We're always HAIR for you! DIY Scrunchie tutorial and gift idea!

I serve in Young Women organization for my church and we try to recognize each girl on her birthday. Last year we did candy bars, but this year we wanted to do something different. Did you know that scrunchies are super popular among tweens/teens right now? I seriously couldn't believe it! I had TONS of scrunchies when I was a girl, so it's funny to me they are back in style. They are also SO EASY to make! The leaders got together to make a bunch for the girls and I designed the card to go with it.

Once the girls got wind we were giving out scrunchies for birthdays they begged us to do a scrunchie making activity! We had 4 sewing machines with leaders supervising each machine, but the girls did the sewing (even the youngest beehives with NO sewing experience). The great thing about scrunchies is that if you mess up, you can't tell because of how "scrunchie" the material is (see what I did there--haha!)

I would definitely recommend making a couple yourself before you teach your young women. I used two different tutorials to get the general idea before I set off making my own.

I used THIS ONE and also THIS ONE---they both pretty much say the same thing, I just needed some extra pictures to figure out how they were explaining how to sew your fabric tube together and hide your seam. Also...we figured out that if you cut your elastic a little bit longer you can just tie it in a knot and sew around the knot...it makes it really easy for the girls!

There are some really cute fabric patterns out there, so go crazy! We had enough scrap fabric as leaders that we didn't have to buy any for our activity. Another tip: pre-cut out the fabric. It saves so much time! I also pre-cut the elastic too.

Here's the birthday note! Just right click on the picture, save to your computer and print!

I have lots of other young women and primary digital files over on my ETSY SHOP...please check them out! And if you liked this post, please feel free to share! Likes, shares, and pins help my little shop stay in business! Thanks for stopping by!

Cupid's Delivery: Free Valentine's Day Roundup!

Valentine's Day is almost here! I've done my best to roundup the best and newest printables, lunch box jokes, and printables for any valentine's day classroom parties you might have coming. Enjoy!

The crazy straw valentine was a huge hit at my daughter's preschool a few years ago. I loved that they were a non-candy option too.

I've created a simple circle cut out that works as a tag with any Valentine, candy or not, for kids & adults. To download, CLICK HERE. At the end of this post there is another link to more printable classroom valentine tag ideas as well as classroom party ideas.

This next printable is probably my favorite. I get it out every year on February 1st and we take turns writing things we love about each other on it throughout the entire month. We have it displayed in a common area inside an inexpensive clear plastic frame. We write on it with a dry erase marker and wipe it off. The kids help me say things they love about their dad or each other. They especially love waking up and seeing what their dad and I have written about them!

To download the blank, I love you because page, click HERE

These next few printables are great to display in your home as part of your seasonal decor, can be printed smaller to use as tags or cards and are perfect as a fun way to dress up your valentine's day treats for friends and neighbors!

 To download all you need is love click HERE

 To download the red heart on stripes, click HERE

 To download the pink heart on stripes, click HERE

 To download love was made for you and me, click HERE

 To download the Valentine's Subway art, click HERE

To download the you and me print, click HERE

My first grader recently informed that notes from mom and lunch box jokes are all the rage at her school. She asked me why she hadn't gotten any yet. Not wanting her to feel left out, I'm excited I found this printable lunch box jokes from over the big moon. Click here to download.

Here are 30+ valentine's day printables for class parties over at pretty providence. Some of them are really cute and clever. To see them all, click HERE

Click here for a DARLING Valentine's Day Coloring Page

Click HERE for fun Valentine's Word Search 

Free STARWARS Printable Valentine's Cards are HERE

You're the WRITE friend for me! Pencil holder Valentine Card is HERE

As always, please use the printables for your own personal use and make sure to check out my Etsy Shop to see if there's anything else I can help you with. Remember, I do custom orders and have a variety of items in my shop for baby showers gifts, your church lessons and classes, as well as the ability to create a custom card, invitation, announcement, or design for your home! Send me a convo on etsy! Thanks for stopping by!

Special Delivery From the North Pole!

Who wouldn't love getting a present that is "legit" from the North Pole?!

I searched high and low for ones that were 1) FREE to download and use 2) looked "official" 3) could be printed on a sticker label (because I'm not cutting out or punching holes for ribbons in anything, sorry)

There were several that met the requirements and now I'm having a hard time choosing which ones to use! I can't wait to see my kids' reactions on Christmas morning when they see their Santa presents with these on them!

To download any of these printables, click to visit their website and instructions for downloading

Santa Labels from 100 Things 2 Do

from Hip2Save

From thelifeofthepartco

And if you're feeling extra festive and want to leave your kiddos a letter from Santa thanking them for the cookies or other special message, check out this cute letter!

From Overthebigmoon

Be sure to check out my shop to see what's new and remember that I LOVE custom orders! Thanks for stopping by!

DIY Gift Idea: Simple Sugar Scrub Recipe

It's that time of year again to recognize that special teacher in your child's life. I swear, now that I'm the parent instead of the teacher, the entire 9 month school year goes by faster than the 3 months of summer combined. Why is that? And how come pregnancy doesn't work like that too?

Last year, I did a free printable for teacher appreciation and I also shared some idea of things teachers REALLY want from students at the end of the school year. If you haven't already, I would definitely check that out!

This year, after racking my brain for something fun but still inexpensive, I found this super easy, all-natural recipe for a sugar scrub that I LOVED and decided to make some to give away to my kids' teachers. The recipe is sooooooooooo easy and is one you'll want to file away when you need a great gift for a friend (think Christmas and Birthdays!).

photo via

4 Ingredient Sugar Scrub:

• 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil, melted
• 1 Tablespoon extract of your choice (think vanilla, almond, peppermint, raspberry, coconut...or a combination!)

Mix the ingredients well. You can mix by hand or I used my food processor to make sure everything was mixed really well. 

Transfer mixture into an airtight container and it will keep for up to 2 weeks. 

This scrub would be cute paired with a colorful nail file and bottle of nail-polish. Add in the printable gift tag below and you've got yourself an easy, inexpensive gift your child's teacher will love!

photo via

To download the toe-tally awesome teacher tag, click HERE

Don't forget to check out my shop to see if there's anything else the teacher in your life would love. And remember, I do custom orders too! Whether it's an invitation, announcement, or a custom print for your home, I do it all! Thanks for stopping by!

Teacher Appreciation: What Teachers Really Want & Free Printable!

It's that time of year when students and teachers rejoice! The school year is coming to a close and while teachers may seem like the pillars of responsibility, trust me, they are just as excited for the year to be over as the kids. And it's not because they had a horrible year or hated their job. Teaching is exhausting! Teacher is hard work--physically and mentally. In my eight years of teaching experience, I put so much time, energy, and creativity into preparing lessons, teaching them, and grading papers that  by the time May rolled around, I was ready for a break!

Teachers teach because they love kids. Even if you were a parent who struggled to get along with your child's teacher this year, I still believe they should be thanked. Don't end the year on bad terms and use your experience as a learning one. (Side note: I would LOVE to talk to parents of my old students who argued with me about how perfect their student was and it was my fault their homework "got lost". I honestly believe that most of them would apologize and probably realized that it wasn't my fault after-all).

I'm sure we've all seen those cute crayon wreaths or pencil bouquets floating around as ideas for teacher gifts. Here's a tip: Teachers don't want those! Sorry, but it's the truth. We also don't want any school supplies at the end of the year. Save those for the beginning or maybe Christmastime when our supplies are running low. Instead, try some of these teacher appreciation ideas:

The number one thing I wanted from my students was this: A heartfelt note or fun questionnaire filled out by them (for my favorite questionnaire for younger students, click HERE). If your student can't write independently, help them, but otherwise the student should write it. Have them talk about their favorite activity, what they learned, and anything else that stuck out in their mind. I have kept all of my notes from students like this and they mean so much to me and are a fun reminder of past students over the last 8 years.

Other fun ideas that teachers really want: a gift card to somewhere to buy a treat. It doesn't have to be expensive. I once got a $5 gift card to Wendy's and it made my day! Gift cards to places like Sonic to buy a fun soda is also appreciated. Once a student asked me what my favorite treat was and on the last day of school she brought me a Dr. Pepper and a candy bar. I loved that she remembered!

Don't get caught up in the idea that your gift has to be crafty, grand, or expensive. When all else fails, a simple THANK YOU from your student to your teacher is greatly appreciated. The last few weeks of school are full of craziness, it's always nice when a student stops and remembers to say a verbal thank you.

NOW ON TO THE PRINTABLE:
I went to an education conference in April and one of the speakers shared this quote. I loved it! Teaching is such a selfless profession and I thought any teacher would love this reminder. Of course, the quote goes perfectly with a candle. This print is sized as a 4x6 and prints 2 on a page--so it's small enough to easily tape or glue onto the jar of a candle.

 

To download the quote, CLICK HERE

Teacher's will love being reminded of this beautiful saying on hard teaching days. A candle makes a great gift because the teacher can take it home or leave it in the classroom (although teachers shouldn't light candles at school, someone having an open candle near my desks helps relieve me of that stinky smell my room gets).

Don't forget to check out my shop to see if there's anything else that teachers in your life might enjoy! And as always, if you liked this post please LIKE, SHARE, and PIN. Thanks for stopping by!

2016 Mother's Day Printables

It's funny how life brings you around full circle.

As a child, I was raised by two loving parents and have very fond memories of family trips and outings, family dinners, homemade Christmas cookies and PJs, and all the other kinds of ups and downs that come from living in a household full of 2 adults and 5 children.

However, when I became a teenager, I was terrible to my mother! Simply horrid! I thought I got the short end of the stick on a lot of things and wasn't afraid to let my mom know about it.

Now, I am an adult. I'm married. And I have three children of my own and guess what? Being and adult is hard! Being married is hard! And especially being a parent is hard! I suddenly have this new appreciation for my mother and all the meals she made for us. I know now why I didn't play soccer as a kid (my oldest is in soccer now and dragging the younger two to practices by myself is a pain in the butt!). I understand why I couldn't always have the newest and best toys/gadgets there were.

And so mom, the the printable this month is for you!

To download this printable, CLICK HERE

Aren't the floral watercolor embellishments amazing? I wish I could take credit for those, but they came from a very talented shop called DLOLLEYS HELP.

This printable is truly a tribute to any woman in your life who has touched you. It would be wonderful framed, or could be printed smaller to use as a card or tag. Remember to check out my shop and see if there's anything else mom might like! Remember that I take custom orders as well. Thanks for stopping by!

Check out some of our other Mother's Day Printables HERE and HERE

Celebrate Spring with free printables and craft tutorials!

 Spring has finally made its appearance and it's a happy day! I'm soaking up the sunshine and want to surround myself with fresh air and bright colors.

And this months has a lot going on! It's St. Patrick's Day, Easter, and Spring Break for my kiddos. It's been no secret that I enjoy sewing things for my kids and I've made it a tradition to put something homemade in their Easter baskets that's from mom and not the Easter Bunny. The ideas I've shared are from year's past and they are easy projects that can be done in an afternoon. So you've got plenty of time to get it done in time for Easter in a few weeks.

 Click HERE for the felt food tutorial and patterns

Click HERE for the foldable felt playmats pattern and tutorial

Click here for the on the go car and crayon holder tutorial

And this month has no shortage of freebie printables either! Like I said, I'm totally in love with the bright colors and the sayings of spring. These printables are fun to use as cards, as tags on a treat plate, or part of your seasonal decor.

 Click HERE for the St. Patrick's Day subway art

Click HERE for the Easter subway art

Click Here for the lucky in love printable

 Click here for the Let's go fly a kite printable

 Click HERE for the welcome spring subway art

As always, please do not use these prints commercially in any form. They are for personal use only. And don't forget to check out my etsy shop! Remember, I do custom orders too! If you liked this post, or any others, please LIKE, SHARE, and PIN. Word of mouth is what keeps my small business going. Thanks for stopping by!

Making Christmas Magical: 12 Days of Christmas activities for families

I am not one of those moms who usually goes "all out" on holidays. I have lots of good intentions, but very little follow through. But this year is going to be different! I wanted to find some activities that didn't require any specialty-store ingredients and required little prep time. Basically, I wanted something for my preschooler & first grader to do in the days leading up to Christmas--especially those days when there's no school!

I originally saw this idea HERE on katherinemaries.com, but I ended up coming up with some new days of my own and taking/deleting some activities the site suggested. I found a ton of ideas on pinterest (so if some of the crafts or activities don't immediately make sense, just type them in the search bar on pinterest) and I especially loved all the paper plate crafts I found on this site .

The ideas printed on each card are suggestions of things my kids and I can do, but I'm not expecting to get them all done. We'll just pick and choose what works best for us. Also, I hate the idea of constantly having to get online to look for recipes/craft ideas so I included pictures of the crafts and recipes right on the cards. And lastly, there's not right or wrong order for these 12 days! I might let my kids pick a card each day or I'll pick one that fits with whatever else we have that day.

Simple, fun ideas for everyday moms and kids.

This would even make a cute neighbor gift! 

These print on a regular sheet of printer paper or cardstock. Just cut down the middle after printing. Besides the cards, you'll need basic art supplies and a stack of cheap paper plates if you're doing the paper plate crafts. I also own most of the videos/books suggested but you should be able to find them at your local library and on netflix/amazon prime video.

Here are some of our activities for Mr. Grinch Day. We invited two neighbor friends to join us today. We started by reading How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss. Then, we made our a Grinch craft out of paper plates.

 Next, the kids helped me bake "grinch cookies" They each took turns putting the ingredients into the bowl. They especially loved seeing the dough turn green. For my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, go HERE

 While the cookies were baking I turned on the classic, cartoon version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. When the movie was over I called them over to the table for their snack. The picture of the cookies looks washed out, but trust me, with 10 drops of green food coloring, they were plenty green!

 For dinner that night I made "grinch rolls" However, dying the roll dough didn't make them green...more like a white and green marble...which the kids still thought was cool. Click HERE for my tried and true roll recipe.

 We also ate "Who Stew" aka Chili. I told my kids this is what the Who's from Whoville eat for dinner rather than saying the stew was made out of Who's (yuck!) And click HERE for our all time favorite chili recipe.

 This was a easy, fun day and my kids can't wait for us to do another activity day soon!

And that's the beauty of these "days" If you get overwhelmed easily, like I do, spread the days out so you're not necessarily doing one every day for 12 straight days. Choose what works best for your family.

 

 To download the GRINCH & NATIVITY DAY, click HERE

 

To download the AROUND THE WORLD and REINDEER DAY, click HERE

Just a side note on this day: you might be wondering why the heck my kids will learn how to say merry Christmas in Indonesian. My in-laws served a mission there for our church so Indonesia is regularly talked about at our house.

To download the St.NICHOLAS DAY and CHRISTMAS TREE DAY, click HERE

To download CANDY CANE DAY and ELF DAY, click HERE

To download the CHRISTMAS KINDNESS DAY, and POLAR EXPRESS DAY, click HERE

To download the FROSTY DAY and GINGERBREAD DAY, click HERE

These printables are for personal use only. Please don't use them commercially in any form.

Don't forget to check out my ETSY SHOP to see if there's anything that will make your holiday bright! And please feel free to like, share, and pin this post! Word of mouth really helps my small business out. I also do custom orders, email or send me a convo on etsy to get started! Thanks for stopping by!

Thanksgiving Printable Roundup!

Give Thanks Subway Art--click here

Each Day I am Thankful for Subway Art in gray--click here

Each Day I am Thankful for subway art in white--click here

In everything give thanks..white--click here

In everything give thanks...striped--click here

But I think I love fall most of all--click here

Don't forget these freebie printables are available for personal use only. And check out my etsy shop to see if there's anything that help you this holiday season. I'm currently taking orders for custom Christmas Card designs. Send me an email or etsy convo for more information.  Thanks for stopping by!

It's Fall Y'All: Freebie Printable RoundUP

 It's finally fall! Where I live, this means the leaves are just starting to change, the days are getting shorter, and the nights are cooler. It's not quite sweater weather yet, but it's well on it's way! And fall isn't JUST about Halloween, even though Halloween is my favorite holiday ;) For this month's freebie printable, I did a simple fall print that would look adorable framed and sitting on a shelf/entry table/mantle with some other fall decorations.

To download the Fall printable, click HERE

And I couldn't help myself....I added a new Halloween printable to the mix of printables I've already created. I love the Halloween collection because there is something for everyone! These also look amazing as part of your seasonal decor, and can also be printed smaller to use as cards or tags for treat plates.

 To grab any of the halloween printables from previous years click HERE

 

For the new printable, click HERE

As per tradition (this will be my 3rd year!), I am working on an awesome DIY costume tutorial. This year I have 3 costumes I'll be featuring as well as the easiest, cheapest, and cutest way to get them finished in time for the big day! Keep checking back! Don't forget to check out my etsy shop and to like, pin, and share anything you think you're friends would like too. Word of mouth is what keeps my business afloat. Thanks for stopping by!