tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37296957270859792862024-03-19T04:35:41.070-07:00Crafty Confessions of a Brainy MomConfessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.comBlogger454125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-88129392445056248402019-12-19T07:42:00.001-08:002019-12-19T07:42:43.537-08:00New and DifferentOh Bloggiverse, how things have changed since my last post. We are now a family of 7, plus two cats and a dog. Two of my beautiful children have been diagnosed on the Autism spectrum, and I am now a full-time student at Weber State University (Go 'Cats!) studying psychology and neuroscience. Life has changed quite a bit, but I'm still crafty! As I start blogging again I'll still be sharing recipes and crafts, but I am also going to focus on life as an autism mom and student. I can't wait to continue my journey with you. Stay tuned for more!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/187/20C2180560E524CCCB6F5D52760552C8.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com164tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-7746520908533751442016-05-18T07:53:00.001-07:002016-05-18T07:53:55.407-07:00Just a Little UpdateIt has been a while since I've actually posted to the blog, so I thought I would catch everyone up while my kids play with sticky hands.<br />
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It has been a fortunate, and busy year in the Moon household. We bought our first house, my husband graduated college, we adopted 2 rescue cats, and 3 parakeets, and are having BABY #5!! That's right...another little boy to make messes and memories with. I've also been busy volunteering at the kids' school, and helping out the local humane society. You can see why posts have been scarce-though I've never stopped crafting or painting.<br />
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Hopefully I will have a few fun activities and printables to share with you in the coming weeks. Summer is my favorite time of year because I get to spend extra time with my munchkins, and that means more arts and crafts, and lots of fun.<br />
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Stay crafty!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/187/20C2180560E524CCCB6F5D52760552C8.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com255tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-68624185439003596352016-04-03T18:07:00.003-07:002016-04-03T18:07:56.145-07:00Make Believe You're Brave PrintableMy daughter has suffered from anxiety since she was little. She's a happy, bright, artistic child, but she is often bogged down by fear and worry. I had similar anxiety as a child, but I had a secret weapon: The King and I. Specifically, "Whistle a Happy Tune." If you've never heard it check out the video below. One of my favorite lines is "Make believe you're brave, and the trick will take you far. You may be as brave as you make believe you are."<br />
I played this song for Samantha and she loved it. As an extra reminder I made a printable to hang in her room. To print, just open the image, and right click and save.<br />
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I love this song, and it is definitely something to live by. What makes you feel brave?<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/187/20C2180560E524CCCB6F5D52760552C8.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com136tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-84453866969357214662015-08-01T07:00:00.000-07:002015-08-01T07:00:03.260-07:00Happiness Is a Warm Glue Gun and a Hot Cup of Tea PrintableI can't believe I forgot to share this amazing life event with all of you: We bought our first house! Yippie! Along with this crazy adult decision came something I've always wanted: My own craft room! I'm loving my new sanctuary, and have found there is nothing like drinking a hot cup of tea in your very own space. This is what inspired my latest printable: Happiness is a warm glue gun and a hot cup of tea. It's available in a dark and bright colors to match your special space. Just click and save the image, and print onto sturdy cardstock.<br />
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Happy Crafting!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/187/20C2180560E524CCCB6F5D52760552C8.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com132tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-50352737471084129542015-07-31T12:19:00.003-07:002015-07-31T12:29:50.411-07:00Doctor Who Inspired Play Signs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello Crafty Confessors and fellow Whovians! Today I'm posting a free Doctor Who inspired printable to let the neighborhood kids know when your little Whovians can and cannot play. This is especially useful on days when you're all still in your pajamas binge watching Netflix. Don't give me look. You know you've been there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/SyENBknrba/dwdoorprintblog.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> to download</td></tr>
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Download the door sign or click and save the image. Print onto sturdy cardstock, fold along the dotted line, and glue together. I used my paper trimmer to trim the sides and bottom. You can place the sign in your window, or add some ribbon and hang from your doorknob.<br />
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50 days until the series 9 premier!<br />
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"Hang" in there, and check out my <a href="http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2014/07/doctor-who-countdown-printables.html" target="_blank">Countdown to Doctor Who</a> printable.<br />
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<i>I do not own any part of Doctor Who, BBC, or anything even remotely affiliated. I'm just a rabid fan girl. Thank you. </i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/187/20C2180560E524CCCB6F5D52760552C8.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com172tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-45829535423661158962015-07-24T13:31:00.000-07:002015-07-24T13:31:11.560-07:00Mini Cup Pin Cushion and DIY PinsSay hello to my newest pin cushion.<br />
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This little thing started out as a decorative candle from Dollar Tree, but had a higher destiny: To keep my straight pins off my craft room floor, and out of the bottoms of my feet. Here's how to make your own:<br />
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Let the candle burn for a few hours, and pour the wax out. Don't worry if some wax gets left behind since the cushion will cover it anyway. If you can't find one of these cute candles you can use an espresso cup, or even a piece of a miniature tea set.<br />
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To make the cushion cut a circle from your desired fabric. Mine was around 6 inches across. Hand sew a running stitch around the circle, fill with stuffing (or steel wool to keep your pins sharp), and cinch it shut. Sew through it a few times to secure.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-29pXzokQA3E/VbKeQ2On4uI/AAAAAAAAGHU/I8-iJYltuAg/s1600/pincushion2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-29pXzokQA3E/VbKeQ2On4uI/AAAAAAAAGHU/I8-iJYltuAg/s640/pincushion2.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Put a few circles of hot glue around the inside of the cup rim and press the cushion in place. You'll only get one shot at this, so make sure it is where you want it.<br />
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That's it! Now you've got an adorable new pin cushion. But, wait! You need some equally adorable pins! If you are like me you've got dozens of random beads lying around. Give them some new life by placing a dab of E-6000 on and slightly below the pin head. Slide your bead to the top, and hold in place for a few minutes.<br />
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If you don't have the time or patience to hold the beads in place simply slide them into a piece of styrofoam or a soda cup lid and let them sit for at least an hour before removing.<br />
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For another easy pin makeover use Sculpy clay to cover the pin heads and bake at 275 degrees for 15 minutes. Both the pins and the cushion would make a lovely gift for any seamstress.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/187/20C2180560E524CCCB6F5D52760552C8.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-84582012485134859132015-06-25T14:44:00.000-07:002015-06-25T14:45:54.812-07:00Art Lessons for Kids: Picasso Faces <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today the kids learned about Cubism and Pablo Picasso!<br />
We Googled the definition of Cubism:<br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">A</span><span style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.2;">n early 20th-century style and movement in art, especially painting, in which perspective with a single viewpoint was abandoned and use was made of simple geometric shapes, interlocking planes, and, later, collage.</span></div>
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Once we learned the definition of Cubism we learned about the most famous of the Cubists: Pablo Picasso. MakingArtFun.com has a great biography on Picasso that is geared toward children. Check it out <a href="http://makingartfun.com/pdf/pablo-picasso-printit-biography.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>. After our Art History lesson it was time for the kids to create some Picasso faces.<br />
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Materials used:<br />
Printer paper<br />
Crayons<br />
Scissors<br />
Glue sticks<br />
Old Magazines<br />
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The kids started out by drawing the layout of their faces in black crayon. To begin a Picasso face draw an oval, or a large U that is rounded out at the top. Draw a zigzag line down the middle of the face, so it looks as if half the face is looking to the side. Add a neck and hair if desired. We expanded on our previous warm/cool lesson by coloring each side of the face either warm or cool. From there the kids cut facial features from magazines and glued them to their faces. They got a little wacky and even used kitty features from a cat food advertisement.<br />
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I love this project for several reasons:<br />
It's inexpensive.<br />
It reuses old magazines.<br />
It's doable for almost all ages.<br />
There is no right or wrong way to do it.<br />
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If you've done this project with your kids let me know how they liked it! :)<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/187/20C2180560E524CCCB6F5D52760552C8.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-83002573745276604752015-06-25T13:57:00.001-07:002015-06-25T13:57:14.554-07:00Art Lessons for the Kids: Warm and Cool ColorsI have been blessed with talented, brilliant children who ooze creativity. I want to encourage that creativity as much as possible, but HOLY COW are art lessons expensive! If we only had one child it would be doable, but with 4 children it just isn't in the cards right now.<br />
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Though I am not a teacher, or a professional artist, I have taken it upon myself to be my childrens' art teacher. While I have a few ideas of my own, Pinterest is my greatest ally for lesson plans and printables. If you'd like to follow me on this new creative endeavour I'll be sharing my resources and ideas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XQCorH8dnYo/VYxqhjgkKJI/AAAAAAAAGEg/R3Nac1TbH6I/s1600/artlessonplan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XQCorH8dnYo/VYxqhjgkKJI/AAAAAAAAGEg/R3Nac1TbH6I/s400/artlessonplan.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what I currently have planned-in no particular order. </td></tr>
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You can also follow my<span style="background-color: white;"> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/craftyconfessor/art-lessons-for-kids/" target="_blank">Art Lessons for Kids</a> board on Pinterest. </span><br />
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The first lesson with my little art students was on Warm and Cool colors. I found a great blog post from <a href="http://lauraspector.hubpages.com/hub/Color-Theory-Made-Easy---Childrens-Art-Project#slide8328766" target="_blank">Laura Spector</a> on HubPages and used her circle template for the hand tracings. I also used an awesome printable from <a href="http://joannajune.typepad.com/files/art2warm-cool.pdf" target="_blank">I Love You Because</a> to teach the kids about warm/cool on the color wheel.<br />
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The hands turned out great and it was a fun and easy introduction for the kids.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5dlbfA_E20/VYxqM1FmujI/AAAAAAAAGEY/3N6TSNvd0D8/s1600/daxhand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5dlbfA_E20/VYxqM1FmujI/AAAAAAAAGEY/3N6TSNvd0D8/s400/daxhand.jpg" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You'll have to pardon the lack of awesome pictures until I get a new camera.</td></tr>
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Check back for our next lesson on Picasso!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/187/20C2180560E524CCCB6F5D52760552C8.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-726834021487593722015-04-15T19:33:00.002-07:002015-04-15T19:33:36.825-07:00Painting: My New ObsessionDuring my time away from blogging I rediscovered my love of painting. I'm by no means a professional, but I find that sitting in front of a canvas with a cup of tea soothes my soul. Here are some of the paintings I've done over the last few months:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-woHyiXPficQ/VScp4e_6U9I/AAAAAAAAGA4/rJeFOhm8ni8/s1600/11038013_10206094058220106_3269176409179580166_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-woHyiXPficQ/VScp4e_6U9I/AAAAAAAAGA4/rJeFOhm8ni8/s1600/11038013_10206094058220106_3269176409179580166_n.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K2tt2L2V3BQ/VScp5Z3-A8I/AAAAAAAAGBM/l0VY_QHbxKE/s1600/1491758_10206165386083258_4741103810863284943_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K2tt2L2V3BQ/VScp5Z3-A8I/AAAAAAAAGBM/l0VY_QHbxKE/s1600/1491758_10206165386083258_4741103810863284943_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XT0OIREDDSE/VScp4WQ0lnI/AAAAAAAAGA0/7lErNpjhuvE/s1600/11021278_10206094056260057_4568116106926357796_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XT0OIREDDSE/VScp4WQ0lnI/AAAAAAAAGA0/7lErNpjhuvE/s1600/11021278_10206094056260057_4568116106926357796_n.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a></div>
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My daughter also discovered a love of painting and she is quite talented! Her dandelion paintings are my absolute favorite! Not bad for a 9 year old!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5hhCYmZ-hEA/VScqn4ApO4I/AAAAAAAAGBw/uL-4QAIkXd8/s1600/10428122_10206094032059452_7394809912670544635_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5hhCYmZ-hEA/VScqn4ApO4I/AAAAAAAAGBw/uL-4QAIkXd8/s1600/10428122_10206094032059452_7394809912670544635_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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What hobby soothes your soul?</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/187/20C2180560E524CCCB6F5D52760552C8.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-70029113906205161422015-04-11T06:00:00.000-07:002015-04-11T06:00:04.030-07:00Hope is Kindled Candle and Free Printable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8f8fgoaWRQ/VShJd2sgCHI/AAAAAAAAGC4/6ih_Sqolb5w/s1600/hopeiskindledcollage1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8f8fgoaWRQ/VShJd2sgCHI/AAAAAAAAGC4/6ih_Sqolb5w/s1600/hopeiskindledcollage1.png" height="147" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love Lord of the Rings. It is one of the greatest books of all time, and an absolutely brilliant movie trilogy. During the course of our 10 year marriage my husband and I have probably watched the full trilogy around 100 times. Not exaggerating. My favorite part is the lighting of the beacons. When Gandalf says "Hope is kindled" I get goosebumps. Every time I think the same thing: I want that on a candle! I finally got around to making a printable to create that candle.<br />
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Tape your tissue paper to a piece of printer paper using double sided tape and print the image below. Be sure to se double sided tape because regular scotch tape may melt in the printer. For large candles print as is (25%). For the smaller 3 inch candles print at 15%.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a1HdwaHfGPI/VSR7UshREXI/AAAAAAAAF_M/ULwK4W7OVYs/s1600/hopepng%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a1HdwaHfGPI/VSR7UshREXI/AAAAAAAAF_M/ULwK4W7OVYs/s1600/hopepng%2Bcopy.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/MkG7gJqFce/hopepng_copy.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> to download</td></tr>
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Carefully remove the tissue paper from the printer paper, and cut as close the to edges as you can. Hold the image against the candle and tightly wrap a piece of wax paper around the candle. Use a heat gun or a blow dryer to heat the candle until the entire image is covered and under the wax.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TOOO004AB3c/VSWvbQvD3FI/AAAAAAAAF_o/KkKj60T0TWI/s1600/20150408_160412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TOOO004AB3c/VSWvbQvD3FI/AAAAAAAAF_o/KkKj60T0TWI/s1600/20150408_160412.jpg" height="400" width="269" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mqeyA9Ex2MU/VSWvbKrJqLI/AAAAAAAAF_k/rHrXzuJcR0U/s1600/20150408_160716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mqeyA9Ex2MU/VSWvbKrJqLI/AAAAAAAAF_k/rHrXzuJcR0U/s1600/20150408_160716.jpg" height="400" width="280" /></a></div>
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Make sure there are no wrinkles in your wax paper or there will be bumps on your candle like there were on my first try.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5RVNkUNzZ20/VSWva62SW8I/AAAAAAAAF_g/uM0aAreuBfE/s1600/20150408_161448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5RVNkUNzZ20/VSWva62SW8I/AAAAAAAAF_g/uM0aAreuBfE/s1600/20150408_161448.jpg" height="400" width="262" /></a></div>
Now you've got a gorgeous tribute to Lord of the Rings, or just a wonderful saying to have around the house.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RmdUoqifTgk/VShB1rrRjyI/AAAAAAAAGCo/jVi87rwCzKM/s1600/hopecandle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RmdUoqifTgk/VShB1rrRjyI/AAAAAAAAGCo/jVi87rwCzKM/s1600/hopecandle.jpg" height="400" width="260" /></a></div>
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In addition to the printable for the candle I made an 8x10 that can be printed and framed. You can right click and save the image, or download the file from 4shared by clicking the link below the picture. The 4shared download does not have my watermark.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZyDQ8rdn4s/VSR6rF5h7-I/AAAAAAAAF-8/93vgwuiJzoU/s1600/hopekindledwatermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZyDQ8rdn4s/VSR6rF5h7-I/AAAAAAAAF-8/93vgwuiJzoU/s1600/hopekindledwatermark.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="http://www.4shared.com/account/home.jsp#dir=zk5fcztp" target="_blank">HERE</a> to download</td></tr>
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Have you read Lord of the Rings and/or seen the movies? If not, get to it! Fly, you fools!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/187/20C2180560E524CCCB6F5D52760552C8.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3729695727085979286%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-a1HdwaHfGPI%252FVSR7UshREXI%252FAAAAAAAAF_M%252FULwK4W7OVYs%252Fs1600%252Fhopepng%25252Bcopy.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 144px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3729695727085979286%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-a1HdwaHfGPI%252FVSR7UshREXI%252FAAAAAAAAF_M%252FULwK4W7OVYs%252Fs1600%252Fhopepng%25252Bcopy.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 144px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
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z-index: 8675309;"></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-height="28" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-19253929735212104842015-04-09T11:04:00.002-07:002015-04-09T17:52:06.946-07:00Summer Countdown Printable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you have kids in school? Can you believe that summer break is almost here? I honestly cannot considering I'm wrapped in a blanket watching the snow fall as I write this. Our school gets out May 22nd, which only gives us 43 days (31 school days)! Only 43 days until we (especially the parents) start counting down to the first day of school.</div>
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I've created a fun printable in two sizes to help you count down using our favorite method:<br />
The paper chain.<br />
You can right click and save the images below or download them from 4shared.com.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX6YDL9L4LY/VSa1hX8BqcI/AAAAAAAAGAE/dEgVezGSs68/s1600/countdowntosummerlandscape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX6YDL9L4LY/VSa1hX8BqcI/AAAAAAAAGAE/dEgVezGSs68/s1600/countdowntosummerlandscape.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/v2hcyiYZce/countdowntosummerlandscape.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> to download</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6SKQFfY506s/VSa1hZRsAdI/AAAAAAAAGAI/PB2uP_Pneq0/s1600/summercountdownprintable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6SKQFfY506s/VSa1hZRsAdI/AAAAAAAAGAI/PB2uP_Pneq0/s1600/summercountdownprintable.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/sF_Uqw9rce/summercountdownprintable.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> to download<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FQBMZPTORTM/VSceMugcQpI/AAAAAAAAGAc/Dj7UL2P1mSI/s1600/summercountdown1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FQBMZPTORTM/VSceMugcQpI/AAAAAAAAGAc/Dj7UL2P1mSI/s1600/summercountdown1.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5sr4mQbkO1w/VSceM878TFI/AAAAAAAAGAk/55epgEy2Kr4/s1600/summercountdown2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5sr4mQbkO1w/VSceM878TFI/AAAAAAAAGAk/55epgEy2Kr4/s1600/summercountdown2.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
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Have you started planning your summer vacation yet? Here are a few posts to get you started.<br />
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Plan your summer activities with this simple <a href="http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2012/06/summer-bucket-list-printable.html" target="_blank">Summer Bucket List Printable</a><br />
Keep your child's behavior on track with this awesome <a href="http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2014/06/thats-ticket-behavior-incentive-that.html" target="_blank">Ticket Incentive</a><br />
Make your own lemonade stand with these cute <a href="http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2014/06/free-chalkboard-lemonade-stand.html" target="_blank">Lemonade Stand Printables</a><br />
Nothing says summer like an ice cream sundae bar! Get your <a href="http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2014/06/free-ice-cream-sundae-bar-printables.html" target="_blank">Sundae Bar Printables HERE</a>.<br />
An oldie but a goodie-these <a href="http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2011/05/kiddle-craft-homemade-pinwheels.html" target="_blank">DIY Pinwheels</a> are a hit at any age.<br />
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You can also follow me on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/craftyconfessor/summer-lovin-having-a-blast/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> for more ideas.<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-height="28" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-70543418519241890462015-04-07T11:46:00.004-07:002015-04-07T11:46:48.636-07:00What I Learned From My Time Away from BloggingI'm baaaack! My last post was in October, and that is far too long to be away from something you truly love doing. While I missed blogging, I'm very grateful to my dear departed laptop battery for giving me that break. I learned a few things in my time away from the blogosphere, and I'd like to share them with you today.<br />
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1. Life is not about capturing that perfect moment for a perfect memory. It's about a series of imperfect, goofy moments that add up to a whole experience. Those moments may include frustration, messes, and lots of photos where at least one person's eyes are closed.<br />
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2. It's not about impressing others. When I started blogging I just wanted to share my experiences. After a while I got caught up in Pinterest Perfection. I've written about this before, but I can't stress it enough. Life isn't perfect. I can guarantee you that 99% of the pictures you see on Pinterest (and this blog) are cropped to cut out a mess, or a couch cushion with a stain. I can't tell you how many times I've used "Retouch" to edit out crumbs on my carpet.<br />
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3. Being a mom is FUN! I didn't just learn this, but it needs to be said. Some of the best things in life involve messes and laughing children.<br />
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4. Art is wonderful for the soul, but it is important to step away from the sewing machine, easel, or glue gun and get some physical activity. I'm almost 30 pounds lighter now than I was when I stopped blogging. There are days when I have to force myself to thrown in a TaeBo DVD or run on the treadmill, but I never regret it, and I'm finding that I'm more creative on days when I've gotten at least 20 minutes of exercise.<br />
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There you have it. Droppin' some knowledge. I'll be posting soon with some new crafts and recipes.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/187/20C2180560E524CCCB6F5D52760552C8.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-40869358839697557402014-10-30T10:58:00.001-07:002014-10-30T10:58:21.188-07:00I Love My New Glasses From Firmoo!Do you wear glasses? If you do then you have got to head over to <a href="http://www.firmoo.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Firmoo</a> and check out their amazing deals and selection of frames.<br />
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I was recently asked to order a pair of glasses to give an honest review of Firmoo. The entire experience was quick and easy. I chose a pair of frames that I loved, but I wasn't sure how they would look on my face. Luckily Firmoo has My Virtual Look Viewer. I uploaded a picture of myself and got an idea of what my new glasses would look like. These are the frames I chose. Adorable, right?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g7n_AlAzqZc/VFJ6BEO45KI/AAAAAAAAF8g/Jygqi5ChHZI/s1600/middle-1-ejAG4POJSU-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g7n_AlAzqZc/VFJ6BEO45KI/AAAAAAAAF8g/Jygqi5ChHZI/s1600/middle-1-ejAG4POJSU-2.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
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My glasses arrived in less than two weeks. I was impressed with the nice, sturdy case, cleaning cloth, and nifty keychain to tighten the screws on the go.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CLBtkgsMVgo/VFJ7EozLjgI/AAAAAAAAF8o/XCC4hkEvIeE/s1600/00tt8TumL5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CLBtkgsMVgo/VFJ7EozLjgI/AAAAAAAAF8o/XCC4hkEvIeE/s1600/00tt8TumL5.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
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Most importantly, I loved my glasses, and still do. They are comfortable and high quality, and the lenses including scratch proofing! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJ6gs2WDE3k/VFJ7M1AP69I/AAAAAAAAF8w/mS7FINDdeX4/s1600/10672409_10204616976013974_4620194630024577882_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJ6gs2WDE3k/VFJ7M1AP69I/AAAAAAAAF8w/mS7FINDdeX4/s1600/10672409_10204616976013974_4620194630024577882_n.jpg" height="277" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'll definitely be ordering from <a href="http://www.firmoo.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Firmoo</a> again. To get your own pair of glasses head to <a href="http://firmoo.com/">Firmoo.com</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/187/20C2180560E524CCCB6F5D52760552C8.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-11851184905360425852014-08-20T15:34:00.003-07:002014-08-20T15:37:18.222-07:00Changing Table to School Command Station<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yNRyBhqgRpM/U_UfzSTOzAI/AAAAAAAAF5M/9iSrVOyu4sQ/s1600/%2Bcommandcenter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yNRyBhqgRpM/U_UfzSTOzAI/AAAAAAAAF5M/9iSrVOyu4sQ/s1600/%2Bcommandcenter1.jpg" height="400" width="325" /></a></div>
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Earlier this summer I posted my <a href="http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2014/06/free-chalkboard-lemonade-stand.html">changing table lemonade stand</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1cLkKMqln4/U_Ugfz1383I/AAAAAAAAF5U/ufith8R5U_k/s1600/10312383_10203940343778591_6041374958173774186_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1cLkKMqln4/U_Ugfz1383I/AAAAAAAAF5U/ufith8R5U_k/s1600/10312383_10203940343778591_6041374958173774186_n.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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The table also briefly served as a toy store. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hX761nwgDR0/U_Ugf1NbORI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/zrHfwIa9iI8/s1600/10491192_10204085075636797_1271270510306430279_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hX761nwgDR0/U_Ugf1NbORI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/zrHfwIa9iI8/s1600/10491192_10204085075636797_1271270510306430279_n.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
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Now that summer is over I'm repurposing the stand for a school time command station. I added some 3M hooks to each side to hang backpacks. I found a 2 pack at Smiths for $2.50. I got the adorable chevron and argyle bins at Dollar Tree. Guess how much those were? :p I also found the file holders and the chalkboard labels at Dollar Tree.<br />
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I'm using the file holders for school papers and homework. The bins store school supplies, books, and anything else they need. I also hijacked one of the bottom bins to store diapers and wipes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-upVpedyI6O4/U_UiUZvuPZI/AAAAAAAAF5k/VnQNYfNdTOo/s1600/scc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-upVpedyI6O4/U_UiUZvuPZI/AAAAAAAAF5k/VnQNYfNdTOo/s1600/scc.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It fits perfectly in the little corner by the doorway.</td></tr>
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The entire project-including the price of the changing table-cost less than $20. Not bad, huh?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/187/20C2180560E524CCCB6F5D52760552C8.png" style="border: 0px !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com63tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-20654101136828213302014-08-03T18:41:00.000-07:002014-08-03T18:50:26.802-07:00Nawgum Teether Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-engcEswtSTg/U97jEqZ5VWI/AAAAAAAAF4c/bThafr0kczU/s1600/nawgum-baby-beach-award-seals.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-engcEswtSTg/U97jEqZ5VWI/AAAAAAAAF4c/bThafr0kczU/s1600/nawgum-baby-beach-award-seals.png" height="226" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was recently sent a Nawgum teether to review for my blog. I'm on my 4th baby, so I've used a lot of different teething rings and toys over the years. Right off the bat I could tell Nawgum was different than the other teethers I've used. It is one seamless, nonporous piece of silicone that is uniquely shaped to fit baby's needs. Its cactus-like shape contains two arms and two "bumpers". Babies love to gnaw on their fingers, so the arms are molded to replicate a baby's finger. They are soft and rubbery on the surface with a hardened middle to simulate a bone. When I first read this I thought it was insanely clever. <br />
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The arms and bumpers also have different textures to help sooth my baby's gums. I've noticed that in the heat of his teething Calvin likes the arm with the bumpy texture. When he's just gnawing to gnaw he seems to prefer the smooth bumper. He's only 9 months old now, but the Nawgum is designed to help him teeth until 24 months. The unique finger-like arms will sooth his gums when those nasty molars start coming in. Nawgum is BPA-free and made with food-grade silicone, so it is dishwasher safe. My only complaint is that like his silicone binky it is a dirt magnet. Luckily it can be easily rinsed or tossed in the dishwasher.<br />
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The thing I love the most about Nawgum is that it was invented by a mom who was just fed up with teething. Sue Kellogg-NawGum's inventor-consulted with a group of dentists, an orthodontist, and a pediatrician to come up with the perfect design for babies 0 to 24 months. Go Mama!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qQAgM0ZgYiU/U97i8h8KrPI/AAAAAAAAF38/WtspN95wkHU/s1600/nawgum1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qQAgM0ZgYiU/U97i8h8KrPI/AAAAAAAAF38/WtspN95wkHU/s1600/nawgum1.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
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Calvin loves his Nawgum-which we have affectionately nicknamed his "Gummy". I would absolutely recommend this to anyone with a fussy, teething baby. You can purchase your own directly from Mello&Co's <a href="http://melloandco.com/shop/teether/nawgum/">website</a>, or check the <a href="http://melloandco.com/store-locator/">store locator</a> to find one near you.<br />
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Good luck with those drooling, adorable babies!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/187/20C2180560E524CCCB6F5D52760552C8.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com112tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-22674066359700648262014-07-06T08:18:00.001-07:002014-07-06T08:18:34.177-07:00Doctor Who Countdown Printables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello, fellow Whovians. The premiere date for the new series of Doctor Who has been released, and that date is August 23, 2014! If you're anything like me you've watched the<br />
BBC teaser trailers, and every fan made trailer you've come across on Pinterest and Tumblr. For those of you brave enough to display your obsession for the whole world to see I have created two printable countdowns to help pass the time, and show your Whovian pride. The first is a countdown chain and the second can be laminated or placed in a frame to use with a dry erase marker. You could just draw tally marks on your arm, but that might throw off your Silent count. ;)<br />
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You can right click and save the images or download them from the links below the pictures.<br />
Print on sturdy card stock, or laminate your TARDIS. Cut a slit in the bottom to attach the first chain, and go from there.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Download <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/3KUtVN4Yce/dwcountblog.html">HERE</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Download <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/KnSvMiPaba/dwcountdownstripsblog.html">HERE</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTqLoxSx6AE/U67E2Z3lHHI/AAAAAAAAF2A/J4V67yHOPfY/s1600/dwdryerasecountdownblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTqLoxSx6AE/U67E2Z3lHHI/AAAAAAAAF2A/J4V67yHOPfY/s1600/dwdryerasecountdownblog.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Download <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/Yp_Txl_Sce/dwdryerasecountdownblog.html">HERE</a></td></tr>
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Are you excited about Peter Capaldi as the new Doctor? I'm really looking forward to what he will bring to the series, but I'll admit that I feel like I'm recovering from a bad breakup after saying goodbye to Matt Smith's Doctor.<br />
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47 days! Let the countdown begin!<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com162tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-62048278124895740802014-07-01T18:49:00.001-07:002014-07-01T18:49:13.985-07:00Chalkboard Play Table for Under $4I got our plastic Ikea table and chairs from a classifieds listing for $5 a few years ago. They have made it through two owners and three moves in perfect condition, but they just couldn't make it through Philly's "Trying Threes". Our little Dennis the Menace got a hold of some Sharpies and the rest is history.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GMjyErjBako/U7NksnrBVtI/AAAAAAAAF2U/JXtbc-tZj74/s1600/734726_10200407599462191_1271990044_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GMjyErjBako/U7NksnrBVtI/AAAAAAAAF2U/JXtbc-tZj74/s1600/734726_10200407599462191_1271990044_n.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a></div>
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Luckily, this was nothing that 20 minutes and a $4 can of Rust-oleum chalkboard spray paint couldn't fix.<br />
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Don't you just love cheap and easy projects?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/187/20C2180560E524CCCB6F5D52760552C8.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-54008259554749773962014-06-28T06:30:00.000-07:002014-06-28T06:41:04.974-07:00Mini Mud Pies On the Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPv7WtmOfxE/U64XcmVLbSI/AAAAAAAAF0c/M6F_eh_5KZw/s1600/mud+pie+title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPv7WtmOfxE/U64XcmVLbSI/AAAAAAAAF0c/M6F_eh_5KZw/s1600/mud+pie+title.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></a></div>
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Growing up dirt cups were my favorite snack. There was something so fun and adventurous about pretending to eat dirt and worms. I still remember the first time I had one. It was a treat for my kindergarten class and I giggled through every bite. Now that I'm a mom my kids love dirt cups just as much as I did. For their <a href="http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2014/06/diy-playroom-tents.html">playroom camping trip</a> I decided to make their favorite snack, but instead of cups I used mini pie crusts. The crusts were right next to the pudding at the store. It was fate.<br />
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The result was three very happy little campers and a hubby who exclaimed, "I just ate a worm!"<br />
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These mini mud pies would be great treats to make on a real camping trip since none of the ingredients need to be refrigerated.<br />
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Do you remember your first dirt cup?<br />
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Each set includes a color and a black and white version. I personally prefer the black and white family rules for our kitchen and the colorful playroom rules for the playroom. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xzm7O7kwUOU/U63lj8t30TI/AAAAAAAAFz8/Ht_k-iCSzGg/s1600/chalkboardrules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xzm7O7kwUOU/U63lj8t30TI/AAAAAAAAFz8/Ht_k-iCSzGg/s1600/chalkboardrules.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Download <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/_Y6pwwQCce/chalkboardrules.html">HERE</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Download <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/Fn0-Segcce/chalkboardrulesbw.html">HERE</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FowuwwBAVYU/U63ljsKqEeI/AAAAAAAAFz0/2NugbbRMn9s/s1600/playroomrules1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FowuwwBAVYU/U63ljsKqEeI/AAAAAAAAFz0/2NugbbRMn9s/s1600/playroomrules1.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Download <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/vXFMK_pWba/playroomrules1.html">HERE</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wo87O0Hic0o/U63lknSRKgI/AAAAAAAAF0I/XLPnWgr1Ro8/s1600/playroomrulesbw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wo87O0Hic0o/U63lknSRKgI/AAAAAAAAF0I/XLPnWgr1Ro8/s1600/playroomrulesbw.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Download <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/NKAgr-xBce/playroomrulesbw.html">HERE</a></td></tr>
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Of course I used <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=460974&u=934664&m=46133&urllink=&afftrack=">PicMonkey</a> to design these. Did you know PicMonkey now lets you use your own fonts? As if I wasn't addicted enough...<br />
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If you enjoyed these printables feel free to share and pin this post. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for even more goodies!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/187/20C2180560E524CCCB6F5D52760552C8.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-11489364270259473312014-06-26T10:11:00.000-07:002014-06-26T10:12:53.939-07:00DIY Playroom Tents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NiVlUzDSjl0/U6xSgp_r1lI/AAAAAAAAFzo/MRuxzug2Lhw/s1600/tentstitle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NiVlUzDSjl0/U6xSgp_r1lI/AAAAAAAAFzo/MRuxzug2Lhw/s1600/tentstitle1.jpg" height="211" width="400" /></a></div>
Let me start by saying that I HATE camping. I love the outdoors, but I prefer to come home at the end of the day, wash off all the beautiful nature and sleep on my comfy memory foam mattress. While I hate camping, I love tents. They are so fun and cozy! My kids agree, so I've been planning an indoor camping trip complete with tents.<br />
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While searching Pinterest for DIY tents I came across the perfect a-frame design from <a href="http://ana-white.com/2011/06/easy-kids-tent-reading-nook">Ana-White.com</a>. I also found an amazing loft bed design for my daughter's room. Be careful, that site is slightly addictive.<br />
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I slightly modified the instructions. Instead of 1x3 boards I used 1x2. They are only $1.07 at Home Depot! For the two tents I used 7 1x2x8 boards cut in half. This came out to 7 1x2x4 foot boards per tent. For the covers I used twin sheets. I also picked up two sets of battery-powered twinkle lights from Dollar Tree. The total cost for two tents came to less than $15!<br />
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Here are the results:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l-dWjbkoedg/U6xSd5NW_HI/AAAAAAAAFy8/e880hlOOB1Y/s1600/tents2blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l-dWjbkoedg/U6xSd5NW_HI/AAAAAAAAFy8/e880hlOOB1Y/s1600/tents2blog.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uEJU3Dm9kjE/U6xSeqM2QiI/AAAAAAAAFzI/WqT0BtQUfr0/s1600/tents3blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uEJU3Dm9kjE/U6xSeqM2QiI/AAAAAAAAFzI/WqT0BtQUfr0/s1600/tents3blog.jpg" height="245" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are some happy munchkins!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o3oEuanEwXY/U6xSeU9r4iI/AAAAAAAAFzA/imskur0SOYk/s1600/tents6blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o3oEuanEwXY/U6xSeU9r4iI/AAAAAAAAFzA/imskur0SOYk/s1600/tents6blog.jpg" height="332" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AW2YkVA_UjY/U6xSfk_mqhI/AAAAAAAAFzQ/2L7bL5pBCtA/s1600/tents8blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AW2YkVA_UjY/U6xSfk_mqhI/AAAAAAAAFzQ/2L7bL5pBCtA/s1600/tents8blog.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Sassy Pants in her natural habitat.</td></tr>
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The kids can't wait to go "camping" this weekend.<br />
To make your own check out the awesome tutorial from Ana White <a href="http://ana-white.com/2011/06/easy-kids-tent-reading-nook">HERE</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/187/20C2180560E524CCCB6F5D52760552C8.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-58184923009691070252014-06-21T18:02:00.000-07:002014-06-21T18:05:44.525-07:00Chalkboard Kitchen Table Revisited<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today's post is an oldie but a goody. To this day this is one of my favorite projects. Before continuing with this blast from the past, let me say that when I do this project again (and I will), I will be sanding the table first. I recommend you do the same. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aEnuD_byvE8/U6YpeTVWCnI/AAAAAAAAFyQ/dMNjzmBigVc/s1600/cbt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aEnuD_byvE8/U6YpeTVWCnI/AAAAAAAAFyQ/dMNjzmBigVc/s1600/cbt2.jpg" height="223" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My poor kitchen table. We got it as a wedding present over 6 years ago. In 6 years this loyal piece of furniture has been scratched, hot glued, Sharpied, painted on and had a bottle of nail polish spilled on it. With the exception of the Sharpie marks, these injuries were caused by Yours Truly.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ACNzh_jk-8/U6YpfZfGOhI/AAAAAAAAFyc/ol3HYltUk_g/s1600/cbt6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ACNzh_jk-8/U6YpfZfGOhI/AAAAAAAAFyc/ol3HYltUk_g/s1600/cbt6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been on a serious chalkboard paint kick the last few weeks and decided it would be awesome to have a giant chalkboard as a kitchen table. My husband didn't like how dark it was, so I added a few light touches with antique white paint and now we have a very happy family.</span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Materials needed:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Latex chalkboard paint--I used Rustoleum because it didn't require a lot of prep work</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Foam paint roller</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A tarp to protect your work area</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Antique white paint</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A paint stamp--I used a fluer de lis</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The common sense not to let your 3 year old bounce a ball anywhere near your work area. I make these mistakes so you don't have to!</span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Clean your table and let it dry. Paint your first coat and let it dry for at least 2 hours before applying the next coat. I did 3 coats.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Personalize your table with a stamp or stencil.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tuhZLQ-_JgU/U6YpeWq4NwI/AAAAAAAAFyE/LSuqkpSWq8U/s1600/cbt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tuhZLQ-_JgU/U6YpeWq4NwI/AAAAAAAAFyE/LSuqkpSWq8U/s1600/cbt1.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm really happy with how this turned out, and my kids think it is the coolest thing since Legos. :)</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUch1eQb-XU/U6YpefhNsfI/AAAAAAAAFyA/Y1Mu4AC5X4Q/s1600/cbt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUch1eQb-XU/U6YpefhNsfI/AAAAAAAAFyA/Y1Mu4AC5X4Q/s1600/cbt3.jpg" height="227" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xxvsBXRn234/U6YpfBzR44I/AAAAAAAAFyU/66DjT4MaTaw/s1600/cbt5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xxvsBXRn234/U6YpfBzR44I/AAAAAAAAFyU/66DjT4MaTaw/s1600/cbt5.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVQX5j2Qfx8/U6YpfLbFFUI/AAAAAAAAFyk/TH56mEG2KXw/s1600/cbt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVQX5j2Qfx8/U6YpfLbFFUI/AAAAAAAAFyk/TH56mEG2KXw/s1600/cbt4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-29-tkW1mFTQ/U6Ypf9ZLAdI/AAAAAAAAFyo/4AzVRjFHb9c/s1600/cbt7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-29-tkW1mFTQ/U6Ypf9ZLAdI/AAAAAAAAFyo/4AzVRjFHb9c/s1600/cbt7.jpg" height="258" width="320" /></a></div>
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Eat your heart out Picasso! </div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-80136278413198719112014-06-11T18:32:00.002-07:002014-06-11T18:32:52.828-07:00Lavender and Tea Tree Oil Cleaning Spray<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i3940DLNomU/U5kCxqKarDI/AAAAAAAAFxA/tWV8xjRO9to/s1600/cleaningspraytitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i3940DLNomU/U5kCxqKarDI/AAAAAAAAFxA/tWV8xjRO9to/s1600/cleaningspraytitle.jpg" height="400" width="292" /></a></div>
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For years I have been spending money on natural cleaning sprays because most chemical sprays send me into a full on asthma attack. Anything containing too much ammonia requires a visit from the dreaded EpiPen. When I finally ran out of my store-bought spray I decided to try making my own. The first few batches were too strong, too weak, or contained so much oil that it clogged my spray bottle. I finally got the formula right and it cleans like a dream! It was too good to keep to myself, so I'm sharing it with you.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
Tea Tree Oil-also known as Melaleuca (I had no idea for the longest time)<br />
Lavender Essential Oil<br />
Distilled White Vinegar<br />
Water<br />
Borax (optional)<br />
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Mix 2 Cups of water and 1 Cup of vinegar in a spray bottle.<br />
Add around 10 drops of tea tree oil and 20 drops of lavender.<br />
Finish with 1 Tbsp of Borax.<br />
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Shake the bottle and make your kitchen sparkle!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/187/20C2180560E524CCCB6F5D52760552C8.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-76885970236318208692014-06-10T12:33:00.002-07:002014-06-10T12:33:19.259-07:00FREE Chalkboard Lemonade Stand Printables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKsEmY9be_M/U5cyD8Z0-TI/AAAAAAAAFuI/M1gxKJ2dQPM/s1600/lemonade+printabletitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKsEmY9be_M/U5cyD8Z0-TI/AAAAAAAAFuI/M1gxKJ2dQPM/s1600/lemonade+printabletitle.jpg" height="217" width="400" /></a></div>
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'Tis the season for lemonade stands, and this summer marks our family's first one! Over the past few weeks our stand has evolved from a cardboard box (that tipped over after about 30 seconds), to a dressed up end table, to our snazzy upcycled changing table.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5luh3DL-YGc/U5ddQbqg59I/AAAAAAAAFvo/4B7DGdKuODE/s1600/10312383_10203940343778591_6041374958173774186_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5luh3DL-YGc/U5ddQbqg59I/AAAAAAAAFvo/4B7DGdKuODE/s1600/10312383_10203940343778591_6041374958173774186_n.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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I found the changing table for $7 on the local classifieds. I removed the straps, sanded it down, and gave it two coats of latex paint. For the shelves I mixed a few tablespoons of unsanded grout into the paint for chalkboard paint. WARNING: Only use 1 to 2 tablespoons per cup of paint. I figured a little extra couldn't hurt, and ended up with paint that I could roll into a ball. Oops!<br />
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Finally, I created some cute chalkboard (shocking, I know) printables to complete the look. You are welcome to use these for your own lemonade stand. Just download, or right click and save the image.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJ6dcbbAuYw/U5cyWNJduFI/AAAAAAAAFus/hzT7DRtVe3E/s1600/lemonadebanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJ6dcbbAuYw/U5cyWNJduFI/AAAAAAAAFus/hzT7DRtVe3E/s1600/lemonadebanner.jpg" height="143" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UwVdSKPKYPE/U5cyJb1XZWI/AAAAAAAAFuU/muCpCZeI4SA/s1600/le1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UwVdSKPKYPE/U5cyJb1XZWI/AAAAAAAAFuU/muCpCZeI4SA/s1600/le1.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Download <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/MngAMzhrce/lemonadebanner1.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2J1GOqxmyuY/U5cyK89jdzI/AAAAAAAAFuk/2OnhdddRbdg/s1600/lemonade2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2J1GOqxmyuY/U5cyK89jdzI/AAAAAAAAFuk/2OnhdddRbdg/s1600/lemonade2.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Download <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/XEQ3yYUDba/lemonadebanner2.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WcxDHoykSbE/U5cyG3s5xSI/AAAAAAAAFuM/3VzpVFdc74k/s1600/lemonade3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WcxDHoykSbE/U5cyG3s5xSI/AAAAAAAAFuM/3VzpVFdc74k/s1600/lemonade3.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Download <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/tZxpSTKsce/lemonadebanner3.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDOTaA2pwIY/U5cyJQL8NvI/AAAAAAAAFuY/hj2JZEYtsuQ/s1600/lemonade4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDOTaA2pwIY/U5cyJQL8NvI/AAAAAAAAFuY/hj2JZEYtsuQ/s1600/lemonade4.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Download <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/rv_jKxJWba/lemonadebanner4.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y4UGjFXtBKM/U5dKZWUZhsI/AAAAAAAAFvA/7xkXNZ1XPA4/s1600/lemonadeprices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y4UGjFXtBKM/U5dKZWUZhsI/AAAAAAAAFvA/7xkXNZ1XPA4/s1600/lemonadeprices.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Download <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/rWBXUonJba/lemonadeprices.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqGoIIzA6YU/U5dKZSY_WKI/AAAAAAAAFu8/6V3kQHCeXyQ/s1600/lemonadesign1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqGoIIzA6YU/U5dKZSY_WKI/AAAAAAAAFu8/6V3kQHCeXyQ/s1600/lemonadesign1.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Download <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/Bm97b3_Nce/lemonadesign1.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Download <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/-EZHOuPbce/lemonadesign2.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></td></tr>
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Have fun!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/187/20C2180560E524CCCB6F5D52760552C8.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-21985132135952431952014-06-05T14:43:00.000-07:002014-06-05T14:47:19.049-07:00FREE Ice Cream Sundae Bar Printables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In my last post I introduced our ticket reward system where the kids earn a fun activity every weekend. One of these activities was an ice cream sundae bar. As promised, I'm sharing the printables I created. There are two different concession card sets: One with the ticket amounts we used and one that just labels the toppings. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqtQGM9lbxw/U4yiJXaZwKI/AAAAAAAAFsM/YggrS9r0V_k/s1600/ticketpost2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqtQGM9lbxw/U4yiJXaZwKI/AAAAAAAAFsM/YggrS9r0V_k/s1600/ticketpost2.jpg" height="231" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can download the files or just right click and save the pictures.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2oTVY8nipIg/U4yv_wZ31QI/AAAAAAAAFrk/27s-_2hWBog/s1600/icecreamsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2oTVY8nipIg/U4yv_wZ31QI/AAAAAAAAFrk/27s-_2hWBog/s1600/icecreamsign.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Download <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/o1W95F-1ba/icecreamsign.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SHXTYTWdFuE/U4zPaEDtQQI/AAAAAAAAFr8/U8b-SvD3PY0/s1600/icticketsheet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SHXTYTWdFuE/U4zPaEDtQQI/AAAAAAAAFr8/U8b-SvD3PY0/s1600/icticketsheet1.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Download <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/0zbadaF4ba/icticketsheet1.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GK1FQHTYIAI/U4zPZR4UYnI/AAAAAAAAFr0/5ORUTp8wZu8/s1600/icticketsheet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GK1FQHTYIAI/U4zPZR4UYnI/AAAAAAAAFr0/5ORUTp8wZu8/s1600/icticketsheet2.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Download <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/uqDzaxLNce/icticketsheet2.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IaB6mN-40xI/U4yvwrbFdDI/AAAAAAAAFrc/uGHul1g_Z7A/s1600/iclabelsheet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IaB6mN-40xI/U4yvwrbFdDI/AAAAAAAAFrc/uGHul1g_Z7A/s1600/iclabelsheet1.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Download <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/0nTbhBFPba/iclabelsheet1.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DbDvl46OlY/U4yvvS1QyjI/AAAAAAAAFrU/Ec_30LpklI8/s1600/iclabelsheet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DbDvl46OlY/U4yvvS1QyjI/AAAAAAAAFrU/Ec_30LpklI8/s1600/iclabelsheet2.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Download <a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/slZ7G8T_ba/iclabelsheet2.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></td></tr>
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Enjoy your ice cream!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/187/20C2180560E524CCCB6F5D52760552C8.png" style="border: 0px !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FConfessions-of-a-Stay-at-Home-Mommy%2F119365771474073&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&stream=true&header=true&height=427" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:292px; height:427px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></div>Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17951196976634140247noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3729695727085979286.post-36958329166899387572014-06-02T09:18:00.003-07:002014-06-02T11:48:51.233-07:00That's the Ticket! A Behavior Incentive That Finally Works!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hlNCAxTy7WY/U4yiSRHTPZI/AAAAAAAAFrI/uI31GBkRLFg/s1600/ticketposttitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hlNCAxTy7WY/U4yiSRHTPZI/AAAAAAAAFrI/uI31GBkRLFg/s1600/ticketposttitle.jpg" height="524" width="640" /></a></div>
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Over the years I have tried countless behavior incentives with my kids. I've done sticker charts, crayon color charts (that worked pretty well, but we kept losing the crayons), and behavior apps. As the kids have gotten older the idea of a sticker or a smiley face has lost its appeal, so I abandoned the reward charts for the last year or so.<br />
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Last month I stumbled upon incentive gold completely by accident. I was planning a movie night concession stand and decided to use a left over roll of carnival tickets as money to buy treats. At the time Dax was still having trouble with accidents at school, so I told him he could have one ticket for every day he stayed dry at school, and two if he stayed dry all day and night. To be fair I let the other two kids earn tickets for good behavior. I turned an empty oatmeal container into a ticket bank with a printable that listed the behaviors that could earn them tickets. They can also lose tickets if they misbehave. By the time Friday's movie night rolled around the kids had been super well behaved and Dax was nearly accident free all week! I used these great printables from <a href="http://catchmyparty.com/blog/free-movie-night-party-printables-by-printabelle" target="_blank">Catch My Party</a> for our movie night.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6wZQYc9lSRU/U4yiJ25KaTI/AAAAAAAAFqw/l8hvr1Z7nkI/s1600/ticketpost1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6wZQYc9lSRU/U4yiJ25KaTI/AAAAAAAAFqw/l8hvr1Z7nkI/s1600/ticketpost1.jpg" height="372" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since the tickets had worked so well that week we decided to keep the ticket system and do a special family activity every week. So far we have done two movie nights, an ice cream sundae bar and a s'mores bar. I'm on a chalkboard kick right now, so I redesigned the ticket jar, and have created fun signs for each activity. I'll be sharing these later on the blog.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fqtQGM9lbxw/U4yiJXaZwKI/AAAAAAAAFqo/83Vf5EXV3eY/s1600/ticketpost2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fqtQGM9lbxw/U4yiJXaZwKI/AAAAAAAAFqo/83Vf5EXV3eY/s1600/ticketpost2.jpg" height="369" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-Z2U2x2nDA/U4yiJDMoXxI/AAAAAAAAFqs/xpQWQjAAOVA/s1600/ticketpost3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-Z2U2x2nDA/U4yiJDMoXxI/AAAAAAAAFqs/xpQWQjAAOVA/s1600/ticketpost3.jpg" height="473" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYqUEuDIGgA/U4yiOk__hZI/AAAAAAAAFq4/wcD2867xZeo/s1600/ticketpost4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYqUEuDIGgA/U4yiOk__hZI/AAAAAAAAFq4/wcD2867xZeo/s1600/ticketpost4.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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You can buy a big roll of tickets at a party store like Zurcher's for around $3. I covered a rice box and cut a slit in the side for a cheap and easy dispenser.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hr83pNqmgO0/U4yiRObXyDI/AAAAAAAAFrA/ZlHA-ftBH4Y/s1600/ticketpost5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hr83pNqmgO0/U4yiRObXyDI/AAAAAAAAFrA/ZlHA-ftBH4Y/s1600/ticketpost5.jpg" height="524" width="640" /></a></div>
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I can't tell you how happy I am with our ticket system. It has improved the kids' behavior and given us an "excuse" to spend quality time as a family.<br />
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