Gift Giving (never too early to start planning)

As many of you already know we are trying to move towards a simpler more natural lifestyle (Okay I am and everyone else is along for the ride).  That being said our gift giving and wish lists are changing too... a little.

Mini stockings for our advent calendar

I do hope this post doesn't offend or bother anyone (I hate conflict), I am not trying to push our wish list on family members (although Christmas is coming!!), but  wanted to share some fun ideas with everyone.

To start with, I want to recommend Wishlist.com.  It has been a great way to keep track of items we want throughout the year.  There is also a little app button you can put on your internet bar so when you see something you like from any page you can ad it to your wish list.  I currently have three lists

My boys http://www.wishlist.com/1124087/timothyandmatthew/

Homeschool/Daycare  http://www.wishlist.com/1124087/schoolanddaycare/ 

Me http://www.wishlist.com/1124087/meaghanjackson/

Used craft time to make a Father's Day Gift

I know there are so many blogs, lists and Pintrest ideas out there.   Below is a list of inexpensive homemade ideas for kids. Some have links.  You don't need to be super crafty, a simple glue-gun could do most of these.  Also check out the crafts, activities and project on my side bar for more.

Play dough kit - homemade play dough and some accessorize
Fort kit - bed sheet, ropes, big laundry clips
Baskets of natural items - rocks, pinecones, sticks, shells
Dress-up clothes - no need for a full costume just some accessories or head band with ears will work
Play silks- you can go fancy or just put a hem on flowy pieces of material
Nature bag - a simple draw string bag is perfect to collect nature items with
Puppets - again you can buy some or make simple sock puppets (fun to make with the kids), you could give a child a kit of supplies to make their own.
Tree blocks - get a thick branch and cut into various lengths.  Most of ours are about 1-2 inches tall
Wooden blocks - we took the end pieces from our last reno and cut into different lengths, they have been outside all summer and fall.
Felt board - simply cover a piece of cardboard in felt, then cut your own fun shapes out.  We printed a paper doll set and cut it out of felt for dress up, you could also make different face parts...
Mail - unfold a paper envelope and trace onto felt, cut it out and glue up the sides.  We used cut up old cards and some stiff felt to make the mail inside.  You can glue on velcro dots and make different names and stamps too.
Roads - simply cut lengths of denim from old jeans.  You can sew up the sides or just leave them.  I painted a line down the middle and made a parking lot piece.
Bean Bags - think simple like an old pair of socks stuffed with an elastic on the end, or make a rectangle from material and glue up the sides. I made a set out of an old winder coat, you could knit some nice ones too.
Sensory Bins - how about a shallow box with bean, pasta, rice, accessories for a gift.  Water beads are also popular this year. You could even make up themed ones to swap with friends.
Re-gift - each year my boys pass a long a few books to their cousin as their gift to her.  We choose ones in good condition.  You could also pass along other toys to a friend, relative or donate them too.
Thrift Store - kids don't notice if a toy is new or not.  Last year we bought several different used sets of tracks and put them together in a fabric bag.  We also got a really nice metal digger for the sand box in good condition.  Besides then you don't have to spend all morning trying to get the toys out of the boxes.  Be creative with how you present them.

Sock monsters (MeAgainCreations still has a few left)

This year we will most likely be giving homemade gifts too. Here are some ideas for adults. 
  

Notecards - This one is also for adults!!! Use blank note cards or card stock and decorate.  Simple stamps an some trim are very effective.  I used old holiday cards too.  Last year I made a large set for different family member including different holidays and occasions.

Baking - need I say more?!

Frozen dinners - double what ever you are making and save some as a gift.

Time - I can tell you how much I'd love time to go out or have some time.  Consider babysitting even just once for someone.

Kids crafts - if you are at home crafting with your kids, use it as a time to make gifts for others, there are plenty of cute ideas out there.

Wrapping paper - use your children's artwork as wrapping paper! I also made a set of reusable gift bags to cut back on paper waste.

I'll try to update this with more ideas as we go along.  Please do share your ideas in the comment box.

More summer activities for kids!

Wow I just realized that my last post with the giveaway was my 200th post!!!

Congratulations to Jessica Lynette Morris I'll be contacting you to choose your sock monster.

For those of you who haven't noticed my blog posts have been few and far between recently.  This is because I have been busy with house renos and living life with my kiddies.  I am making a focused effort to be more present and so I will be on the computer a little less.  But I will continue to share with you often.

Here are some more fun things we have been doing recently.

Rice sensory bin (the loader is helping to clean up spills)

Bubbles with friends

We made more fairies because you can never have enough

We went to the beach (Hamilton harbour)

A neighbour was moving and gave us a big roll of paper!  So much fun to colour on

Homemade playdough and craft bits (these are cake pops they made)

Homemade playdough 'desserts'

Mud bakery (so simple yet so fun)

Making muffins with mud

A fun lobster apple snack we made (I used a pear and apple)

TJ dressing up.  The amazing skirt we won from Beneath the Rowan Tree (amazing items there)

How is your summer going??

Sand Playdough

Here is one variety for our typical No cook play dough.  We simply left out the drink powder, as I often do if we don't have anything on hand, and added some sand to the mix.

The kids also loved sprinkling sand on the table to add in.  Some other ideas you could add would be glitter, or rice for a new texture.  Get creative because you really can't go too wrong here.  I've even tried different flours in the recipe too.

Instead of getting out the typical play dough toys, we used shells, rocks and other natural objects.

Cousin E thoughtfully adding more shells to her creation.

TJ making imprints with objects

MJ's little island

Thanks for visiting today I would love for you to leave a comment.  What else do you do with play dough?

Handprint flowers / Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her, "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Proverbs 31:28-29

The week around Mother's Day is always very busy around here.  My Uncle (May 7), TJ (May 9) and my husband (May 14) all have birthdays.  It is also Mother's Day in there too.  We often have one get together to recognize all the events. The boys and I made these sweet pictures for my mom (for Mother's Day) and my Husband (for his birthday).

To make them I painted the boys hands to make the flowers and the leaves/grass are finger prints.  You can use any paint and paper you like.  Daddy's gift is on a canvas, while Nanny is on card stock.  I have also seen on people use foot prints for the leaves, which is another great idea.

Don't worry about extra little smudges or finger prints.  They make great bugs if you add wings!

 Clean up was a breeze.  We did the craft outside and I let the boys paint themselves.  We got out the kiddy pool and some dish soap.  The boys had a great afternoon playing in the sun!

After the pictures dried I convinced the boys to let me take a photo of them together.  It is hard to get them in the same shot and looking (this was after 5 attempts).  I also added the poem below to the back of the pictures.  I got this poem from a craft we did several years ago at an Ontario Early Years Centre with TJ.

 Fingerprints

Sometimes you get discouraged,

because I am so small

And leave my little fingerprints

On furniture and walls.

But everyday I'm growing

And soon will be so tall

That all these little fingerprints

Will be difficult to recall.

So here's a little handprint

That you can put away

So you will know how my fingers looked

On this special day.

~Author unknown

Hand made party decorations

Over the past few years I have been slowly working towards making some reusable party decorations.  Not only are they beautiful, personal and eco-friendly.  They also create memories as they are used over and over again for many celebrations.

Fabric bunting

We have a reversible fabric bunting that says Happy Birthday on one side and has no words on the other side (can be used for any occasion).  I have material all ready for a fall "give thanks" banner... someday. We also have a smaller version of this bunting that is blues and greens on one side and oranges and pinks on the other.  It can be used in many locations for different occasions.

TJ's birthday hat

I used the tutorial from here to make the hat, only I enlarged the pattern a bit. MJ will be receiving his own hat for his birthday in June. I know many people make crowns but my guys associate party hats with birthdays.

Felt birthday cake

 I used several sites to make this cake.  I got the pattern for the candles from here. I used this great tutorial for the main part of the cake.  I had intended to add the icing but ran out of time and I think it still looks cute.

Simple table cloths made from thrift store fabric.

Next up will be a giant birthday cupcake with sprinkles for MJ.  More bunting and ... feel free to send some inspiration my way and I'll get sewing!

I hope to be adding some of these decorative ideas to my store.  If you are visiting today please be sure to check it out, I am always happy to create custom orders. You can also visit me on Facebook at Me Again Creations


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I will be linking up to some awesome blog parties. Check out the list below:
Bubbly Nature Creations
Magic Onions
Natural Suburbia
Sun Scholars
Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons

Flying Kites

I came across this great post about making paper kites over at The Chocolate Muffin Tree.  She used a design from Maya Made.  I know that my boys would love to fly a kite so I saved the idea.

Last week I was babysitting two lovely girls and I thought it would be the perfect craft to make while MJ had his nap (I figured TJ could skip his nap since we had guests).

These kits are super easy to make and the kids were able to do most of it.  The best part was that they actually fly with little effort!!!!  Oh the kids were all so proud of their work.

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HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY TJ

We have been having such a wonderful day.

I will be sharing all about TJ's special day tomorrow.

Meet Our Fairies

We borrowed this book from the library called Felt Wee Folks by Salley Mavor

Inside are the most adorable and easy to make fairies and little felt folks.  They are made of pipe cleaners wrapped in embroidery floss with little wooden beads for heads.  The clothing is made of silk flowers and felt.  At the beginning is a simple pattern for kids.

TJ's fairy Fazooza

Although the projects were too advanced to the boys to do alone, TJ still got quite involved as did cousin E.  TJ painted several wooden beads (orange and purple) for heads.  He helped me to take apart the fake flowers we picked up at the dollar store.  And of course he provided guidance as he picked out the colours to be used.

Mommy's fairy Woodlet

After making one for himself when cousin E was over to play, TJ decided to make one for each of us.  We have been having a wonderful time playing with our fairies for hours this past week.

MJ's fairy Flower

Don't forget to check out Magic Onion's Fairy Garden Contest.  We are currently making some furniture and will be sharing pictures of our space soon.

For more incredible inspirations and activities for kids, please visit the following websites!!! 

This Post is linked to:

It's Play Time!

Happy Family Times

Kitchen Fun with my 3 Sons

Sun Scholars

What are Little Boys Made Of

Jello play dough

We made some jello play dough using a recipe from playdoughrecipe.com  We used raspberry and it turned out to be quite vibrant!

Jello Playdough Recipe 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of flour
• 1/2 cup of salt
• 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 cup of warm water
• Three ounces of jello – any flavor you wish

Directions:

• Combine ingredients.
• Cook over medium heat until it thickens.
• Knead until cool enough to touch.
• Enjoy your jellodough!

The boys used different nature objects to make prints before the traditional plastic toys came out.  Their concentration was incredible.  TJ was so exciting with all the prints his objects were making.

I'm linked up to:

Crafty Moms Share

Happy Earth Day

 I have gone through my blog to gather up all our recycled/upcycled and Earth friendly projects for inspiration.

We don't have any specific plans for Earth Day this year so please leave me a comment if you have any suggestions.

Recycled Art Wrapping Paper
Free Crafty Fun
Melted Crayon Art
Bird Feeders
Playing with recycling
Fabric Roads
Earth Day Flowers
Nature Treasure Hunt
Nature Table
Nature Crafts
Nature Wreaths

For all of our Upcycled projects just click here.  I also realized that almost all of my sewing pojects are upcycled materials.  I think I may need to spend some time relabelling older posts to make sure they are in the right categories.

Painting with different objects

The other day my husband was at work in a school and one of the teachers was clearing out some cupboards.  She was going to get rid of a box of paint.  Luckily for us my wonderful hubby offered to take them home to us!!  This morning TJ woke up and immediately wanted to paint.  After I had a chance to get organized for the day we did get painting.

Today we tried to experiment with different objects: tree block, dried grasses, moss, cookie cutters, whisk, feathers, spatula, string, and our hands.

 All our painting is usually done with little clothing or smocks (why get the smock dirty when you can just have a bath after).  We also end once the paint leaves the paper and the activity turns to body painting, unless we are outside in the summer.

Today I was really trying hard to develop a rhythm (schedule) for the day.  I'm starting to get the hang of it now.  I have been incorporating poems and songs to help with transitions.  We even had a little circle time.

I'd love to hear if you have a favourite verse, poem or song that you share with your kids.
Your comments are so special to me I can't tell you how much I love to hear from you!

Happy Easter!

Wishing you all a Happy Easter! We had a wonderful day today with a visit from the Easter Bunny, church and dinner with my family.

This year I made Easter baskets for the boys knowing that other relatives would be blessing us with lots of chocolate.  I made some baskets for the boys and sun hats for the summer.  I already have some great ideas for next year from other blogs. The Easter Bunny snuck into my closet and hid the baskets somewhere in the house.  We were left with some photo clues to find them.

TJ's basket has a hat, crayons, game, gardening gloves, large laundry clips, and a Kinder egg.  He wore the gloves the entire day only to take them off for his snack at church. The crayons are for his quiet time with me as we are beginning some Waldorf curriculum I found online.  We made a fort with the large laundry clips too! MJ's basket has a hat, toothbrushes to share, paint and brushes, a Kinder egg and memory game.  The memory/matching game is made of fabric scraps.  MJ can't wait to get painting as soon as he can.

 The Easter bunny left a note with our stuffed animals explaining that he'd added to our baskets (TJ had seen the baskets and hats previously) and hidden them.  The boys followed photo clues left around the house and yard with stuffed friends to help along the way.  There was much laughter and shrieking as we ran all over looking for the baskets.

 After we found our baskets we sampled chocolate and played with all the goodies.

After nap time we went over to my parents.  The kids had a great time looking for eggs as did the adults. My mom hid some eggs so well there may still be a few to find.  she also left some clues for the adults to find some yummy treats.  Dinner was delicious with a lamb, ham, veggies and desserts.  The boys and I made a cake and sugar cookies.  We also made a special nest for the hard boiled dyed eggs we made the other day.  Now we have put most of the chocolate away from our reach and are waiting for TJ so get down from his sugar high (he also had a nap today so he'll be up later).

Happy Easter to all I look forward to hearing about your weekend.