Arts and Crafts

Here is a simple, all-natural way to dye your eggs this Easter! And it can be done with things you already have around the house. Start a new, beautiful tradition as you follow these steps: 1. Start with a dozen of your sister-in-law's fabulous "home-grown" eggs. (Well, at least my sister-in-law's. I'm lucky.) Aren't they pretty? If you don't have a family member who raises chickens, you can most certainly get a dozen eggs at the grocery store. 2. Take out a pile of onion peels from standard, yellow onions. Just save the skins of the onions you cook with (like I do) or go to a grocery store and ask if you can clean out their onion bins. They'll be...

Spring is coming! Weather will be warming up, flowers will be budding, and lots of pregnant bellies are getting ready to pop! When those new babies arrive, there are many traditional ways to welcome. Maybe you received flowers, cards, balloons, or new blankets and clothes. However, it is always nice to think outside the box and give those new moms and their bundles a memorable and useful gift that shows your love and joy. Here are three, unique ways to welcome baby (with a chance to WIN one of them below!) 1. Fill the Fridge and Pantry In those first few weeks back home, moms are worried about taking care of their newborn and themselves (and most likely other children.) Dad...

Scarves.  Goodness gracious I LOVE me some scarves! I remember wearing scarves about 8 years ago teaching junior high students who relentlessly made fun of these funny looking things around my neck.  And I remember telling those shiny little faces, "You don't know warmth until you know a good scarf!" Scarves are still used for warmth, but now are a huge fashion piece!  My scarf hoarding reached its peak last Christmas.  It was a bundle of colors and fabrics and fringe all rolled into a big MESS!!  I set out looking for a way to help me organize these scarves so that I could see them displayed in all their glory.  If you are like me and are tired of rummaging...

As a parent around the holidays, the "perfect gift" is on a lot of our minds. What can we give our children that will make their eyes light up and bring them joy? How can we find that gift that will keep on giving? Here's a unique idea that will not only bring joy but will also educate, inspire, and grow with your child: the gift of music. Learning to play an instrument is an incredible gift to give a child. Have you considered it? Baton Rouge Music Lessons is owned by Joel and Amy Willson. You may recognize them from our recent Mom's Night Out, as they entertained us for the evening. Not only are they incredibly talented, but...

A few years ago, I decided to jump on the Elf on the Shelf  (in our house Jake) bandwagon, and I have never looked back. The original concept of the Elf watching the kids and reporting to Santa was definitely a draw, but this is a common misconception because the scout elf in the book also encourages good deeds. Regardless of telling good or bad deeds, I was sold on being an Elf family once I saw my kids' reactions to their very own Elf.  I admit that there have been times when I cursed the whole thing as I was walking to bed and remembered that Jake forgot to move that day, but overall I have been pleased with my decision to be pro-Elf. I'll...