Personalized Trivets

I came across this fun idea in a recent Family Fun magazine (http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/terrific-trivets-1027185/).  I decided that I wanted one from each of my kids but also to get my 6 year old started on making some for Christmas presents.

I opted to buy only thick paint markers (can be used on acrylic) Since my little ones are not real great with painting with brushes yet.  That and they are not cheap! I picked up these for $16 per set - I purchased them at Michaels so I used a 40% off coupon for each but still...

Then I stopped by Home Depot to buy white tiles.  I picked up these for only $.48 each.  I bought a few since we are making Christmas gifts with some.  And, since I already have the money invested in the paint markers I should get some use out of them.

I also found these at Home Depot for just under $3 - there's enough for 5 trivets.

First, I put the felt pads on the back of the tiles so my daughter wouldn't be scrapping the tile on my counter as she painted.

Then I wrote her name and the year on the back.

Finally, it was time for her to get creative!

First Aid Kit

In my purse I always carry a little first aid kit.  My little ones seem to get cuts so easily and the smallest paper cut always needs a bandaid.....  At my daughters school last year I became known as the mom with the Spongebob bandaids ;-)

Why did I really start carrying one of these with me all the time?  When my daughter was 2 we went on a field trip with other parents and kids to the local zoo.  As we were waiting for the entire group to get there, we stood in the main area taking pictures by a statue.  My daughter was always very clumsy and of course fell off a ledge and her face bounced off the cement!  She had a big cut on her forehead that bumped up right away.  Thankfully, one of the mom's was a nurse.  She said Alexis should be fine and gave me the warning signs to keep an eye out for.  Of course, no one had a bandaid (later we got one from the zoo) so she looked pretty sad for a while.  The next day I went shopping for something small that would hold bandaids and Neosporin and fit in my purse!

So, I thought I would share this little tip.  I keep a variety of bandaids to meet many needs and help the little ones feel better about there ouch.

Okay, you may have noticed the Krazy Glue in the picture.  Yes - there is a need!!  It's a little trick I learned from a friend.  If you have a cut that needs more than a bandaid you can use Krazy Glue to hold it shut.  Just make sure you clean out the wound first.  I have used this for smaller cuts but my friend has actually used it in place of stitches when she wasn't near a hospital.  Either way, I keep it in my little case just incase ;-)

The Phantom Ghost Has Been Here!

My family was surprised by something tonight that I had to share!

Just after dark we heard a loud knock on the door.  When we opened the door we were surprised to find this:

Of course my kids were really excited because it was not only a surprise but full of candy and toys.

The notes inside added some extra special excitement:

We hung the sign on our door right away.  My husband and I have a suspicion who are "friend" is but we'll leave the suspense with our little ones ;-)  I thought my daughter wasn't going to fall asleep tonight as she is so excited to create a gift to leave for one of our neighbors tomorrow night!

Sweet & Salty Treat

I made these for Halloween but you can make them any time or for any holiday (since M&M produces chocolate candies themed for every celebration).

They are simple to make and delicious!  All you will need is:

1 bag of white chocolate chips
1 bag of plain M&M's
2 bags of popped microwave popcorn*
Optional colored sprinkles to add color

Directions:

Put popped popcorn in a large bowl (try to keep the un-popped kernels out).

Melt the white chocolate.  Carefully stir into the popcorn (take caution to not break the popcorn).  Add the M&M's and continue to mix gently.  Optional:  add sprinkles and gently mix.

Many of the M&M's will fall to the bottom of the bowl so make sure you get a variety if you choose to package them.  I added this little tag since I was giving them to teachers who work in a peanut-free school.

*I have a small theater style popcorn machine so I'm not sure exactly how much I use but the recipe I originally found on this required 2 bags of popped microwave popcorn.

Use the twist tie too so they can close the bag in-between snacks.

Don't be afraid to experiment - Candy corn is a great replacement for M&M's!

I have made them for Christmas, Valentines, Easter, Birthdays - you could make them for baby showers too!

Getting Personal part 2

This website is not to the surgeon I used

Introduction:  http://itsfun4me.blogspot.com/2011/09/getting-personal-introduction.html

Well, I had my first appointment.  My doctor seems great! 

While in the waiting room I noticed a wall that displayed pictures of the doctors who work in the same office.  There were only 2 that appeared to be more "mature" than I.  I don't consider myself as someone who discriminates against age - but when it comes to something like this I prefer someone who has more experience.  I consider myself young enough yet to have options for a doctor that is more "mature" than I am - LOL!

There isn't a ton to say about this first appointment.  I completed all the paperwork that they sent me ahead of time.  I made sure I could give them a urine sample ;-)  They were ready to answer any questions that I had.  After asking me many questions about my symptoms, the doctor (and a female assistant) did an initial exam.  The exam was very similar to my annual pap smear.  But, there was the addition of a catheter with a scope.  It was uncomfortable but hopefully worth it in the long run.  FYI, if you go through this, be prepared for spotting. The doctors exam confirmed what his initial thought was - I need to have the hammock procedure done.  I go back in a week for some more detailed testing to make sure he is correct.

Cost?  We didn't discuss it much since I told him that I was prepared to pay for it.  They are billing my insurance first.  I was surprised at the doctors response - he seems to think that my insurance will cover it. We'll see when all is said and done.  Over the years, I have found that health insurance covers very little when it comes to elective surgeries.  For this appointment I just had to pay my insurance co-pay.

Part 3:  http://itsfun4me.blogspot.com/2011/11/getting-personal-part-3.html

Part 4:  http://itsfun4me.blogspot.com/2011/11/getting-personal-part-4.html

Part 5:  http://itsfun4me.blogspot.com/2011/12/getting-personal-part-5.html

Part 6:  http://itsfun4me.blogspot.com/2012/01/getting-personal-part-6.html

Part 7:  http://itsfun4me.blogspot.com/2012/06/getting-personal-part-7.html