KEEPING IT SIMPLE with VALENTINES

<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"> </div> Remember when our parents took us to CVS to pick out our valentines to hand out in class? We bought one or two packs, maaaaybe some candy to go along with it, and wrote in the names of our classmates one by one and hand-delivered them to each our friends. Brian isn't in school yet but the valentines I'm seeing from friends on facebook and all around the web are like blow your mind creative genius pinterest-wins, they are seriously awesome. Maybe it's because I'm really overtired this week, and let me preface this by saying you know I'm all for a good DIY and I applaud these super mommies' creativity, but sometimes I wish we could go back to the days when things were less pinterest-y and I hate to say it, but maybe a little overdone? I know it comes from a good place but it kind of stinks that there is this pressure to create these masterpieces for such a sweet little innocent day.  I wonder what our moms were thinking about for our valentines? I asked my mom this question and she said it was a treat for me to go to the local drug store and pick out my favorite disney character valentines. We would come home and I would write them out, package them up and be excited as heck to get to school in the morning with my red and pink outfit.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIseouE7rIyNrUj4eeM0NWyC6ACDJrHrshe6IgFcCXAblc9RcCogYA6eB5aJ1lAO91cDM_xmzsoaSTmSglIU0htIdkLnwbHZZ9RdcUe_s32rgbEGh-ZRMJR-1jRQ-JaauqPdVni671vC8/s1600/DSC_1184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIseouE7rIyNrUj4eeM0NWyC6ACDJrHrshe6IgFcCXAblc9RcCogYA6eB5aJ1lAO91cDM_xmzsoaSTmSglIU0htIdkLnwbHZZ9RdcUe_s32rgbEGh-ZRMJR-1jRQ-JaauqPdVni671vC8/s640/DSC_1184.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> So, this year, we're keeping it simple in the Joy house and created these little watercolor cards. Brian had no interest in painting at the time so I did it, but I asked him what he liked about each of his friends and we wrote a little message on the back and I made him "sign the card".<br /> <br /> They're nothing special, but kind of cute and definitely sweet. All you need are some white cards, a simple pack of watercolor paints and precious time with your little one.<br /> <br /> Lots of Love,  Liz (and little B)<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br />

KIDS

KEEPING IT SIMPLE with VALENTINES

Remember when our parents took us to CVS to pick out our valentines to hand out in class? We bought one or two packs, maaaaybe some candy ...

DIY Gold Foil Letter Art

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMoDQWCh-azI-qXnS-auvls-emr8zAIsjx5Zbyv6i-RPtJ0LzUtl0fYY_tIPNfRq9T1NpWEG9QttLHywNDD1KLUu9ejErGvQQv-MRPfn62YcVijQZkVMDNFcsZI7_JKlgu_AsDu2O0lVj/s1600/IMG_9826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMoDQWCh-azI-qXnS-auvls-emr8zAIsjx5Zbyv6i-RPtJ0LzUtl0fYY_tIPNfRq9T1NpWEG9QttLHywNDD1KLUu9ejErGvQQv-MRPfn62YcVijQZkVMDNFcsZI7_JKlgu_AsDu2O0lVj/s640/IMG_9826.JPG" width="512" /></a></div> <br /> I've had this image of a pink or blue and gold foil letter in my head for months and finally got it out the other day with the perfect <a href="http://bit.ly/1Q84dyC">$3 wooden letters</a> I found at Target. I bought a G and a B, some pink and blue acrylic paint, painter's tape and a paint brush, and Martha Stewart's gold foil and foil adhesive from Michaels. The craft is pretty simple, the painting easier than the foil, and a step you can incorporate your little one in on.<br /> <br /> For the painting:<br /> <br /> Place the painter's tape where you want the color to end. I wanted it to be 3/4 the way down the letter:<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIXZnBlidNapkLAvFIPk_TrAMFbEL8vMXCDnOHjQkBX7MAgAN67c44Go0I9u9kJ82JQePXoKINddTLIi_d9ZlCUKHtlPjPZ_HUEov118txSDu0_CkfHJ13j-ts7tMnEaFYqiHoXkDej7M/s1600/DSC_1149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIXZnBlidNapkLAvFIPk_TrAMFbEL8vMXCDnOHjQkBX7MAgAN67c44Go0I9u9kJ82JQePXoKINddTLIi_d9ZlCUKHtlPjPZ_HUEov118txSDu0_CkfHJ13j-ts7tMnEaFYqiHoXkDej7M/s640/DSC_1149.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Paint away with any brush you have in the house. It takes a couple of coats to cover up the grain of the wood: </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDpBeVS4gy5fky9psmVj1pOcMULqqczZwQMYKtddA3Jhj-PsInYGyum8o26bYu4VIISfpc5cOCSDaAgMk7M3efmMs84OQATV2cHrZMQ84SXnEYhF5tDWsPFUBooIfYjc6JTQ6wNBzHS7r/s1600/DSC_1150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDpBeVS4gy5fky9psmVj1pOcMULqqczZwQMYKtddA3Jhj-PsInYGyum8o26bYu4VIISfpc5cOCSDaAgMk7M3efmMs84OQATV2cHrZMQ84SXnEYhF5tDWsPFUBooIfYjc6JTQ6wNBzHS7r/s640/DSC_1150.jpg" width="470" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGgfFbcZeQy41rVw5FJ2p5RGdXZvYCqU2KwmEc-Wcvc_ZUbJlB1WvJniBVF2D2773xAUyozSfGQ7LyZZIKytCI_gt3_Pt49wW9cImbLVXELJC6-w7asdJbrhsBgMqGmTtdPUTUt5v8H0P/s1600/DSC_1154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGgfFbcZeQy41rVw5FJ2p5RGdXZvYCqU2KwmEc-Wcvc_ZUbJlB1WvJniBVF2D2773xAUyozSfGQ7LyZZIKytCI_gt3_Pt49wW9cImbLVXELJC6-w7asdJbrhsBgMqGmTtdPUTUt5v8H0P/s640/DSC_1154.jpg" width="426" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkfkLTggVNQ-h8eyLmUppPmf7ekzSnDypAGPK6V35jugFjz1s8Zt3ZYcT3-eT-iEVyhBrHjp2hqiWfsLwNEqHdhNri-TfzmxEsSUhXRQVkDvZlxk_Pe4QCzf_j1QSAhQW166gTU8tEVNC/s1600/DSC_1165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkfkLTggVNQ-h8eyLmUppPmf7ekzSnDypAGPK6V35jugFjz1s8Zt3ZYcT3-eT-iEVyhBrHjp2hqiWfsLwNEqHdhNri-TfzmxEsSUhXRQVkDvZlxk_Pe4QCzf_j1QSAhQW166gTU8tEVNC/s640/DSC_1165.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> You could really leave the letters like this, they look kind of cool, but not as cool as with the gold foil:</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIl70dKJK0Oj0_Ni5azg0XHIvy18NJ2Z2Hk_knhkD8KtmeGVF1NSrgpQSMW2xklsHSvb8Hu1s6byBgUlWlERXM97m_fM49d_X1AsTF2X_iBeoXNs2h5CDg3jGhfm8f6zuhH2EW3iuZx_o9/s1600/DSC_1180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIl70dKJK0Oj0_Ni5azg0XHIvy18NJ2Z2Hk_knhkD8KtmeGVF1NSrgpQSMW2xklsHSvb8Hu1s6byBgUlWlERXM97m_fM49d_X1AsTF2X_iBeoXNs2h5CDg3jGhfm8f6zuhH2EW3iuZx_o9/s640/DSC_1180.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Here we go with the foil:</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6MYF0nm6ap4aiP3KGy0ILaMiSdqdEQGySNCp3gppOVc0KnZsEgI5CI7ptKfWxfYCFcY8T8TMumrmP8L0aZ4LakJT3-Y-2HtVrYVECJmZ5hUDupS0vet1PP0hY70naCSJibm8lyXPC1cc/s1600/DSC_1204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6MYF0nm6ap4aiP3KGy0ILaMiSdqdEQGySNCp3gppOVc0KnZsEgI5CI7ptKfWxfYCFcY8T8TMumrmP8L0aZ4LakJT3-Y-2HtVrYVECJmZ5hUDupS0vet1PP0hY70naCSJibm8lyXPC1cc/s640/DSC_1204.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Paint the adhesive where you want the foil to be laid. In hindsight, it's probably a good idea to cover the painted area with painters tape to create a straight line of foil, but I didn't know that at the time.  </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAwtbWAMGJByFZPnIuffDz065ByKBSfEkHdJAKRNyrV46k-oPwotnlf8wVxF3aucqRZG42k4SdAwVil5lhnWiBXg3aDogX5QwbzSuTb90mtvI2HEFnoP8eo3GajyDiAjAVPcrID4W65CJ/s1600/DSC_1207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAwtbWAMGJByFZPnIuffDz065ByKBSfEkHdJAKRNyrV46k-oPwotnlf8wVxF3aucqRZG42k4SdAwVil5lhnWiBXg3aDogX5QwbzSuTb90mtvI2HEFnoP8eo3GajyDiAjAVPcrID4W65CJ/s640/DSC_1207.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> place the gold foil face down</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYdJclhPMk4A7M2SL9Uv_xvBuivU52x16r-nO2zAUqtVJv6C1n3Z-UIWe_pbER33hfj9NnHJkUScp825Rp8OKLwU6Sa-bfZWBi8eXHvyGdLUcAHE01GQsOG3-yVyQq6cH_RHNOgVoNGwo/s1600/DSC_1209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYdJclhPMk4A7M2SL9Uv_xvBuivU52x16r-nO2zAUqtVJv6C1n3Z-UIWe_pbER33hfj9NnHJkUScp825Rp8OKLwU6Sa-bfZWBi8eXHvyGdLUcAHE01GQsOG3-yVyQq6cH_RHNOgVoNGwo/s640/DSC_1209.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Press it down and get all the air bubbles out by running your fingers over and smoothing it out. Once you feel like the foil is down flat, pull of the orange tissue paper up making sure the gold foil stays on the letter (some may come off and that's okay)</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSeYgFCF6zi4xeBEkoexaCmY7Kps1c9RhFItvBzrCikKTeoN_I6dYK81tpBElPEe6eaZhG0p4qMswYhhX7FJ_lY7Wk70PDY8KMJCqoXbFkBfxv4Mwf3qnxGMxQiAzdefzDM6aFfEahnF5/s1600/DSC_1212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSeYgFCF6zi4xeBEkoexaCmY7Kps1c9RhFItvBzrCikKTeoN_I6dYK81tpBElPEe6eaZhG0p4qMswYhhX7FJ_lY7Wk70PDY8KMJCqoXbFkBfxv4Mwf3qnxGMxQiAzdefzDM6aFfEahnF5/s640/DSC_1212.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> This part is a little tricky because the foil is sooo delicate. You really need to be gentle and thorough with the foil because it rips very easily. The good thing is if it rips off, you can go over it with more glue and foil to make sure it's covered in gold. Eventually, you'll get it and you can kind of tear it away on the sides to it's on the front surface only. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Here is how mine turned out: </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVu3KZFIWJq8QO1CB1DfyBMh-fGi5tYyMOcvmNi444eKeKrkBwWMGcwv2Kc6xXGgjsS3SnqupEh1h-SRz1hfxlrJGoxGpY24qNX0l8KCp4KxQpK2ebI2O5NH92yBB9KL5rZWb6aiRHjWN/s1600/DSC_1185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVu3KZFIWJq8QO1CB1DfyBMh-fGi5tYyMOcvmNi444eKeKrkBwWMGcwv2Kc6xXGgjsS3SnqupEh1h-SRz1hfxlrJGoxGpY24qNX0l8KCp4KxQpK2ebI2O5NH92yBB9KL5rZWb6aiRHjWN/s640/DSC_1185.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyDlOoOKKUbTq4ZLdYVBsesZfid4wVsWSS_D1HGj_RM4nQNYdksrmi-MLY7bu6ZOWik4lR6uOE_hKSbWalrh44kYuyESRXTro7UrRW2Tyzfw6LqN9NxcXZ-cqSrX3rCJcWdtI-3NvPfak/s1600/DSC_1186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyDlOoOKKUbTq4ZLdYVBsesZfid4wVsWSS_D1HGj_RM4nQNYdksrmi-MLY7bu6ZOWik4lR6uOE_hKSbWalrh44kYuyESRXTro7UrRW2Tyzfw6LqN9NxcXZ-cqSrX3rCJcWdtI-3NvPfak/s640/DSC_1186.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_i-qRnb_Lpnl7BN7CfCP0T6bc-4hg53r5g_A1OLdDnC8TAqJsKJeuKP0L6l49vAPlyKYCyXgUDxKO2qSoOWEQl6bgsvCsoMHZ5MsNSXbkDHirTRs9InFUacJnYe_hmCm6UKK9d056lsl/s1600/DSC_1192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_i-qRnb_Lpnl7BN7CfCP0T6bc-4hg53r5g_A1OLdDnC8TAqJsKJeuKP0L6l49vAPlyKYCyXgUDxKO2qSoOWEQl6bgsvCsoMHZ5MsNSXbkDHirTRs9InFUacJnYe_hmCm6UKK9d056lsl/s640/DSC_1192.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Doesn't it look super cute?? If you give it a try, let me know how it comes out by tagging me on <a href="http://instagram.com/purejoyhome">instagram @purejoyhome</a>! Good luck!</div>

DIY, KIDS

DIY Gold Foil Letter Art

I've had this image of a pink or blue and gold foil letter in my head for months and finally got it out the other day with the perfec...

Airplane Travel with Toddlers & Babies

Hola Chicas! I promised myself I would write a blog post on surviving airplane travel with a toddler and a baby because I see lots of posts from moms asking for tips and tricks for their upcoming vacations. We haven't flown too far with our kids, only from NYC to Florida, but we've flown a fair amount of times back and forth so I figured I would share what has been useful in saving us from disaster.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXW95638kyYiVDRK6glmCGU7K3bzBdVChrFC9a47vOPoY2jnuD0-t33GxzxudeLuOA9-z4C7PzBHbO_MVix_YVPhCXjanNdNeD-jfKj3V0Nq-Jm89B8WTFDGrTchvJEjJlDC4mJAEw4nxY/s1600/airplane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXW95638kyYiVDRK6glmCGU7K3bzBdVChrFC9a47vOPoY2jnuD0-t33GxzxudeLuOA9-z4C7PzBHbO_MVix_YVPhCXjanNdNeD-jfKj3V0Nq-Jm89B8WTFDGrTchvJEjJlDC4mJAEw4nxY/s640/airplane.jpg" width="482" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> Grace has been 10 weeks and 5 months on her trips to Florida so far and Brian is now 2.5 but has been traveling since he was a babe as well.<br /> <br /> We bring our double stroller (The City Select) ; bucket seat (The Chico Key Fit) that Grace is still in, and Brian's 5 point harness car seat (The Britax Marathon). You can check the larger car seat when you initially check-in (free) and the stroller and bucket seat at the gate (also free) which is helpful because you can strap them in while you're in the airport. I would suggest buying the protection bags for the pieces you check. I'm pretty sure whichever devices you use sell travel bags. We never actually used them and our stuff has been okay but I've heard of pieces coming back filthy and broken. Don't ask me why I haven't taken that step #hotmess. Also, check as many bags as you can so you can focus on lugging the kids and your carry-on (which will be heavy as hell), and not your suitcases which could otherwise be taken care of for you.<br /> <br /> Packing List:<br /> <br /> <b>Toddler </b><br /> <b><br /></b> In addition to the everyday basics like diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, etc...<br /> <br /> 1. Benadryl in case of allergic reactions; tylenol and/or motrin for random bouts of illness like fevers, ear troubles, etc...you want to be armed in case things go south.<br /> <br /> This is no time to prove anything to yourself or anyone around you, pull out the ipad and let your child get lost in whatever it is he or she likes. Sometimes the wifi doesn't work so download movies and shows and make sure they work in airplane mode. We don't usually have Brian use headphones, just kept the volume low, but that might be fun for them. Also, totally random but Office Max has this app called "ElfYourself" that allows you to snap photos of people and put their faces in dancing bodies. Brian was entertained with this for a solid hour and it worked with no internet so I would suggest downloading this free, ridiculous app.<br /> <br /> Brings lots of snacks, his or her favorites and some new exciting snacks, non-allergenic of course. Peanuts are not permitted on planes anymore.<br /> <br /> Hand sanitizer and wet wipes to wipe down the seats because chances are your toddler will be licking them by the end of the flight (how do they manage to touch every square inch of the dirtiest surfaces??).<br /> <br /> If they have a security blanket and/or pacifier, obviously a must and pack back up paci's because they are bound to fall on the filthy floor.<br /> <br /> Some new activity books, like the coloring ones with the magic white pen, sticker books, etc...<br /> <br /> Some favorite books<br /> <br /> Their drink of choice in a small cooler. Even though you're not allowed to bring water through security, if you have a baby or a toddler with you, you are permitted.<br /> <br /> Hmm... I think that's it for toddlers.<br /> <br /> <b>Baby</b><br /> <br /> Grace has been an angel and has slept through most of the flights in the Baby Bjorn. I definitely recommend a carrier for the little ones so they stay close to you and away from the germs. Feed them on the way up and on the way down, the swallowing could prevent ear pressure. Other than that for the tiny ones it's really whatever keeps them quiet, watching their siblings, walking them up and down the isles, soft singing to them, bouncing, you get the idea. Have the medicine ready in case they need it as well.<br /> <br /> And if you can squeeze it in, a Bloody Mary for mom and dad never hurt anyone ;)<br /> <br /> Bon Voyage!!<br /> <br /> If you have any questions or some tips and tricks of your own, please comment below!

KIDS

Airplane Travel with Toddlers & Babies

Hola Chicas! I promised myself I would write a blog post on surviving airplane travel with a toddler and a baby because I see lots of posts ...

DIY VALENTINE'S DAY XOXO GARLAND

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBR3hOgaymXvpmt67XFWV7gxoWoiBUyORej75MFiICw4G73SujVCJNThFCCvbMSRwojff_Q7uJsEyQ5TLl_mww8eb5Wg5jm1IqE1eQWb8IvfZeQzNOtUosj2hYAZx8qqSSyD1XFhl1A5xS/s1600/DSC_1157+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBR3hOgaymXvpmt67XFWV7gxoWoiBUyORej75MFiICw4G73SujVCJNThFCCvbMSRwojff_Q7uJsEyQ5TLl_mww8eb5Wg5jm1IqE1eQWb8IvfZeQzNOtUosj2hYAZx8qqSSyD1XFhl1A5xS/s640/DSC_1157+copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> My creative juices have been flowing lately with the focus being on time-consuming things I can do with Little B while we're cooped up this winter, and this DIY Valentine's Day XOXO garland was the perfect afternoon activity. Side note: I don't know if it's his age or what but I remember last winter when he was 1.5, I felt like we needed to get out of the house at least once in the morning and once in the afternoon or else the house would be in full blown destruction mode, but lately he's been pretty good at chillin' inside with me and Grace. The day doesn't whiz by but I have to admit the colder temps have not been as brutal as I thought they would be this year with a toddler and baby at home. I'm actually kind of liking the time we have together inside our cozy house with no reason or motivation to go outside. I promise I'm not a hermit (though I feel like it somedays) and talk to me in a couple weeks, I'll probably be pulling out my hair, that's how these things seem to go...<br /> <br /> SO, moving on, I thought it would be fun to invite our cousin over and make a fun decoration for Valentine's Day. Homemade decorations are so sweet, especially if you can involve your little friends, and along with a cute end-result, you also get to make some fun memories. Lately, Brian has been loving to get up on his stool and get busy in the kitchen so I thought it would be fun to make salt dough and use cookie cutters to cut out X's and O's and string them together to make garland. I bought the <a href="http://bit.ly/20oQswE">cookie cutter shapes</a> and some <a href="http://bit.ly/1PfW60B">gold</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/1QnTM6w">pink sprinkles</a> on Amazon and started working on the dough.<br /> <br /> It's super simple all you need to do is mix together:<br /> <br /> 2 cups flour<br /> 1 cup salt<br /> 2/3 cup of water<br /> <br /> It should be sticky so you may need to add more dry ingredients if you notice it won't be workable.<br /> <br /> You roll the dough out to about 1/2 centimeter and start cutting out your shapes like this:<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqee249qxGFX0OVFeRgPsAKM2zeFJgP3Al5nFj3-VaKCY5dCfM8BNC0Q0mtCYsIfBi6gd3bpvqBabwS_L2BxDSdLcbJ-usxmwipikkbmEJtxGEI3hsNfsB566RabwrlnajQAgdJkDZNc9F/s1600/DSC_1127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqee249qxGFX0OVFeRgPsAKM2zeFJgP3Al5nFj3-VaKCY5dCfM8BNC0Q0mtCYsIfBi6gd3bpvqBabwS_L2BxDSdLcbJ-usxmwipikkbmEJtxGEI3hsNfsB566RabwrlnajQAgdJkDZNc9F/s640/DSC_1127.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made a fun Valentine's Day mocktail for my little friend Aubrey and served it my vintage champagne glasses : cranberry juice, sparking water and a raspberry :) </td></tr> </tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwW1aIRQPHFUpNPFiZFyVQhgSHfBCYa4bD-_yuzmsa7CL0IXGKbXj9g6WI30n34tTOu_qq37ltEron7Dva7y2kKZ7OkUpZDMMgjQV2qlSvHMfxEg-iGcVGujU4KDlL9VpZ4SBmBHzgxHwj/s1600/DSC_1130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwW1aIRQPHFUpNPFiZFyVQhgSHfBCYa4bD-_yuzmsa7CL0IXGKbXj9g6WI30n34tTOu_qq37ltEron7Dva7y2kKZ7OkUpZDMMgjQV2qlSvHMfxEg-iGcVGujU4KDlL9VpZ4SBmBHzgxHwj/s640/DSC_1130.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Once we cut our shapes, we poked holes for the string through. We messed up on the X's at first, you need to put two holes in on the top instead of one so they lay flat. So we had X's with three holes instead of two, you win some you lose some. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Next, we sprayed them with <a href="http://bit.ly/1PNvQH7">Elmers glue spray</a> and sprinkled them with the pink and gold sugar sprinkles -- in hindsight, it might be better to use glitter but the sprinkles worked just as well. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsIG56D6gpqnew1i1-U6yCm82HdP5-uSDp8pkFgdP_KE6DMBrMy291gPIadMai5Awr1LvAdfwSwDozvjQ4RcEKruxDN4HeVgdY-itBAS56K2UXAOexTgyNVktpO7MZ4z0_Bhw5umk3_Y2/s1600/DSC_1137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsIG56D6gpqnew1i1-U6yCm82HdP5-uSDp8pkFgdP_KE6DMBrMy291gPIadMai5Awr1LvAdfwSwDozvjQ4RcEKruxDN4HeVgdY-itBAS56K2UXAOexTgyNVktpO7MZ4z0_Bhw5umk3_Y2/s640/DSC_1137.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I baked them at 175 for about two hours and then left them out overnight before stringing them. I used <a href="http://bit.ly/1QnTZH4">waxed cotton cord</a> as the ends don't fray so it's really easy to thread through the shapes. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> We hung it on our fireplace and I think it looks adorable, especially under our love print. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiJlZg61G4T-a6StAvPWQtCTs0tA2y6n8SAU-gNkkCUML5FxyiiQY-wetMYRMVAsBm9Aa3ovjNBM2UnwDJygDtNN2tdkuaGPM4Lc_p-OkI9JDfDh4-Vfuw2Q2j6TgFOfYMoxnRA81sFn2/s1600/DSC_1163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiJlZg61G4T-a6StAvPWQtCTs0tA2y6n8SAU-gNkkCUML5FxyiiQY-wetMYRMVAsBm9Aa3ovjNBM2UnwDJygDtNN2tdkuaGPM4Lc_p-OkI9JDfDh4-Vfuw2Q2j6TgFOfYMoxnRA81sFn2/s640/DSC_1163.jpg" width="466" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBC8h6r2NWLY_umODHuDZqX7-srxV__6dkv1oesdr11rd6ENO2uvecQPLerd_9ZczDAqhyC2bTLemRKgBpqWJuhsu41prDEwnsvlycNt1eN6CmiBc3svuoSIYVcT02_U-QYzLfsI0-qTlQ/s1600/DSC_1169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBC8h6r2NWLY_umODHuDZqX7-srxV__6dkv1oesdr11rd6ENO2uvecQPLerd_9ZczDAqhyC2bTLemRKgBpqWJuhsu41prDEwnsvlycNt1eN6CmiBc3svuoSIYVcT02_U-QYzLfsI0-qTlQ/s640/DSC_1169.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruQg8ksa1T3KmuD3sLb1XT4c5K3MdQpZXzGJtGAG2iqPev1F9gjMUmJmXYR0CzmoP3ebZjkp4WysHAwm9c0Q3pQzK0_SpJeepcH2waLJA_ucXVWMVJRrJNyEPVZghMCZIsJb_J8gv0FDh/s1600/DSC_1157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruQg8ksa1T3KmuD3sLb1XT4c5K3MdQpZXzGJtGAG2iqPev1F9gjMUmJmXYR0CzmoP3ebZjkp4WysHAwm9c0Q3pQzK0_SpJeepcH2waLJA_ucXVWMVJRrJNyEPVZghMCZIsJb_J8gv0FDh/s640/DSC_1157.jpg" width="512" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> We also JUST got this <a href="http://bit.ly/1QvukxW">new fireplace screen</a> which I'm obsessed with, as well as the sconces from <a href="http://lampsplus.com/">Lamps Plus</a> :) The LOVE print is one of my own, available on <a href="http://purejoypaperie.etsy.com/">Pure Joy Paperie</a> and I had it framed with an old frame my parents weren't using but you can find a similar one <a href="http://bit.ly/1PfXyQs">here</a> :)</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> It's a sweet little craft that I think you'll have fun with, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to <a href="mailto:lizjoycreative@gmail.com">email me</a> ;) </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br />

KIDS, LIVING

DIY VALENTINE'S DAY XOXO GARLAND

My creative juices have been flowing lately with the focus being on time-consuming things I can do with Little B while we're coope...

POTTY TRAINING & MY LATEST OOTD'S

Hi Mama Loves! I took yesterday off from blogging (and am blogging late today) because my life is crazy!! I'm trying to keep up with my <a href="http://purejoypaperie.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a> and am actually in the middle of potty training Brian Jr., which is surprisingly going well. Today was our first day and he had two accidents so far but *tinkled* on the potty like 8 times, probably for the chocolate. I'm actually using an advent chocolate calendar for incentive which is pretty convenient since it's numbered, for example on the 5th time he uses the potty he can take the chocolate from day 5, kids...<br /> <br /> Anywho, if you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/purejoyhome">instagram</a>, please do! I posted some cute outfits that you might be interested in as gifts or for yourself.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> One is this cute top from <a href="http://bit.ly/1PPUNXC">Dillards</a> that is on sale for $54</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ps3DyTCp3kp8Ni7NfQjLJQKqoIq5m4fgmppMTfHIuuWc5485qEiJdgYTv4bpnK8iqKQgIcyMCUioHzy9U7KsBjIflZq8HMiLIljEcd8G1rsjIIfXBt2l0VFElxWW_wUUR9bApoPiPEL3/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-12-09+at+1.46.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ps3DyTCp3kp8Ni7NfQjLJQKqoIq5m4fgmppMTfHIuuWc5485qEiJdgYTv4bpnK8iqKQgIcyMCUioHzy9U7KsBjIflZq8HMiLIljEcd8G1rsjIIfXBt2l0VFElxWW_wUUR9bApoPiPEL3/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-12-09+at+1.46.07+PM.png" width="317" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> and the other is this poncho by <a href="http://bit.ly/1luQPaf">Hat Attack</a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVIyKrgoxmV3z5JOMJy2gSCy7pKQepsldCHLuClQMmgu0zF-9NEYN-A7W_xv4HuD6Da3nkl0YRYFlTDXO_mle6-IJFK5OLb7jQch08lbH1qDK1wZEkmkiSdq-cpPfK7qDzOwGZUC1eRK3/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-12-09+at+1.41.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVIyKrgoxmV3z5JOMJy2gSCy7pKQepsldCHLuClQMmgu0zF-9NEYN-A7W_xv4HuD6Da3nkl0YRYFlTDXO_mle6-IJFK5OLb7jQch08lbH1qDK1wZEkmkiSdq-cpPfK7qDzOwGZUC1eRK3/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-12-09+at+1.41.07+PM.png" width="318" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Okay, my mom just got here so we can dye my hair (yes, I dye my own in between highlights) so have to run but hope your holidays are going great!!!</div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> Wish me luck with the potty-training :)<br /> <br /></div> <div class="shopthepost-widget" data-widget-id="1266292"> <script type="text/javascript">!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');</script><br /> <div class="rs-adblock"> <img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML='Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.'" src="//assets.rewardstyle.com/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div> </div>

FASHION FINDS, KIDS, MOTHERHOOD

POTTY TRAINING & MY LATEST OOTD'S

Hi Mama Loves! I took yesterday off from blogging (and am blogging late today) because my life is crazy!! I'm trying to keep up with my ...