Toys & Toys & Toys GALORE!

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Boys Love Dress-up too + DIY Dress-up Tips

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Playing Dress-Up:

Not to be considered strictly Girls Only ...

Make-Believe is for boys too!

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When your hear a parent talking about their kids playing dress-up, most people automatically think they are talking about their daughters. Dress-up has always been known for being more of a girls activity but that's not always so. When my step-son is over at the house and his sisters are playing dress-up, he wants to play too. Of course he don't want any faerie wings or dresses to wear but a couple years ago he started asking me if I would find him some boy dress-up clothes so he could play with his sisters, So I agreed.

Here's what I figured out about shopping for dress-up clothes, for boy and girls:

I started at the best place I could think of to find dress-up clothes... Thrift Stores! They're always full of a variety of clothing for very little money. Not to mention that unused Halloween costumes often find themselves at thrift shops. That means easy picking for you! 

When dress-up shopping for boys or girls, it's always a good idea to begin the first of November, with Halloween Clearence! Most of the work is done for you, adding personal touches is optional.  Once the trick-or-treating is over, instead of boxing up the costumes, hand them to the kiddos to be enjoyed over and over again instead of just the 1 night!

This is the time to let all of your creative energy out to play, use anything and everything available to make your vision a reality! And remember that no costume idea is off limits! Let your children help with the shopping and designing process for done great bonding fun!! 

Just be sure to have fun and remember that anything goes!

Costume Ideas:

• To make a Cowboy Costume you could use a wore out pair of jeans, a flannel shirt, a brown vest, cowboy boots and hat and maybe a belt. (You can find cow-boy belts with plastic guns at The Dollar Tree)
• For a Mad Scientist you can use a pair of white cloth pants, an over sized button up white shirt (maybe a chefs coat). Add some black framed glasses and a few glass or plastic vases as the potion beakers.
• Be Creative!!  The options are endless!!

You may not find what your looking for on the first shopping trip, check back another day. Each shop you visit will be different then the rest and it's your job to find the diamond in the ruff!

Don't forget the flea markets!

Anything is possible when you get creative!

• If you like the Halloween Costume idea for dress-up clothes, wait until early November to buy the costumes. That's when the stores start their Halloween Sales to get rid of all the extra Halloween costumes and decorations so they can start getting ready for Thanksgiving. You can get costumes for just a few dollars! I like to buy a few of them when they're on sale and put a couple up for Christmas presents. 

My step-son now has his very own dress-up collection without a single girlie touch! We found a cape, things for a fireman, an army man, and a ninja  - just to name s few. He's happy and that's dll the matters! My kids play for hours, running around in their new dress-up clothes.

Watching that boy enjoy every ounce of playing dress-up with his sisters is why I whole-heartily believe that everyone dreams of s different life and playing dress-up is the perfect way to help dreams come true!

 “Dress-up being for Girls Only" is nothing but huge myth.

Boys pretend too!

You can also find lots of retailers on & offline that sale a variety clothing designs to insure each creative idea with the prefect outfit for play!     Make-believe is for everyone....

Boys and Girls, no matter the age!

The local costume store is an obviously great choice to find perfect add-on items to complete the look!

Get creative and use that fabulous brain of yours!!

Anyone up for a dress-up session? 

Find the Perfect Gift to bring to all your Summer Party's! Plus Save some Cash for Yourself!

School is about out and In just a couple weeks, Summer Vacation will be in full force. Which means there's a good chance that you'll be attending at least one birthday party since the warm months are most popular for party planning. Before you head to the department store and pace up and down toys isles, I personally suggest that you check out Fun.com first. What do you have to loose? :)

Shop Disney themed clothing, toys, party supplies, and more!

From Harry Potter , Game Of Thrones , Marvel themed among much much more!!

You can find all sorts of toys, character themed clothes, blankets and soo much more! From Disney's Frozen to Star Wars, no child (or adult..) will be left without something they'll adore and be thanking you for months over! Not convinced? Then go check them out for yourself and I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

Enjoy FREE SHIPPING on orders over $65
Plus

Shop discounted costumes and accessories and Save up to 77% off!

Disclaimer: This blog accepts compensation in the form of products and/or monetary for selected posts which will be labeled as sponsored. Please note that I only write about items and/or services that myself or family have had personal experience with or ones that I believe you, my readers, will enjoy and/or benefit from. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of others. This post may contain affiliate links. View Full Disclosure for further details.

12 FREE Valentine Crafts & Card Ideas

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Valentine's Day just ain't the same without heart filled Valentines!

And of course, we all know that paper is the perfect material for making them since you can use all kinds of colors and cut into awesome shapes!

Check out this awesome and COMPLETELY FREE ebook that includes 12 FREE Valentine's Day Crafts and Ideas!

From handmade cards to free printable Valentine's, these tutorials will guarantee that your cards will be unique and fabulous. You now have no reason to buy those little foil Valentines from your local convenience store when you can make gorgeous handmade beauties instead! From embroidery tutorials to cards made with Washi tape and paint, you won't believe the paper crafting possibilities associated with Valentine's Day. Plus, as an added bonus we have some additional Valentine's Day crafts that you can make.

Decorate your home, make lovely origami projects, and prepare for the holiday of love with these fabulous Valentine paper crafts!



Take a peek of what's inside:

Check out these Embroidered with Love Valentines (pg. 5): These gorgeous Valentines combine the simple look of brown craft paper with a pop of pink and red. Stitch the simplest pattern you will ever embroider and admire your handiwork on the finished cards.

Kids want to participate in the holidays, but their expenses are limited. Help your kids celebrate Valentine's Day by showing them how to make a Handful of Love Card (pg. 7)

PLUS MUCH MORE!

Disclaimer: This blog accepts compensation in the form of products and/or monetary for selected posts which will be labeled as sponsored. Please note that I only write about items and/or services that myself or family have had personal experience with or ones that I believe you, my readers, will enjoy and/or benefit from. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of others.
This post may contain affiliate links.
View Full Disclosure for further details.

DIY Valentine's Day Foam Stamps: Kids Craft

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**Valentine Foam Stamps Tutorial**

With Valentine's Day just over a month away, I figured I'd do something new and get a head start on my Love Day crafting and planning... which I NEVER do, since I'm always behind and sometimes close to late... no matter which holiday I'm planning for.

While my daughters were making birthday cards for one of their friends, I got an idea for creating stamps out of foam stickers! The whole process takes only a few minutes from start to end. I gathered a few supplies by wondering throughout the house and finding things that rolled easily as well as things that could be used as a sturdy stamp handle. Below you will find the supplies that I used to create my stamps but don't confine yourself to the things I found... You don't have to use the same supplies I used to create awesome stamps, be creative and add some personal touches to make them your very own!

Materials Needed:

Foam Stickers (Hearts, Flowers, etc)

Cardboard tube (Toilet paper, paper towel, etc)

Paint (Acrylic Paint Works best but Watercolors will work as well)

Glue Stick

Simi-Thick Paper (Construction paper, sketch paper, etc)

**Check end of post for replacement supply ideas**

*Rolling Stamp*

I simply stuck foam stickers onto a toilet paper roll in a random fashion.
I didn't have enough hearts to use on the Rolling Stamp so I used flowers! You can use your new stamp to create homemade wrapping paper, Valentine's cards and so much more!



*Simple Heart Stamp*

This one couldn't be any easier.... All you have to do is place any foam sticker onto a sturdy cylinder shaped item, dip into paint and STAMP AWAY!
I used a cute little heart in honor of the upcoming Love Day! Any shape can be used to match any and all holidays, celebrations and everyday fun!
Also great for homemade wrapping paper, Valentine's cards plus much more!



*Pencil Eraser Dots*



You can also make polka dots using the eraser of a new pencil!
The options are endless with a circled dot stamp!

Here are a few example of other items you can use on your stamps. This is only a small selection of options.... The possibilities are ENDLESS so let your creativity run wild!
I'd love to see what you come up with, post your new stamp creations onto our Facebook page if you like, I LOVE sharing ideas!

Cut Apples into different shapes and use as your stamp, Use the orange peal for a unique texture, toy car wheels for car tracks, M&M container for stamp handle and circle stamp, make a flower print using the ring and so on......

Add your foam stickers to anything that rolls easily to create a rolling stamp!

Disclaimer: This blog accepts compensation in the form of products and/or monetary for selected posts which will be labeled as sponsored. No matter the compensation, I only write about items and/or services that I have personal experience with and believe my readers will enjoy and/or benefit from. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of others.

This post may contain affiliate links.

View Full Disclosure for further details.

Create Custom Books for LESS with Blurb - Limited Time Only

(Sponsored by Blurb)

Big Savings Just in Time for the Holiday's

Holiday shopping is in full force and what a better time then this for Blurb to offer an EXTRA promotion to help you create the perfect gift books this season!

Receive 30% off print book orders $175
Use the Coupon Code: BLURB30%
OR

Receive 25% off print book orders $150
Use the Coupon Code: LARGEGIFTS
 

Offers expire on December 9!

Don't miss out!!

 

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Disclaimer: This blog accepts compensation in the form of products and/or monetary for selected posts which will be labeled as sponsored. No matter the compensation, I only write about items and/or services that I have personal experience with and believe my readers will enjoy and/or benefit from. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of others.

View Full Disclosure for further details.

This post may contain affiliate links.
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ALL Cricut Explore Bundles are on Sale during the Holiday Season!

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Ready for some GOOD NEWS?



Cricut Explore Bundles are on sale starting at just $269.99. Don't forget about FREE SHIPPING in the U.S. for the whole month of November, just follow the links within this post and don't forget to use the code: FREESHIPNOV during checkout for Free Shipping anywhere in the U.S.
Cricut Explore Bundles starting at just $269.99
Get free shipping to the U.S. all month!!
Simply use the coupon code: FREESHIPNOV


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Disclaimer: This blog accepts compensation in the form of products and/or monetary for selected posts which will be labeled as sponsored. No matter the compensation, I only write about items and/or services that I have personal experience with and believe my readers will enjoy and/or benefit from. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of others.
View Full Disclosure for further details.
This post may contain affiliate links.

Stöh Lunch Tote Giveaway from Milkdot

Stoh Lunch Tote
(in tangerine)

Originally Priced at $24.95

Stöh is a modern yet practical solution for a lunch bag that combines clean and simple design with features perfect for stowing your favorite food, drink and utensils and cool enough for the whole family to carry too.

Disclaimer:
In accordance with FTC guidelines
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY to enter.
We are not associated with the company named above. 
The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received.
**This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed/administered by, or associated with any Social Media platform and is compliant with Facebook Rules!**
Sponsor is responsible for prize delivery.
Must be 18+ to win - US Only
View Full Disclosure for further details.
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Void where prohibited by law

Cyclops Origami Eye - Paper Folding

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EYECLOPS!!

Cyclops Origami Eye

Paper folding

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To create your own Eyeclops follow the step-by-step instructions below.

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Start with a regular piece of computer paper and make it into it a square by folding the corner over to the opposite side, show in the photo above.

Before unfolding your square, fold the corners together to create a triangle.

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Unfold your paper and fold one corner to the center.

Make sure the creases are tight.

Fold the opposite corner to the center as well, using tight creases.

Unfold the paper.

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Fold up the top and bottom corner, like in photo square 9.

Fold up the paper one more time using the creases you already have on your paper. Draw an eye in the middle of the paper.

After your eye is complete, finish folding up your paper using the remaining creases, shown in photo square 12.

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Flip over the paper and fold your corners into the middle.

(shown in photo squares 13 and 14)

Fold the corners in at an angle on both sides, like seen in 15 and 16.

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Flip paper over.

Using a black marker, draw on the eyelashes as well as drawing a black line on the paper edges as shown in picture square 19.

Color your eye as wished.

(I used peach to look more realistic.)

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Disclaimer: This blog accepts compensation in the form of products and/or monetary for selected posts which will be labeled as sponsored. No matter the compensation, I only write about items and/or services that I have personal experience with and believe my readers will enjoy and/or benefit from. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of others.

View Full Disclosure for further details.

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3 Classy Back to School Looks that Won't Break the Bank - Crazy 8 BOGO for $0.08 Sale + Sitewide $14.99 Sale at Gymboree

*Sponsored*

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Back to School with
Gymboree, Crazy 8 and Jane & Jack
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Go Bold and Brighten up the halls this year with 3 classy Back to School looks!

School shopping can be both an exciting as well as a stressful time of the year. With supply lists and school clothes the cost of a new year can also get pretty high. That's why I enjoy shopping at Gymboree, Crazy 8 and Janie and Jack for my daughters' school clothes. Not only do they all have stylish clothes that my girls adore but they also have tons of great deals going on throughout the year! At the moment, Gymboree and Crazy 8 are running some amazing sales that I can't wait to tell you about... So why wait any longer?

Right now everything is just $14.99 and under at Gymboree!

(For a limited time only)

From Graphic Tees to Jeans & Leggings as well as their awesome shoes and accessories!! With the cost of living being so high and the price of our necessities going up as well, it's hard to maintain a comfortable state of living and still keep our children happy when it comes to fashion. Sadly bullying is and will always be a problem throughout public schools and no child enjoys getting made fun of over their clothes and no parent wants their kids to feel left out or upset due to others. It's also true that no parent enjoys spending hundreds of dollars on clothes that our kids are sure to grow out of in just a few months, so sale shopping is a must and Gymboree seems to agree!

I've made up an example outfit from their site to show you how easy it can be to find cute and stylish outfits that will ensure that your wallet and your child will both stay happy.

First off, I've started with the classy Windowpane Bow Tee that normally runs for $19.95 but is currently on sale for just $14.95. The black and white color scheme allows this shirt to go along with just about any color of bottoms and has a little black bow permanently attached at the neckline that adds just enough charm to put a smile on any little girls face. (100% Cotton Jersey & Machine Washable)

I've paired the Windowpane Bow Tee with a knee length button skirt to continue the classy look that I was going for. What girl doesn't love a cute skirt? Since the button skirt is black and has a simple button accent on the front, it too can be paired with any top you choose and still look just as cute and classy! Not to mention that it's easy pull-on style that allow even the youngest girls to dress themselves with no trouble. The Button Skirt normally runs for $24.95 but is also just $14.99 during their Back to School Sale that Gymboree is currently running. (85% Cotton & 15% Polyester Ponte, Machine Washable)

If your daughter is a shoe lover like mine then these adorable Black and White Flats are the choice to finish off this classy, girlie look! I love how the front of the flats are black and the back half are white, which is different than most shoes you can find in department stores these days. There is also a black bow attached to the toe of each shoe - matching perfectly to the bow found on the Windowpane Bow Tee, their like a match made in heaven! The black and white flats are normally priced at $36.95 but of course you can get them for $14.99 if you show now (Manmade Materisls, Spot Clean Only)

You can leave the outfit like it is and let your fancy little girl sport the black and white look or add some color to the mix, like I did, with pair of colored tights ($8.95) and a Ribbon Bow Headband (currently on sale for just $2.99) in any color you choose, I settled on a nice pink color.

Gymboree also has tons of boy clothes that'll have your handsome little men looking as slick and cool as ever!

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Crazy 8's BOGO $0.08 SALE!
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When I mentioned that Crazy 8 was having an amazing sale... I wasn't joking around - Jeans, Tees and Polos are Buy One, Get One for just $0.08 at Crazy 8 as well as Save up to 70% with an additional 20% off markdowns! Who can beat those prices? All of their inventory is NOT part of this one-of-a-kind sale but the selections available are definitely stylish and a few of my favorite pieces as well!

As I did with Gymboree, I've put together a stylish back to school outfit with selections from Crazy 8 that's sure to fit your little girl's outgoing personality plus you'll be adding some extreme color to her wardrobe as well! - I've starting with the Blossom Stripe Tee in black and white stripes, apparently I have a thing with neckline detail since I couldn't get enough of this bright neon flower that sits right at the neckline of the Blossom Stripe Tee. This tee is perfect for everyday wear and would be comfortable enough for playground fun but not too bland to be considered "not gurly enough," even for the sassiest little ladies out there.

When I ran across the neon lime skinny jeans, I fell in love! Bright colors have been a true fashion statement throughout the past couple years and 2014 is no different. Send your beauty queen back to school in bright bold colors and they'll catch some compliments on their outfit for sure! Both the Blossom Stripe Tee and Skinny Jeans (Priced at $19.98) are among the Buy One Get One for $0.08 Sale!

Shoes are not a part of Crazy 8's BOGO $0.08 sale but I couldn't leave out the finishing touch to this bold outfit - a pair of bright Buckle Strap Clogs. These ultra stylish clog sandals have a unique buckle design on the top that screams style! These cool clogs may not be BOGO for $0.08 but you can save up to 70% for a limited time only - which brings these amazing Buckle Strap Clogs down from $24.99 to just $7.19 (includes the extra 20% off). 

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Mix and Match

Gymboree, Crazy 8 & Janie and Jack!!
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When we buy our kids outfits, deep down we understand that the individual pieces of clothing won't always be worn together. Mix and match is what helps allow our children to develop a style of their own and feel more independent. So I decided to shake things up a bit and try out some mix and matching of my own.... I've created an outfit using items from all 3 stores - Gymboree, Crazy 8 as well as Janie and Jack! Tell me what you think! 

If you haven't already noticed, I have a love of color and not just any color, bold and bright colors that scream "Look at me!" With this outfit I decided on a lemony yellow theme which isn't too "in your face" but isn't bland and boring either. I begin with the Eyelet Bow Knit Top from Janie and Jack. I love the sophisticated design that still allows our little girls to look classy without looking all grown-up! Once again, the bow neckline had me from the start. (I literally just now realized that all outfits have a neckline feature, it's wasn't purposely done but I like it!) I've always enjoyed the colors white and yellow being paired together because white seems to soften the boldness of the color yellow and is a sure match for this top. Adding to the already girly design is fluttered sleeves and a keyhole button closure in the back. Perfect for any girly girl who likes her colors! (Original price is $24.00 and is now on sale for just $9.49) To help mellow out the yellowness - I paired the Eyelet Bow Knit Top with some stylish Skinny Zipper Hem Jeans from Gymboree. (Regularly priced at $34.95 and can be found for just $14.99 for a limited time only) I didn't use to be a big fan of skinny jeans until my youngest started wearing them, which showed me how cute they actually are - The slim legs help the look of being taller and when paired with the right top and shoes - can be very classy and stylish all at once! The skinny zipper hem jeans have 5 pockets and are fitted through the hip and thigh area and aren't made too tight at the bottom, which means that little feet can slide in and out with ease. When it came down to choosing shoes for my mix and match Back to School outfit I went with a sandal so the skinny bottom of the jeans didn't have to be covered or bothered in any way. What I love about the Leather Ruffle Sandals from Janie & Jack is the simple but different design - instead of the regular straight straps, these have a folded fabric-look, ruffle look that gives them character. Not to mention the color matches very well with the yellow top and white jeans. The first few weeks of school is normally still warm enough for sandals so why not take advantage the freesome and let those little toes breath as much as they can before the chill rolls in?! Makes since, right? (Originally priced at $44.00 and can now be purchased for just $19.49)

And last but not least - every classy girl needs cute hair accessories!! To continue our "Modern Class" theme, I settled on a simple pair of lime colored Rosebud Barrettes from Crazy 8. (Priced at $4.88 for the pair and part of Crazy 8's BOGO $0.08 Sale which means you can snag you another pair of hair clips to spice up different outfit for just 8 cents!) 

These deals won't be around for too much longer so there's no time to lose! Swing on over to Gymboree, Crazy 8 & Janie and Jack today finish up your Back to School shopping in style!

Disclaimer: This blog accepts compensation in the form of products and/or monetary for selected posts which will be labeled as sponsored. No matter the compensation, I only write about items and/or services that I have personal experience with and believe my readers will enjoy and/or benefit from. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of others.

View Full Disclosure for further details.

This post may contain affiliate links.