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more gift ideas.

It's really beginning to look like Santa's workshop at my house. I have 6 crafting projects on the go right now, and the mess to prove it. My deadlines are fast approaching (Sunday for some, Tuesday for the rest) and I'm thrilled to knock one more thing off my to do list.

If you remember last year, I made these cute little cookie cutter frosting sets for the women I Visit Teach through Church.

This is what I came up with this year. (Actually the original idea spread like a bad rash and ended up being nothing like what I planned)

I wanted to do some cute little hot chocolate in a mug, with a candy cane stir sticks and marshmallows, so I found some cute little mugs. I didn't know which one would work, since one has a wider mouth than the other. So I bought them both to try. (Dollar Store)

Then when I was trying to fit the hot chocolate and all the goodies in, it just wasn't looking right. So I ended up making a sweet little paper carrier to put it all in.

(I'll break down the parts to make this for you...) 

Start by taking jumbo marshmallows and sticking a lollipop stick in the bottom.  Melt some chocolate and dip the marshmallow in about halfway. Stand the sticks in something that will hold them upright until the chocolate sets. (I used my salt container)

I wrapped each marshmallow (once the chocolate set) in cellophane and tied it with curling ribbon. Just in case you're wondering what these are for, they are to stir into your hot chocolate and the marshmallow gets all melty and delish!

Each little milk box is made out of kraft cardstock. The first one holds two little packages of hot chocolate mix.

 
 If you google milk carton template, you will find lots of free ones to download. But I used the one from the Papertrey website, which you can buy here. (I wouldn't feel right sharing it here, since well, it's not very nice and slightly illegal, but anyways) The free templates I found are slightly different from the one I used, but they will still work just the same.

Okay, so the other milk box, all I did was cut the top off where it folds into a carton. Cut a window out of the front and add some cellophane to "cover" the hole.

Along with the marshmallow stir sticks, I included crushed candy canes in a little zip-lock bag to sprinkle on top of your hot chocolate.

The carrier itself is included in the milk carton download from Papertrey. It too is made from paper and super easy to assemble.

Front View.

 
Side View.

See, super simple, but so adorable. And very inexpensive as I try to do with most of my projects. You could probably make these for about $1-2 each, not including the template download which was $5.

I like to look at this and think of all sorts of different ways I could stuff these little boxes. The possibilities are endless!

  
  

more handmade lovin'.

Okay, this is my first official don't look at me post.

So if you are Workman, present or past you cannot look, and for the few friends in Sarnia that read my blog, you can't look either. (yes, Laura, Renee and Myril, I'm talking to you!)

Okay, so check out this album link HERE to see my next homemade gift! Complete with instructions. (Instructions are written under each picture)

I have been SO completely overwhelmed this week. Trying to pack for Alberta, putting the finishing touches on all my handmade gifts, and to top it off, I've been babysitting an 11 month old little guy, and phew, I am tired.

handmade christmas.

It's December, already.

wow.

I can't say I didn't know it was coming, after all it does come every year, faithfully after November 30th, I just can't believe how fast it's moving.

So as you may or may not know, I like to make stuff. And this Christmas is no exception for my handmade gifts. The only problem is, that I want to share them with you, but I don't want the recipient to see them before hand.

What's a girl to do?

Well, I'm going on the honesty of my family and friends that they won't peek. I hope that you will have better restraint than I would have. And I'll won't post pictures in the post, instead I'll make an album that you won't be quite so tempted to go and look at. But we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Today we'll start real simple... this is one that everyone can look at.

Last year for my Nursery kids, I made really cute gift bags filled with play-dough, a cookie cutter and some candies. You can check it out here. (just keep scrolling past the movie night, it's at the bottom of the post)

So this year I really had to come up with something creative, and this is what I did.

I bought some wooden blocks that measure about 4" x 2.5", they have a bit of a routered edge. And I painted them a variety of colors.

It would be best before hand to find out what their favorite colors are. I knew a couple of kids color preference, but I wish I could have done them all in their favorite color.

Anyways, the next step is to cut some black vinyl. I used my Cricut machine and 2 different fonts. The first more chunkier font I cut out "LOOK WHAT MADE". Then with a more scripted font I cut out each child's name.

Once the blocks were dry, I sanded the edges a bit for a more weathered look. Then I stuck the vinyl to each block.

Then for the next step. On the back of the blocks they were a bit messy, some extra paint that had oozed onto the back, and some sticky adhesive still left from the price stickers.

 So I painted the back of each block black. (Phew that''s a mouthful, back, block, black)

The next step is to add some magnet. I wanted my magnet to cover the entire length of the block, for maximum coverage.

Measure the magnet and stick it down.

 
 
 And you're done.

Wondering what you just made?

Fridge magnets of course, for your child's sweet art work.

The best part about this project was the cost. Each block cost me less than a $1.00!! Can you believe it! The blocks were 50¢ each. The paint and vinyl was supplied by my lovely friend Myril. (Thanks for all your help!!) and the magnet was $2.00 for the whole roll, and I used about half.

Of course I know a Nursery aged child will not appreciate a block of wood for Christmas(haha) so I have some candy to add to some cute bags for them.

I ♥ handmade gifts.

Many more to come... I just gotta finish them all, and that's the scary part.

reginald b. workman

Today, the strangest thing happened. When I went to get the mail, we had a curious package from The North Pole.

I left it until the kids got home from school, so we could open it together.

 
  The kids ripped the paper off the curious package, only to find a white box.

And inside the box was a book, and a tiny little elf dressed in red.

We wasted no time, reading the story together, so we could find out what this little elf was all about.

So the book explained that Santa had sent a special helper elf to come and live at our house. The first thing it tells you to do, is give your elf a name.

After a couple names were tossed around we finally decided on Reginald B. Workman, or Reggie for short.

So the book continued to tell us that Reggie was going to watch us to see if we are being naughty or nice. We can talk to the him and tell him things we want Santa to know, especially what we want for Christmas. And each night, Reggie will fly back to Santa and tell him all the things that are happening in our house. Then while we are sleeping, he will find a new place around the house, and in the morning when you wake up you have to go and find the him.

But... there are a couple rules. You are not allowed to touch the elf, or else his magic powers will disappear, and Reggie isn't allowed to talk to us. On Christmas Eve when Santa comes to deliver our presents, Reginald will go back with Santa until next year, when he'll come and visit again.

So we set Reggie up on our bookcases for now, and the kids wasted no time telling Reggie what they would like for Christmas.

 
 

 
 Hunter even explained to Reggie that his Mommy likes taking pictures, so we can remember things, and not to be scared.

I'm so excited for Reginald to spend some time with our family. Thanks for the special package Santa!

a baby shower.

I had the pleasure of hosting a surprise baby shower at my house on Friday night for a very deserving friend of mine, who just gave birth to a sweet baby girl named Bailey. I was very excited to do this, since I love throwing parties, and once I found my inspiration piece for the party, I couldn't stop the excitement from coming.

In my case, the theme of the party was born, when I fell in love with these paper plates.

I am zebra print obsessed right now. And I think you would be surprised how easy it was to find things that matched and coordinated with this plate. Anyways, lets get started.

Because pom pom's are so easy to make and have such a HUGE impact on a room. I started by making 3 big white ones, and when I found some zebra print tissue paper, I almost died from sheer delight.

So I made two little baby ones from the zebra print by cutting sheets of 20x26 tissue paper in half and using 5 sheets each per pom pom. Aren't they darling?

And from there, I found black and white chipboard letters, that included some in zebra print. I figured a banner with Bailey's name would be just the perfect touch.

I cut scalloped circles and plain circles using the big shot, and then just mix and matched each letter base. Each letter is attached to the next using zip ties.

As for other big decorations I bought helium balloons in pink, black and white, and just had them floating all around my living room.

 
 After I had planned the decorations, next up was the food. I started by planning a menu. I knew I wanted to do desserts in pink, black and white colors. After making some food, and buying some food, I think I found the perfect balance of pink, white and black.

I started by putting my black velvet photography backdrop on the table. It was long enough to cover the front and back of the table, but not the sides, but it wasn't a big deal. I added a couple boxes underneath the backdrop to create layers. And put a white decorative shelf on top.

Here's the finished product.

(the picture quality is horrible, since it was already 8 o'clock at night before we got started. And you know how much I hate taking pictures without natural light. I really don't think these pictures will do it any justice, but at least you can get the idea of what it looked like)

 
(Starting left to right on table)
Imagine my delight, when I found Jones soda with pink and black labels; the exact color of my pink plates. 

It's hard to find a lot of desserts that are black (usually black desserts = burnt) So I settled for dark chocolate brown for most of my baked goods.

Brownie bites. I debated frosting these with pink, but since I did cupcakes, I decided against it.

 

Below the brownie bites were salt and vinegar rice crisps, for the non-dessert eaters. I forgot to snag a pic.

Next up. Hershey's chocolate nuggets. I took paper in coordinating colors of my table and wrapped each chocolate in paper.

 

Much to my surprise, everyone commented on this next treat. Pink pop rocks. They were so much fun!

Behind the pop rocks was a dish of strawberry cheesecake jelly belly's and to the side watermelon flavored tootsie pops!

Shifting down a bit. Cotton Candy sticks.

And right below them. Juicy red strawberries. (I had planned to make a pink dip, but I figured, we should probably not add more sugar to the table, and just eat the berries as is)

I just LOVE the dish they're in. So beautiful!

The next plate was full of pretzel rods dipped in white chocolate and coated with pink sugar sprinkles.

 (Phew, we had A LOT of food)

Next up, the back corner kinda...

Strawberry malted milk balls, white powder donuts and pink m&m's.

 To the right of that... CUPCAKES!! (of course)

Pink butter-cream frosting with white sprinkles. (I added a tiny little plastic baby to the top of each cupcake, not pictured)

 
 
 Almost done, hang in there. So the most obvious black and white food choice for me was of course, Oreo's.

Okay, last food I promise...

I went to Bulk Barn and bought any and all candy that was either pink, black or white. I ended up with a diverse selection, although most black candy is licorice flavored, but thank goodness we had lots of licorice fans at this party.

I filled my martini glasses with little portions of the candy's.

 

In the cups I had, 2 different flavors of jelly belly's (3 total), 2 different flavors of salt water taffy, licorice allsorts, yogurt covered raisins and pink and white gummy teeth.

And so, for the finishing touches on my table, I added some candles. The two here on pillar stands.

And the checkered one here, next to the frame.

 As for the frame, I went onto facebook and found a picture of Bailey. Printed it off and pinned it to the frame.

 I wish so bad that you could have seen it. I really do mean that it is just one of those things you have to see to appreciate. I had a blast putting it together, and I love how fantastic it turned out. (If I do say so myself)

If you have any questions, feel free to ask away. Hope you enjoyed reading this post. 2 in one day... to make up for my MIA status lately. xoxo.
 

8 months.

Grey at 8 months.

• you weigh 22 pounds 5 ounces.
• you wear size 3 diapers and wear 9-12 month clothes.
• you started crawling on November 4th and you caught on very quickly. You are cruising around the house like crazy now.
• you have zero bedtime routine since the time change. The only thing that remains constant is you waking at 7:00am, Mommy is not a fan of this early hour.
• you hate mushy baby food. You much prefer crackers, cookies and fruit. Your favorite are Ritz crackers.
• you are starting to pull yourself up to standing. And I am scared you will walk soon.
• your favorite thing to do with your toys is disassemble them. If I put it together, you can't pull or rip it apart fast enough. You still LOVE noisy music toys.
• you still only have 2 teeth.
• you babble mum, mum, mum a lot.
• you are starting to learn baby sign language. Milk is your first sign. 

 
 
 

no good.

After a failed attempt at taking Grey's 8 months pictures, all I have to show it one photo.

Seriously. Yesterday he was sick. (he still is... cutting teeth and fighting a cold) So I waited until today to take them, and it's still no good.

He's crawling EVERYWHERE!! And would not sit still long enough for me to set him down, pick up my camera and snap a picture.

So after the above failed attempt, I decided to bribe him with food. (it's never too early)

And I managed to get a couple of okay ones.

 
 
 But then this happened...

Yup, he started choking...

And then it wasn't fun anymore.

I guess I'll try again tomorrow.
 

ava halloween 09.

Well, before I introduce this very famous superstar... let me tell you about how her Halloween day began.

The kids have swimming lessons on Saturday mornings. Hunter and Ava are in the same class and go from 11:30-12:00 while Lily has her gymnastics class.  Then Lily goes swimming from 12:00-12:30, while Hunter and Ava wait. 

So, long story short, Hunter and Ava have half and hour to burn at the YMCA while Lily swims. (for the record, I was not there, I was out running errands, I would have never let them run around the Y) And the end result.

Stitches and blood. Lots of blood.

Hunter may have pushed her, or she may have fallen down on her own, but they popped these butterfly stitches on her at the Y, and told us to head over to the hospital to get all stitched up.

3 little stitches later, and Hannah Montana was ready for her show.

 
 

 
 I had the joy of putting Ava in this costume on 5 separate occasions. (sparks, school, Church, Halloween night, and photo-shoot night) It was the most darling costume you have ever seen. Amazing quality. (real fabric, not fake Halloween stuff) It was from the Disney store (bought on e-bay) and I hope that Lily loves Hannah next year, cause I would love to see this on my girls again.

(Just so you know, I will be changing the date this post was posted, back with Lily's costume, and hopefully Hunter's will be soon to follow. Thanks for hanging in with me, while I catch up from my mini blog vacay)
 
 

agghhhh...

Would anybody like to tell me where last week went?

Seriously! Is it over already?

I swear, I let my other kids go trick or treating too, and I will share some pictures, but honestly, I have no time. 

Slow down life...

but speed up for seeing my sister again, m'kay.

35 days and counting.

lily halloween 09.

Phew. Now that the blur of Halloween is over, I can concentrate on planning, packing and list making for our big trip back to Alberta this Christmas to see my sister and her family!! Did you know that it's only 43 days away? I am so excited, I haven't seen her in 5 years! She hasn't met Lily or Grey yet, and she has two little babies that I haven't met either.

BUT... I do of course have to share my kids Halloween costumes. And I'm starting with Lily.

She's still little enough that I get to pick her costume and she loves anything that sparkles and glitters.

This year she was...

A flapper! How adorable is that!!

Aghhh! When I saw this costume I just knew. I just knew. And of course she looks like she just fits that era perfectly.

 
And seriously this kid is such a ham. I didn't even tell her how to pose... these are all hers.

Shaking her fringe. (Just as long as she knows this is the only time it's okay to do so..hahah) 

It's funny, because lately we've been dealing with her telling me that she is beautiful because she has nice clothes, and we've been trying extremely hard to tell her that beauty comes from the inside and it doesn't matter what we wear or how we look. That the way we treat people makes us beautiful....

And she is a very kind, sweet girl. I think it shows.