Guest Post: Cheap, Fun Birthday Wall Art

 

If you’ve got a birthday coming up, whether for your spouse, your friend, your boss, or your child, it is always a great idea to make it special with decorations. You can go for the store bought banners, or you can make something that really shows off their likes and personality. Here is a fun, cheap idea for birthday wall art.

All you need is a theme. Maybe they love penguins, or hot-air balloons, or, in this case broccoli. You can make almost anything, without damaging the walls in the process. Here is what you need: Crepe paper. Colored paper plates. Tape. That’s it! If you want to add some extra punch, print out some pictures, or draw your own to personalize.

For the broccoli, we just used green paper dessert plates from the dollar store. We taped them in clusters, and then taped the clusters to the wall in a vaguely broccoli pattern. From under the plates, we made at least three green crepe paper streamers for each cluster. The streamers were secured to the wall so they formed a stem. Then the broccoli was done.

To personalize, we found a picture of the birthday guy’s favorite shoes, and printed them, taping them to the bottom. His glasses we blew up and taped to the ‘face’ of the broccoli. His laptop bag and ubiquitous cup of coffee were also added on.

There you have it. Broccoli Man in all his glory! A fun idea for an office, or even a decoration for a children’s party. All you need is a blank wall and a little creativity.

Author Bio

Nancy Parker was a professional nanny and she loves to write about wide range of subjects like health, Parenting, Child Care, and Babysitting, live out nanny tips etc. You can reach her @ nancy.parker015 @ gmail.com.

Inspirational Sunday

Inspirational Sunday

Easy Peasy Banner

With Father's Day right around the corner, I thought I would share one of my favorite decorations we have ever created for Mr. A few months ago, I spoke about displaying our kiddos art work and how I have a folder that we save it all in. You can read that post here.

For Father's Day, I wanted to make the majority of our decorations and activities. I started with our banner/decoration for our door. I took some of the old art work in the save folder and went to town. This was the easiest and best way to incorporate the kiddos artwork and allow me to "use" some of their work, that we had been saving. I didn't want something that just said Happy Father's Day. I asked the kiddos and Pumpkin kept saying love Dada. We decided to go with WE Love DADDY. I started with the design in Photoshop and found a font that I liked. Then simply hit print. The best part, since the papers were already colored by the kiddos, it was a personalized banner for Dada, made from their artwork. this could easily be used for any other holiday, let your creativity be your guide. 

I couldn't be happier with how it turned out and Mr. Loved it! Cost= $0. Memories= Priceless.

Guest Post: 5 Tips for Traveling with Kids

5 Tips for Traveling with Kids

Traveling with small children can be a hard experience. They have a short attention span, want to move, and get sick of sitting in the same seat for hours. So, how can you make a long car or plane trip a fun, enjoyable experience for your kids? Try these five tips:

1.      Basket of snacks – healthy snacks and drinks can make a boring trip much more fun. Make sure not to load the kids up on sugar or juice. You don’t want them hyperactive or needing to stop for the potty every five miles. If your child has a wide selection, it makes it more fun. Save special treats just for trips. Make sure that the snacks you bring won’t melt or get squished.

2.      Box of fun – Having a variety of toys, games, and books will help your child stay entertained throughout the trip. Make it easy on yourself by keeping them all together in one spot. The more organized you are, the easier the trip will be.

3.      Laptop/iPad with holder – Technology is the easiest way to get and keep your kids’ attention. A cartoon will keep them quiet for an hour or two. Just make sure it is not too irritating for you to have to listen to!

4.      Prizes – If you have more than one kid, then keeping them from arguing is essential. Make it easier by having prizes. Wrap small toys in gift wrap and award good behavior. This serves a dual purpose. It both keeps kids congenial and entertained with the toys.

5.      Stop – If you can, take breaks and stretch your legs. Even a rest stop can be a great outlet. Play a game of tag or just go for a hike. Whatever you do, have the kids burn energy. It will make you all feel better.

Travel doesn’t have to be a pain in the neck. Use your brain and plan ahead. Your trip can be a fun time for you and your kids. Remember to relax and enjoy your time together.

Jenny Ellis is a freelance writer, and a regular contributor for aupair care. She welcomes your comments at: ellisjenny728 @ gmail.com.

Inspirational Sunday

Teacher Appreciation Week

This Year Teacher Apprecation Week falls May 7- 11, with National Teacher Appreciation Day on May 8th!

What have you planned for your teacher? Here are a few of my ideas that I have used in the past and have been a huge hit!

The first was the Teacher gift basket: (click on the pictures to be taken to the original post)

Apple for the Teacher:

Thanks for Helping me Grow Gift:

Crayon Wreath

Remember those special teachers that inspire our future! Happy Teacher Apprecation Week!

Mother's Day

With Mother's Day right around the corner, I thought I would share my past posts and my all time favoite craft for mothers. My favorite craft is flowers that never wilt, how can you not love flowers that your babies hands have made? If you click on the picture it will take you to the original post. May all the Mamas out there have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!