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Look Ma – No Migraines!!  I am almost all healed from my surgery and have been working at building my stamina.  Good thing too because…..
We are T-1 Day until we leave for California.
THAT MEANS DISNEYLAND, FOLKS!!!!
Yep, 5 days of Disney fun.  We are celebrating my parent’s 50th anniversary (Dad, too bad you couldn’t stick around for the fun!).  We will also be seeing some family and visiting Sea World San Diego.  Should all be tons of fun and I should return …

Well, our corporate name is Omnicor Inc. but we are far better known simply as…the Wikki Stix Company.
We are a small, friendly and playful company with the wonderful task of producing a unique and amazing product to delight, inspire and entertain children, while bringing peace, quiet and joy to parents and grandparents!
And, we have been doing this, now, for over twenty years! Wikki Stix One-of-a-Kind Creatables are the award winning original waxed yarn creativity toy — made in the USA!
We are proud of the fact that Wikki Stix have won …

Penguin Foot Print
This craft is a super cute craft that is fun for kids to make and makes a great gift for grandparents or someone special in your child’s life. I took the print and placed a mat and frame around it to give as gifts to grandparents and I know they will be thrilled when they unwrap this treasure!
Items you will need:

White paper or cardstock
Black acrylic paint
Orange acrylic paint or orange crayon
Sponge or paintbrush
Googly eyes

Directions:

Simply paint your child’s foot using the black acrylic paint, leaving the inside area of …

A new “pet” is quickly becoming the “it” toy of the year. The adorable plush baby animals that kids bring to life, create personalities, and name, Wuggle Pets combine the excitement of several of today’s hottest toy categories. Wuggle Pets are creative activity toys that adorn backpacks, creating a vibrant new collectable toy for ages four and up.
Unlike ordinary stuffed animals, Wuggle Pets are a collectable assortment of baby pets that are waiting to be brought to life by a child. The 12-piece Starter Kit comes complete with a Wuggle …

CONGRATULATIONS to Michelle Frame!!!  (Check your email)
Thanks to everyone else who participated!  Have a Crafty Christmas!
————————–
I am a very crafty soul. I love to make things from different mediums, especially gifts for the Holidays. One of the most fun places that I get ideas and patterns from is You Can Make This (YCMT), from those talented twins, Kim and Kris.  They are as adorable as the site is inspiring.  If you have not been to their site, you have a treat in store!
I was lucky enough to be given two …

Every year for the entire month of November we learn about the brave voyage the Pilgrims made and the important friendship that formed between the Pilgrims and Indians in my kindergarten classroom. I chose to dress like Indians for our family Thanksgiving feast because the kids can get creative with their art. As we learn about the Indians I teach them a few writing symbols the Indians used and the kids use them as they decorate.
For the headband and necklace I dye uncooked noodles. Pour rubbing alcohol and a few …

As the winter months approach, it can be difficult to find fun activities for children to do indoors.  But even a rainy day can go from the ordinary to the officially amazing!  Challenge yourself – and your children – by trying to break a Guinness World Record!
In honor of Guinness World Records Day today, Thursday, November 17th, here are a couple of record-breaking ideas that are easy to do at home, and may even get you in the book!

 
For more ideas on how to spend a record-breaking day with your …

It is hard to believe that with Halloween come and gone, we are a mere 52 days away from Christmas.  That means it is time to get serious about all plans Holiday, especially getting those holiday cards and letters lined up.  I have been a flop these past few years regarding getting our cards out. Last year I was determined to get them done…went so far to even get them printed but when time passed and it was Chinese New Year, I decided to give up.  Then a friend of …

Ahh, my favorite holiday of the year is just around the corner!   If you have been crazy busy like me, you may not have gotten it all together yet for Halloween.  Never fear!  You can still have a spooktacular holiday with these great ideas and tips from REAL SIMPLE.
No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating
You still have time to pick up pumpkins at the grocery store or garden center to decorate your home or front yard – and you don’t even need to make a mess carving! Have clean fun …

Dad’s tough to shop for but we know that the ultimate way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So this Father’s Day, give him a homemade gift he’ll never forget with the sweet and colorful Dad’s Graham Cracker Tie Cupcakes from Duncan Hines and Hello, Cupcake! The sugary treat is not only quick and easy to make but will also put a smile on dad’s face as it’s a present the whole family will enjoy. See recipe here .
As an added …

Part of P3′s Book I am making from our trip to get her in China.

If you have a picture up for Wordless Wednesday, leave your link below in Mr.Linky. Then you can head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom, Double Bugs,  The Not-So-Blog Blog,  Go Graham Go, Mommy Goggles, Momspective, Look What Mom Found – and Dad Too!, Mom of 3 Girls,  Life With Lisa , The Divine Miss Mommy,  Little Village …

Father’s Day is coming up and you want to do something really special for the man in your life and the father of your children, right? While it’s true that a new golf club might bring a smile to his face, what you really want to do is bring a tear to his eye. Put the little hands of your little ones to work and craft a Father’s Day gift he’ll never forget. Not the crafty type? This Father’s Day project is so simple that you …

If you are anything like me, time is a very valuable commodity in your life. Something that you probably always need more of. More time to sleep, more time to blog, more time to spend with the kids…it never ends.
That’s why, when it comes to figuring what you need to be reading in blogland, the task can become very overwhelming, very fast. What are the posts you need to be familiar with in order to grow your audience and drive more …

P2 as a fabulous White Tailed Deer {with 2 speaking parts!}
2nd Grade Musical…The Bear Went Over the Mountain
May 2010 Rattan Elementary

If you have a picture up for Wordless Wednesday, leave your link below in Mr.Linky. Then you can head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom, Double Bugs,  The Not-So-Blog Blog,  Go Graham Go, Mommy Goggles, Momspective, Look What Mom Found – and Dad Too!, Mom of 3 Girls,  Life With Lisa , …

Emma is an adorable little girl I know who was born with a horrible disease known as Falconi Anemia.  Only about 300 have it in the US and 3000 worldwide, it is that rare.
Right now her mama who is a fabulous person and digital scrapbook designer herself has some bribery going on for some FREE designs…all you need to do is vote.  Head on over to http://teresabelle.blogspot.com/.

Want to do a really fun thing this weekend?  Take a step back in time with Memory Lane and see how summer activities have been showcased throughout the years.
This weekend is the best time to check out www.MemoryLane.com because on May 20, 21 & 22 it’s FREE to view ALL 100 million pieces of content on the site.  That includes watching all the your favorite 80s music videos, browsing through issues of LIFE magazine, Ladies Home Journal from the 40s and searching for your old High …

CONGRATULATIONS TO JILL L. #101!!!
When I first heard of Gummy Lump, I had no idea what or who for that matter it was.  Now I know it is only about one of the coolest toy stores on the web.  They carry the types of toys that engender imaginative play. They carry a broad selection of toys from play food to wooden toys, Puzzles and Educational Toys, building toys, Arts & Crafts, Personalized toys and much, much more.
Recently we received a great box of  Dough ‘n Tools by Alex to add …

Happy Easter !
In honor of Winnie the Pooh returning to theatres this summer (July 15th), Disney has provided us with exclusive Easter-Themed Images of our favorite Hundred Acre Wood characters!

We also have included Coloring Sheets of our Pooh Pals you can find here .

Finally, because Easter wouldn’t be complete without Painting and Decorating Eggs, below you will find some fun ways to design your eggs in the spirit of Winnie the Pooh and Friends!
WINNIE THE POOH is our beloved ‘hunny’-loving bear, so why not choose one of his favorite things …

Such fun – an 8.5 by 11 copy of a magazine all about Dora the Explorer!!!  Diego is in it as well.  We received a few different copies and the girls LOVED them!  They are filled from cover to cover with coloring sheets,puzzles, games, mazes, stickers, stories, cut outs, matching and more.  It was the best children’s magazine I have ever seen for really keeping them entertained.
You can buy the magazine on the stands or get a subscription.  It comes out 4 times per year.  To order a one year …

I recently learned about the most wonderful candles, Bridgewater Candles. They are truly unique.  Let me share with you a little about the company that creates these fabulous clean burning candles.
Established in 1997 in Spartanburg South Carolina, Bridgewater Candle Company quickly became a leader in the candle market with a reputation for its clean burning candles, full fragranced products and passionate sales team. From fresh to warm and cozy, the scents create those special moments in life worth savoring. Furthermore, we are committed to sharing this warmth …

Do you remember these folk, The Baby Bunch?  Well they are running a fun Facebook contest where people are asked to tell what was their favorite childhood toy.  There will be 5 winners .  Each will get a set of their brand new product, the Birdhouse PJ.  The gift includes supersoft pajamas AND a fun toy, and the pjs come in sizes 0-6mo, 12-18mo, 2T, or 3Ts.
If you would like to see all of this cuteness for yourself, go to http://www.facebook.com/TheBabyBunch and take a peek!

Have you ever heard of fibers? Yes, okay most people have heard of sheep and that whole bit referring to fibers but have you heard of fibers as in the company?? No?  Well have you missed out on a lot of fun!  What kind of fun?
Shirt kind of fun.
Shirt no one has done kind of fun.
You can browse through the thousands of creative and unique designs they have then personalize it to make it yours.
You can even make it yours from the get go, adding your own text and …

Spring break offers the last extended break for children before summer begins. This year, think about different ways to celebrate this time off from school with a special trip, vacation or family planned activity that will elicit smiles from the little ones – big or small.
• Visit the Relatives For families that live a long distance away from other family members, spring break can allow for a surprise visit outside of standard holidays and get-togethers. This spring, consider surprising your family with a special visit …

We are happy to announce that the Marino Andriani LLC social media community is now live on Facebook and Twitter! To announce this launch, we will be hosting a giveaway where the selected winner will receive their favorite SparkleBee designed product!
Check out our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sparkle-Bee-from-Marino-Andriani/141538819235849) to enter the exclusive contest to win your favorite MALLC designed products.
Members of the SparkleBee community will have a chance to vote on upcoming product designs, submit their own ideas, and participate in giveaways to win their favorite, fan-designed …

Tiny Prints has you covered this year for Valentine’s Day, from Group & Photo Cards to Party Invites and even Photo Gifts. But, the big news for 2011 is the Tiny Prints Greeting Card Collection, which lets you create individual personalized cards with photos starting at $1.99. They have everything from romantic to sentimental to hilariously funny and suggestive cards.  In a matter of seconds you can create personalized cards for your loved one, mom, dad, friend …

Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it – and the day would not be complete without some sweet treats to show your love!
Designed by party planning expert Catha Riva, these bright, fresh Valentine’s Day tabletop ideas are perfect for parties, February birthdays or just to say “I love you.”

This Berry Sweet Cupcake Tower takes the cake! Made with strawberry-infused cake batter and topped with fresh Driscoll’s raspberries, these cupcakes deliver both flavor and texture than can’t be beat.

Or eat your heart with Driscoll’s Be Mine …

Americans are fixated on the one stop shopping idea. We make bigger Targets and Wal-Mart Supercenters so we can buy everything in one spot without having to waste time and money traveling. But what if we had a lifestyle and savings expert who can tell you that you were doing it wrong, that you are in fact wasting more time and money because of this old outdated approach to shopping?
Teri Gault, CEO of the Grocery Game.com and author of Shop More, Save More, is …

January 12.
You may or may not remember that date but I guarantee you that there is not a Haitian alive who has forgotten it, the day their lives were changed forever.
I have never been to Haiti but while I was on my Mission in Montreal, Quebec, Canada,  I met many Hatians and learned of the poverty and difficult way of life…and that was all before the Earthquake.
With the anniversary of the devastating earthquake coming up, I am excited to tell you about a very special opportunity to give back …

I admit it.  I’m a holiday junkie.  I’m the type of mother who loves to do special little things for holidays, and Valentine’s Day is probably one of my favorites.  However, I like to keep things frugal and relatively simple.  It doesn’t take much to show your kids that you care and the small, inexpensive efforts often times pack the most punch.  Two things I love to do are make a special breakfast and do a holiday craft.
Blissful Breakfast
Having a special breakfast sets the tone for the day.   My son …

Over on MomDot Trisha was talking about how for the first time ever she had not done her Top100 Bloggers list and that got me thinking about who would I put on my list – certainly not necessarily all 25 people who would end up on mine.  So I decided to make my own list.

What’s That Smell?
Parenting Pink
MomStart
Mommy Goggles
Double Bugs
MomDot
My Wooden Spoon
A Cowboys Wife
Tip Junkie
Make and Takes
Skip to My Lou
Mom of 3 Girls
The Not-So-Blog-Blog
Full Circle
Mom Knows it All
Simply Stacie
A Southern Fairytale
Rockin’ Mama
An Island Life
The Dirty Shirt
Shake the Salt
You Can Make …

Synopsis
Mama returns in an entirely new experience that will challenge your creativity. Join Mama and her award-winning formula of addictive, stylus-based activities as you sew, mold, paint, cut and much more. Crafting Mama is the only dedicated crafting game that features 40 different craft projects so you make a new creation every time!

Huge variety of crafts.

Features

Use your stylus as your master crafting tool as you sew, glue, fold, cut, pin, paint, hammer and more.
Includes 40 different projects across a huge variety of crafts: make …

The Complete Hawaiian Reef Fish Coloring Book includes over 200 colorable illustrations to help the reader learn to identify over 80 species of fish. Each illustration is accompanied by a complete description of the fish, including the scientific, common and Hawaiian names. Their anatomical features, coloration, body designs, feeding habits and reproductive strategies are also explained in a fully illustrated section devoted to these topics. In addition, an overview of coral reef ecology is provided to help the reader understand the relationship …

Even though the holidays are all about spending time with those we love, it seems that we spend half the season running around town shopping for gifts, dreading the big family dinner, comparing yard decorations across neighborhoods, counting calories, not counting the growing numbers of your credit card debt, tearing out our hair, and all in all being kind of a Grinch.
This article won’t solve all your problems, even though I wish it would.  What it will do, however, is present you with a list of DIY gifts that will:
a)      …

As a child, my dad read this story (along with Luke 2) EVERY year.  And since I heard it EVERY year, and have a good memory (prior to my migraines and children at least) I could recite both ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and Luke 2 by heart.
Recently I was given a fun opportunity to try the Record a Story Twas the Night Before Christmas book.  At first, I was beginning to think it was not too fun and was going to throw it against the wall you see because …

Starting November 7th, believers of all ages were invited to drop off letters in the Santa Mail letterbox to earn a $1 donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation – up to $1 MILLION.
Macy’s Facebook Fans have an exclusive chance to earn up to an additional $250K for Make-A-Wish by winning the Believe Challenge game.  Based on the cartoon special Yes, Virginia, fans are challenged to help Virginia and Ollie get their letters to Santa.  Each winner will earn another $1! If you are already on …

CONGRATULATIONS KAREN M! You have some serious fun coming your way!!!
Thanks to all who have entered – I truly do appreciate it.  Never fear – something new is always around the bend!
Do you like to do art?  Do your kiddos?  Do you like to do art together?  My 3′ps and I sure do.  This Window Art from Klutz.com is one of our newest additions and we have loved it because all 4 of of us, the 3Ps and I have been able to do it, even P3 at age …

We just started our Advent calender and we are doing it in a unique way this year.  Since it has been a tough year and I feel we need to be showing the girls extra love but also the girls need to be practicing showing extra love to one another and those around them, each day of our advent calender gives that days girl the chance to do something  sweet for someone else in our family.  Most of it is as simple as a hug and a kiss or telling …

With babies handmade is wonderful.  It opens the world of options considerably when choosing a style or pattern.  Now, with little girls, ready to wear offers plenty of choices, although your taste may still range towards the fun and funky that is hard to find except in those upscale boutique shoppes that may be out of your price range.
Then there are boys.  Shopping for boys can either be very short or very long but the end result is petty much the same…boring.  Seriously, there is not nearly the amount of …

If you are no more familiar with Novica than I was at the beginning of this Gift Guide, you are in fore a big treat.  All of the products offered here are hand made by artisans who are extremely skilled and create gorgeous works of art.  Items from jewelry to home goods to paintings to travel cases and much, much more.  I poured over and over the catalog before making my final decisions.

I really wanted the necklace but my family needed glasses in the worst way and I did …

I grew up until I was 15 about a hop, skip and a jump from the Pacific Ocean and while I was not a beach babe because I burned far too easily, I did love the coastline and walking along the beach. So when Courtney Noelle shared her business with me, it brought back very fond and relaxing memories.
Our company …

GirlExtraOrdinaire or GirlEO for short the brainchild of Tiffany Bressan and Courtney Noelle that creates designer apparel and accessories for a variety of events as well as just for fun. Friends from college, they have built their business with faith in God as well as
Belief
Tenacity
Patience
Inspiration
and Creativity
They surprised the 4 girls in our house with cute new t shirts, each as unique as we are.
They can create all sorts of custom things.  Here is what they have shown on their site -
Dog & Pet Collection | Bridal & Wedding Collection | Mom & Baby Collection | Swim Wear Collection | Holiday Collection
Wall Art | …

As a major cookie lover, I am a huge fan of quality cookie cutters and this Christmas I have found a new brand – Ann Clark Ltd.  Her family has been handcrafting cookie cutters in Vermont since 1990. Because of thier quality and customer service they have become the number one cookie cutter manufacturer in America. With over 190 items they really do have something for everybody and every occasion. Make more cookies is their motto and I completely agree!
They have Traditional Cookie cutters, Contemporary …

These gorgeous lavender earrings would be as comfortable as they are beautiful.  They could be worn with many, many things, from dressy to casual.
Yuliana is so talented that she makes all sorts of jewelry including the bracelet seen here on 3Psin a Pod.

Follow Yuliana G on Facebook
Enjoy the Yuliana G 2010 LookBook
Browse and order jewelry from Yuliana G online
Sign up for the FREE Yuliana G newsletter!
If you love “Lavender Paradise” as seen on another page or the matching earrings seen here, which I will be giving away, …

Are you familiar with a company called Spreadshirt?  Spreadshirt (www.spreadshirt.com) is a leading online platform for creating, buying and selling “me-shirts”—stylish conversation starters that people love to wear.
These personalized apparel and accessories make great holiday gifts. Spreadshirt is easy to use and lets shoppers design tees, aprons, blankets, hats, bathrobes and more so everyone on your list from Grandma to the kids are covered.  Check out Spreadshirt’s gifts page for some unique gift ideas and design inspirations!
From November 15th – November 30th, Spreadshirt is offering the 5 for …

Handmade jewelry has been made for the length of time but rarely to this degree of beauty.  And I most especially love that Yuliana specifically made these piece of jewelry for our Gift Guide.  Purple is, after all, my favorite color!
“I started making my own jewelry and purchasing  Lampwork from artisans all over the world.  I love how no single bead is the same and everything is one of a kind. The beads are glossy, almost like Jolly Ranchers.  They are deliciously beautiful too.” Yuliana G., the creator
Sink into …

How about a box of five yummy shooters bath and body mixology….sounds like a great cocktail inspired  bath and body skin care to me! Thanks to PureIntox, that is.
Not being much of a drinker, I cannot compare them to the actual version but I can tell you that my own little Appletini Foaming Body wash, Irish Creme on the Rock Massage and Bath Oil, Chocolate Martini Lip Balm, Strawberries and Champagne Bath Ice and Pina Colada Body Frosting all smell divine!  I expect I shall enjoy them immensely and when …

I have delayed and delayed  while thinking over this topic.  It wasn’t that I did not know what I wanted because I do.  Yes, my health was part of the hold up but mainly it was because I did no know just what to call what I want.  Now I do.  Farm Friendly.You hear of Farm Chic and Farm Francaise but those are not quite right.  A friend of mine who also adopted from China, has her kitchen almost perfectly the way I want it – Farm Friendly.
In essence, Jodi …

Experience the magic of endless fascination
Brainstring® is today’s most fascinating 3D puzzle. Based on a unique concept, Brainstring® calls for a new way of thinking. Combine intuition with structured thought and experience the fun of unimaginable possibilities.
Unique design and a well-thought-out play element. That’s the combination that makes Brainstring a popular but addictive new game for young and old. …

Fix It, Make It, Grow It, Bake It is an inspiring and instructive guide to living the handmade life by consuming less and creating more. Practical and profound, this handy how-to covers every area of life and offers easy-to-do tips, recipes, and advice on saving money and the planet. You and your family can live more joyfully and far more creatively, all on a dime. The best things in life are free—or if they aren’t, you can have a lot of fun making them.
Learn …

Have you ever played with the fish?  Snapfish, that is.  I have and boy was it fun!  Let me show you.

This picture does not even begin to do it justice and it was so easy!  This 20 page book I put together from beginning to end in 2 hours or less!  Now,  I am a paper and scissor scrapbooker.  I enjoy the hands-on ability to manipulate and use all or none of the pictures.  I love being able to journal and tell the story in finite detail and I adore …