LizzieJane Baby: June 2012

6.30.2012

Month End Moments

This month I came across a new blog that I'm loving. I'm sure I'm one of the last ones to hop aboard, but the gals at Eighteen25 have some great ideas and it is a great place for some amazing inspiration! They do a post every friday called the Friday Five featuring the top 5 favorite things that week.

I don't think my life is that interesting to do a weekly thing, but doing a monthly post about things that happened in my personal life or any inspiration I came across or just anything random that I want to remember, would be a fun thing to do.

It would not only help me remember something that I want to accomplish in the future, but let you know a little more about me and the happenings in my everyday life!

So welcome to LizzieJane's first ever

MONTH END MOMENTS!

Our family reunion in the mountains

The kids loved every minute of our trip and I can't help but smile every time

I see that dirty face on little miss!

Father's Day

I was able to spend father's day with my entire family!

Celebrating with my hubby and Dad.

We went up to my Grandmother's cabin and had a relaxing weekend together.

We hadn't all been together at the cabin like this for 5 years!

This quilt!

When I walked into the Scrapbook store and saw this quilt,

I knew I had to make it for Little Miss and her {future} big girl bed.

I love the polka dots and the colors!

I've never quilted in my life, so wish me luck!

Thank goodness for mother in laws who are willing to teach!! :)

These Fish Bowl Cake Pops from Pint Sized Baker

I now am working on a theme for an upcoming birthday party!

Both Mr. C and little miss have birthdays in the fall

Summer TV

All my summer favorites are coming back!

I usually watch On Demand after the kids go to bed. Perfect time for folding

laundry or finishing up a craft.

I could leave a list but it could get pretty long. Most of them are found on USA and Lifetime.

Why do these moms keep bringing their daughters back to this teacher??

My new Bossy Bag

A friend of mine makes these adorable bags to hold your phone and ID/credit cards.

Check out her Etsy shop to see all the options!

The hubs and I were going to a place called Dave & Busters and you have to have an ID to get in.

(Which I find to be a silly rule if I'm not going to drink. Put one of those underage bracelets on me instead.)

I usually put my phone and ID in my back pocket or that secret "pocket" all women have {bra}, but I don't want to sit down and break

something and when it's 110+ degrees outside, it can get a little sweaty in my other carrying spot. So this bag is a perfect solution! You can have it

with a wrist strap, like me, or a long strap that you can wear like a purse. She customized this one for me (I'm sure

she would do the same for you) with cherries and red and white polka dots! I LOVE IT!

Photoadayjune

My first ever photo a day challenge on Instagram.

I did really good in the beginning but not so great toward the end.

I'm so excited to use these berry baskets from Target. I can see them now,

filled with sweet summer cherries!!!

Swim Lessons

The kids started up swim lessons again and are doing awesome!

Even little miss isn't afraid. She doesn't really kick or use her arms very well

but she sure is trying hard!

Summer Movies at Harkins

A perfect way to get out of the heat and keep the kids entertained!

My kids LOVE popcorn and LOVE movies. It's a win win for us.

#10

Nuts about Daddy

This post has been my most popular post ever.

Over 7500 page views!

Which for this gal who just seems to be starting out, is pretty huge!

Thank you friends!

Thanks for stopping by and reminiscing with me as I reflect over the last month. I'm excited for the 4th of July and to once again, get out of the heat!

Who knows what will inspire me next month!

Stay Tuned! :)

6.29.2012

Patriotic Washi Tape Treat Bags

I don't know why I got so into the 4th of July and Patriotic crafts this year. Normally I don't do too much as far as decorating goes for the 4th. But I have loved making all these patriotic crafts this year.

It might be that last year my nephew was born on the 4th and so I've been helping my sister in law find ideas for his 1st birthday!

That is what inspired this project. There are so many cute parties out there with so many cute "accessories". I love all the coordinating treat bags and straws and candy cups, etc. It seems like it could get a bit expensive.

So this was my solution to an inexpensive yet cute accessory to baby B's first birthday party!

All it takes are 2 things, which I already had on hand!

My favorite white fry bags from restaurant depot & some washi tape from Target!

I think they turned out cute and patriotic. They will definitely serve their purpose at the party and are the perfect size for little hands!

My helpers had to help themselves to a sample!

Sadly I think this may be my last 4th of July post until next year.

But if you're looking for a last minute craft or treat for the kids to celebrate this coming week, see here and here.

Have a FESTIVE 4th!!

Liz

6.26.2012

Tasty Tuesday - SPAM A RAMA - SPAM a la King

For the month of June, I wanted to feature one item for the entire month on

TASTY TUESDAY.

So, this month we are dedicating to SPAM.

Welcome to SPAM*A*RAMA!

You may ask, why SPAM? To which I would answer, "I didn't know I would like it so much".

Another one of my favorite meals growing up was Chicken a la king.

My mom (and Dad) can make some yummy Chicken a la king.

So in honor of another one of my childhood memories, I subbed the Chicken for SPAM!

One thing I learned about this meal, there is NO need to add any salt. The saltiness of the SPAM and the chicken stock, give it plenty of saltiness. You could make your own biscuits, but I am too lazy for that, and just buy the ones in the tubes!

SPAM a la king

It's not something I would eat every day but, a plus for SPAM is that it can sit on your shelf for a little while, making it the perfect addition to a year supply.

This could be cooked up for either breakfast or dinner!

Here is where I'm linking up this week:

Mommy by day Crafter by night

A to Zebra Celebrations

Lolly Jane

Oopsey Daisy

Reasons to skip the Housework

I was not asked or paid to write this post. Just wanted to share my new found "like" of SPAM.

6.18.2012

Tasty Tuesday - SPAM A RAMA - Scalloped Potatoes with SPAM

For the month of June, I wanted to feature one item for the entire month on

TASTY TUESDAY.

So, this month we are dedicating to SPAM.

Welcome to SPAM*A*RAMA!

You may ask, why SPAM? To which I would answer, "I didn't know I would like it so much".

This is the recipe that I grew up on. I remember my mom making this for us and, as kids, we loved it!

It has been years since I've had it, so my mom shared her recipe.

I'm sure there is an easier way of slicing potatoes like chips, but I did it the old fashion way.

I put the baking dish on a cookie sheet because I wasn't sure if it would bubble over the side.

Sure enough, it did. I'm so glad I doubled up!

Scalloped Potatoes with Spam

It's not something I would eat every day but, a plus for SPAM is that it can sit on your shelf for a little while, making it the perfect addition to a year supply.

They turned out pretty good. Almost as good as when mom made them!

Here is where I'm linking up this week:

Mommy by day Crafter by night

A to Zebra Celebrations

Lolly Jane

Oopsey Daisy

Reasons to skip the Housework

I was not asked or paid to write this post. Just wanted to share my new found "like" of SPAM.

Firecrackin Picnic Poppers

For the last couple of years, we've gone up north camping over the 4th of July. We LOVE the 4th of July celebration in a little town not far from the valley. They have a cute little parade (they actually shut down the highway) and the BEST fireworks shown I've ever seen!!! It is such a break from the heat, and if you've ever watch a fireworks show in the valley, it's almost not worth it because of the heat.

Their fireworks show is done at the highschool in this canyon. The boom of the fireworks off the canyon walls almost takes your breath away. We've learned that because of the popularity, you need to get to the ball fields early to get your seat. We end up spending most of the afternoon and evening there, eating dinner, playing games and visiting. Although they have venders, a DJ and slides for the kids, we usually bring our own dinner and treats.

This year I wanted to make something fun for the kids to have especially for waiting for the fireworks to start. I decided to make these firecracker poppers full of fun treats and toys for each of the kids in our group. I think they are going to love these and hopefully keep them busy for a few hours.

This last weekend my family went to our cabin to celebrate father's day with my dad. I knew I would have some helping hands (my mom, sister & sister in law) to make all 6 that I was going to need.

Here is what you are going to need to make these:

canister with pop top
(ex: bread crumbs, oatmeal, pringles, nuts, anything cardboard)

scrapbook paper
(punches, washi tape, glitter glue, anything to decorate outside)

pipe cleaners

star garland

ribbon

scissors

glue (or tape)

mod podge (optional)

GOODIES for the inside!

drink, fruit snacks, glow sticks, stickers, action figures, necklaces, candy, etc.

I wanted to add some crayons and something to color (to keep them busy a little longer), but I couldn't find any 4th of July related coloring sheets at the store so I just decided to make my own. You can download these and use them for your own kids to color this 4th of July.

They will print 2 to a page. Just click on the links under pictures

4th coloring page 1

4th coloring page 2

Here is how you make them:

Using an exacto knife, we cut out the bottom of our canister and poured out all the bread crumbs. I even used a damp cloth to wipe out the inside a little and then let it dry.

Trace the bottom of the canister onto a piece of scrapbook paper.

Cut out AROUND the circle leaving about 1/4 inch outside. Then cut slits from the outside edge to your pen mark. (this will make it easier to fold up and over the canister.

Then fill your canister with your goodies (amazing what you can fit in there!) and then glue the new bottom on using glue or glue gun.

Now for the decorating!

Using scrapbook paper, washi tape, glitter glue and mod podge, we decided on our designs, glued on our paper and decorated our canisters.

Even my dad got involved!

Once the outside was decorated, we covered them with mod podge to make them look finished. Then I punched out some tags with the kids initials so we knew which one would be for which kid. I punched a hole in the tab of the pop top and attached my tags with ribbon.

Then I traced the lid onto scrapbook paper and cut out the circle to cover the top and then put the lid back on.

Here they all are! Ready for the finishing touches!

I made a tag for almost every letter of the alphabet. Feel free to use these for your own tags.

click on the link under the picture

Picnic Popper Tags

Lastly, we decorated the top to look like an exploding firework!

Using pipe cleaners, star garland, tulle, hot glue and a LOT of patience, we decorated the tops

They turned out really cute and I think us adults had just as much fun making them as the kids will have opening them and enjoying them on the 4th of July!

I wish I could take credit for this idea, but I originally saw these here.

If you have little ones that need a little entertaining, this is a great project. And most everything I needed to make it I purchased from the dollar store! Even the bread crumb canister (I'm too cheap to buy anything too pricey just to empty out for a craft).

If you are in need of more patriotic ideas for your home, see here, here and here.

Happy 4th everyone!

6.15.2012

20 bug crafts to make

After the recent bug crafts with the kids, I was inspired to search the web for more crafts that I could make with Mr. C. At almost 4 and little miss almost 2 they are fascinated by bugs. (Mr. C really enjoys smashing bugs these days.) So this is what I gathered to share with you.