roarrrrrrr!

A couple weeks ago I asked E what she wanted to give Daddy for his birthday and she responded with this:



E: 'A big stuffed animal so he has something to sleep with'. (errrr.. where does she think I sleep?)

Me: 'Ummm.. I don't think Daddy needs a stuffed animal.. what else could you get him?'

E: 'A PS4.. so he can play the Fantastic 4 and he'd really like that game'

Me: 'Ummm.. they don't make PS4's yet pumpkin, and I don't think their is a Fantastic 4 game out there. What else?'

E: 'What about a cake that looks like Fletchie?' (that would be our 9 year old Orange Tabby)

Me: 'Okay.. well.. what about a lion? I have a lion cake pan.. that's a cat isn't it?'

E: 'Yeah! Daddy likes lions!'

Me: 'Okay, that's what you can do E, you can help mommy make a Lion Cake for Daddy's birthday - good idea!' (Whew!)



So.. I took this opportunity to try Fondant for the first time.. with ridiculous results. That cake did taste quite yummy though.

Notice the green icing? I do. I meant to do chocolate instead and then lazied out since E had already gone to bed and I'd been on my feet for far too long.. so ready made green cookie icing won. What a ridiculous lion.

the coolest boys bedroom ever?

I think the answer is yes.

Photo by Anitta Behrendt

repurpose those foam alphabets

I have almost chucked our foam alphabet pieces many many times. Our children are experts at removing every piece but have very little interest in putting the puzzle back together.

....and now I'm glad I kept all those pieces around.. this will be a fun back yard project.

cutest birthday invites

I will have to file this away for E's next birthday. Wonderful idea from Inchmark.

jan eleni interiors

Another wonderful idea that can help condence the pile of art work currently filling our hall closet and it will look beautiful for years to come! Click the link for more info.

I want to make this cake

just sayin'

spring wreath

It's all in place.. now I just need to find the time. Gotta try making this!

the fabulous world of 'free'

Once again the Web Gods have provided. I am never able to really listen to the radio anymore.. come to think of it, I haven't watched anything other than kids movies for months.. but today I found a handy dandy resource that will help me catch up on all I've been missing.

Blip.fm allows people to share music online for free. (It also tells you where you can buy it)

I have been introduced to more than one new song that I love in the short time I've been listening and have enjoyed the trip down memory lane with all the classics that are also posted. This might just be my new favourite thing! From classical to techno, Japanese, German- whatever your interest.. they post music for you. Enjoy!

winterlude

Every year in Canada's Capital Winterlude marks the opening of the canal for skating. With 7.8 kilometres of canal cleared and lots of fun stops along the way this is the largest skating rink in the world! From Beavertails (YUM!) to ice sculptures its well worth the trip, whether you wear your skates or not. To find out more check out: the Rideau Canal Skateway or Winterlude here.

happy valentine's day!

After a little searching on Wikipedia I discovered Saint Valentine's Day is celebrated all over the world. Yeah, I don't think the concentrated marketing effort hurt any but in many cultures Valentine's day has been celebrated since the 1400's and in all cultures its a time to honor the people in your life. Some cultures focus more on children while others root tradition in gifts from one spouse to the other. Whatever the tradition in your family- Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours!

the story home

Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness!

I've found a lifesaver of a website!

'The Story Home' Are children's audio stories to delight and inspire. This is my best find in months! If you're like me.. there are days that I feel like I've read every story book in the house 5 times and would love something new to captivate them.. so I'm very excited about The Story Home's free podcast subscription! Check it out here.

heart hand stamp

Yet another simple but beautiful Valentine Idea. This one comes from BKids

The Kingston Soap Company

Cappuccino soap by the Kingston Soap Company

I love going to all the little community craft shows before Christmas. It always gives me great ideas and some fun Christmas presents.. and occasionally I find something I really enjoy. This year I discovered The Kingston Soap Company and loved the Vitamin E Lip Balm so much I called them to get more!

With all natural ingredients, 3 different lines of soaps, bath bombs, bath salts, shampoo and milk bath. They have you covered. You can check them out here.

valentine's craft

With only some dollar store foam hearts and paper plates we made Valentine Wreaths today. We just cut out a circle from the middle of the paper plate and glued on as many hearts as we could. I found the ribbon in one of our 'catch-all' drawers and we now have a Valentine's wreath hanging on our back door.

Year of the Tiger

In the midst of all that is Valentines Day. Did you know that 2010 is the year of the Tiger and that Asian Lunar New Year is Febuary 14th? It's time to celebrate and you can find great Asian New Year activities and crafts here:

Apples4theteacher.com

4 crazy kings

Kaboose

I'll hang my heart up

If I had the talent and supplies.. I'd be all over this! It would be perfect in E's room. Oh, and if you're wondering.. of course it's Pottery Barn.

boy do I love cinnamon hearts

This is my favourite Valentine's decoration. How decadent! I'll be looking for a glass container like this next time I'm out!