Here is my second project for S.Y.T.Y.C.  This was kind of a rough theme for me, which is always a great way to push you back into the creative mode.  In the end, it was a great project that my daughter helped me make.  So, head on over and vote!

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It is inevitable, if you have children, that you have wonderful books that have torn or missing pages.  They are no longer useful for their original intent.  Those books often make their way to the garbage.  Instead of throwing it away, here is a great way to make use of that wonderful book.

Made from the book Where the Wild Things Are, this paper bowl is more sturdy than it used to be.  It makes a great decoration that can be used for so many things.

 It's a fun project you can do with your children, making it a great recycling lesson. 

S.Y.T.Y.C. - Again :)

If you haven't noticed already, I am doing S.Y.T.Y.C. again.  Head on over to see my jewelry tree creation.  It's an anthropologie knock off and I'm totally loving it!  Head on over and vote!

Homeschooling

Because of the nature of our business, Dan and I have decided that we are going to start homeschooling Caden and Alanna next semester.  That gives me some time to finish up all of my work for this years weddings before we start and the kids a chance to say good bye to their friends.  We are not telling them yet, however.  I think we'll wait until the first part of December.  I'm excited.  I have been researching endlessly for the last couple of weeks and I finally have a grasp on things.

Our curriculum is picked out and we're working on creating a space for homeschooling.  Mind you, that's difficult in our small 3 bedroom townhouse with no garage and no dining room.  yeah... little.  Part of the living room will be converted.  

Since then, I've been hooked on interest searching for homeschool room ideas.  Here's a few of my fags:

Source: thedomesticdiva.org via Deidre on Pinterest

Source: ana-white.com via Deidre on Pinterest

Source: ana-white.com via Deidre on Pinterest

I think I have kind of narrowed it down to what I want due to the fact that our space is so small.

Source: ikea.com via Deidre on Pinterest

I want to use the shelf above against the wall so I can store all of their homeschool supplies here.  I'm sure we will eventually grow out of it, but that will probably take some time before we do. :)

Source: ikea.com via Deidre on Pinterest

Then I will purchase this desk to attach to the shelf.  I like the idea of working in one area not each child in different areas. 

Then I will use these for storage on the shelf.  They match the rest of our living room, which is important to me.  I hate having mismatched stuff everywhere.  

Source: ikea.com via Deidre on Pinterest

Source: ikea.com via Deidre on Pinterest

Now I just need to talk dan into letting me spend a couple hundred dollars on that plus the additional 500 or so I'll be spending on curriculum.  Either way, it's still cheaper than what we are spending on private school right now!!! WOOHOO!!!

absent

I know I have been sooo absent lately and I'm sorry!  I miss crafting so much but I am beyond excited for where life is headed lately.  My photography  business is going to be undergoing even more major changes in the next month or so and I will be starting some new adventures.  

The biggest news... I'm working on writing a book!  WOOHOO!  Who knows where this path will lead but I am so excited and beyond nervous.  Writing a book and actually getting it published is only for lucky people... or at least I've always thought.  But opportunities have been coming my way and God is pushing me in new places.  So stay tuned.

Money saving deals!

Do you have someone in your life who is an amazing bargain shopper???  Someone you may just be a tad jealous of because if you had more time, you would do the same thing?  My sister-in-law, Chrissy, is that person in my life.  She is so great at finding deals and I am not.  I love to land a good deal, I just don't have the time for it.  Well, Chrissy has a new blog that she is posting current deals so that people like me can just benefit from her crazy shopping adventures.  Doesn't get better than that!

So go over and check her out here.

You'll love her for it!  I love her for it.  But I also love her for my sweet little niece who finally loves me too :)

This is why she loves me

We give her donuts when she stays the night with us...

and trips to dairy queen with her cousins!  Yup. Bribery.  It works.

Spider Snack

This week I am in charge of snacks for my daughters kindergarten class of 8 kids.  (I adore her little private school class... amazing).

Well, this is what I made them for tomorrow (not our normal organic, healthy snack, but oh well:)

I used m&m's for the eyes, but they were so easy to make!

You can find the directions here.

Obviously these would be adorable for halloween, but why not for a little treat?  There are some photos you can find online that you can see of these made with licorice sticks instead.  They're really cute too.

Enjoy!

Project Run and Play

Have you seen the latest entries for project and play?  I love love love the competition!

ugh... to sew again.  Dear sewing machine, I miss you!!!