Just Jen

Crayon Heart Valentines

Jack's Valentine party at school is on Monday, so this weekend I figured I better buckle down and knock out the Valentines for his class. I wanted to make them myself (becuase it's just more fun that way!), and after scouring Pinterest for ideas, these crayon hearts from WhipperBerry caught my eye. I remembered my mom helping us make big, mixed up crayons in muffin cups from all our broken crayons when we were little, so I thought these would be fun for a group of 2-3 yr olds. We haven't been using crayons long enough to have the vast collection of nubs that we would need to make enough of them, so I went ahead and bought some new ones. I followed WhipperBerry's instructions using the same silicone heart mold and baking temp/time, and they came out perfect. I haven't yet decided how I'm going to package them up, though. I've got to leave a little fun for the last minute, right?

I couldn't resist taking this pic after I peeled off all the wrappers. Something about new crayons arranged like this makes the artist in me very happy. :)

Branch and Bird Puzzle

I love this puzzle from Anthropologie. I can't justify it right now since it's a little beyond my 2 yr. old - though he'd totally be into all the birds and leaves. It's so cute, I'd be tempted to leave it out all the time!

The Great Debate

Clearly, the answer is "B."

Though I must admit, at my house, a TP roll usually spends it's short little life perched loosely on top of the holder after which it is immediately transformed into a mini telescope.

That is, unless we are having company over, of course.

 

found on Pinterest.

Put a pin in it

Now, why can't I be this clever?

Found on Folksy, via em ay kay ee.

Valentine Printable

I'm one of those people that's not super big on Valentine's Day. It's alright, I guess - it does come with some pretty good candy. But my husband is officially off the hook for any kind of flowers, gifts, etc. Usually though, he will show up with one of those giant candy filled hearts claiming it is his gift to me. Only he knows I don't really care for them. But see, he does. It's an excuse to get it for himself, really. So you know what I do? I poke holes in all the candy until I find all the good caramel and truffle filled ones. :)

So when I came across this free printable card from mmmcrafts via how about orange, I knew it was the perfect card for him! All in love, of course.

They've also got some more traditional ones if cupid's more your thing.

I am Wonder Woman

When I was little, I had a pair of Wonder Woman Underoos. I loved them so much that I wore them one year for my Halloween costume with some red tights and cowboy boots. (Yes, there is a pic of that, but it's buried somewhere in a box at my parents', so you'll just have to use your imagination :). If they made them for big people, I'd have some - maybe wear them to work under my clothes when I had a big meeting or something.

Well, the other day for my birthday, my sweet sis gave me the next best thing - Wonder Woman nail polish by MAC. Not sure it will deflect bullets, but it is the coolest shade of navy ever! And I love the packaging too, cause I'm a nerd like that. There's a whole line of WW cosmetic goodies that are more than tempting. So channel your inner Lynda Carter and go visit the MAC counter before it's all gone!

 

 

So long, Frosty!

Unfortunately, the lifespan of a snowman in these parts is very brief - that is IF there's even enough snow to make a decent snowman. I have a feeling these cookies would disappear just as quickly. For the how-to, sled on over to the decorated cookie.

Dear Santa, please bring Jack:

Santa's already sent this one via UPS! It's a running bike that helps kids learn balance and coordination before pedaling. Pretty cool!

A play table and chairs so he can start making me some serious fridge art. I love this one at Land of Nod.

Charley Harper ABCs and 123s books. I could go on and on about the greatness of Charley Harper's art, but I will save that for another post.

My husband is currently on the hunt for this Hot Wheels track that folds up so you don't trip over it on the way to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Aww...see how happy those boys look?

 

A classic story from my childhood that I'd like to pass on - The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.

 

Have you seen the commercial for this yet? It's a spill-proof Gyro Bowl. The bowl actually rotates 360 degrees, so no matter how it's turned, it doesn't spill it's contents. Ah, to dream of not squishing on raisins and goldfish in socked feet...

 

 
These two Elephant and Piggie books - or any books by Mo Willems, for that matter - here and here.

A piano just like Daddy's.

When I was a kid, I had a rocking chair. It has teeth marks on the arms to prove it. He needs this one so he can add his own teeth marks.

Still the cutest kid shoes I've ever seen.

Classic set of wood blocks by Melissa and Doug.

 
A drum with musical instruments. Oh...and some Tylenol for mommy.

Dear Santa, please bring me:

 

A pair of real, classic cowgirl boots. Like these. Cause I do live in Texas, y'all.

"So Very Happy" print by dazeychic on Etsy, because this print does make me so very happy!

I beat Santa to the punch and already got this sweet Johnny Cupcakes tee for myself!

 
Silhouette machine - oh, the things I could make with this!!

2011 Wall calendar from Paper Source.

 
I happen to know that these Toms are as good as wrapped and under the tree - thanks, Sarah!

A lovely crewel embroidery kit from Purl Soho.

This dove pendant from James Avery, because it reminds me of the dove necklace my grandmother always wore.

Origami paper for my new hobby.

This crochet book to feed my granny square obsession.

A Flip video camera so I can film Jack doing his infamous "Jack dance"

 

 

Jack's day

Rocks. Sticks. Bugs. Not a bad day!