Looking for toys for my boy

Well I have started my b-day shopping already for my big boy. He will be five at the end of August and the days seem to be flying by already, so I thought I would start my shopping now. I have gotten a few things already but I found a few I want to get but need to make a little more money before I can finish my shopping.

So when I get my money I will have to hunt you all down, lol.

Like I sooo want to get this for him. It is great for us, because we are homeschooling and it would be totally beneficial for him.

By Tootsiebear

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11915267

I love toys for my boy and I really love it when they are educational too, it is like a two for one in my brain, LOL. What is better than learning while playing?

He would also love these little guys

by Kidnaroundcreations

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24203067

He loves firemen and police and this would just be sooo much fun for him to play with.

And what little boy wouldnt just love this here wooden tool set.

by Prettydreamer

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24888043

Now I have to get to work and sell some stuff so I can get these for my little boy. LOL. Have a wonderful day and enjoy creating.

Anyone Else Hate to Cook?

I'm so not a chef/cook by any stretch of the imagination. Really, I hate cooking. I keep thinking that maybe my disdain is due to having a small kitchen, no "proper" training or a fridge that doesn't have the freezer on the bottom (I'm sure I'd enjoy cooking more if I had a freezer on the bottom).

So, I'm all about making it asap with minimal effort and if I can avoid touching raw meat, BONUS!!! Here's a complete, simple meal that's ready in an hour, but only because the chicken bakes for that long. Prep time is only five to ten minutes. Serve with canned fruit like peaches and some fresh from the store bakery French bread.

Entree: Mushroom Chicken
Ingredients

1. Boneless, skinless, frozen chicken breasts (4 or however many you can fit in a 9x13 baking dish) The chicken doesn't affect the taste or the overall dish, so you can make as much or little as you need.
2. 1 can cream of mushroom soup (I use the fat free one)
3. 1 cup of milk
4. 1 packet of onion soup mix

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place froze chicken breasts into baking dish then mix together cream soup, milk and onion soup, until blended, and pour over the chicken. Bake for 1 hour. Serve over rice.

Salad: Cranberry Almond
Ingredients

1. Dried cranberries (I use Craisins)
2. Slivered almonds (you can find these in the produce department next to the croutons)
3. Shredded mozzarella
   
4. 1 package of ready to use salad lettuce mix
5. Dressing of choice (I like ranch with the cranberries)

You can buy everything ready for use (so simple), so all you need to do is throw it all together in a bowl and use however much or little of each ingredient as you want. The cranberries have a nice tangy flavor and the almonds provide a little crunch. Yummy and simple.

Enjoy!

Originally posted 7/2/09 here

It's True

Really, it is. Today is the big 36 for me. 36 years, hard to believe. If I were a kid again (and believe me I've tried!) I would have a ball with EtsyKids (well, in fact, I still do!) But here is what I'd order, for me! :)

a fantastic tutu skirt from lexiloudesignulove

and wonderful booties from funkyshapes!

...ahh to be young again!

Personal Independence

I WANT TO WISH EVERYONE A WONDERFULLY CELEBRATORY INDEPENDENCE DAY! GET OUT AND HAVE FUN! XO

In our professional and personal lives, we often
lose track of our own needs--and rarely address them. Make this Independence
Day different!

1. Step 1

   Pick a day that belongs to you and you alone--no meeting family needs or job requirements and proclaim to all that this is "MY INDEPENDENCE DAY".

2. Step 2

   Go to any place that brings you serenity and allows you to focus and identify how you got SO lost-and how you can find yourself, by identifying those activities and behaviors that makes you feel content, fulfilled and at peace.

3. Step 3

   It may have been a long time since you have focused on yourself, so bring a pen and tablet, to list your own needs. Until your own needs are met, it's pretty hard to satisfy others, without harboring resentment.

4. Step 4

   Announce to family and co-workers that you are making changes in the way you participate in life--AND follow thru.

5. Step 5

   Your new found activities may include joining a gym, or a garden club, taking a class, learning to play an instrument or even learning about the artist in yourself, through a craft.

6. Step 6

   Keep the new you in the front of your mind, because it is much easier to slip back into the old routine of being everything for everybody.

Friday Finds: EtsyKids Central region

Today's Friday Finds are based on one of our regions' team tag "EtsyKids Team CEN," which is the Central region (Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana).

1. 12m girls sweatshirt jacket by Perennialpiecer.
2. Blue Daisies Toddler Skirt Fully Lined by OnTheSweeterSide.
3. Punk baby goth Girls Skull and Crossbones Michael Miller baby or toddler blanket by RockerByeBaby.
4. Ladybug top for 18 inch dolls by Jillsfabricdesigns.
5. Chihuahua Dinner Party - Burp Cloth Set by Apap3rgirl.
6. Educational Summer Flipboard Game Set by TootsieBear.
7. Owl Tote Bag - Orange and Corduroy - Adult or Child by Everydaycelebrations.

Hope you have a wonderful July 4th weekend! :-)

Featured Shop - mama made

While searching for an interested shop to feature this week I came across what I think to be one of the best inventions that I have seen for a long time. I must not be the only one either as there is currently two weeks wait for your order to be shipped! I think well worth the wait....

Mamamade reusable sandwich and treat bags are a welcome change in a disposable world.

These too cute sandwich/treat bags are the perfect size for a sandwich and also great for snacks like cookies, carrots and more. The outside of the bag is a 100% cotton print. The bag is lined with a waterproof PUL (polyurethane laminated knit - used commonly in cloth diaper making), and a polyester thread is used for increased strength and durability. When you're done using a bag, just shake out the crumbs, or if it gets messy just toss it in the washer and line dry.

The 100% cotton prints are to die for and if you are a little fabric obsessed, like I am, you will find it hard to pick just one.

Mamamade does ship internationally simply contact her for a quote if you are outside USA or Canada.

Apart from the reusable snack bag invention there are lovely toys, quilts, even shirts and burp cloths in mama made's shop so it is well worth stopping by.

Enjoy!

School will be starting here around the corner

I personally homeschool my son, but I know I have to encourage him to want to do his work, so I created some back to school crayon roll sets to get him motivated. He is only in Kindergarten so not too much work there. LOL. So I though this week we would do a search on back to school items. Aparently I got started a little early because there wasnt too many, but I did manage to find a few.

Such as these really cute bottlecap images, they would make some cute little pony tail holders or bows.

Could even make it into some magnets to hand out for all the kids in the class, for a back to school gift or something.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27024988

This is by bbsbowtique.

And I thought these are perfect for back to school, send your daughter to school with an apple in her hair.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21531084

By lilibugboutique

And then here is my back to school item.

Hope yall wont be insulted by my including myself in the blog this week.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27185952

A camping we will go...

Seriously, I had to boot my husband off of the computer so I could get to work. What I love about working is the part of getting to look through all of the wonderful EtsyKids' finds! Well, as the husband closed his search on pull-behind campers, I myself stumbled upon a camping find of my own!

I really really want to be a kid again!

Kids Play Tent by Babypop!

Design Challenge for June...and the winner is

4. Camo Critters Puppy Tee and Camo Shorts by BellaParis

Congratulations to the winner of this month's challenge - Camo Critters Puppy Tee and Camo Shorts by BellaParis (aka Sweet Dreams Designs)! Sweet Dreams Designs is a lovely store selling unique handcrafted kid's clothing that are bright and fun. You can visit them at bellaparis.etsy.com or check out their other site at www.sweet-dreams-designs.net

We had an EXCELLENT selection of entries this month and a close race. Cheers to all of you that participated!

Different...

Good Morning Divas!!!
I hope everyone had a fantastic week, despite the tragedy's in the entertainment world. I know all three deaths impact almost the entire worlds population. It makes you see that even people we grew up thinking were untouchable....well, aren't - and we should cherish each moment we have with our loved ones and live life to the fullest.

Today I would like to share a small piece that my boyfriend (for you Sex and the City fans - he's my man friend - LOL) sent to me and I got it yesterday.


People share so much in common, yet are so magnificently different. They think differently; they have different and sometimes competing values, motivations and objectives. Conflicts naturally ark out of these differences. Society's competitive approach to resolving the conflict and differences tends to center on 'winning as much as you can' Though much good has come from the skillful art of 'compromise', where both sides give on their positions until an acceptable middle point is reached, neither side ends up truly pleased. What a waste to have differences drive people to the lowest common denominator between them!!! What a waste to fail to unleash the principle of creative cooperation in developing solutions to problems that are better than either party's original notion!!!

This, of course is true with your significant other, work affiliates and kids, it is true in almost any situation. It feels extremely uncomfortable at first (for a professional arguer like myself) but once you get in the habit of really listening to the other opinion instead of just 'thinking of what you'll say next - once they shut up'. I can personally vouch that this does, indeed work!

Enjoy your weekend! Me and my crew are off to the pool!