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Friday, June 24, 2011

Paper boats

My nieces and nephews were in town so I decided to make paper boats with them.  It was a big hit!


 First we all colored on white printer paper with crayon.  The layer of wax helps the boat float.  Most of us just colored on 1 side but you could definitely color on both sides for a more colorful boat.


Be sure to make sure your child knows if they draw a picture it's ok but the picture won't show because it will be folded up.  We just drew designs, stripes, and polka dots.


After we colored our papers, we folded them into boats.  I used the tutorial here to fold them.  It's really easy once you have done it once or twice.

 We took our boats to Lion's Park in Provo to float.  This park is perfect for this activity because it has a long, shallow stream that runs along the whole park.  Near the parking lot there is a cement walkway over the water that is close enough you can get your boats in.  We had the kids all lay on their stomach and drop their boat into the water.

Once the boats were floating we all walked along the side of the stream following it the whole way through the park.  Even though water levels everywhere are at record highs, this stream is still only a couple of inches deep so I wasn't too worried about someone falling in and getting swept away.



 There is one part that has tiny rapids.  A few of our boats started sinking after this part, but most made it through.  It was fun to watch them all go through it.


At the end of the park are 2 bridges over the water.  The dads layed on their stomach on the second to last bridge to catch the boats when they got to the end of the park.  This way if we missed one (which we did) they could run to the last bridge to pick it up.  The picture below is of Elliot on the last bridge getting a boat we missed. 

I totally recommend this activity!  The kids LOVED it and were all asking to go back for the rest of the week.  I would recommend having more than one adult to supervise near the water and help get the boats out at the end of the park.
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Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Giveaway update

Good news!  Instructables.com has extended their deadline to vote, which means I am extending the giveaway for the jeweled headbands until midnight June 26.

Click HERE to enter!

Also, don't forget to check out the giveaway for the Nursery Art here!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Personalized Nursery Art Bundle GIVEAWAY (Ends June 27)

Have you had a chance to take a look at my ETSY shop?  Now is your chance to win your very own Personalized Nursery Art Bundle for free in your choice of colors!




1 winner will win a personalized nursery art bundle, complete with all 3 prints in their choice of color.  In addition, they will be personalized with the name of their choice.  This contests ends June 27 at midnight.

Don't have a baby coming to your house in the next little while?  This would make a perfect baby shower gift!

TO BE ELIGIBLE for this contest you have to be a public follower of my blog.
TO ENTER just leave a comment telling me what color scheme you would choose if you won.

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY just vote for "Magnets and Magnet Board" by Jesswilde in the Are We There Yet Challenge HERE.  Leave me a comment to tell me you've voted.  While you're there vote for my "Dog and Cat Cupcakes" in the Cupcake Contest HERE, let me know, and I'll give you another extra entry.  Not only will you be eligible to win the nursery art bundle, but you will be eligible to win a vacation from instructables.com just for voting!

FOR ANOTHER EXTRA ENTRY post this giveaway on facebook.  Leave in your comment that you've posted.
(When posting entries you can do it in seperate comments, or all in the same comment.  I count the entries manually so the number of comments you make won't affect the number of entries you have.)

Monday, June 20, 2011

Nordstrom knock-off jeweled headband GIVEAWAY! 3 winners! (Ends midnight June 22)

Want to win one of these?


One of my friends recently told me about a site called instructables.com.  It's a way cool site and has contests from time to time.  I just found out today that I won a pair of BurdaStyle Sublime Stitch Owl Scissors as a runner up for submitting my ruffle dress tutorial in the BurdaStyle Fashion Challenge.

I have entered 2 other contests through their site but need your help to win!  So to entice you to help me out...lets do a giveaway!

This giveaway is for a Nordstrom knock-off jeweled headband.  3 random winners will be chosen.  This contest ends at midnight June 22.

TO BE ELIGIBLE for this contest you have to be a public follower of my blog.

TO ENTER just vote for "Magnets and Magnet Board" by Jesswilde in the Are We There Yet Challenge HERE.  Leave me a comment to tell me you've voted.  While you're there vote for my "Dog and Cat Cupcakes" in the Cupcake Contest HERE, let me know, and I'll give you an extra entry.

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY post this giveaway on facebook.

Super easy, right?

Not only will you be eligible to win my headband, but just by voting you will be eligible to win a vacation from instructables.com just for voting!

(When posting entries you can do it in seperate comments, or all in the same comment.  I count the entries manually so the number of comments you make won't affect the number of entries you have.)

Make sure to check out my other giveaway going on HERE.  By voting for me you've already earned yourself an extra entry for that one!

Things to do in Utah County with kids this week: June 19-25

Monday
Family night at the Springville Community Pool

Tuesday
Make and Take Crafts at the Provo Library 10am - 12pm
Canopy Capers at Provo Library 12pm - 12:30pm

Wednesday
Outdoor Movie at the SCERA The Goonies, 8:30pm-11pm

Thursday
Make and Take Crafts at the Provo Library 10am-12pm
Canopy Capers at Provo Library 12pm-12:30pm

Friday
Education in Zion Music Friday at BYU 12pm-1pm

Saturday
Provo Farmer's Market 9am-2pm
Artwork for Children's Art Show being recieved 10am-11am
Lowe's FREE Build and Grow Kids Clinic 10am-11am
Provo Children's Parade 10:30am - 11:30 am

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Fathers Day Ideas: "Good for one" coupons


Most little kids don't have a lot of money to spend on a present for their dad, and most dads love getting acts of service from their kids as a gift.  A coupon book is a great gift that really comes from the kid.

Lily is still a little young for this, but I were helping Lily with this gift I would let her come up with ideas of what she could do for her daddy.  Even little kids can contribute by being willing to wash the walls, give a back scratch, or even promise a hug.


I came up with a template using Microsoft Publisher, printed it out, glued it to colored card stock, and stapled them together, adding some ribbon at the binding.  The whole project start to finish took less than 30 minutes.


I am having a hard time uploading my template, so if you'd like to use my template for free just shoot me an email or leave a comment with your email address and I'd be happy to send you the file.  Microsoft Publisher is required in order to edit the text and/or the colors.
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Monday, June 13, 2011

Fathers Day Ideas: Home Videos to DVD

My husband and I both have dads who don't spend money on themselves and don't really want anything for Fathers Day.  Every time I ask my dad what I can get him I get an answer like "happy children."

I also needed a low-cost handmade gift idea since my funds for this holiday are limited.  I came up with this idea for my family for Christmas, and luckily since I am 99% sure my father-in-law doesn't read this blog I don't hesitate to share my idea for him for Fathers Day.




Both my dad and my husband's dad love watching family videos, but they aren't always accessible.  This year I took the videos my father-in-law hadn't yet put on DVD (that were all still on memory cards) and burned them to DVDs with titles and menus for each event.  I bought a 12-disc case to hold the 10 DVDs I burned with footage from the last 2 1/2 years.  I made DVD labels and a DVD case using Microsoft Publisher.

I used Adobe Premiere Elements to make my DVDs.  I put everything in chronological order, and added titles and chapters at each event to make everything convenient to find.  I wrote down what all was on each DVD and included it as an insert with the DVDs.  I edited out the awkward or boring parts to make it watchable.  For the vacation they took (that I had a lot of footage from) I did a video montage to a song and included it on the DVD for them.


I know he will love his gift and can't wait to give it to him.  I think this is a really good idea for someone who is hard to buy for, but it does take a little bit of planning ahead.

(The pictures above are taken from the home videos I did for my side of the family last Christmas)
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Things to do in Utah County with kids this week: June 12-18

Monday June 13
Harmon's Family Night at Salt Lake Bees
Sweet life on the beach at Springville Community Pool

Tuesday June 14
Make and Take Crafts at the Provo Library
Canopy Capers at Provo Library
Flag Retirement Ceremony

Wednesday June 15
Outdoor Movie - The Princess Bride at SCERA
Sundance Full Moon Lift Ride

Thursday June 16
Make and Take Crafts at the Provo Library
Crafternoon at Springville Museum of Art
Canopy Capers at Provo Library
Historic Provo Tours
BYU Carillon Tower concert
Sundance Full Moon Lift Ride

Friday June 17
Education in Zion Music Friday free at BYU
Historic Provo Tours

Saturday June 18
America's Freedom Festival Baby Contest
Provo Farmer's Market
Lowe's FREE Build & Grow Kids Clinic

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Provo City Library Summer Reading Program

 Lily and I went to the Provo Library a few weeks ago to sign up for their summer reading program.  It's free, and easy to sign up if you have a Provo Library card.


Lily loved walking through the Children's section.  There were rows of books for her to look at, animals on the shelves, and even a tiny stage.  Her favorite part was the row of board books (shown above) that were just the right size for her to access them easily.


The rules of the Summer Reading Program (taken from the Provo Library Website) are as follows:

Rules:

  • Each child will be given one Summer Reading Chart.  If you lose your chart, you must start over.  Please don't lose your chart!
  • Make your own goal of how many minutes you will read each day and write the goal on the reading chart.
  • Read books checked out from the Provo City Library. The number of books checked out helps us to monitor the success of our Summer Reading Program.
  • Read six days a week.  You may read ahead or catch up if you get behind. You may read more than your reading goal, but you can only collect one set of prizes.
  • Bring your half-completed Reading Chart to the library the week of June 27 - July 1 to receive a halfway prize.
  • Bring your completed Reading Chart to the library July 18-July 28 to pick up your prizes!
  • Collect a World Passport from the Children's Desk. Attend a Canopy Capers program or a Make and Take Crafts program and receive a sticker on your passport per session attended. Collect six stickers over an eight week period. From July 18 - 28, turn in your sticker-filled passport to receive a ticket to the World of Magic Show on July 30, 10:00 - 10:30 am in the Provo City Library Ballroom. As tickets are limited, they will be given out on a first come, first serve basis.

Prizes:

  • Prizes for Summer Reading 2011 are a free book and a ticket to the End of Summer Reading Party!

End of Summer Reading Party:

  • Thursday, July 28, 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm
  • Exclusive pool party and treats at the Veterens Memorial Pool, 450 West 500 North, Provo, for children who complete the Summer Reading Program.

Provo City Library stresses the importance of a relaxed but consistent daily reading.  The goal is to establish a regular daily habit of reading.  There are no rules as to number of pages, numbers of books, or specific genres of books.  Simply read each day, six days a week at your own speed. Parents and older siblings can read to children as well.

Sonoran

I went and got a sonoran hot dog today from the Provo Farmer's market and it was DELICIOUS.  Possibly the most delicious hot dog I've had.  Lily loved the parts I shared with her as well.  I definitely recommend it - although it is a little expensive for a hot dog.  ($4)

Monday, June 6, 2011

Provo Farmers Market

 Lily and I went to the Provo Farmer's Market this past Saturday to try and find some fresh produce.  We didn't end up getting anything, but it was still fun to look around.

The Provo Farmers Market is each Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm from June to October.  It is still really early in the season so there was not 1 fruit or vegetable in sight, but they had a lot of booths that sold crafts, homemade goods like jams and breads, and even organic plants to plant in your garden.

They also had a lot of booths that sold food.

I saw one booth on the Eastern side toward the South that sold hotdog like things called a Sonoran.  Check out the picture below - doesn't it look incredible?


My friend Dave offered to buy me one, and I've been kicking myself for not taking him up on it ever since.  You better believe I am going back next week to get myself one of these for lunch!

Overall, the farmers market was ok.  If you are in the mood for a "fair" type atomosphere with little craft boutiques and food to eat it is worth going, but if you are looking for produce you may want to wait until later in the season.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Things to do in Utah County with kids this week: June 5-11

I've debated started a weekly post where I list the things coming up in Utah County for the week and decided I would try it out.  All of this information is on the calendar, but I realize people may not check the calendar on a regular basis and doing a weekly post is an easy way to make sure everyone is aware what there is to offer.  Click on the event and it will take you to the webpage where you can get more information.  Let me know if you like this and maybe I'll keep it up.

Sunday June 5
Family Day Hike & Breakfast in Pleasant Grove 8:30 am - 9:30 am

Monday June 6
Art City Days in Springville Medallion Treasure Hunt  June 6-9
Teddy Bear Tea at Art City Days at Springville Library 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Community and Family Night at Springville Museum of Art 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Family Night at Springville Community Pool 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Tuesday June 7
Make and Take Crafts at the Provo Library 10:00 pm - 12:00 pm
Canopy Capers at Provo Library 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Wal-Mart Skate Park Challenge at Springville Art City Days 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Wednesday June 8
Springville Art City Days Carnival, Food & Boutique  June 8-11
Jewelry Making class in American Fork (ages 10-14) 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Family Movie night at Saratoga Splash 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Thursday June 9
Springville Firemen's Breakfast 7:00 am - 11:00 am
Make and Take Crafts at Provo Library 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Canopy Capers at Provo Library 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Art City Days Cake Decorating Contests & Kids Cupcake Corner 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Picnic in the Park at Saratoga Splash 6:30 pm
Free Concert - Springville Summer Concert Series (ASAP Battle of the Bands) 7:00 pm

Friday June 10
Utah Scottish Festival & Highland Games at Thanksgiving Point June 10-11
Springville Firemen's Breakfast 6:00 am - 11:00 am
WW Clyde Balloon Fest for Springville Art City Days 6:30 am
Baby Contest at Saratoga Splash  10:00 am
Children's Art Festival for Art City Days in Springville 10:00 am
TLC for Kids Children's Parade for Art City Days in Springville 10:00 am
Entertainment in the Park at Orem Summerfest 11:00 am - 8:30 pm
Arts in the Park at Orem Summerfest 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Education in Zion Music Friday at BYU (Free) 12:00 pm
Boutique at Orem Summerfest 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Food Booths at Orem Summerfest 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Kids Crafts at Orem Summerfest 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Airmed Helecopter at Orem Summerfest 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Carnival at Orem Summerfest 2:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Free magician and concert - Springville Summer Concert Series (Moosebutter) 7:00 pm
Singin' in the Rain starts at SCERA 8:00 pm

Saturday June 11
Art City Auto Body Car Show
Beautiful Food Fest for Springville Art City Days
Utah Scottish Festival & Highland Games at Thanksgiving Point June 10-11
Springville Firemen's Breakfast 6:00 am - 11:00 am
WW Clyde Balloon Fest for Springville Art City Days 6:30 am
Firefighter's 5K Fun Run at Orem Summerfest 7:00 am - 9:00 am
Rotary Club Breakfast for Orem Summerfest 8:00 am
Police Breakfast at Saratoga Splash 8:00 am
Provo Farmer's Market 9:00 am
Springville Pioneer Museum Open House 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Children's Art Festival at Springville Museum of Art 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Lowe's Free Build & Grow Kids Clinic 10:00 am
Saratoga Splash Grande Parade 10:00 am
Springville Art City Grand Parade 10:00 am
Kids Crafts at Orem Summerfest 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Car Show at Orem Summerfest 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Airmed Helicopter at Orem Summerfest 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Entertainment in the Park at Orem Summerfest 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Family Fun Festival at Saratoga Splash 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Boutique at Orem Summerfest 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Food Booths at Orem Summerfest 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Arts in the Park at Orem Summerfest 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Carnival at Orem Summerfest 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Balloon Tying at Orem Summerfest 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Homemade Ice Cream Contest at Saratoga Splash 2:00 pm
Saratoga's Got Talent at Saratoga Splash 5:00 pm
Free Concert (Due West) & Fireworks at Art City Days in Springville 7:00 pm
The Price Is Right for Art City Days in Springville 7:00 pm
Children's Parade at Orem Summerfest 7:00 pm
Grand Parade at Orem Summerfest 7:00 pm
Free Concert Featuring Truman at Saratoga Splash 8:00 pm

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Minute to Win It

 We do a lot of activities as a family, but this is definitely one of my favorites.  If you haven't seen the show Minute to Win it, you should check it out.  Basically players try to complete tasks with household objects in under a minute.  Playing at home is a lot of fun.

There are a lot of ideas on what to do at the Minute to Win it site here.  I was planning our games for a big group (about 20 people with kids and adults) so I came up with a way to still be competitive, let everyone participate, but not make things too crazy with so many people.

We split into 2 teams, splitting the kids up first, then the adults so the teams were fair.

Our first activity was for only 1 player from each team.  We didn't time this one - we just raced to see who finished first.  The winner got to pick out of 2 activities for their team to compete in next.  The other team had to do the remaining activity next.  This way everyone participates but it doesn't get too crazy with 20 people trying to do the same activity at once.

Complete instructions for my version (along with a supply list) can be found HERE.


There are a lot of activities on the site you can modify for kids to play.  Breakfast Scramble (a 16 piece cereal box puzzle shown above) could be modified for younger kids by just cutting fewer pieces.


"Nose Dive" was a great challenge for kids as well.  You move cotton balls from 1 bowl to another using only petroleum jelly on your nose.

I definitely recommend playing Minute to Win it at your next family gathering - it is a TON of fun!
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Friday, June 3, 2011

"Girls night" with little girls


 A few of Lily's cousins came to visit this week, so one night we had a "girls night" with all of the girls.  We had a tea party, then made bracelets and rings, and finished it off by painting our nails.


 I got cupcakes from The Chocolate for our Tea Party.  The small cupcakes were perfect for this event.  If you've never been to The Chocolate you have to try it out!  Instead of tea we had pink crystal light.


We had princess plates, tea cups and saucers, and tiaras and wands for our tea party.  The little girls were all going crazy with excitement.  They kept squealing and laughing - it was a lot of fun.


The adults had a ton of fun too.  Not only was it fun to see the little girls get so excited, but lets be honest - who doesn't like to wear a princess crown and eat delicious cupcakes?


 After the "tea party" we made bracelets and rings using a "Spritz activity kit" we bought for $4.99 at Target.  The kit came with 6 bracelets and 6 rings with stick on glitter foam and jewels.  (We also got the tiaras and wands at Target too.  The tiaras were $2 each and the wands were $1 for 4)


After we made our jewelry we painted our toenails.  For the little girls we used quick-dry polish that dries in just 60 seconds.

We had a great time - I definitely recommend a "girls night" party like this with your little girls.
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Thursday, June 2, 2011

Lion's Park

We have family who live near Lion's Park so we decided to take a walk one day around the new walking trail they put there.


 I hadn't been to this park in a while and they have improved it a lot since I last went!  There is now a walking trail that loops around most of the park, and I heard rumors of other improvements in the works.


 This park has a lot of open space to fly kites, play ball, have picnics, run with your dog, etc.  The park is 17 acres so it's pretty big.


There is a small stream that goes between the park and the parking lots, with a few bridges over it to cross.  I usually am a little nervous about kids near running water like this, but this stream wasn't even a foot deep so it didn't worry me as much.


This park has a huge pavillion with 41 tables in it and power and lights.  It would be a good place for a huge gathering because it is covered, and the pavillion is right next to the playground.


Lily and I played on the playground for a little while.  The playground isn't huge but it's enough to keep a kid entertained for a while.


There is also a smaller pavillion south of the playground which has 12 tables.  South of that pavillion is a softball field which you can reserve by calling 801.852.6600.

There is also a sand volleyball court but you are supposed to provide your own net.

Although it's not my favorite park in Provo Lion's Park would be a good picnic or barbeque place, or a good place to go on a morning walk.

Lions Park
1280 N 950 W in Provo

Total Acres: 17

Pavilions: 2
#1 - $55, 41 tables (power/lights)
#2 - $35, 12 tables

Featured Amenities:
Sand Volleyball (must provide own net)
Bathrooms
Playground
Water Tap
Stream
Softball Field (may be reserved, contact the main office  for more information 801-852-6600)

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Kid-friendly meals: Ham & Cheese Hot pockets


 Homemade ham and cheese hot pockets are an easy family favorite.  First I get a loaf of frozen bread dough and thaw it.  Once thawed according to package directions, I roll it out on a greased cookie sheet (shown below.)


 I add a layer of cheese down the middle.


 Then I top it off with a layer of ham.


 I cut diagonal slits in the sides of the bread dough as shown below.


 I take the bottom section of bread and braid it over as shown below.


 I braid the other side making an "x".


 Then I keep braiding the dough until the ham and cheese are mostly covered (shown below.)  I bake it in the oven at 350 for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.


 Let it cool, cut into strips, and enjoy!

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