10 Days of Valentine's Day - Day 4

In case you're wondering if I've totally abandoned Operation OrGaNiZaTiOn, the answer is no.  I have been working feverishly on sprucing up my linen closets and will have pictures to share when we tackle that area.  I wanted to take a break to focus on all things Valentine's until the big day arrives and then we'll be back on track for organization...that is until St. Patty's Day and then Easter.  Oh my.  

On to Day 4 in...

10 Days

Of Valentine’s Day

With less than a week left before Valentine's Day, I wanted to focus today on ideas for sending love through the mail.  Whether it's for a sweetheart that is away from home, a family member away from home or grandparents, I have some ideas to share the love across the miles.

When I think of sending some love long distance or gifting to long distant family, I always think of my children's hands.  I know that seems strange, but I think the thing that long distant relatives miss out on most is seeing the growth in my kids.  They change so quickly even for my eyes, so I can only imagine how fast it would appear if you didn't see them each day. So, I love gifts with their cute little hand prints while they are still small.  Here is what I made for my mom who lives in Florida for Christmas....hand print coasters of my two kids and my niece and nephew.

They are by no means fancy, nor were they the only gift, but they are just a small reminder of the grandkids at home.   So when I saw these two ideas for Valentine's, I was so excited.

I love this idea, but I secretly despise finger paint because it's so messy.  Inevitably as soon as it goes on, my son remembers how much he despises it too and wipes his hand on something that shouldn't have fingerpaint on it.  Figures....but still so great.

(source)

And I love these...

(source)

Now, mom if you happen to be reading...skip this next one please.  Yours will be arriving soon and I want it to be a surprise or at least I want you to pretend it was so the kids don't know you saw it!

(source)

Or you could just send an entire hug...with a cute message
"I love you  THISSSSSSSS much" to fill up the arm span.

And I think this is a super cute idea for Valentine's with thumbprints.  We love 

thumbprints too.  

We made thumbprint blank note cards with thumbprint animals as an end of year gift

for our teachers last year.   I wish I had taken a picture of them.  They were super cute!  

So naturally, I was drawn to this idea.   

(source)

These thumbprint bookmarks are super cute and easy too...

(source)

In fact, we love bookmarks so much here that we actually made them for our friends last year as our Valentine's card.  Click HERE for the ones we made for our little preschool friends last year.

They were super simple.  You just 

print them

laminate them (you can do that at any office supply store in an 8 1/2 x 11" sheet)

cut them (make sure not to cut too close to the edge or you will break the laminated seam) 

hole punch them

tie a ribbon through them

Voila!

We also made some custom bookmarks with scrapbook paper for Father's Day...here is one. (Note, this was from my son to my husband...before he could write his name)  My husband uses it ALL the time!

Here are a few other ideas for bookmarks to send in a card to a long distant family member.  How cute would one of these handmade bookmarks be clipped onto a Barnes & Noble gift card for a grandparent?  

A felt bookmark...

If you click on the link below the picture, she has step by step instructions for you on how to make these.  They are really easy and you can even leave out the stitching if you want to keep them even more simple.

(source)

A paper bookmark...

Again, click on the link below the picture for simple instructions.   You can even have your kids write a personal message on this one.

(source)

A paperclip bookmark...

And this could not be more simple.  No need to waste money on the over-priced heart shaped paper clips...make them yourself and send them in a handmade Valentine's day card.  What a great grandparent gift.

(source)

Speaking of handmade cards...wouldn't something like this with a personalized message to your long-distant family member be so great?  You could print it and glue the picture to cardstock for a quick and super cute Valentine's card! 

(source)

Or this one...

(source)

And lastly, I loved these.  I couldn't think of what I would do with them and then I thought of those very expensive Hallmark cards that include a button saying "Happy Birthday" or "Happy Mother's Day" that the recipient can wear on their special day.  So...why not make one of these for your long-distant Valentine to wear?   

(source)

The last idea I want to share could be fun if you interviewed your child and asked them to describe this long-distant Valentine.  You could type it into a heart shape and send it as the card.  If you click on the link, you'll find instructions on how to create one of your own!

(source)

Poshed Up

10 Days of Valentine's Day - Day 3

I hope you enjoyed the ideas for Valentine's with lollipops that I shared yesterday.  Today I'm going to round out the Valentine's card ideas with candy or other snacks with some great ideas from some very creative women.

So onto Day 3 of :

10 Days

Of Valentine’s Day

Here are some of my favs that I've found recently.   So creative.  We are very busy working on our own this week and should have them done to share by the end of the week.   My daughter finished her store-bought ones last night...blah!  No offense to those of you who use them...I just like the crafting time together making them and she doesn't need any help with hers. Boo hoo!

These two are similar to some that I shared yesterday with a picture of your little Valentine, but with a slightly different take.

(source)

I know many parents look forward to giving sweets on Valentine's Day like we used to do when we were little.   Our school district does not allow candy to be handed out and to be honest, I'm okay with it.  This is one of those holidays like Halloween that I just dread for my son's sake.  He has so many allergies that it really becomes difficult.   So...my solution that will only work for a short time I'm sure....I invest in the Target toys in the dollar section that are themed for the holiday or something else from that section and when needed, I give one.

Just last night one of  his sweet teachers gave him a "special" Valentine's lollipop that he came over to show me with a huge smile.  Unfortunately I had to say no because she didn't have the packaging to check it and it truly broke my heart.  He settled for a $1 Star Wars puzzle when we got home, but it really is hard sometimes.

So...if you miss the days of candy Valentine's if you have a candy-free school too...I understand.  But, I remain, silently grateful for it!    Enough of my PSA...on to some candy Valentines...lol

This is sure to be a pleaser...what child doesn't love Starbursts?  And the cute saying to go with it is just so darn sweet (again no pun intended)!

(source)

Or these with Now n' Laters...

(source)

How about Swedish fish....I think these are swimmingly good (ha ha)

(source)

And gum...I'm sure all of the parents will love you if you give these.  But your child sure will be Mr. or Miss Popular with these giant gumballs!

(source)

And if we were to give candy, this would definitely be top on my list.  Our little man is affectionately named "Monkey" and adores all things monkey. Not sure if you can buy just banana though...guess someone will be eating all of the other Runts from the bunch (again, no pun intended...seems I'm on a roll today!)

(source)

And here are two more with Rolos...so creative.

(source)

And these just take the cake as the cutest ever...

A few more I wanted to share that are food related and very creative.  

I saw these heart-shaped marshmallows at our grocery store this morning!

(source)

Or this take on the o"fish"ally theme...minus the candy.

(source)

This one is fun as well with gummi bears and Teddy Grahams. I think I would change the phrase to say

"I'd be "beary" happy if you'd be my Valentine!"

(source)

And lastly, I leave you with some Valentine's Day-ish fun....

(source)

10 Days of Valentine's Day - Day 1

I'm so excited to share some really fun and easy ideas for Valentine's Day.  Can you believe it's only 10 short days away?  Yikes...2012 is already flying by.  
I have TONS of ideas I have found from homemade valentines to great snack ideas and I'm going to share it with ...

10 Days

Of Valentine’s Day

I already shared a few decorating ideas with you 2 weeks ago because I couldn't wait to start decorating and if you happened to miss it, you can read all about some great ideas here. 

I also have mentioned a few times that we here have been VERY busy getting our Valentine's together to share with our friends at school.  Sadly, my daughter wants to do the store-bought ones this year despite my efforts to convince her otherwise...boo!   But, I'm going to try to at least try to spruce them up a bit since I'm not a fan of them.   Maybe I'm alone, but I think they just end up in a pile and inevitably in the garbage.

So...in the spirit of homemade, I have tons of ideas for some cute and easy homemade Valentine's for your little ones to share this year.  I'm sure you just sighed at the thought if you're not crafty, but I promise some of these are ridiculously easy and so darn cute!

Today I'm going to share some that require some shopping to give you plenty of time to gather your supplies.  When I say shopping, I mean they require a simple toy or item to make them.   The whole idea with these is that they are ideas that can be done WITHOUT candy involved.   If you don't want to over-sugar your children's friends, or have a school that doesn't allow candy...these are some great ideas.

I love this idea from ThirtyHandmadeDays.   They've even shared the topper to put on the bags.  All you need are some small vehicles and some clear cello bags.  I just might be doing these for our little friends.  (Side note, obviously you can leave out the lollies if you don't want to include candy)

And another great idea from ThirtyHandmadeDays...

I think these are very clever too...and I'm saving these for an end of year goody for my son's class.  This idea is from Dandee.

Some other great candy-free ideas from Dandee...and one of my FAVS for the older kids...

I tried oh so hard to get my daughter to do these and I'm still hoping with a little help she'll cave (I mean give in).    lol

And another from the oh-so-creative Dandee..

And this idea is SUPER easy.  We made these in stars for my son's class at the end of last year.

From The Long Thread...and she shared the printable card so it makes it even easier to duplicate!

And in case you want to make these super cute crayon hearts, but don't really know where to start...here is a tutorial.   One thing I will tell you that I found out, the cheap Dollar Store crayons are far too waxy and don't melt nicely.  Spend the extra for real crayons.

(source)

How about this idea with glow sticks....

(source)

And last, but not least, this cute idea that does include candy, but you could certainly leave it out or put in some marble or heart shaped erasers or stickers.

(source)

I have lots more to come tomorrow.  Until then a quote that is oh so true at our house (except with Diet Pepsi!)

(source)

Poshed Up

Just keeping it real...

When I started this blog my sole intent was for it to be a way of sharing my love of crafting, sewing and maybe also promoting my shop.  ( I know it's self-serving, but a girl's gotta start somewhere).  I am an avid blog reader and would choose hours reading others' blogs than in front of the TV at night.  As time has passed I have begun to share a little more about my own house and how we organize things and some of our own "tips" and/or projects, but that's about it as far as my personal life.

What I am starting to realize is that I probably don't seem too real.   Can I really spend all of my time cleaning, crafting, organizing, sewing and being mom with a big smile?   The answer is no.    I also realized that the blogs that I gravitate towards and follow religiously have absolutely nothing to do with crafting, organizing, etc.  While I love those blogs for ideas, I tend to follow the ones that are just about life.    These women share the real life happenings that they encounter each and every day and inevitably I leave my blog-reading session with either tears in my eyes or a smile because I can relate to something I've read.

So....to keep it real...and to be totally honest, this has been a terrible, no good, horrible WEEK.  (Hopefully you've read Alexander and have a clue about what I'm referencing!)    I cannot pinpoint what went wrong, but I think it's just been one of those weeks and so....I'm not going to pretend it wasn't.  Besides, I hope to some day look back on this blog and know that I was "real" and documented my "real" life.

To put it all out on the table...

I did NO laundry this week and now I'm playing catch up.  Sucks.   I know now why I love my schedule so much.

I did not one ounce of exercise even with the incredible weather.   I actually encouraged my kids to stay inside an watch a movie.   Gasp!  I know, mother of the year on that one.

I drank entirely WAY TOO MUCH caffeine and look about 80 years older than I am with my dry, wrinkly face and skin.

I was VERY resentful of my new and necessary gluten-free life and was a huge glutton.  I ate a ton of candy since it's everywhere in every store (even Joann Fabrics, really?) and now my face looks like I'm a teenager.

I got very angry with my own crazy schedule and begged my kids to skip their activities to no avail.  I just wanted 1 night with no commitments.  Then when I finally had one, I went to bed and didn't even take advantage of it.

I only cooked 1 meal for my family and it was nothing extravagant.   They ate all things in the pantry or freezer.  (ie. MacnCheese, chicken nuggets).  Now I'm not knocking those who work all day and have a need to do this, but I am home with my kids and did nothing this week I remind you.

I found my daughter silently sobbing to herself over math homework last night because she was embarassed and didn't want to ask me for help because she couldn't do it after the teacher told her how great she was doing in math.   Sad sight....it broke my heart.

I lost my cool a bunch of times....I think I might have said "please just stop talking" at least once...ok, maybe twice!

I drove my husband to the couch for 2 nights after complaining about his talking in his sleep and coughing.  Mean wife!

I had to get a big dent repaired in my brand-new car after someone hit it.  Not happy!

And yesterday took the cake.....
I planned lunch with a friend I never get to see an thankfully planned it for a place right near my son's preschool.    This is only the 2nd time since he started in September that I've done anything fun while he's at school.  Generally, I drop off and come home to clean or grocery shop...etc.   So...needless to say, I was excited.  Within 10 mins. of arriving, the school called to tell me that my son had a rash on his face and they were concerned.  So... I left my friend and headed over to the school to pick him up.

Thankfully he is fine and I have no idea what caused it, but he left sad because he wanted to stay.   Ugh!    As I've mentioned before, my son has very severe food allergies so a little rash to most is a BIG deal to us.  He has had this rash on his face on and off all week and I had him at the doctor 3 times last week from the rash and an ear infection.  While I was happy that he was fine after we left, I needed that hour of adult interaction.   My son is in school for 2 1/2 hrs a day (which was my choice and one of the best I've made since he's off to Kindergarten next year), but most of my morning is spent discussing Power Rangers and defending kung fu punches.

But, despite all of this, I need to remember...

My family loves me.

My kids ARE healthy despite a few colds, etc.

I am able to spend my days with my little guy before he goes off to Kindergarten.  Registration is only a few weeks away :(

My husband comes home every night and just shows us all love regardless of what drama, complaint or mess he finds.  He's a gem!

This little guy can ALWAYS make me smile.

This little girl is a true blessing and ALWAYS tries to be the best she can be!

There are people truly suffering and I have no right to complain.

So....that's my effort to keep it real.  I won't do it often, but it's all truth.   And...I know my complaints may even sound silly, but these are the kinds of things that make my weeks sucky.   I will get back on the wagon this weekend and get back on Operation Organization before my messy house swallows me up.  I want to leave you with a few links to some people who could really use your prayers.

Baby Paxton passed away this week and my heart breaks for this family.  They are truly amazing in their strength.  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/paxtenpearson/journal

Kate has been fighting a brain tumor since May 2009 and her family deals with everyday struggles as they pray for their daughter's future.http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate/mystory

Jen shares honestly how she is moving on in her life with 5 sweet children after her husband left her family.  Her honesty is humbling.http://mycharmingkids.net/

Have a wonderful weekend!  I am looking very forward to a weekend with absolutely no commitments except time with my family!

Poshed Up

Some new things to share...

I know I promised a post on organizing the linen closet and if you can wait one more day....that would be great! I want to make some serious progress on my own first.  In the meantime,  I have a few new things to share.

First...some new additions to the shop this week.

Flannel pillowcases.   Make bedtime fun with these over-sized flannel pillowcases in kid themed prints.  Perfect for those cold, winter nights with their soft and cozy texture.  After all, according to the groundhog, we have 6 more weeks of winter ahead of us.

What kid wouldn’t want these?

In fun wintery themes....

and complimenting fabrics...

and...they make a great gift.  Use them as the gift bag and fill it with some fun items for a girly gift for a sleepover party.  It's sure to be unique!

and lastly, they can be custom ordered to include an initial!

Lots more to come this weekend.  I'd love feedback!

And, just added today, iPad cases. 

Beauty collides with functionality with this iPad case.  Designed specifically for the iPad2, this case is a perfect fit to keep your iPad safe!    Make your iPad case your newest accessory when you carry a fun, bright and fashionable fabric.  Whether carried alone or tucked in your purse or bag, this case will not only keep your iPad safe, but will look great while doing it.

Each case is designed with 2 complimentary fabrics.  This case is highly durable and includes 2 layers of interfacing to add not only structure, but padding for your iPad.  

Includes a fold over top to prevent your iPad from falling out like it could with a top closure.  This case features a strip of Velcro as well to reinforce its closure and prevent scratches on your iPad.

And in true Poshed Up nature, these too can be monogrammed.  

And lastly, we do all sorts of custom orders.  Here are a few we have made recently and as holiday gifts.   We'd love to make one for you!

Blanket for baby Olivia!

Back side has soft complimenting fabric!  Great baby gift!

Butterfly bag for a little girl.

Another butterfly bag for little  Chloe to carry her boots to school in our "busy" bag shape.

Could she be any cuter?!

Peace sign bags for the bigger girls.  Either monogrammed or plain.

A birthday gift for Kate (from my son).  We filled it with fun crafts!

Personalized bags as a gift for a set of twins and another little boy. 

Another gift given by my daughter to her friend turning 10 filled with fun 10 year old girly items (whatever that might be at the time!)

And lastly, I know it's early, but these were our end of year teacher gifts last year.   

Great tote for them to carry papers home, throughout the day or their lunch!

I hope you'll stop by the shop in the next few days and check out what we have.  We ALWAYS take custom orders for anything under the sun.   Please feel free to contact us!

Lastly,  here are the March and April 2012 calendars I referred to in this post about creating your family binder.  I hope you find them helpful.

Poshed Up