Blog Find: Little Bit Funky Photo Ornament

(photo borrowed from and owned by LITTLE BIT FUNKY)

I am a huge fan of Crystal and her Little Bit Funky blog.  She has two adorable boys and comes up with the greatest things for her Etsy shop.  My personal favorites are her HoHo Monsters.  We own one and I always have to stop myself from buying more.  Crystal offers some terrific quick crafting ideas with her "20 Minute Crafter" posts and I loved today's offering.   I bought one of these ornaments from Crystal last year and I would love to fill my tree with them year after year. My plan is to use Noodlebug's picture with Santa each year.  Now, thanks to Crystal, I can make my own!!!  So easy and adorable! I may even make some to donate to my church's craft bazaar.

Head over to LITTLE BIT FUNKY to learn how to make your own!!!

Weekend Update

Whew!

I do manage to pack a lot into two days!

Noodlebug and I started the day at his weekly Spanish class.  Then, we took him to the California Academy of Science on Saturday for CAT IN THE HAT day. The local PBS station was promoting the new "CAT IN THE HAT Knows a Lot About That' show with a variety of activities and an appearance by the Cat in the Hat himself.  We completed a scavenger hunt and won Noodlebug a Cat in the Hat hat.  He looked adorable in it, of course.

In spite of all of the activity, Noodlebug declined to take a nap. I fear our days of napping are over.  Still, he was his happy active self until bedtime.  I checked in on him before I went to bed and he was sleeping peacefully. My husband (who was still awake) woke me at 11:45pm to tell me that Noodle had just thrown up.  My poor baby was wracked with fever and his little teeth were chattering. He finally stopped throwing up around 2am and asked to be put in his crib with a sippy cup of water.  I made a pallet next to his bed and lay there listening to him and checking on him all night. 

The whole family dragged out of bed around 9:45am the next morning. Hubby and I were convinced we would be taking Noodle to the doctor or the emergency room. Instead, he was bouncing about the house in much better shape than either of us were.  The recuperative powers of children are amazing.  I can't say the same for myself. The lack of sleep and the mass of worry brought on a migraine. Still, I managed to bundle up the family and make it to my League's Bocce Ball Fundraiser.  Noodle and I relaxed courtside while Daddy played.  It was a beautiful day even if I wasn't fully engaged.

Caught a snippet of the Emmys last night before I passed out. (Hooray MODERN FAMILY and MAD MEN!)

I was thinking about a recent post by Crystal about her own kids being sick.  It is a horrible horrible thing to see your little one sick and suffering.  But this stomach bug came and went.  There are so many parents out there with children who have major illnesses that their children may not recover from.  I was definitely counting my blessings that I have such a healthy child.  If this is the worst we get, then we are very blessed indeed.

But...

Is it really Monday already?   I think I missed a day somewhere.

Keeping Smiles Healthy and Bright

I saw that Trident® was partnering with Smiles Across America® to educate parents about taking care of their children's teeth by encouraging bloggers to blog about five simple things you can do for your child to help keep their smiles healthy and bright and I thought I would chime in. I care a lot about this issue because recent studies have shown that gum disease is being linked to many serious health problems such as heart disease. I know that when I was pregnant I discovered that there were many health problems in pregnant women related to gum disease as well.  I have been working hard to give Noodlebug a good start on dental hygiene. 

Here are my five favorite tips:

1.  Do not send your child to bed with a bottle.  The milk/formula sits on their teeth and can cause serious tooth decay.  I cannot stress this enough. I used to know a woman who co-slept with her two children and allowed them to breastfeed at will throughout the night. Because the breast milk sat on their teeth, BOTH children had to have serious and painful dental surgery on their rotting teeth before they were even 2.

2. If your area does not put fluoride into the water supply, look into getting fluoride drops for younger children until they are old enough to spit out toothpaste with fluoride. This can seriously help limit cavities.

3. Brush your child's teeth twice a day using little foam finger brushes if necessary. I know some days it seems like the last thing you want to do but it is worth it.  I don't mind wrestling Noodlebug a little bit to get the job done.

4. See the dentist as soon as teeth start coming in. We took Noodlebug to the dentist at about 1 1/2.  There are lots of great pediatric dentists out there that can make it a really good experience for your child.

5.  Support groups like Smiles Across America®  everyone can be educated about dental health.  My local Junior League hosts a Smile Day each year where we provide free dental care for foster children. It can make a big difference.

6. One more for fun:  I sing a song to Noodlebug while I brush his teeth.  To the tune of "ROW ROW ROW YOUR BOAT"----"Brush brush brush your teeth, brush them every day!  Brush brush brush your teeht, keep cavities away!" and repeat until finished!


I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Trident blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Elizabeth Mitchell

We have been big fans of Elizabeth Mitchell ever since Noodlebug was born. I love her CDs because they are such a lovely mix of folk music. Kind of like O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU for little ones.

She lives on the East Coast and I was thrilled to learn she was going to be in our neck of the woods this past weekend. We headed to Marin County and made it just in time to hear her sing (along with her hubby and daughter) in a grove of gorgeous redwood trees. Perfect!!!

I sang along like a big old dork and I just loved it! Plus, we found out she has a new CD coming out called "Sunny Day" and we purchased a copy right away.

Check out the video above for one of our favorites "John the Rabbit."

(I received no compensation for this post. I am simply a fan.)

Crafting Your Best Life

I really wish I could attend one of Kim's wonderful events.  I really really really wish I could finally attend one of Teresa McFayden's Silver Bella events. Or maybe even the big Creative Connection event. But, alas, there is no budget for such wonderful creative retreats.  I feel like I need an organized group creative outlet, though. So I treated myself to an online class through Jenny Doh's Crescendoh Creative Lab.

The course is called Crafting Your Best Life and it sounds both creative and introspective which is a good choice for me right now.  The class starts on September 13 so there is still time if you want to play along.

Lisa Leonard Giveaway!!!

(photo borrowed from and owned by Lisa Leonard)

I have been wanting this Lisa Leonard necklace for a LONG time!!!  I have entered every single Lisa Leonard giveaway that I can find trying to win a gift certificate. I haven't won yet but hope springs eternal!

Lisa is currently hosting a fabulous birthday giveaway. The winner will receive a Lisa Leonard gift certificate AND a Target gift certificate.  Boy I could really use those gift certificates right now!!!

To enter, go here.

(of course, I'm gonna win.....wink)

The Frugal Blogger and Recession Strategies

I am blogging today about my favorite money-saving strategies over on my personal blog.  With my husband out of work and our income circling the drain, I have had to look for new ideas to save and generate money.

Go here for the post!!!

Good luck!

Blog Finds: Homemade by Jill

(photo borrowed from and owned by Homemade by Jill)

I have been a follower of HOMEMADE BY JILL for awhile and this is a perfect example of why her blog is so great!  Jill has created some adorable flashcards for her little one and is offering it as a free download. I already grabbed it for Noodlebug and can't wait to print them out!!!

Head over to Homemade by Jill to get your own!!

How My Life Would Be Better With a Serger

Sew Mama Sew is hosting a serger giveaway and I have to give it a shot!!!

(photo borrowed from and owned by SEW MAMA SEW)

Many of you know that I have recently become passionate about sewing.  There is just something so satisfying about creating homemade items on your sewing machine.  I especially love making handmade items and clothing for Noodlebug.  I have discovered when making clothes and knit items that simply using a zig-zag stitch for finishing does not give one the same effect that a serger would.  I'm so tired of seeing unpleasant looking raw edges and it would certainly help with hemming and generally piecing fabric together.  A serger would also be great for adding embellishments to my projects.  As my sewing skills improve, I would love to be able to take my projects to the next level with a serger so they don't look so unfinished and amateur-ish.  Since it is a luxury item, it would really make my day to win one!!!

I cannot have Noodlebug wandering around in homemade clothes with unfinished edges!! What would the other (crafty) moms say?  I can hear it now....."Poor Noodlebug's mom.  She works full-time and doesn't even have the time or resources to properly finish her child's clothing. Tsk tsk."

Members of the SEW MAMA SEW Editorial Board!  Please don't let me be the subject of such talk and speculation!!!

Kitchen Witch

Have you met my friend Hippie Dog?

Michelle was one of my very first crafty blog friends and she makes the cutest stuff!!!  When I saw her latest creations, these adorable kitchen witches, I couldn't resist:

(photo borrowed from and owned by Hippie Dog Primitives)

I own several of Michelle's creations including a trick-or-treat cat and an adorable Santa.  Now, I will have a witch in my kitchen to help me with my cooking!!!

Pick up your own at Hippie Dog Creations.

In other news, my fabric for the Grosgrain Frock by Friday just arrived so I am getting a late start. I pieced together the pattern and cut the pieces last night. I hope to get most of it sewn tonight depending on  how much Noodlebug "helps."  I promise to post photos when it is done!!!

Magazine Love

Although I am an avid book reader, I sometimes just love a good magazine. I have many magazine subscriptions and I get so excited when one of my favorites shows up in my mailbox.

These are my top three favorite magazines that make me jump for joy:

1. COUNTRY LIVING---If you haven't seen this magazine lately, you should pick one up.  I dream of having my own farm house-style home someday and I get lots of inspiration ideas here. So many wonderful things for lovers of shabby chic and living with antiques!

2. SUNSET MAGAZINE--Since I now live in California, it is great to pick up this magazine full of travel ideas, recipes, design ideas and garden tips that are all focused on the western states. I save all these magazines for references purposes.

3. FAMILY FUN--Another magazine that I save every issue.  The craft ideas are adorable and I love all the familiy activities and travel suggestions. They also have excellent craft books and special holiday issues that are well worth the purchase.

I was in Michael's a few days ago and saw the new issue of Better Homes and Gardens HOLIDAY CRAFTS. I snapped it up and I was NOT disappointed.  The only trick will be deciding what craft to do first and where I am going to find the time!!!  I was especially happy to see an adorable wreath from Jennifer Paganelli. Get your issue today before they run out!!!

At the County Fair

Last Friday, the whole family headed to the County Fair. The theme this year was the "Grape Escape" which goes perfectly with the wine country locale.

Check out this giant grape fountain:

Some of us rode rides:

We admired animals:

I especially loved these five-day old piglets. I am convinced the one in the middle is smiling:

And these were my favorite quilts:

I have decided that when I finally get my dream house,

I am going to have this bathtub/wine barrel fountain in my backyard:

And here was a lovely surprise:

And one more photo just because Noodlebug was so darn cute blowing his pinwheel: