Friday, August 20, 2010

Back to School Back Pack Decor

Hello!

Having 5 kids, I am always looking for ways to save a little for back to school, and thanks to Down East Outfitters, I found an inexpensive simple solution!

They carry (check first) perfectly fine back packs (which I bought for $5 and $7 each), they just have embroidered names on them that maybe were misprinted.

ex.


Then all we did was take some coordinating material and embellishments to cover the writing. (I wish I had the before for this one :( )btw- I did stitch this one on, but the rest were liquid stitch and zigzag all over the material, 'cause it was too hard to get it to work!







Until next time!

Hillary

Monday, August 9, 2010

Traveling this summer

Hi kids-

With my big move upcoming, I have been scouring the web and the library for some fun things for my kids to do in the car.

Check out www.momsminivan.com- this lady has activities for all ages and free printables including battleship, bingo, and scavenger hunts. She also includes general tips and overall good ideas such as this:


*Use plenty of zip lock bags for everything
*Use them to store small parts of games, toys, for clothes, food, individual snack packs, wipes, and for storing dirty diapers when you can't find a trash can at the rest stop.
*Keep a box of baby wipes or travel wipes in the car -- helps with everything. If you don't have room for a whole box, put some in a quart sized zip lock baggie!- for each row
*Bring a Travel Potty in the car
For those toddler emergencies when you can't find a clean bathroom anywhere! ALSO - You can line the bottom of a little potty with a disposable diaper so that nothing spills out -- especially helpful if you aren't able to rinse it out
*Use a plastic "toy leash"
Keep stuff within reach with a child-safe plastic leash. Attach one end to car seat strap, the other to cup handle or favorite toy. Your child can retrieve what he drops without you having to hunt for it in the back seat (while you are trying to drive!).
*Big black trash bag
*Pack a handy change of clothes for mom and the children that is easily accessible in the car/ hand santizer.
*Bring pillows and blankets for comfort.
*Lay towels or old sheets on the seats to keep the car clean. Makes it easy to dump out all those crumbs that seem to get everywhere during a car trip!
Leave really early in the morning. Traffic is light, kids are sleepy and you can usually drive several hours without stopping. Make your stop for breakfast your first stop.
*Pack your car the night before
*Make at least one stop last an hour or two right before bedtime if you are traveling late into the night. Let the kids run around outside and wear themselves out so they will sleep and you can keep driving
*Paper towels
*Cookie sheets with vinyl on them for drawing and for magnets
*Color wonder = no mess

Let's hope for a seamless move!

Until next time!
Hillary