While walking through the mall the other day, my 3 year old son said, “Mama, is this the mall?”

“Sure is,” I replied.

He then stopped in his tracks and said (with arms waving and a funny British accent), “Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the most beautiful of the-mall?”

I started laughing and he said, “No, really, Mama, who is the most beautiful?”

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Cute little dresses as keepsakes for life.

 

 

When I was born, my parents received numerous beautiful silver gifts for me; I had initialled spoons, mugs and music boxes, all beautiful, all meant as keepsakes for a lifetime, and all somewhat impractical.  They needed to be polished, and really were suitable for use and for display only in the baby years.  My own children received fewer of these items, but I did enjoy having gifts that were keepsakes.  Still, I have to say that my favourite “permanent” gifts were from my art-collecting aunt and uncle.  They gave us a beautiful framed Alistair Bell  animal print upon the birth of each child.  I have enjoyed them in my home for many years, and now enjoy seeing my children’s homes decorated with them.  It was a wonderful way for my adult children to begin their own art collections.

Even one for "big girls" like me.

I have tried to keep up my aunt’s and uncle’s tradition by buying art for my grandchildren as gifts.  My two youngest granddaughters have been the recipients of some special glass pieces by Tammy Hudgeon of Gabriola Island.  She created the middle piece in the first photo especially for my new granddaughter, Luciana.  I love the whimsical quality of her work, and the glass pieces, backed by wood, make the art suitable for hanging, or for perching on a dresser.  Tammy sells these pieces ready-made, but will also take specific orders if you contact her through her website.

For other “art-as-baby gift” ideas, think of prints by Eric Carle , Walt Disney, Charles Pachter or Tomie dePaola.  The list of suitable art for kids is endless!

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Grouchy? Not when you get a lunch like this!

Well, my daughter-in-law has been at it again!  Last time, under this heading, I showed you her Very Hungry Caterpillar luncheon.  This time she has created a Grouchy Ladybug lunch.  Her little guy is certainly lucky, and is quite a good vegetable eater, too!  As you can see, on top of the sandwich (whichever is your child’s favourite), she has created the ladybug from tomatoes, olives and a couple of rosemary sprigs (I think).  Eric Carle presented in a new medium–whatever gets those vegetables down!

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Valentines made straight from the heart.

I’m a big fan of free online printable colouring pages and crafts for kids. So this year while I was creating the templates for my own kids’ Valentines Day cards, I had the idea to design and share some free printable Valentines greetings with other parents. It’s a simple last-minute craft that doesn’t require much for materials or time. The glue is (literally) still drying on ours while I type this.

You will need:
- Card paper in any medium to light shade
- crayons or felts
- glitter glue, sequins, heart stickers (all optional)

Download template for Valentines

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Love Bug Valentines Cards

February 5, 2012 Homemade

  These were created last year after searching online for cards my daughter and I could make together for her preschool friends. I came across dozens of inspiring bug card ideas and using only materials we already had on hand, these ended up being our variation on the popular card design. My daughter was excited [...]

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Musical Beds

February 2, 2012 Uncategorized

Before having children, we had strong “ideas” of how we’d do things—in particular, getting the kids to sleep. “No kids in our bed!” was (going to be) a definite rule in the house. Fast forward three years and two kids later, I write this just moments after waking the babes from our (double) bed and [...]

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Kid’s Pocket Purse

January 31, 2012 Homemade

Quick and easy kid’s pocket purse, minimal sewing skills required! You will need: – 2 pockets from an old pair of jeans (and a stitch picker to remove them). – Iron-on applique (Hello Kitty one shown was purchased from H&M). – Ribbon, lightweight metal chain or braided trim for strap (length depends on size of [...]

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Richard Scarry’s Busytown Comes to Town!

January 25, 2012 Books

  Just look at the condition of this book, and you will understand how many times it has been read!!  My oldest son received it in 1973 when he was one year old, and he made me read it (and other Richard Scarry books we accumulated) over and over again, for several years.  When his [...]

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Homemade Museli

January 23, 2012 Recipes

Museli with greek yoghurt and a splash of maple syrup is a quick and healthy breakfast or snack for on-the-go moms and kids. – 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats – 1/4 cup dried coconut – 1/4 cup shelled roasted sunflower seeds – 1/4 cup shelled roasted pumpkin seeds – 1/4 cup slivered almonds – [...]

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Quote #30— May I Take Your Order?

January 17, 2012 Funny Things Kids Say

Like many sleep starved moms of small children, I have grown quite fond of caffeine. Recently, my love of caffeine was made very apparent by my preschooler while we were playing in her kid kitchen. Me: What can I get you to drink? Daughter: I’d like a medium steeped tea with one milk and two [...]

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