Archives for June 2012

Jun 18

Toodie’s New Clubhouse!

Jun 18

A few weeks ago I got a great deal on the “Little Rascals Clubhouse” by Easy Playhouse on Sneakpeeq. These cardboard houses are easy to put together and are a blank canvas for children to color, paint, scribble, and design. There were only two large pieces that had to be assembled and they fit into one another easily.

After a quick assembly, I secured some of the edges with a hot glue gun just to make sure that they were held together well. I only did this for the roof because I noticed the flaps were loose and I wanted to be able to move the playhouse around the house without it falling apart each time. Each side of the house has a door opening and the opposite sides each have windows that open as well.

I set up the playhouse in our patio to begin painting. We started working on the roof together and I couldn’t wait to see how it would look when we were all finished! Toodie was just as excited and kept putting down her paint brush to go inside the little house.

She was very focused on her work…

But there’s always time to be silly!

Toodie did a great job painting on her own. Red was her color of choice and it’s no surprise that half way through, we used all of it up!

Not the most conventional way to paint but it sure get’s the job done! Toodie was taking a little break..

Since we started painting the roof first, it didn’t take very long to dry. To add a little sparkle I outlined the stars with Elmer’s glue and sprinkled chunky glitter to make them stand out.

Someone was going to need a nice long bath after this project! She didn’t seem to mind.. Artists get a little messy here and there.

This is the back view of the playhouse. It’s not as decorated as the front but when it’s completely dry I am sure Toodie will enjoy adding stickers to it.

6 empty bottles of Crayola paint, half a change of wardrobe, a siesta on the tile, one tired mommy, and a peanut butter sandwich later …. we have Toodie’s playhouse!

As time consuming as it was, I really enjoyed painting Toodie’s playhouse and making it perfect for her. This is a really great project if you have a little one who loves their own space. Now that Toodie has her own playhouse, maybe she will stop building a fort in my closet!

Easy Playhouse also sells castles, crafty cottages, and their classic playhouse.

Jun 16

Saturday’s Top Five Laughs

Jun 16

1. It’s very hot here in South Florida right now. This week alone it’s been in the 90’s everyday. My mom purchased Toodie a new Disney swimsuit and a cover up for the pool that she was very excited about. So excited, that she wanted to wear it immediately. I turned on the rotating sprinklers in the backyard so she could run around. She made it to the patio door and changed her mind. But before she made it in, the sprinkler made it’s way around and splashed mommy leaving Toodie running inside. While I was left drenched, Toodie jumped into the dog bed and says, “Gosh that was a close one!” Yes it was … just not for mommy!

2. Toodie stayed home from school on Thursday because she caught the same cold I have. I let her sleep in and when she woke up I headed to the kitchen to make her pancakes. I couldn’t find her so I checked her room. She was still wearing her pajamas along with four different color socks, sneakers, arms full of bracelets, five hair bows, and a birthday girl sash on. I asked her where the heck she was going and she replied, “I’m going to work today mom.” Okay my three year old has a job, that’s new. “Where are you working Toodie?” She pulls out her play lipstick and says, “I do makeup Mommy.” I now have a 3 year old freelance makeup artist in the house!

3. I made an afternoon doctor’s appointment for Toodie and about an hour before, I started to get our things ready to go. I was sitting on the computer and she was watching Little Bear behind me in the living room. The whole time I heard a really loud snoring noise but assumed it was my Pug doggie Chloe because this is typical of her! I saw Toodie sitting in our big chair and went to my room to get dressed so we could head out. I came back to get her and this is what I found! My poor baby can fall asleep anywhere when she isn’t feeling well. She was also the source of the loud snoring 🙂

4. We caught Toodie sniffing one of our dog’s butts the other night. Not really sure what she was doing but I am almost positive it didn’t smell like flowers. Just a hunch…

5. If you have heard of Pillow Pets then I am sure you are familiar with Dream Lites. Toodie has been asking for a Dream Lite for the past month but the Butterfly she wants had been sold out. My mom found a Ladybug with a similiar concept at Toys R Us to hold her over. Every single night Toodie puts her ladybug on and makes me sing the Dreamlite song from the commercial. I sing it over… over… over.. and over again until she falls asleeep. I have never been so sick of a song with only 4 lines in my life!

Jun 14

Let’s Make Puffy Paint!

Jun 14

What You Need:

1/2 Cup of Flour
2 Tablespoons of Salt
2 Tablespoons of Baking Powder
Food coloring
Water
Cardboard Paper
Q-tips
Paint Brushes (optional)

Directions:

Mix your flour, salt, baking soda, and food coloring color together adding water until it creates a paste.
Distribute different color paint into cups or bowls.
Use your cotton swabs or paint brush to create a picture on to the paper.
Make sure that the paint is applied thick so that it will rise.
When your painting is finished place it in the microwave for 5-10 seconds for paint to become fluffy!

Jun 14

Influenster: Sally Hansen Salon Effects

Jun 14

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips

Don’t Get Stuck With a Sticker!

Nothing feels or wears like real nail polish. Now Sally makes it easy to get Salon Effects anytime, any place using real nail polish – with no dry time! Don’t settle for plastic imitations that peel off. We’re the real thing. Just peel, apply & file! Learn more at www.sallyhansen.com

NO Dry Time
Lasts up to 10 days
Removes easily with nail polish remover
40 must have styles

Where to Buy

Available at chain drug stores, food stores and mass merchandisers nationally.

Suggested Retail Price: $9.99

My Thoughts

When I saw the Sally Hansen Salon Effect nail stickers in my box I couldn’t wait to give them a try. I have used numerous brands and types of nail stickers before but have heard that Sally Hansen makes some of the best out there. These nail stickers were easy to apply and it took no thought it getting them on. It was a simple press on, file, and shape. I even added a clear coat on top of them so that they would last longer and also be secure. Sally Hansen Salon Effects also come in a ton of different colors and patterns. There is a wide variety to choose from. You can have a salon like manicure within minutes and there is NO drying time to worry about! They last well over a week and in my experience, longer than 10 days. To remove, all you need is a little bit on nail polish remover.

Disclaimer: I received the product in this post compliments of Influenster for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

Jun 13

Crowdtap: Old Navy Summer Swimwear!

Jun 13

A couple of weeks ago I was accepted into the Old Navy Summer Swimwear Sample & Share with Crowdtap. While I have participated in several sample opportunities from Old Navy, I have never been selected to try their swimsuits. This was exciting! I already knew that I was going to have a hard time choosing just one after looking at all of their swimsuits online. I couldn’t believe how many they had. Crowdtap provided me with two coupons that were redeemable for two swimsuits, one for me and one for a friend. It’s Summer time and who doesn’t need a cute swimsuit to show off at the pool or beach?

My nearby Old Navy had a huge selection of swimsuits. Walking in I didn’t think they would have as many as they advertise online, but I was wrong. There was a big section in the middle of the woman’s department that displayed only swimsuits, cover ups, and flip flops. There were even a few beach accessories like bags and umbrellas scattered around. The first thing that caught my eye was the wall of bright coral, orange, and hot pink bathing suits. These are all popular Summer time colors and while the styles were simple, the color made them stick out.

Even though there were a lot of bikinis available, there were also other styles too. Tankinis, one piece suits, and control max suits were displayed. It’s safe to say that Old Navy has swimsuits for all body types, shapes, and sizes. With all of the designs, colors, and patterns you can mix and match many of the suits also.

I couldn’t help to notice the patriotic bathing suits either. The navy blue bathing suit had white stars all over it along with clear sequins. They also had an American Flag suit! Either of them would be perfect for Fourth of July coming up.

For my swimsuit I chose the Women’s Metallic-Thread Crocheted Bikini. It has a really neat pattern on it that reminds me of the Missoni designs that have been popular lately. This swimsuit has a zig-zag striped crochet pattern with hints of metallic threading throughout the design. This gives it a hint of sparkle. It’s also really soft and comfortable! The top and bottom are both originally $19.94 each and sold separately.

Women’s Metallic-Thread Crocheted Bikini

Thank you Old Navy & Crowdtap for this special opportunity to shop your new Summer swimsuits!

Disclaimer: I received two complimentary coupons from Crowdtap and Old Navy to shop their Summer swimsuit selection. All opinions are my own.

Jun 13

Sonos Wireless HiFi System & Target GC Offer for Father’s Day!

Jun 13

Still searching for that perfect Father’s Day gift? Why not get dad something you know he will love? A top of the line HIFI Wireless System to play his favorite tunes around the house or while working in the garage. Right now Target and Sonos are offering an unbeatable promotion that will not only provide you with an entertaining gift but also a little money back in your pocket to spend later.

Through June 16th, you can score a $30 Target gift card when you purchase a Play:3 Sonos wireless HiFi system or a $40 Target gift card when you purchase a Play:5 Sonos wireless HiFi system! This offer is available online at Target.com and In-Stores.

Forget the socks, dress shirts, or gold clubs … surprise Dad with something different this year!

Interested in seeing how the Sonos Wireless system works? Take a look at the video below for everything you need to know!

You can listen to your music play lists, music stored on your computer’s hard rive, and enjoy FREE internet radio. Now if that doesn’t sound good let me add that you can also tune into more than 100,000 internet radio stations, shows, and podcasts for FREE. With this system you have the ability to stream music and surf stations straight from the radio right off the internet.

Place the device in your living room to entertain guests or enjoying your favorite music while doing housework. The Sonos System do not have to stay in one place, you can move them around the house wherever you may be! Not only is it small and portable, but it is also a sleek and modern decoration.

Want to move the device into your child’s room or playroom? No problem! Everyone can enjoy the Sonos Wireless HiFi System. All you need to do is unplug and re-locate. You don’t have to worry about your children tripping over loose wires or cords.

Disclaimer: I participated in this campaign as a member of One2One Network and I’m eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated in the post are my own

Jun 13

Wordless Wednesday: Nurturing Nature

Jun 13

I Received An Award For Best Kid’s Crafts!

Jun 13

A couple of days ago I was contacted by the editor of Craft Corners informing me that I have been awarded with the “Crafting Award!” Young At Heart Mommy was was noticed for having a variety of children’s projects along with easy to follow instructions and photography.

I just wanted to say thank you to Craft Corners for taking the time to recognize my blog and for the recognition. It means a lot to me being noticed for doing something I love with my little girl.

Jun 11

We love CRAYOLA Color Wonder Fingerpaints!

Jun 11

I think I have found a new favorite Crayola product! Crayola has been around for quite some time and I am constantly purchasing their crayons, paints, and coloring packs. Tonight I spotted the Crayola Color Wonder Fingerpaint kit and thought it had an interesting concept. These fingerpaints are MESS FREE! No more worrying about your little one getting paint on their clothes, in their hair, or on your furniture.

The kit came with 5 Color Wonder finger paints along with 12 double-wide sheets of Color Wonder paper. I found it at Publix for around $9.00 but have seen these at Walmart, Target, and even craft stores like Michael’s.

The Color Wonder Finger Paints are unique in that they are a clear jelly like consistency. If you were to dip your finger in a tub of hair gel, this is exactly what it feels like! They are a lot easier to control than regular finger paint given they are not as runny or wet. They dry really quickly while still giving kids the “real feel” of the fingerpainting experience.

There are five fun fingerpaint colors – Red, Orange, Yellow, Blue, and Green. Each of them is stored in their own sealed container attached to a finger on the Color Wonder hand. The caps to each container are color coordinated so you always know what color you are using, despite the clear consistency. In the palm of the hand is a cleaning sponge to remove the residue from each finger as you switch colors. This keeps the colors from getting muddy and mixed. The sponge can be removed, washed, and replaced after play.

As a mom this is one of the coolest things I have seen Crayola come out with. Toodie loves to paint but it is always a big production to set it all up on the patio and protect everything with newspaper. With the Color Wonder Finger Paints she can sit at the kitchen table and I don’t have to worry about the paint getting on anything or staining the furniture.

At first Toodie didn’t understand why she was rubbing clear goop on the paper but within seconds the colors began to appear. The longer they sat, the more vibrant the colors became. Once she got the hang of it she went to town creating her picture.

After about 30 minutes or so, the picture was dry and to my surprise had a nice glossy finish. Nice thing about this no mess paint is that you do not have to worry about those leftover globs taking forever to dry. This baby was ready to display on the refrigerator!

Jun 09

Saturday’s Top Five Laughs

Jun 09

1. This is Toodie’s new favorite look … she calls them her “zombie eyes.” Regardless if we are at home, at the park, or in the grocery store Toodie likes to put on her zombie eyes for all to see. This past Sunday we went to a barbecue for a friend’s birthday and in the middle of her playing i asked her to let me take a photo. Instead of getting that sweet smile I usually do, guess what I got? ZOMBIE EYES!

2. Speaking of zombies, if you have an iPhone or Android then you have probably heard of the Zombie Booth APP. This app is where I think Toodie really found her love for zombies. You take a photo of yourself and within minutes you are turned into a zombie! It even makes a disgusting wet eating noise when you put your finger where your mouth is in the photo. While at the mall participating in one of those paid surveys, Toodie & I were sitting in the waiting area. She was getting pretty antsy so I gave her my phone and she started taking photos of me. THEN she proceeded to turn me into a zombie. Everyone was starting at us wondering what the crazy munching sound was coming from my phone. I could only smile … how do you tell you people your kid has a passion for all things zombie?

3. Toodie has become just like her mommy in the sense that she smells everything. She smells candles, perfumes, clothing, food before she eats, and now she smells …. mommy’s face! Last night we were sitting in my bed watching television and she came to give me a huge hug. Before releasing she pushed her nose on my face and started sniffing me all over. I asked her if mommy’s face smelled good and she replies, ” Your face smells like banana mommy, i like it!” Then for a good 3-5 she continued to smell it.

4. With potty training going GREAT, Toodie takes the initiative to go to the potty on her own and do her business. She knows how to make potty, wipe, and then wash her hands all by herself. Proud momma? ABSOLUTELY! This week she asked me to go in with her so i sat patiently on the bathtub ledge and waited for her to go. When she was finished she realized the toilet paper was almost out and there was new one sitting on top. She says “Mommy, can you do me a favor?” She then pointed for me to replace the roll for her. It was so cute to hear her asking nicely for a “favor” from mommy!

5. Toodie has always loved to sing and dance. This week her favorite song is “Shake What Your Mommy Gave Ya.” I caught her saying it to my mom the other night in the kitchen and also the dogs. She even adds a little hip movement in there for extra swagger.

Did you have a few good laughs with your little one’s this week? Head over to The Mommyhood Chronicles and link up your Saturday Top 5 Laughs!