Picture Frame Gift Idea

Once Christmas is over, my FIL's birthday rolls around super fast. We are always stumped at what to get him! He and my dad have everything. And honestly? Whatever they do want, they would buy themselves. 

After scouring Pinterest for a while, I found something along the lines of this: 

                 

We loved it! Here is the original pin. I knew he would like it because it was personalized just for him (Emma calls my dad Papi and my FIL Grandpa). We also have a running joke about hanging pictures.

I think I have mentioned here before that we have no craft stuff. It totally bums me out. It made me super happy that this would require me to get some craft supplies! This is an inexpensive gift-- especially if you have some of the stuff on hand. 

Michaels had a 10-pack of canvases on sale for 50% off. I think they ended up being $10. Ugh, I don't remember the size but they are a bit bigger than 5x7. 

I had paint, but no paint brushes (I know, how does that happen). 

I randomly scribbled it on the canvases. At this point my husband was really doubting that this would turn out. Honestly I was too. 

Hate to say it but I just winged it! I thought they looked so ghetto! I texted two friends and asked if we should just bag the idea, but they suggested I finish. 

The best part was dragging Emma outside and taking 6,093 pictures of her. Our neighbors definitely think we are crazy. Nathan was so annoyed because one time she was acting super cute and the camera card was still in my computer. God bless America. 

Butterfly Feet Canvas

These ended up turning out way cuter than I imagined. And honestly, they were much easier than I was expecting. 

Getting Emma's handprint is pretty close to impossible (it ended in tears when we purchased these stepping stones for people), so I set out looking/thinking of a project that could incorporate her footprint. 

I stumbled across this pin on Pinterest and knew it was the one to try!

As you can see I changed it up a little-- the one on Pinterest uses the child's thumbprint, but again, that's nearly impossible. So I just doodled on little antennae with a sharpie and I think it turned out darling. 

Of course I had to keep one for myself. :-)

This was so simple! I used these canvases (pack of 5, so I just made all 5) and Crayola washable finger paint. We don't even have paintbrushes, LOL, I just used a spoon.

:: Wash child's foot, roll up pants
:: Squirt random colors (Literally I spooned it onto a plate and mixed it just a little, I liked the look of one color on top and one on the bottom) onto the plate-- boyish or girly.
:: Do left foot on the right side, and right foot on the left side. This is important!
:: Let them dry overnight, then draw on antennae with sharpie.
:: Don't forget to write your child's name and age on the back.

Enjoy! Be sure to let me know if you give this a try. It is so easy. I am not crafty at all!

Erin Condren Planner Love!

When I was pregnant, I randomly started following Erin Condren on Instagram (I think for a giveaway) and I immediately fell in love with her planners. 

I'm one of those freaks who cannot get my act together with online calendars-- I have to use a paper planner with a pen/pencil/highlighter! 

                               

Anyway, I was totally nervous about dropping $50 for a planner in March. . . but I did and I'm so glad! 

It came adorably packaged with cute purple tissue paper and lots of fun little extras-- stickers, signs, personalized goodies. Love it!

                                                

You get to customize the cover-- with your name, family name, or even pictures. Last year I had "The Boese Family" written on mine, but this year I just did my name. 

Before I buy a planner I always want to know what the inside looks like, so here you go. :-) Obviously, Emma loves that Mommie is organized with her EC planner!

I wanted to write up this post because I just ordered 2 planners this week! One for a secret santa and one for my sister. We've decided we will be gifting these to each other every year-- she loves hers after I got her addicted last year.

EC offers lots of little extras, too! She has a whole array of stuff. I've used her pens, stickers, and a few other things. Click here to see all the goodies they offer.

Be sure to check out her site and LMK what you think! If you end up getting a planner be sure to send me a picture of your customized cover. :-)

Toddler Wish List

Good morning! I thought it would be fun to highlight some toddler items that Emma loves (or is wishing for this year) in case you have a toddler on your Christmas list.

:: Step2 LifeStyle Custom Kitchen

Emma loves her kitchen! It's one of those toys that will grow with her and will (unfortunately for me) be in our living room for many years, I'm sure. This particular kitchen was super easy to set up. I know some of them take hours. This took my SIL about 20 minutes.

It comes with some plates, cups, and silverware, but you may want to get some fun plastic food.

:: Laugh & Learn Learning Table

Another toy we have that Emma adores! We got this when she was about 5 months old and she's used it almost every day since then. No lie.

:: Re-Play Recycled Tableware

At 13 months, E is loving using silverware. I ordered some of their divided plates and plan to order some silverware.

:: Stickers

Ems loves stickers! I haven't found any for her but she is hoping Santa will bring her some.

:: Melissa & Doug Puzzles

Puzzles are wonderful for hand-eye coordination as well as cognitive learning. I ordered this 3 pack for her on Cyber Monday. We also have this one that makes noise and she loves it. My husband doesn't like it because he swears the sound goes off late at night. Whatever.

You cannot go wrong with Melissa & Doug! I got my cousin's daughter their slice & bake cookie set-- it looks like so much fun! I think we may get Emma their blocks as well.

:: PBK Anywhere Chair

Ever since I found out I was pregnant I wanted my child to have one of these, ha ha. They just look so cozy and would be perfect for reading, TV, or lounging!