Fun for Free & Lasting Memories ~ Shadow Show

Building memories doesn’t have to come with a price tag. Kaylee and I happened upon a good hour of laughs and fun by putting on a shadow show (or shadow puppet show). Lately I’ve been preparing for her birthday party. One of the activities I’ve included for her party is a photo booth (under $10! Thanks to happinessishomemade.net) and after completing it today, because the kitchen light was shining behind the sheet we used for the backdrop, shadows were cast and whah-lah! Instantly Kaylee was putting on a show and making me laugh. We had a lot of fun, and I wondered why I’d never thought of doing something similar with the table. On occasion in bed we will cast shadows onto the wall before turning the lights out. The famous “hand dinosaur” emerges onto the ceiling spouting silly slurred lines, “hellow wittle gurl, are you goin’ nigh-nigh?” 

Regardless, this will no doubt continue to be a way we build memories at home. Since most people will not be in a similar situation of building a photo booth, for a replica situation - turn underneath the kitchen table into a shadow casting set by draping a white sheet over it, putting a light behind and the shadow master gets to put on a show. Or be traditional and cast shadows on the wall or ceiling while in bed (its so much fun!!). It’ll put a twist to story time and it’s a great way to cheer up the little one before drifting off to sleep!

 I hope this gives you a new experience to share with your little one and a method to build more lasting memories!!  

 Happy parenting!

-Momma Solo

$5 Quick Valentine's Day Favors

With Valentine's Day just around the corner its time (or past time!) to consider favors to send along to school. I love pencils and pens and this year I thought pencils transformed into arrows for Valentine's Day, what could be cooler!?!.

These pencil arrows are not only bulk friendly but inexpensive, unique, functional, quick, easy and fun to give out. For around $5 it seems silly to not take advantage of such a simple DIY gift. The packet of pencils we bought came with 12 pencils and we needed 16, so I scavenged the house and quickly found 4 other pencils (yay!). Side note: For some undiscovered reason I've noticed throughout the years my home gravitationally attracts stray pens and pencils creating at all times (except when I need one) an abundant supply...a mystery. If I wasn't a stickler for keeping with a theme, no doubt, I could have supplied them all with pencils from around the house.

Supplies Needed:    

1. Packet(s) of pencils <- don't spend more than a dollar per pack! Look for packs at craft store, dollar store or a mart.

2. Packet of feathers your pick ~$2 craft store

3. One piece of felt your pick (I used dark purple) .23-.25 cents a piece

4. Glue ~ I used hot glue because it sets quickly and I had it out. Hot Glue <--- requires constant supervision with little ones! I don't recommend letting your child sit on your lap either. Kaylee almost burnt my face when she lifted the glue gun away and a "string" followed. Scary!

5. Some wax paper - because I craft often I re-use the same piece (recycle!)

The Process ~ Ezzie-Peezie!

Step One: Cut out a “pattern” for the triangle felt piece tips. You need two triangle pieces per pencil. I took a piece of junk mail, it was card stock material (I think it was an ad for a dentist) and I cut out a triangle a couple times holding it up to a pencil. Once one looked right, I had my pattern. I held it up against the felt and cut out identical triangle pieces. I needed 16 pencil arrows which meant 32 triangle pieces (number of pencils x 2 = your total).

Step Two: Cut out rectangle pieces to go on the feather end and cover up the feather tips. I should have made a pattern for this, but I eye balled it every time. You can also use two square pieces and glue them together, however, in the end, I preferred wrapping a rectangle piece around the feather tips and pencil gluing it on the “backside”.

Step Three: With glue of choice, glue one triangle piece to each side of the lead end. Glue along one entire piece to make sure both pieces stay shut and secures the pencil inside. 

Step Four: Pick out two – three feathers and glue them onto the metal below the eraser. I found it was easier to remove the materials if glue was applied to this location and caused little-to -no damage to the eraser. 

Step Five: Once feathers are glued in place, glue the rectangle piece (or two square pieces) around feather tips and glue on “backside” of the pencil to conceal the feather tips and complete the look. 

Step Six: Admire the simplicity & pizazz! 

  

      

Enjoy Your Valentine’s Day!

Year of the Horse

A happy dancing Dragon

To celebrate the Chinese New Year Kaylee & I decided to go to a free local event and watch what I called, the Happy Dragons dance. Afterwards, we enjoyed a shared dish of authentic Chinese food (some of our favorite!).

Beef, cilantro & tofu from Mr. Chens

   I feel its important to expose our kids to new things as often as possible, whether that be through foods, cultural events, books or music! I like to stay up to date with what is going on each month in Nashville with the local magazines (you can find these free magazines often at the grocery store near the exit). If I see something that peaks my interest I make sure to jot it down on my calendar!

Don't forget to eat your oranges!

Happy Parenting!