Ladybird Ln

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 02:25:00 +0000

Welcome to The Weekend!

I hope you are all having a fabulous weekend!

I let me daughter help me pick which projects to feature this week!

This butterfly skirt from My Inner Need to Create is so much fun! My daughter really wants one now!

How cute are these origami bags from Creating My Way to Success? My daughter loves painting her finger and toe nails!

Who does not love Ice Cream? This Strawberry Ice Cream from Claire JustineXOXO, looks delicious! My daughter loves anything pink!

Appropriately enough, the blog of the week is lucky linky number 109, Mommy and Me Aprons by The Life of Jennifer Dawn!

I am so excited to see what you have been up to!

PS. SOrry I do not know why the first collection did not show up, I created a new one and hope it works, sorry if your link was deleted.

Look 'WHOO'S' Helping Out, Summer Chore Chart Printable!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Wed, 30 May 2012 15:18:00 +0000

I love summer time!

I am so excited to have all of my kids back home for the summer, now to keep them busy! I love charts, I am a big nerd I know. But my kids really like them as well, it keeps my three kids ages 3-7 motivated!

Last year, I made THIS chart, and while I liked how it was very visual, I did not like the maintenance it took every day to take the pictures up and down! This year I knew I wanted something a bit simpler.

I made these cute Owl themed printable charts that are simple, and only need to be changed once a week. You can download a blank version for absolutely free HERE!

Item's Needed

Printable Chore Chart, you can download blank ones for free HERE.

Laminating Pouches

Vis a Vis WET ERASE makers I recommend wet erase because the dry erase smudge to easily!

I printed out my Chore Charts at Walmart, they are 8x10 size, put them in self laminating pouches, and put them on the fridge, and you are done!

I customized mine so that the daily chores are permanent, and I have left spots open for weekly chores, such as kitchen chores, and a bigger chore. As my kids complete the job, they fill in the star with the wet erase marker. They get most their chores done by 10 in the morning! My oldest daughter is so cute, she knows she is going to have to do some chores like clear the table more than once a day, so she will fill in part of the star for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

As far as rewards go, my kids are pretty happy filling in the stars. However, I do try to do something fun in the afternoon each day with them. Something like going to the park, blowing bubbles, drawing a picture, making a treat, going to the library, etc. In order to do the activity, they have to have their jobs done, but really I haven't need to use that... yet! If you have older kids you could consider giving them a nickel or dime for each star that was filled in at the end of the week, or something like that!

If you would like me to personalize a chore chart with your child's name and daily chores, email me. I would be happy to personalize up to 4 kids charts for $5. (ladybirdln10(at)gmail.com)

I like to LINK to these great parties!

Skinny Strawberry Salad (1 WW point)

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Wed, 30 May 2012 03:56:00 +0000

This is one of those recipes I have made 'forever', I am not quite sure where it came from but I like it! I recently gave it a 'skinny' makeover, to make it even more diet conscience! I also made it 'skinny' to cater to my niece and brother-in-law who have Type 1 Diabetes, this recipe has no added sugar! This simple recipe is delicious, and sure to be a hit at any potluck. The best news is that this recipe boasts only 1 happy Weight Watchers (Points Plus) Point!

Skinny Strawberry Salad

1 (.6 oz) package Sugar Free Strawberry Instant Jell-O
1 (1 oz) package Sugar Free Fat Free Instant Chessecake Jell-O pudding
2 TBS instant tapioca
3 cups water
8 oz container Free Cool Whip
2 cups Strawberries Chopped

In a sauce pan, bring the 3 cups of water to a boil. Whisk the dry packages of Strawberry Jell-O, Cheesecake Jell-O, and the tapioca together. Add the Jell-O mixture to the boiling water, and let boil for 1 minute. Place mixture in bowl, and let sit in refrigerator over night or at least 4 hours. When mixture has set, fold in the cool whip. After the cool whip is incorporated, fold in the chopped strawberries!

1/8 of this recipe (about 3/4 cup) = 1 WW point!

I like to make this recipe in the winter as well, except I substitute orange Jell-O for the Strawberry Jell-O, and canned mandarin oranges for the fresh strawberries!

I like to LINK to these great parties!

Weekend Show Off Party 5/24

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Fri, 25 May 2012 02:00:00 +0000

This week has been a crazy busy week, where I have worked on so many projects, but have not finished a thing! You got to love summer time!
I am excited to see what you guys have been up to!

Here are some of my favorites from last week!

Home Designs by Amanda, made a beautiful simple blanket... for a friend of course, she is one of the most generous people I 'know'!

A Woven Home shared how to make a terrarium that will not break your wallet,
I think it is so much fun.

I can not get over how cute these cupcakes are from Gratefully Growing in Grace!

And the Blog of the week (via Random.org) is lucky Linky number 36!

Will Cook for Smiles made Chiv Garlic and Herb Rolls that a) look delicious! and b) look pretty simple as well!

Engagement Pictures!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Wed, 23 May 2012 02:45:00 +0000

Wow, it is a busy time of year, I just wanted to share with you guys some things that are on my mind!

Alyssa is getting married in July, and I could not be more excited for my little sis!

Here is the Happy Couple now!

This is a Sneak Peak of the engagement pictures, she would not even let me show you her favorites, they are AMAZING!

Did I ever tell you my little sister is a super model?

This is the ring my sister's fiance picked out all by himself! It is a vintage ring with diamonds and sapphires from the 30's, he did good!

Alixann Loosle Photography took these beautiful photos!

Expect more Wedding Posts to come! My sister is planning an amazing wedding on a shoe string budget!

Weekend Show Off Party

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Fri, 18 May 2012 02:52:00 +0000

Welcome to the Weekend!

I had so much fun looking over all of your projects this week, here is a couple that caught my eye!

I just bought a fancy camera ( A Cannon xsi) and I am TERRIFIED that I will loose the lens cap. Adventures of our Family of Four made a lens pouch that hooks onto her camera strap, GENIUS! This is on my to do list!

Simply Sweet 'n Savory, made homemade Churro's, how cool is that! They look delicious.

Chicken Scratch gave us a great tip on how to give your tomato plants a head start!

And the blog of the week this week is lucky linky #50 (VIA random.org)!

Homegrown Beanes made Strawberry cobbler and it looks delicious!

Congratulations, I will have your button on the sidebar for the week, and invite you to come guest post on my blog!

I have also started a 'BEST OF THE WEEKEND SHOW OFF PARTY' Board on Pinterest, I am going to start featuring some of your creations on there each week so follow along!

Lemon Berry and Ginger Pudding Pops!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:37:00 +0000

As a child of the 80's I love Bill Cosby... and Pudding Pops! This recipe is a new twist on an old stand-by! Lemon and berries is my favorite springtime combination. This recipe is simple, versatile, and fun! My eager panel of taste testers agree this recipe is fabulous, my family loves it!

Lemon Ginger Pudding Pops

1 package (3 oz) instant Lemon Jell-O Pudding
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1- 8 oz container of Cool Whip
1 cup berries (any variety fresh or frozen)
3 oz paper cups
Popsicle sticks

Using a wire whisk, beat the pudding Mix, milk, and ginger for two minutes. Let sit in the fridge for five minutes. Fold the Cool Whip into the pudding mixture. Place a spoonful of the pudding mixture into your cup. Next, layer a spoonful of berries over your pudding. Finally, spoon in enough pudding to fill your cup. Place a popsicle stick in the center of your cup. Wiggle your cups a little to prevent air bubbles. Place your cups in a pan, and freeze for 2-3 hours. Once frozen, tear paper cups off, and you are good to go! Yields 8-10 pudding pops.

I like to LINK to these fabulous parties, come join the fun!

Teacher Appreciation Door Ideas, 2012 edition!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:44:00 +0000

At my children's elementary school, the PTA has a tradition of decorating the Teachers and staff doors during Teacher Appreciation week. It is my favorite project to help with. This year I decorated the librarians door... I think I may have been a librarian in a former life because I love libraries, and I think librarians are pretty awesome as well!

You can listen to some of library inspiration as you read this post, let me be honest, I laughed so hard the first time I saw this, it kills me... A Book Cart Drill Team, now that is pretty awesome. I have always wondered what librarians do in there spare time!

Here is the door I did, I wish I went with the bigger die cut lettering the school had, it looks a little plain, but it gets the point across, right? The kids clearly did not get it, my cute cousin kept saying, is it supposed to be funny! I told her she needed to be born in the 80's to fully appreciate it!

Here is the close up of the book! I took first lines from some famous book, and found a fun quote from Mark Twain! Do you know which books these quotes are from? This book by the way is HUGE, it is a pretty big door!

Each year I am blown away by the creativity, here are some of the other awesome doors parent volunteers decorated!

This is the door of the Principle, she has to be pretty flexible to keep up with these kids!

And this door is for our ever ready secretary! Dash is very fitting!

I think this door is so creative and a great spin off of Mrs. Finlinson's name!

You know if it mentions peanut butter I am in, this is so fun! The glasses are great, just like the ones Mr. Syme wears!

Again Peanut Butter, Reese's Pieces, so much fun!

I think every sunshine needs a sweet smiley face, I love the little details!

This one is funny on so many levels, we love our Janitors!

This one is so creative and fun, I love the sunflower seeds glued to the flowers, so dimensional!

I think a good teacher is a treasure as well!

This was the kids favorite, I think the clouds and candy are pretty fun too!

I like to LINK UP to these great parties!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the Weekend!

I am making some changes to the weekend Show Off Party. I hope that they will be beneficial to you. Instead of spotlighting the Blog of the Week during the Party, I am going to do some features from last weeks party, and announce the blog of the week. I will give that blog the opportunity to guest post on my blog the next week, and I will display their button all week long as usual. When they guess post they can share a project recipe, or just talk about their blog.

I think this will help me showcase the blog of the week better, and it will give me an additional post during the week.

SO here are some features!

I think these caterpillars from Scattered Thoughts of a SAHM is the perfect kids craft, sometimes I try to do things with my kids that are too complicated, this looks perfect!

Deep in the Heart of Arkansas made apple pies in an apple, don't they look sweet?

This Strawberry Chipotle Jam from Cookin' Up Good Times looks so interesting, I bet the combination is wonderful!

And the Blog of the week, via Random.org, is lucky linky number 21! Talking Dollar and Scents made this scrumptious looking Cinnamon Bun Cake! Your Button is in the sidebar, and I would love for you to tell us more about your blog later on this week.

P.S. I love comments, if you leave me a comment leave your blog URL and I will do my best to visit it!

Mind your Manners Tea Party!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Tue, 08 May 2012 06:18:00 +0000

When Donsuemor offered to send me some cookies if I hosted a tea party, I could not resist. First off, Donsuemor makes pretty incredible cookies, they let me try some for THIS recipe I made. Secondly, it may be my British heritage, or my affinity for sweets but I can't resist a Tea party!

When thinking of hosting a Tea Party, I knew I wanted to get my kids involved. I also have been trying to help my kids learn to have enough manners to successfully eat somewhere fancy, maybe a Pizza joint, yup we have a lot of work ahead of us! We invited a couple friends to the party, I did not buy anything special for this party, I used (or borrowed) decorations we had on hand, the fancy Donsuemor Cookies were the star of the show!

We started off our Mind your Manners Tea Party with a book. We read the book Tea For Ruby by Sarah Ferguson The Duchess of York.

If you are not familiar with this book you are missing out. It is about spunky little Ruby who is a little over zealous to be invited to have Tea with the Queen!

After the book, we talked about some of the manners Ruby was working on. Then we focused on five {basic} manners.

These are the rules we talked about.

Say please and thank you
Elbows off the table
Chew with you mouth CLOSED
Napkin in your lap
Speak kind words

I made the manners we talked about into cute printables, I made manner flowers for the girls, and rough tough manner footballs for the boys! I printed them off and cut the shapes out, and taped them to some straws. You can find all the printables HERE in my Photobucket album.

By each place setting I had a jar filled with dried beans.

I placed the manner printables to the side of the place setting. We worked on having good manners, as they demonstrated a good manner on their manner flowers (or footballs) such as place napkin in your lap, they could put it in their jar. This was a good visual!

The kids had a lot of fun trying to get each of their good manners in the jar!

As we ate delicious Donsuemor cookies, we worked on good manners! These cookies by the way are fabulous, and I am usually a strictly homemade cookie type of gal! Donsuemor cookies are not hard, they are soft on the inside and a little crispy around the edges, so delicious! My favorite cookie was the Lemon Zest Madeleine! Having these pre-made treats was a great way to help me simplify the party, and the kids knew that they were so fancy and special!

We sipped on Martinelli's Sparkling cider our guests brought, talked about good manners, and had a fun time! It was refreshing to hear please and thank you, and will you please pass the cookies!

Even football players need good manners!

This was a fun and simple way to start teaching about good manners at the table. I was so happy tonight when my kids kept saying please and thank you at the dinner table. We left a vase at the table with the manner flowers, to help us remember our manners!

What do you do to help your kids learn manners?

Thank you Donsuemor for providing the delicious cookies for our tea party!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Fri, 04 May 2012 02:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the Weekend Friends!

Man this month is flying by, I thought I would change it up this week, and show a couple of your excellent posts from last week!

Mom on Time Out, got my dieting tummy a rumbling with her Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake!

You all know, I am a rockstar... in my heart where it counts. I love Adrianne's of Happy Hour Projects necklace, and she has some fabulous tips on hand stamping... I have done some hand stamping, and it is really quite fun!

I think these Modge Podged photo key chains would be darling gift for a grandma, mothers day is approaching! Sew Blessed made these darling key chains!

Now let me see what you have been up to!

Homemade Napsack!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Wed, 02 May 2012 20:51:00 +0000

So what was supposed to be a Christmas project, turned into a birthday project for my daughter (tell me I am not the only with projects like this!). I made a homemade nap sack for my daughters birthday! It turned out pretty cute, it has ties on the side instead of a zipper, and is lined with minky!
Here is a close up view., It was a fairly simple layer quilt.

I used a pattern from one of my favorite pattern cupcakes, Katie Cupcake! If you our not familiar with Katie Cupcake go check her out, not only does she have great patterns, she is a GREAT person.

My daughter loves it, quiet time could not be happier!

I like to LINK to these great PARTIES!

Recipe for a Fantastic Birthday!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Wed, 02 May 2012 20:43:00 +0000

Is it May already? I have been super busy (like everyone else I am sure) but I thought I would share one of my latest adventures. It was my hubby's and daughter's birthday! My hubby was in love with his purple ballerina cake, OK, OK, he was a good sport, and went with my now three-year-old daughter's idea!

Let me be honest, sometimes I feel guilty when I look at Pinterest and other blogs when they have the most DARLING parties with corresponding napkins, treat bags, cake, food, I really enjoy looking at them.

It makes me a little overwhelmed though... I have gone all out on birthdays before, and I can honestly say it was more stressful than fun for me. So here is MY recipe for an awesome birthday party!

(My daughter is not a bit excited about her birthday)
BALLOONS +

(Aren't those ruffles beautiful? My friend Jenifer (aka Cake Goddess) made this cake! I made the ballerina tutu topper, this tutorial from Composing Halleluja's helped me out a ton.)

Cake +

( I wish you could all here my hubby's infectious laugh:)

Presents +

( I wish you could all here my hubby's infectious laugh:)

Family +

=Fantistic Birthday!

SO if your daughter say wants a pretty purple ballerina cake with crazy animal plates and napkins, roll with it! It does not need to be fancy and complicated to be fun!

What are your 'secrets' for a successful birthday?

I like to LINK to these great PARTIES!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:36:00 +0000

Welcome to the Weekend!

First off, I have been so overwhelmingly busy the last few weeks, sorry for the lack of posts, during the spring and summer my goal is to get one new craft or recipe tutorial up per week, I have to slow it down a little to stay sane and enjoy the sunshine.

I have a great blogger here today! It is my friend Kara from Happy Go Lucky, she was one of my first blogging friends, and a loyal Weekend Show Off guest, so I am so excited to introduce you all to her fun blog, if you do not know her already!

Hi all you lovely Ladybird Ln readers! I love partying here every weekend so I'm super excited to be featured as the blog of the week. Plus, I've been a huge Ladybird Ln fan since I first started blogging so this has made my whole week!

My name is Kara and I blog over at Happy Go Lucky. I'm a 6th grade reading teacher, Navy wife and mother to a very spunky 3 year old. I started my blog to help pass the time while my husband was out to sea. I love sharing easy and inexpensive craft ideas, DIY projects and activities the entire family can enjoy.

Let me show you a few of my favorite projects:

I recently shared this fruit bowl. Can you guess what I used to make it? It's a vinyl record wrapped in jute:)

I love making jewelry! Here are some earrings I made recently.

I also love creating and sharing fun printables with everyone.

If you get a chance, I would love for you to come visit me. I love making new friends, reading new blogs and being inspired!

Thank you Carlee for having me today. I'm truly honored!
I hope everybody has a wonderful weekend.

My dirty {foliage} secret--revealed!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Friends, it is that time a year again, I am so excited to be getting my Pots ready... I thought I would repost this because it has been my MOST POPULAR post... EVER! If you are potting plants do not pass these simple tips up, especially if you forget to water you plants... like me!

Everything I learned about gardening I learned from my mom! She always has amazing potted flowers! Last summer she taught me a wonderful 'dirty' secret to keep your potted plants looking fresh... Do you want to know what it is?

Well here it is....

Yup, you are not seeing things, I put a diaper in the bottom of all my pots! Why, because a diaper will help retain the moisture in your pot. Last summer, I was amazed at how diapers really helped my pots stay moist, especially since I am not always the most dedicated gardner!

Sure, you could go buy commercial water hydrating crystals at the nursery, for a pretty penny. However, if you are like me, you have an abundance of disposable diapers at your, well, disposal! Most, if not all, diapers contain water absorbing polymer crystals that absorb water, and expand (that is why the diapers get puffy) when wet. When put in a flower pot, the polymers in the diaper absorb water when the plant is watered, and becomes a reservoir for the plant when it is dry, keeping your plant moist.

I thought I would show you step by step how I planted my container plants. I am really spoiled because I can go to my mom's green house, and use her stuff!

Step 1: Bark

Put bark in the very bottom of your pot. We used a mixture of bark, and old soil from last years pot to place in the bottom.

Step 2: Diaper

Make holes on the outside of the (unused-of course) diaper, so the water can drain. Place the diaper with the inside up on top of the bark.

Step 3: Potting Soil

Put about half the amount of potting soil you think you will need over the diaper layer. You can buy potting soil at the store, or you can make your own. This is my mom's special brew:

25% old potting soil from last years pot
25% Peat moss - helps retain water
25% Vermiculite - de-clumping agent
25% New potting soil
I am so lucky to have a mom who knows this stuff! Her soil is always fabulous, and she shares with me!

Step 4: Arrange Flowers

Now that you have a little soil in your pot, arrange the flowers the way you want them. I like a tall spike in the middle, and then lots of different colors and textures around the pot. I always include one wave petunia or super petunia, that will hopefully droop over the pot.

Step 5: Finishing

Pack soil around the arranged flowers. Add some slow release plant food granules to the top! Your beautiful pot is complete!

Here is a peak at some of my moms darling pots in the greenhouse!

My daughter likes to ask, Grandma, why is it called a greenhouse, it is not green?

I am so excited to put my flowers on my front porch--if only it would stop raining!

Enjoy, Carlee

I like to link up to these fabulous parties, come join in the fun!

Weekend Show Offs

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:37:00 +0000

Wow, it seems like it should be Friday, and it is only Tuesday, it must be spring time!

I am loving these cute hats from Sugar Tart Crafts, so fun, and creative!

What do you do when your glass breaks on your patio table? Well turn it into a picnic table of course! Go Check out the Lady in the Red Rocker's new table!

Okay, this Nutella BLT looks so fabulous, from Will Cook for Smiles!

The blog of the week this week (It is one of my favorites) is Happy Go Lucky, Link number 44!

Kara from Happy Go Lucky shares some cute Earth Day Repurposed creations!

If you were featured feel free to grab a featured button!

Weekend Show Off Party!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:16:00 +0000

Welcome to the Weekend!

I have had a bummer of a week, which will (hopefully) commence with a root canal tomorrow, so I am ready for a PARTY, and to be inspired by your creativity!

Just a quick reminder it is time to link up your blankets for the LINUS PROJECT, it is such a fabulous cause, I hope you will all participate!

If I had a Million Dollars... A teacher Appreciation idea!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:44:00 +0000

No one deserves a million dollars more than our teachers. Unfortunately I do not have a million dollars, but I did ask my daughters kindergarten class what they would buy their teacher if they had a million dollars to buy her a gift.

I took these answers and made them into a book for her.

The book started out by saying, If we had a million dollars we would know just what to do, we would buy a special present to show how much we appreciate you. On the next page it started out, If I had a million dollars I would buy you ... And then the proceeding pages were the students and their answers.

I took a picture of each of the students, and recorded their answers (So cute). I also had them write their name on a lined piece of paper, I scanned their name in, and put it into the book as well. I don't think their is anything sweeter then little kid handwriting.

The answers were priceless everything from a red ball to a new bike!

With Kindergarteners it would not matter if you asked them if they had a million dollars or just five dollars their answers would be the same!

Mrs. Kellet absolutely loved it, the book brought tears to her eyes. You would not need to make a fancy digital scrapbook, you could easily make this a paper book, with the students hand drawn pictures of what they would buy.

I used Heritage Makers to make this book. I love Heritage Makers, I have been using them for years.

Here is a little FYI, in case your interested in Heritage Makers, please note, I am not a Heritage Makers Consultant, nor did I in any way got paid for my opinion. The pro's are, they have literally thousands of digital scrapbook collections, they give you a blank canvas, and let you use whatever you would like, if you are a premier member. Their quality is paramount, I have at least five books of my own at home, and cherish each one. The program is Internet based, so all of your books are saved securely online. This is really nice because it does not take room up on your computer. The overwhelming con is the price. I feel they are of superior quality to other brands, but you pay for it. I feel like it is a fair price, but I would not qualify it as a great deal... So there you have it!

I like to LINK to these parties.

The Linus Project Link Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:02:00 +0000

It is now time to link up your blanket creations, you are going to donate to the Linus Project!

Project Linus is an amazing organization that collects handmade blankets and distributes them to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. Inspired by Charles Schulz’s PEANUTS® character, Linus, Project Linus's mission is to provide comfort to these children with the help of a security blanket. Volunteers, or "blanketeers" as they are lovingly referred to, from all over the country create, collect, and distribute these handmade blankets.

Since Project Linus began in 1995, there have been over 4 million blankets delivered to children in need, and there are now close to 400 chapters nationwide. Project Linus receives thousands of letters and thank you notes every year from children and their families who are touched that a stranger would take the time to make something for them.

You can find out more information HERE.

I wanted to leave you with a story of someone who received a Linus Blanket, while at the hospital.

Lily was an 8 month old who entered into the Arizona Burn Center with a soup scald burn to her leg and diaper area. Her mom was overly distraught, and attempting to console both the hurting infant, as well as herself. I walked into this situation, and immediately acted. For a child of this young age, music, parent comfort holds/touch, and comforting items such as blankets and binkies are the best support.

While mom was rocking the child in her arms, and the nurse working to address her wound care, I ran to our Andrea's Closet storage area, and selected a soft Project Linus blanket. As soon as Lily's mom saw the beautiful blanket, she burst into tears. Gently swaddling her little one in the blanket, she started singing to her, and I joined in. That child was able to remain calm throughout her burn wound cleaning and rebandaging - - remarkable for an 8 month old!

Mom and Lily left with words of gratitude not only for their burn care...but for those who made such beautiful blankets of comfort - - kudos to you, Project Linus members!!!

Nothing is more comforting then a warm blanket, and making a blanket DOES NOT have to be difficult. With your child you could make fleece blankets, use your scraps up and make a couple of baby blankets. Every blanket makes a difference in someones life!

Please link up your blankets HERE. Please only link up blankets you intend to donate to the Linus Project, or another blanket donation project.

I will randomly choose one link from this party, and give them a complete Facebook makeover, includeing a timeline cover, and two custom pages.. or if Facebook is not your thing, I can do some other form of Graphic design for you!

I know this isn't much, I just want in some way to express my gratitude to those who give back!

Also check out Kara of Petal's and Picots Facebook page for a chance to win even more awesome prizes!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the Weekend!

I am so excited to introduce the blog of the week! It is seriously one of the cutest blog I have seen in quite awhile! Fonda, has to be one of the funnest Grandma's around. She has themed 'Gramma Camps' that are pretty incredible... Like a Charlie in the Chocolate Factory theme, complete with fizzy lifter drinks, and lickable wallpaper no joke go see HERE! Go check out the Adventures of Grandma Luvvee!

The High Flying Adventures of Gramma Luvlee

Welcome to the world of Gramma Luvlee and please join us on some of our High Flying Adventures! As a child, whenever someone asked me what I wanted to be I always said a Grandma. Now that I've reached that goal my new goal is to create magical memories with my grandkids. For the past eight years I've dreamed up a wonderland for them to share adventures with their cousins. For a week each summer they come to Camp Gramma Luvlee where they can stretch their imaginations and fly!

I'm really a frustrated Disney Imagineer, thinking up grandiose projects that my husband has to create for me (hence the very large pirate ship in my backyard). I always have a theme for the camp, including, but not limited to:

"The Love Boat Around the World Cruise"

With the Original Love Boat Crew!

"It's About Time - A Time Travel Adventure"

"Let's Go To The Movies"

Karate Kid

Charlie & the Chocolate Factory

...And much, much more. I hope you'll join us on some of our crazy adventures!

Gramma Luvlee

Thanks Gramma Luvlee, will you be my Gramma?

Now let's see what you have been up to!

Teacher Appreciation Door ideas!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:53:00 +0000

I am starting to think about Teacher Appreciation week, at our school we decorate the teachers doors for the week. These are last years doors, and I thought you might like to take a peek!

No one deserves an appreciation week more than teachers! As a previous teacher I know just how much it takes to be a teacher, it really is a big part of who you are. Teaching takes up much more time then just being in the classroom. I was excited to help with teacher appreciation week at my daughters school. They have a tradition of decorating the teachers doors during teacher appreciation week. The PTA also decorates the librarians, cooks, Teaching Assistants, Principal's, secretary's, and Janitor's door, it is a lot of fun!

I helped decorate my daughters teachers door with the room mother. We made flowers out of cupcake liner's and put each child's picture inside. We had the pictures of both the morning and afternoon kindergarten classes. The ends of the cupcake liners are colored with food coloring.

I think it turned out pretty cute.... but we soon learned we were rookies in the door decorating business. Some of the moms made incredible doors, so I thought I would share a few....well Ok maybe a bunch, it was hard to narrow down!

This is the principal's door, may the force be with him!

I got a picture of this door in progress, I love the Hot Air Balloon

You know I am a sucker for kites, I just love this door!

I got a kick out of this door, I loved all of the funny sayings and pictures!

I love the dimensional look of this door, I wish the picture turned out better, it is super cute!

This was one of my favorite's I love the Owls, and the cute saying (Below)!

Owl of Your Students are spreading their wings to say...

HOOT HOOT HOORAY!

Whoo's the best teacher in the USA?

Mrs. Henrie!

Whoo do we all Love?

Mrs. Henrie

Whoo? Whoo? Whoo?

Mrs. Henrie

You are Wise and Wonderful Too

You go out on a limb and teach us what to do

Thanks Mrs. Henrie! We owl love you!

This door was for the janitors' I think they are worth a million!

I thought this one really was adorable, I like the 3D look!

I thought the fish were great!

I saved my most favorite for Last! This picture does not 'dew' this door justice, the 'Mountain Dew' is round and comes off the door about 7 inches! Mr. Syme loves his Mountain Dew, so this door fits him perfectly! Such a creative idea!

I like to link at these parties, come join the fun!

Macadamia Nut Pancake with Coconut Syrup aka the best pancakes EVER!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:13:00 +0000

So you know I don't like to show off too much on this blog {who am I kidding}. When I find a great recipe I like to share it. Well I made the best pancakes I have had in my ENTIRE life! My husband even agreed, and we are somewhat of pancake experts I can assure you. They are even better (gasp) then the banana pancakes at the Haukilau Cafe in Laie, Hawaii.

I found this recipe in the culinary mystery series I read, ( make fun of me if you must, but there is nothing better then a good book... and food!) the book is Banana Split by Josi Kilpack !

Macadamia Nut Pancakes
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups buttermilk or sour milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup macadamia nuts, chopped

Heat griddle or frying pan to medium-high heat. Combine all dry ingredients in one bowl, whisk together. Add wet ingredients and stir together to form a batter, adding more flour or water to get the right consistency. Add nuts, and mix to combine. Spray heated griddle or frying pan with nonstick spray, or lightly brush with butter or vegetable oil. Drop batter by one-third cup portions onto hot, greased pan. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until edges of pancakes are dry.Turn pancakes and cook 1 to 2 additional minutes, or until cooked through. Remove to a plate and butter immediately.

You can add a mashed banana to make this banana, macadamia nut pancake, but I have not tried it yet.

Coconut Syrup
1 (14-ounce) can of coconut milk (I found this in the oriental section of my grocery store)
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

To make syrup, strain coconut solids from the coconut milk. Save 1/2 cup of the resulting coconut water and combine with sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil. Simmer about 5 minutes, or until mixture begins to thicken. Add coconut solids and simmer another 2 to 3 minutes, until mixture is combined and smooth. Add sea salt and vanilla. Stir to combine flavors. Serve over hot, buttered pancakes.

I like to LINK at these great parties!

Weekend Show Off's!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 19:43:00 +0000

Thanks everyone for coming to my Party, I hope you all a had fantastic weekend! I sure did, and it did not even snow! Here are a couple project that caught my eye.

I have been working on my living room, and I just love Kassi's from Truly Lovely's Painted Throw Pillow! It is simple and classic!

Who does not love Play-doh, why not make your own? Amber from Salt Tree, can show you some tricks! My kids and I are going to try this this week!

Finally I love to make a pie... on occasion, but LEMON MERINGUE has always eluded me! Stephany of the Little Red Rocker, claims this recipe is easy... I am pinning it for future use. But wow does it look delicious!

And the blog of the week is the High Flying Adventures of Gramma Luvlee! And let me tell you this blog could not be cuter!

This week she shared a Royal Party she had with her Grandkids, it looked like so much fun! Congratulations!

He is Risen!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 14:14:00 +0000

"And He shall reign forever and ever" Happy Easter friends!

Weekend Show Off Party!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladybird Ln) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 02:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the Weekend!

Well, I just heard on the news, that the snow will be here in time for Easter... We may not always get a White Christmas, but somehow we always manage a white Easter.... ugh. That is Ok, I am still really excited!

This weeks blog of the week is
Ashley's Dandelion Wishes!
She is a Utah native, so she can sympathize with the snow, she also has a very creative and fun blog!

Hi, I'm Ashley from Ashley's Dandelion Wishes. I just want to start off by thanking Carlee for letting me guest post today. To introduce my self a little bit, I am an Independent Stampin Up! Demonstrator, and I'm pretty much obsessed with all things paper crafting. I am 25, a French language enthusiast, and a closet lover of all things creative. Here are a few of the projects that I have featured on my blog so far:

Distressed Vintage Garland Tutorial

Hand Sanitizer Thank You Gift Tutorial

Lolly Frame Tutorial

Vintage Inspired Birthday Card

Owl Cup Cake Toppers

I would love to have you come on over and visit me at http://www.ashleysdandelionwishes.blogspot.com/ I always like meeting new crafting friends!

Thank you Ashley, please show the love and visit
Ashley's Dandelion Wishes!