbal and physical gift form. As do teacher. 

I also know the last 1.5 years has been hard on everyone and there aren’t extra funds. You are trying to figure out how to get the essentials, and anything else is simply inconceivable. 

I GET IT!!!

As most of you know, my kids will be attending a full-day at our local homeschool program one weekly. As a homeschool mom, I know we are used to doing everything without any thanks. I’m not saying that’s right, just saying I sympathize. 

So, using $.50 markers, $.25 wooden key chains, old vinyl, a free printable and ribbon I had on hand, I put these together. I’ll be adding a little treat and BOOM! First day gifts completed for literally $1 each. 

You can substitute these fine tip markers for dry-erase markers, colored pencils, flair pens, etc. 

You know what you can also do?

Part 2: 

Again, the focus is gratitude here. It’s also great to practice a little empathy. 

Wouldn’t you want to feel seen and supported, especially after the last 18 months?

Instead of buying things, take the time to write this teacher a thank you note and include the days/times you are available to help. 

After the first week, kindly asks what it is they could use in her classroom and asses what you provide. 

Y’all, I was convicted putting these gifts together. As simple as they were for and as economical as they were for me, both could be way out of reach for another family but our gratitude and empathy remain the same. 

If you are going to give anything, my top suggestion is it needs to be useful. If you are unsure, your time is an amazing gift!

For future gift ideas, I put together these info sheets to really get all the deets on their likes, allergies, and needs. Hope this helps. 

Back-to-School Baskets

Hey Loves!

To know me is to know I love a board and a basket. Honestly, I adore them and I love how easy it is to make common necessities and/or some cute festive additions so much more grande and special. That’s my goal, the memories. I want, I guess I need my kids to feel so incredibly treasured it is foreign to them to not love themselves or others well.

Anywho, here’s the rundown for all the things in their ‘Back To School” baskets. I think I will present them the week before with a special doughnut breakfast. Thoughts?

You should know these freaking adorable labels are hand painted and personalized from Grace and Grain Studio. Seriously, the BEST customer service ever.

Both boys are getting the following:

Navy Backpack– I spent like 7 hours trying to find the best backpack for their needs as they will spend Tuesdays learning at a local homeschool program. These fit the bill and the budget. My prayer is they will last 2 years too. I also snagged lunch totes on clearance and personalized them myself. (Mine sold out so linking similar, check their clearance though!)

Speaking of personalization, I personalized two shirts for them; a polo with our homeschool name (state requirements as I have to register this year) and grade level t-shirts. I was on a roll so I personalized a crayon holder as well.

Not personalized but awesome, they got a primary composition book that leaves room for illustrations as we want him to practice writing short stories this year. I’m planning to have them dictate lots to me!

Acrylic Numbers: This was not a need. I couldn’t resist and can see us using these manipulatives for so many things.

Alphabet Jammies (linked similar but these and these are sooooooooo cute!!!)

Crayola Markers and Crayons (Not linked because they are legit everywhere from Dollar Tree to Dillards.)

The Drawing Book for Kids ( a gift from my aunt)

Crayola Band-aids (BullsEye Playground unconscious purchase. No idea how it happened.)

Here is where they differ…

Books: Jude got a signed copy of The King of Kindergarten and James got The Day You Begin (a gift from Grandma). They also got a “what’s different” activity book for the car or trips that are based on their level. (No link because I have no idea where I got them, I’ve hoarded them for a few years.)

Handwriting Practice: Each got a nifty board to practice handwriting. Jude got a manuscript lowercase letter chalk tracing board and James got a personalized cursive letter alphabet tracing board that is dry erase.

See? Everything is usable, sustainable and will last quite a bit as well as affordable.

James’ Level Up Gamer Birthday Party

Hey Loves!

I can hardly believe what I am about to type but James is six. I mean, didn’t I just share his birth story? How is this even possible?

Regardless of my disbelief, he, in fact, had a birthday. A birthday he has been very aware of. Like, 9 months before his birthday he started asking for a Star Wars birthday party. Now, there is nothing wrong with this but James has never seen a Star Wars film. At this point, he hadn’t even read a Star Wars book. I’m not sure if this what the cool kids are into but this was out of my depth. Still, I committed. After countless hours of research (Pinterest and IG searches are research), I realized just how out of my depth I was and something in fact had to shake. Despite my attempts to gently present alternative themes his mind was made. So, I activated daddy.

Yup, with no shame, I sent a text to my husband telling him to suggest to James a video game theme birthday party. It worked like a charm. I am a mastermind genius.

He was ecstatic! Elated! Over the Moon! Now, all I had to do was execute it… in a pandemic. Feeling like a “pandemic party planner vet”, I dusted off my shoulders and got to work. I started by ordering this decor set from Amazon and a few items from the Dollar Tree like plates, napkins, treat pails, etc..I topped that off with a curbside order from Party city for more plates, napkins and table cloths.

I should pause here and inform you that we planned on renting a video game bus for him, his brother and and 2 friends (our quranteam). Then, I realized it would be like $300 for 2 hours with a groupon… So, with the advice from my mom friends and donations from god parents, we bought him a Nintendo Switch. This was a leap for me… I have been very anti-video games because my husband plays them and let’s just say it has not been great for our relationship. That was my issue though and I could not let that effect James learning to play them responsibly and with supervision.

Because this was the most expensive thing he has gotten, I used this printable to have him hunt for it.

We started the day with a Pac-Man Waffle breakfast. Then, with a tub full of snacks, we let him play with his friends and go to town. We set up our projector inside and made a viewing seating with cushions, nugget comfort and anywhere chairs. For lunch, we feasted on “Super Sonic Dogs” followed by a Mario Pizza Party.

For an added effect, I whipped these up:

All Access Gamer VIP Pass: Using Canva, I designed them quickly, printed on card stock, laminated, and added these lanyards.

Personalized Snack Tins: Using my silhouette, I cut Playstation style controllers on grey vinyl and added text with a free font.

Water bottle labels, snack bag toppers: I used canva and specified the dimensions. I used the same photo, text and graphics to keep the asethic congruent.

Switch Island Cover: I saw this idea, and had to try and replicate it. It was very easy. Using plastic tablecloths, painters tape and construction paper, our kitchen island was turned into a very large Nintendo Switch replica.

The end. My baby is a whole kid and I am so stinking proud of him I have no words. Also, I am done with birthdays for 10 whole months and oh how my soul and wallet rejoice!

Love you! Mean it!

Celebrating Valentine’s Day At-Home

Hey Loves!

It is 2021 and we are still having holidays at-home. I mean, at this point, especially after I’ve realized the amount money I save, the memories that are made and seeing the joy on my kids faces, I think lots of the things we’ve done for “pandemic” holidays will stick when these times are just faint memory. Since Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year, I thought to get my kids involved with the planning and make an entire day out of it.

There are two parts to this-well, two focal points rather. Me and my husband. Me and the kids. Us as a family. Wait, that’s 3. I NEVER proclaimed to be a mathematician. Moving on…

Because I am a loved child of God, my mom is coming to visit the week before Valentine’s Day so my husband and are going places often. Any parent can relate on the joy of free and safe childcare and how one must take very opportunity to use it. After 2020, I will not be shy. So, my husband and I will have had our “date” fix and not need to schedule childcare and/or make reservations. If you do, do it now… actually do it yesterday!

Many will disagree here, but this time with your boo does not have to be fancy. I think time to just talk uninterrupted, eat like adults and enjoy each other bring some kind of restoration to people, individually and as a unit. As for actual Valentine’s day, we may enjoy a show together at the end of the day.

Next up, kids. Again, you do not have to this my way. Growing up, my dad always got me something for Valentine’s Day and I love the idea of continuing that with kids. However, with Christmas and Jude’s birthday less than 2 months ago and James’ birthday just 4 days after Valentine’s Day (not to mention me and the hubs celebrated birthdays in between theirs), your girl is a little tapped! So, their gifts are normally things I stashed over the year and put together real fast. Head over to IG to see how I assemble their gifts.

Now, for the family fun. Not to sound like a broken record, but make this unique to your family. My kids favorite vegetables are asparagus and roasted broccoli. They live for charcuterie boards. So, when I suggested we have a fancy family dinner, there was not a shortage of ideas. We also have family dance parties. We will probably watch a movie clad in Valentine Jammies. By movie I mean Avengers not a romcom. It will be low-key. Yours can be totally over the top. The point here is to make the memory and enjoy doing it.

Love you. Mean it.