April Craft---Growing seeds

Having a very ill teen at home leaves me little time to myself much less managing my blogs. I have decided to continue with my blogs but I will only be adding content occasionally for the time being.

April's Craft is going to be something for "spring". The warm weather makes you want to go out and dig in the garden.

My daughter and I both love to grow things. I think playing in the dirt and getting in touch with Mother Nature can be quite rewarding. I have bought several little kits for my daughter and so she began growing tomatoes,and sunflowers...etc...Being sick she isn't able to get out much so this project was very rewarding because she could watch her seeds grow and see the changes each and everyday. 
This photo is of my daughter's first seed project. I believe these are of Sunflowers.


Kids of all ages can enjoy doing a project like this. However if you have small children I would advise you to plant some of your bigger seeds like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, watermelon seeds etc...The plants are more hardy and seem to grow faster.  You might even get them to eat some of the vegetables they grow...if you are lucky.

You don't have to purchase these kits however. All you need to do is go to your local dollar store and buy a package of plastic cups,some seeds,a bag of soil and a permanent marker.

Fill the cups up with soil. Halfway is good enough...then make a small indent with your finger. Place a few seeds into this indentation and then cover lightly with soil. Water and place in a sunny window. Make sure you write the name of the plant on the plastic cup with a permanent marker. Be sure to keep the soil moist and check everyday.

If you want you can even add some plastic wrap over the cups to help the growing process. Germination doesn't take too long...soon you will see the leaves and stem poking through the soil. I have placed my cups in a baking pan so that it makes it easier to move from window to window.

Happy Spring and happy growing!!

January Craft

Everyone loves a snow globe. C'mon you know you can't resist shaking one if you see it on a table or mantle. Here is an adorable little snow globe I found on Kaboose. I like to use my own interpretations though and I change it up and make the craft suit my tastes. Crafting is fun and you should be able to put your own spin on things.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

A small jar with lid

Florist clay

Glitter (preferably white)

Waterproof glue (Aquarium sealing glue

Plastic figures, plastic greenery,houses etc...

Directions--

http://crafts.kaboose.com/snglobe.html

Books related to our topic:

The Snow Globe Family

Reviewed on Amazon---"A world within a snowglobe! Imaginative children will LOVE this book! Great illustrations, a simple but happy story, and a captivating concept will make this book a favorite--at Christmas and always. They'll never look at a snowglobe the same way again! Our four-year-old granddaughter was thrilled by it--and so was her grandmother."

For more information

Happy New Year---Happy crafting and reading!

Hi Friends----


I haven't posted very much the last few months but I have a very good reason. My daughter is very ill and we have been going through some tough times. 


My daughter has the disabling autoimmune disease Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. It's really been hard to take it all in but even more difficult to see my daughter so ill and writhing in pain day after day. 


I was always there for my daughter. Whenever she needed me I was always here....many times putting off my own things  to do for her. Life is short so I just want to say enjoy these days with your kids as you never know when they will be replaced with sickness and pain.


I will not be able to post regularly as I just don't have the time with running to appointments but I will post as soon as possible.

Here's an easy craft and you can help to find the birds at the same time. Right now pine cones are all over the ground. I have seen them in the driveway every time we pass down the driveway.


Here is what you need:


Peanut butter
Pine cones string
Bird seed
Newspaper
A metal pie pan
Butter knife 


Spread newspaper out on the table. Pour some bird seed into the metal pie pan. Tie string onto one end of the pine cone.


Now--- take the butter knife and spread some peanut butter all over your pine cone. Once it's completely covered then you can either roll your pine cone into the bird seed until it is completely covered or you can spoon it onto the cone and pat it down with your fingers. There is no right or wrong way whichever way you choose your feathered friends will enjoy it!!

Bird feeders (Kids Can Do It)

When school's out & you're wondering how to keep your rug rats occupied, grab an armful of Renee Schwarz's books, rummage through your recycling bins, get out your paint boxes & glue stash, dig through your tool kits & get started on some fun things, then sit back & watch your fine feathered friends flock to your feeders. 

The Bird Book & The Bird Feeder (Hand in Hand with Nature)

I am in no way an expert birdwatcher, but this book and birdfeeder are so much fun to use. Like another reviewer, I was skeptical of birds actually coming to the feeder. In less than a week, they had not only found it, but were fighting to get inside it! The book is small, but well written and very informative for all ages, especially if you know very little about birdwatching. It makes the common birds you will see easy to identify. The feeder is great because it can be attached to a window pane, making up-close viewing possible from inside your house.
A great gift!

Snow Flakes

You can buy these snowflakes at stores like Walmart or any craft shop. They are plain and we decorated them in glitter and some in rhinestones.


Materials needed:
Foam Snowflakes
Craft Glue
String or ribbon
hole puncher
Newspaper
Pan to put glitter in


Add glue to your snowflake and then plunk it down into the glitter and voila! It's that easy.
You can also purchase rhinestone or babbles and decorate your snowflake to the max. Be creative and just have fun...that's what it is all about.


Now punch a hole and add your string/ribbon and you are ready to hang up your masterpiece.


Holiday books:

Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale

This book is beautifully illustrated. The simple story has enough repetition for little ones to quickly start reading aloud with you. The story of love, acceptance, and putting others first told in this book is heartwarming and delightful.
For more information

Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas

What an adorable book! I've been waiting for a Christmas related story of our favorite fancy girl, and this did not disappoint at all. Yet again, Nancy is perfectly fancy, perfectly eloquent, and and perfectly heartwarming. We are huge fans of both Fancy Nancy and Christmas in our house, and this book is a perfect addition to our holiday collection. A must for all Fancy girls out there!
For more information

Pine Cone Craft

I have a daughter who is chronically ill and it's been a really rough few weeks. So are you ready for Christmas?? I can't believe it is just a few days ago. Where oh where has this year gone???


Here's a craft we did with our little ones. It is simple and part of nature.

Go outside and try to find some pine cones or if you don't want to do that you can go purchase some at your local craft or Walmart store.


Here's what you'll need:
Pine Cones
Glitter
Ribbon or string
Newspaper
Craft glue
Paint brush


It's very simple. Take the paint brush and put glue on your pine cone. Once it's glued then you can either roll the pine cone in glitter or take a plastic spoon and add the glitter to your pine cone. Once the cone is dry then you can pat it to get the access glitter off of it. Now add a string or ribbon to hang it and voila! You now have a beautiful natural ornament for your tree.


I have several on my tree that were made years ago including the one in the picture and they last forever with some TLC. After the Christmas holiday I wrap each ornament  in 2 layers of paper towels to make a nice cushion and then store them in a big plastic container for safe keeping. 


Some of my ornaments date back to 1935. I have my Mom's collection and I have  bought my own daughter an ornament every year since she was born so someday she will have quite a collection for her own kids. 


It's really a fun tradition and many times we sit and reminisce about each ornament. I try to buy the ornament to what coincides with what she is interested that year. So...we have quite a few topics to cover.


Christmas is memories and well it's fun to make our own.
Merry Christmas!!


Books related to our topic:

Snowmen at Christmas 

Reviewed on Amazon--"The Buehner snowmen inhabit a twilight zone some where that humans stay in after sunset and do not even peek out the window until sunrise, leaving our frozen friends free to pull their action-packed, gleeful shenanagans the whole night through before sliding back to their approximate original positions somewhat worse for the wear. A sequel to "Snowmen at Night," this title celebrates the yuletide festivities with deorations, a flying snow Santa and reindeer and even snow gifts. Both, with rhyming text and colorful action paintings said to be oil over acrylic, will be enjoyed by the picture book crowd. Yes, you can search out the hidden pictures on each page, if you wish... A good choice for personal, school, and public libraries." For more information

The Sweet Smell of Christmas

As a child, I knew it was Christmas when my mother brought out this wonderful book. I scratched and I sniffed, year after year, until all the scent was gone. Or so I thought... Last year, while unpacking a box of childhood books and toys, I ran across my copy. The fragrance is faint, but the memories are strong. What a magical feeling this book evokes, combining a charming story with scents that have lingered in my mind all these years. I just bought a copy for my own 6-year-old, and I can't wait to give it to him for Christmas! For more information

An Interview with Billionaire Mark Cuban

Many of you may recognize billionaire Mark Cuban from the ABC show Shark Tank. I absolutely love this show and am always intrigued by what type of inventions the entrepreneurs develop and how the sharks react. 

There have been some really neat inventions that have been made famous due to this show. It's fun watching the sharks go head to head and the craftiest of them is billionaire Mark Cuban. Mr.Cuban is one of the most successful businessmen in America. And for you Dancing with the Stars fans he was on the 5th season and was eliminated after four weeks in the competition. I have to say that Mark did an excellent job and think they should have kept him around.(See video at the end of this interview.)

There are many mommies out there that dream of creating their own

business but haven't a clue where to start. What advice do you have for them? 

"Find something you love to do, can do on your own and doesn’t require any more capital than you can afford to lose personally. The most valuable asset you have is your time, talents and ability to communicate. Focus on those strengths and what you can do rather than what you can’t do."

There are many young moms who are just beginning their lives and can relate to you when you said you were sharing a small apartment with 6 people and sleeping on the floor.  How can someone keep their eye on the prize when they’re living on Ramen noodles?

"Who cares how you are living today? I loved every minute of living in
that dump. The low rent and utilities and eating Mac n’ Cheese all
the time allowed me to afford the startup of my business. Instead of
paying myself much, I could put it in to my business."

One part in your book I loved and my heart sank at is when your fiance lost your $7500 ring.  What's your advice for those moms out there who are distracted by a relationship? How do you balance a real life with your dreams?

"I never was able to balance. Each person has to make their own
decisions. But remember, your competitors aren’t sitting by idly
waiting for you to have a nice dinner with your significant other.
They are trying to kick your ass. So choose wisely."

You encourage entrepreneurs not to hire a public relations firm, Mark. How did you get the word out about your eBook?

"I tweeted, posted on Facebook, [used] Google Plus and responded to emails. Nothing more."

Where can we get a copy of your eBook, How to Win at the Sport of Business?

"Anywhere eBooks are sold: Amazon, BN.com, and sites that support independent bookstores too."

And for those of you who love movies please visit---
http://on.fb.me/HDMoviesKidScene then send me an email for a chance to win two free tickets. In the email's subject line write free tickets. Deadline: December 24th. Happy Holiday's. Send to: publishedauthor at comcast dot net thanks!!

Easy Christmas Wreath for the Moms

Here is a beautiful Christmas wreath that I made and it basically cost me a dollar for the wreath and another dollar for the ribbon ---plus things I had in my house.

Materials needed:

Pine wreath

Glue gun and glue sticks

Ribbon (for bow) 

String of lights (optional)
5-6 colored glass or plastic balls
Plastic snowflakes (optional)


Directions--Lay wreath on the table. Position ornaments and then glue with your hot glue gun. Position your bow and snowflakes then glue into place. After it dries add your string of lights and voila! you now have a beautiful wreath to display on your door or wall and it cost a fraction of what it costs in the stores today.


More holiday books--

Merry Christmas Stinky Face
Reviewed on Amazon--Fun, creative book for kids of all ages. We really enjoy the "Stinky Face" series of books. My only surprise was that it was a board book, but that's okay because I have a 2 and 7 year old. McCourt is so creative and if you don't have this book for Christmas, I'd suggest you get it. For more information

Humphrey's First Christmas 

Reviewed on Amazon---"Incredible art work, visually awesome for children and adults of all ages. The story is just as touching, Humphrey wanted his blanket, that he had lost so bad, and once he got it, he gave it as a gift to the baby Jesus, what a wonderful story of giving. A book that is a treasure for all generations. For more information