This is the gift we made for our favorite 2nd grade teacher this year. I found the paper box at Walmart for around $1.30. (I am a sucker for a scalloped edge) I got out some of my favorite BasicGrey paper and covered the box. I inked the edges with chocolate brown ink and added a cute tag on top that says, "clips and bits". I made a matching notebook, some matching magnets and threw in a bunch of paper clips. It ended up looking like this:The magnets are a fun project to do with your kids. You just buy some clear pebbles from your local craft store and then use a circle punch to punch out circles the size of the pebbles. Glue the paper to the back of the pebble and then glue a magnet to the … [Read more...]

I have a good friend who introduced this game to me. She is the mother of four children, two of which are grown, and two of which are still in high school. This game was (and still is) a favorite of their family, and the best about it is that all ages can really get into it. With all the gift exchanges with our family and friends, I am always searching for fun family games to give. This particular one is fun, because you can personalize it for the family or individual you are giving it to. For example, you could do different themes...farm/barnyard, princess, trucks & "things that go", jungle animals, states, countries, etc. Or, you can do like I did and mix and match some fun shapes and … [Read more...]

I SO wish I had a picture of this to post, but I just discovered it yesterday, after a good friend made it. It's actually just like one of my favorite recipes, but with a Christmas twist. I usually make it with toffee bits (delicious), but the peppermints are delightful. It's so fast, and so easy, which is good, because you will want to make batch after batch!PEPPERMINT POPCORN CRUNCH-popped popcorn (I usually use around 9 cups or so. I like to use air popped popcorn, but my friend made it with a bag of butter microwave popcorn. Both are good, just depends on your preference.)-1 bag white chocolate chips, or equivalent amount white baking chocolate-candy canes or peppermint candies, … [Read more...]

It's been so fun to see these around again... I have been making rag garland for years (in fact, it was Angela who first introduced it to me when we were both first married), and love it! I think it's the perfect addition to my Christmas tree, and this year I was excited to make one with longer pieces and different fabrics.ITEMS YOU NEED:-choice of fabric or ribbon, cut (or ripped) into 2x8-10 inch pieces. -jute, however many feet you needNow, make yourself comfy, turn on a Christmas movie and tie, tie, tie! When you have the length you want, cut the jute, and tie a double knot at each end.You can also make these much shorter, and hang on a mantel, or a piece of furniture. My next rag … [Read more...]