DIY Nursing Pillow

Looking for the perfect pillow to feed baby?  How about a little portable travel pillow or neck support on those long car rides?  If you ever wanted to make your own baby pillow, look no further than my new Etsy store, Pretty Home Threads, where I sell this full pattern as an immediate digital download.  This post will also redirect you to my Etsy store if you would like to purchase the pattern if you would rather make your own.

Materials Needed

 Cotton Fabric 

Soft Contrast Fabric 

Polyfill

Sewable Velcro 

Thread

The pattern is a PDF digital download with a full tutorial, including multiple photographs.  You need to know how to sew, and have a sewing machine. The skill level for the pattern is probably Intermediate, especially working with minky fabric.  

If you would like to use your own fabrics and sew a pillow, the pattern is available for immediate download.  You can purchase it for yourself HERE  

Whether it's for your baby or a gift for someone else, baby pillows are pretty AND practical.  

cindy

Easy Homemade Father's Day

It's the Monday before Father's Day and you still don't have anything?  Well join the club!  I'm still thinking about what we're going to do this year, but I do have a couple of easy ideas to share with you that are great for your younger kids.  My husband always complained that he didn't get the cool personalized gifts I get because Mother's Day is during the school year.  We did some of these to address that and now that the kids are 11 and 13, I don't think he minds as much that the gifts aren't as personalized.

Here's an easy one you can do with a couple of markers and a small stretched canvas you can find at Michael's, Hobby Lobby or any local craft store.



I used alternating colored markers on the stretch canvas.  I outlined the letters for DAD and then had the kids come up with words to describe their dad.  Then I wrote the words to make the shape.  I made sure the kids wrote their own names and put the occasion and date on the bottom.  (I hate when you find things made by kids, but don't know what year it was.)

Another gift dad really loves are the homemade coasters.

So easy!  You use plain absorbent stone coasters, some phones printed on paper and modge podge.  We didn't try photos printed on photopaper because I'm not sure how well the modge podge works on that type of paper.  The one mistake difficulty we had was getting the head shot close enough and still being able to cut a complete circle to fit the coaster.  You can see that my kids didn't succeed in that task, but I still love how they turned out.  The modge podge mades them nice and smooth and completely water resistant.

Last year we did a barbecue theme (we aren't terribly original around here).  To add to the implements, spices and apron, we made a tray to carry items to and from the barbecue grill.

You can get a plain unfinished wood tray at Michael's or Hobby Lobby.  Using scrapbook paper and modge podge, we decorated the inside of the tray and then painted the rest.  I made sure to put a clear epoxy or shellac coat over everything to make it water resistant.  This project was a little more tricky for my 10 year old and we did struggle with the seam on the paper (you can see it above).  However, the fact that homemade things aren't "perfect" makes them the most precious gifts because it shows how much the kids worked at it.

The last one we wanted to make last year (and might this year) is a valet tray made from varying sizes of small boxes.  We found a set last year at the Container Store.  You can again use scrapbook paper to cover the boxes and then glue them together to make this configuration.  As a sharp touch you can use the "file markers" to identify the various compartments.  You can find the metal frames for those in any scrapbook section of a craft store.

Good luck with your homemade treasures and Happy Father's Day!

cindy

Father's Day - Etsy Style

There's still time to shop for unique Father's Day items on Etsy.  If you don't know what Etsy is (really, is there anyone who hasn't heard of Etsy?), it is a marketplace for artisans.  You can find the coolest stuff you won't find in department stores.  Here's some items I found for Father's Day:

Here's a cool 15" laptop/messenger bag made from upcycled clothing.  That's a one of a kind for dad for only $145.00.

Here's a nice personalized message on a metal alloy card, perfect for dad's wallet.  Your kids can create their own personal messages for $22.00.

I think I need a set of these!  Here are some natural stone coasters with different theme/designs.  I can see my husband kicking back to watch a game with his beer on these coasters.  You can get the game going for $18.00.

Isn't this the sweetest keychain?  Completely personalized with the most important facts front and center.  Dad can carry this stylish personalized item for $34.00.

O.K., maybe not every day would appreciate this Breaking Bad inspired custom engraved cutting board, but my husband would get a kick out of it. This is especially great from kids that aren't quite so young anymore.  Heisenberg can come to your home for only $29.00.

Finally, for the newer dad, here's an upcycled Dr. Seuss favorite repurposed into a beautiful journal. Wouldn't that be the best place to keep all those little memories of your preschooler from a dad's perspective?  This unique gift is only $22.00.



Okay, I'm hardly scratching the surface at Etsy.  You haven't seen all the funny cards, personalized items, clothing, wallets, sports memorabilia and anything else you might want for dad.  There are two other items I really love, but you will have to order these:

This is an heirloom quilt made from upcycled men's ties.  What a great way to remember the men in your life - husband, dad and granddad.  

Here is another quilt made from 16 t-shirts of your choosing.  If your husband is like mine, he's collected t-shirts that are meaningful to him but can't make it into the current t-shirt rotation or take the frequent washes.

Don't see anything that catches your fancy or do you already have a gift for Father's Day?  Keep Etsy in mind for all of your gift needs (or when you need/want something just for you).  If you're looking for some pretty items for little girls or babies, you can check out my store, Pretty Pretty Cindy.

cindy

Merry Christmas Traditions

It's 20 minutes until Christmas and I'm catching my breath.  I have been at church since 3:30 p.m. watching my daughter sing, singing myself and directing my husband's choir.  Christmas Eve is always a long day, but we are just getting started.

My husband will be home about 12:30 a.m. from his last Christmas Eve mass.  (If you haven't figured it out yet, he's a music director at a Catholic church.)  By that time we are both tired.  It's been a long day.

Now is the time for our private Christmas traditions.  When he comes home and kicks off his shoes, we'll watch the Pope at mass at the Vatican.  We'll also watch some of the local midnight mass with our bishop here in Phoenix.  We just can't seem to get enough liturgy, but it's nice just to watch and pray instead of serving as a liturgical minister.

Now is the time for the egg nog, maybe with a little bourbon whiskey :)  We will talk over how the night went, whether the children sang the Polish Christmas carol well, whether the contemporary band sounded OK on O Holy Night and how the adult choir fared on the Hallelujah Chorus at the end of midnight mass without a director (I needed to come home with the kids!).

Then it's time to get to work - Santa time.  There are gifts to be wrapped and others to be "placed".  Thank goodness our kids are tweens so we are out of the phase of assembling toys!  We're mostly removed from the 15 minute battle to wrestle toys out of boxes and packaging.  Usually we grab a bite of Santa's cookies, but this year we'll have to eat See's candy because the kids didn't have any cookies.  Works for me.  We're happy to help Santa however we can.

Finally, about 2:00 a.m. we will roll into bed.  Hopefully the house isn't too messy and the gifts are all there.  Hopefully I will be able to get dinner on the table on time and find something to wear for my Christmas dinner guests.  Hopefully everyone will be happy with their gifts.

Ready or not, Christmas is here.  Ready or not, the Christ-child is here.  Babies are like that.  You can clean, prepare, decorate, buy gifts and even celebrate, but in the end they will come in their time.  Christ came in His time.  Christ will come again in His time.

I pray I'm ready for that day.

Holiday Snacks - Orange-Cranberry Snacks

This is a recipe I like to repost every year not only because it's good, but also because you can never have too many little gift ideas.


It's getting down to the wire when I've got to think about all the "little" gifts I need - for teachers, babysitters, mailmen, other last minute recipients.  These are my favorite gifts because although I like to make them interesting, I don't necessarily have to give a lot of personal thought to them.  I also like to combine my love for the deal.  Specifically, I like to buy Christmas things right after Christmas for a song and wait and use them the following year.  When I unwrap my Christmas decorations, I enjoy finding something new - like Christmas comes early.  A couple of years ago I found these glass Santa containers on sale for $1.00 each (originally $4.99) at Target.  I thought I would make cookie mix, but because of the small size, I needed to think of something else.

 Cranberry/Orange Snack Mix

The ingredients are pretty simple:

2 c. Corn Chex

2 c. Oat squares

2 c. Mini Pretzels

1 c. whole almonds

1/4 c. butter

1/3 c. frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

3 Tbl packed brown sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

3/4 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp allspice

2/3 c. dried cranberries (Craisins)

Preheat oven to 250 degrees and coat a 13X9 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.  Mix the first four ingredients in a large bowl and set aside.  In a smaller bowl melt butter and add orange juice concentrate, brown sugar and spices.  Mix well and pour over the dry ingredients, stirring them to coat. 

 Spread the resulting mix on the baking pan and bake for 50 minutes.  You will need to stir the mix every 10 minutes.  

Once it's done, you add the Craisins and lay the mix out on a flat surface until it's dry.  You can store it in any airtight container.  As an extra bonus, your kitchen will have a wonderful smell of spiced orange and cranberry.  

This is better than any old cookie mix :)

cindy

Etsy Finds - Gifts for Her

I know the majority of my readers are women (let's be serious, ALL women).  However, ladies, your guy is suffering right now.  He doesn't have a clue what to get you for Christmas.  Many of them just want you to point out something specific you want, others just want some ideas.  (You may actually prefer to point out a specific item because you've gone that route of letting him choose.)  Either way, Etsy is an awesome place to shop.  Give him the hint now and he can avoid the crowds at the mall, especially on Christmas Eve.  So, send him the link to this post, give him a couple of hints and let him go.

Gentlemen, if you are reading this, your favorite lady would like you to give a little thought to her gift (which I'm sure you would like to do anyway).  Etsy is easy - most sellers take credit cards (through the safety of Etsy, sellers don't see your credit card information).  They will mail it directly to you.  Watch the date for last Christmas delivery, and if the seller doesn't identify it, send them a message.  Here's some ideas (click on the title to see the Etsy listing):

Gifts $25 or Under

Amethyst Spiral Earrings $25.00

Inspiration DREAM Necklace $25.00

iPad Mini Sleeve $25.00

Gifts $26 to $50

LOVE Pink iPhone Case & Set $30.00

Brass & Pyrite Watch $35.00

Monogramed Bath Robe $36.00

Hopefully, this gives you some ideas to find that special gift for that special lady.  If you just can't decide, Etsy has gift cards.

cindy

I've Been Booed! Free Printables

Over the weekend I noticed something on our front porch.  It wasn't a mail package, but a cute Halloween box full of Halloween goodies!  Attached to the box was a small sign saying "You've Been Booed!"  Inside the box was lots of candy, Halloween stuff (eyeball salt and pepper shakers, a solar dancing pumpkin, a growing zombie, cookie cutters, a kitchen towel - you get the idea).  I wish I could say I had a picture of the box, but my kids (and me) tore it apart looking for all the goodies.  How fun!

Turns out, this is the idea of Tricia at Nola Mommy from 2011.  It's a fun way to get to know your neighbors - even if it is a bit anonymously - and a fun activity for your kids who are either too young to trick or treat or can't in the neighborhood.  This is like the reverse trick or treat!  Here is the original "You've Been Booed" sign along with the complete instructions and free printables from Nola Mommy:

Instructions on How to Boo your Neighbor by Tricia L.

We couldn't wait to put our own "boo baskets" together for two of our neighbors.  It wasn't very expensive - we used some cool metal pails we've had for a while for containers and then added little items from the Dollar Store and Target.  It was fun to find ring pop eyeballs and bloody vampire teeth.  The dish towels from Target are a cute addition too!  Here's what our finished products look like, all ready for "booing":

Don't these pumpkins look like little waiters?

I really love this idea, but I can't take credit for starting it in my neighborhood.  Some nice anonymous neighbor did that!  These would be great for a lot of holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day.  The possibilities are endless and you can never get too much community going on, especially when you live in an area where neighbors don't tend to know each other.

Don't forget to check out the full directions at Nola Mommy and happy booing!

cindy

Father's Day Gifts - ACK!

Yep, you've waited until the last minute and don't have a clue.  Neither do your kids.  You know who you are - me.  I've been looking around and I found some good ones - here are 10.  Five you can make (so your kids have some part in this endeavor) and the other five you can buy.  Click on the title to see more, including the source.

1.  Brookstone Grill Light - This attaches to the hood of your grill and provides great fluorescent light.  Great price at $39.99

2.  Bose Headphones - These are a bit on the pricey side at Sharper Image, but imagine the joy your husband will have blocking out the sounds of the children.  If you don't want these expensive noise canceling headphones, you can always find some less expensive ones and get your children to keep the noisy ruckus to a minimum.

3.  IPhone Cycling Accessory - This is a great gift for the dad who can't put his I-phone down, even while he's riding his bike.  (People think using an I-phone while driving a car is dangerous, imagine riding a bike!)  Apple has these items for $59.95 in its store.

4.  Magazine Subscription - These are really easy gifts, especially for last minute, because all you need to do is go down to the local grocery or drug store, buy a magazine and tell him they will be in the mailbox for the next 12 months.  (The gift that keeps on giving!)  Some good suggestions - Men's Health, Sports Illustrated, Esquire, Forbes and Time.

5.  Baseball Glove - This is a great idea to get him outside playing with the kids.  If baseball or softball is not the game for your family, think of another and get him some equipment - bowling ball, bike, golf clubs, basketball.  This doesn't have to be an expensive gift - this one from Target is only $24.99!

6.  Homemade Gift Basket - You pick your theme - sports, music, grilling or his favorite hobby - and fill it with lots of goodies.  Game tickets, equipment, I-tunes or other gift cards, a bottle of wine, cigars, you get the idea.  This is a great way to turn small things into a thoughtful gift.

7.  Homemade Tie - The Purl Bee has a hip DIY tie with some beautiful fabric ideas

The Purl Bee

8.  Father's Day Coupons A co-worker of mine told me today that the Father's Day gift he wants the most is one day when his children don't fight.  (Me too!)  Here's an idea that might buy dad that and more.  These are nice ones - made by Martha Stewart.

MarthaStewart.com

9.  Mod-Podge Coasters - I love this idea because you can create these with any theme you want - pictures of the kids, favorite sports team and this great one - superheroes!  These are from Mod Podge Rocks.

10.  Valet Tray - Here's another one of those gifts that you can personalize using the basic pattern.  Dad can keep his phone, keys, wallet - all those little things he can never find one he puts them down.

Well, now I have a few ideas.  Hopefully I can execute them by Sunday.  Hey, it's only Friday - live on the edge!

Happy Father's Day

cindy

Spring Etsy Finds

Spring is just about here and it's time for more Etsy finds.  Oh, there are so many lovely things to see, but I can only share a few of my favorites.  If you want to find your own favorites, make sure to visit Etsy.  Better yet, go shopping there or buy an Etsy gift certificate to share with a friend.  Click on the picture to go through Pinterest where you can be more detail about the item and a link to it on Etsy.  Here's what I found:

Source: etsy.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Just another place on the web where I can't get enough eye candy.  Enjoy.

cindy

Christmas Is Approaching

Like you don't know?  I'm trying to stay stress free, but it's not so easy. I'm using this time to teach my children about the preparation for Christ's second coming by helping our neighbors who are in need. There have been so many opportunities through angel trees, Toys for Tots, etc, but it can be exhausting. I've given up some of my time, especially with my blog. I can say, though, that it's been rewarding.

Now comes the hard part-convincing the kids that they can do with a little less this year. I've told them that with so much charitable giving, there is less available for them. No problem, Mom, Santa Claus will still come through with the big stuff. (sigh) It's not so easy, but I have a little time to figure it out.

So, for those of you who continue to read my blog, please bear with me. I promise to have some new projects and other interesting things to say soon. In the meantime, enjoy your Christmas preparations even more by buying or making a few extra things for those who might not feel the love through a gift or kindness just for them. Isn't that what Christmas is about anyway?

cindy

Cyber Monday - How To

Tomorrow is the big day - Cyber Monday.  Some retailers are calling it Cyber Week.  (Those are probably the ones that were open on Thanksgiving.)  While it's awesome to shop in your pajamas (or at your desk at work), there are a few things you should know.  Here are the tips, and at the bottom of this post I have the best prices for a few popular items.

1.  Make sure your computer has security software that is up to date.  Also, if you use Microsoft, check to make sure it is up to date.  Don't assume - go into the program on settings and look for "updates" and run it to be sure.

2.  Don't be surprised if websites load slowly.  Don't even bother to try dial-up.  Don't assume that it's OK to use your work computer to shop.  Remember, it's not your computer.  It is your employer's computer and your employer has the right to retrieve any information you look at or search for (something to keep in mind every day of the year.)

3.  DO NOT USE PUBLIC INTERNET OR UNSECURED WI-FI.  This includes the library, the free wi-fi at restaurants, libraries, hotels or anywhere else.  This also applies to your cell phone.  Use the phone line, not the wi-fi.  If you use wi-fi, you might as well write your credit card information on your forehead.

4.  Don't use a debit card or account routing number for your transactions.  Stick with a credit card or Paypal.  They provide protection for bad transactions.

5.  Make sure you only enter financial information into encrypted sites.  Look for "https" at the beginning of the URL and a closed padlock on the lower right corner.  It should be on every page that asks for personal information.

6.  If the site is loading slowly, don't resend information on the order (financial information etc) by pressing "send" again because you may end up buying more than one of the product.  Be sure to check your receipt and print it.  Check that receipt against the one in the shipping box when you receive the item.  If there is a discrepancy, call the vendor immediately.

7.  If the deal is too good to be true, it probably is.  If you aren't familiar with the vendor, check for reviews.  This is especially true if you came to the website by clicking on a link.  Use Google to look up the business.  Also, be careful what you are clicking.  Watch out for peripheral ads or links through emails.  Be very wary if you see you are being redirected as the website is loading.  You may just be bait for phishers or inviting key stroke loggers over for dinner.

8.  Don't buy things online this week unless you are getting FREE SHIPPING.  Everyone is offering free shipping and the difference of paying for shipping can quickly turn that great price into a bad deal. Also, make sure the item is in stock and an estimated delivery date.  If the item is out of stock, find out the estimated availability date and try to reserve it without paying now.

9.  Think about setting up a new email before you start shopping.  The email addresses you enter at those websites will be flooded with advertisements.  Most are probably legitimate, but if you use the same email for important communications, you won't want to wade through hundred of emails a week to find the important communications.

10.  Don't feel pressured to buy NOW because the price seems really good.  You may miss the best deal, but if you aren't sure you want or need the item, it's not a good idea to buy it.  Everything will be on sale (and should ship for free) until December 15.

Shopping for the "best" deal can be tedious and you may waste a lot of time to save pennies.  Here are a few "deals" I found tonight, but it literally took me a couple of hours.  Stick to the main retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Target) for most items, and a few other specialty retailers.

X-Box 360 console - $189 at Walmart

UGG Boots - Chestnut short Women $131.71 and Kids $101.00 at shoes.com

Master Moves Mickey $48.85 (Amazon & Walmart)

Fisher Price Jake and the Neverland Pirates $39 (Target, Walmart, ToysRUs & Amazon)

(Don't wait too long for the toys because they do sell out)

Good luck and happy hunting for the great deals!

cindy

Gift Ideas - Little Princesses

Have I said how much I love shopping Etsy?  It's officially Black Friday, so it's time to shop for Christmas.  Previously, I provided suggestions for men and women.  Today let's work on the little girl in your life.  These items are for girls under 5, but also include some baby items that may be suitable for baby showers.  Click the picture to my Pinterest "Etsy Finds" board and then click through directly to the item on Etsy.  Without further ado:

Vintage Rag Doll 

Source: etsy.com via Cindy on Pinterest

5 Piece Bedding Set

Source: etsy.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Mini Corker Hair Bows

Source: etsy.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Pink & Grey Chevron Wood Blocks

Source: etsy.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Lady Bug Tutu

Source: etsy.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Felt Play Wands

Source: etsy.com via Cindy on Pinterest

These are just a few of the adorable items you can find on Etsy.  (SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT) Don't forget to check out my store Pretty Pretty Cindy for some other inexpensive gift ideas.  I will keep posting in the upcoming days for baby/toddler boys, bigger little girls (6-11), little boys and teens.

Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving - on with the Christmas shopping.  Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, so patronize the fine businesses on Etsy.  Also, don't forget this Monday is Cyber Monday!  Visit your favorite on-line retailers for some great deals without leaving the comfort of your home (or desk).

cindy