mantle |

This past week my beautiful, sparkling,full of joy Christmas decorations came down. I decided that the feeling of room emptiness had to stop and so I have graciously moved onto Valentine’s Day. Too soon? I shutter to think.

I scoured Pinterest and found this cute banner-seemed simple enough. I decided to tweak it and make it my own. I have to admit-this was way easier than I thought. Totally doable during nap. I would say 20 minutes top!

I grabbed some red and white tissue paper that I had scored in the after Christmas sale. I layed them out, and originally put the smaller sheets on top but then realized the smaller sheets were polka dots and I wanted the polka dots to show more. I folded them in half along the creases that already existed.

If you’re worried since we are going to break the sewing machine out-that’s right-sewing on paper is my new thing. You can add some straight pins to hold the two sheets in place. I did not, because I like to live on the wild side. I also like that this project doesn’t have to be perfect.

Now overlap the two separate sheets you have.

Now start sewing. I left about an inch of inseam. It’s also important that you guide the paper out of the back of the machine since it doesn’t bend and give the way fabric does. It’s also a good chunk of paper so go slow.

Now lay it out flat and cut fringe-just below the thread on each sheet.

And now-you’re done! I punched hole in the end and tied string to attach it to our mantle. Now I’m thinking a burlap pennant??? Maybe????

Are you feeling the love? More love to come! Ohhhh and you’re welcome to follow me on instagram @calliecakes1. I always post pictures there first!

It’s Fall ya’ll and what better way to rake in Fall then with an inexpensive sensory tub!

This week has begun with a bang! Ibloom mommy group focused on parenting and the traps of being enough as a mom, as a wife, as a woman! It was wonderful. We talked about comparison and how comparison steals joy. So true. One thing I know myself and many others do is compare our children’s abilities. Are they walking, talking, do they know numbers and colors?

Now you all know I’m a play advocate. Let them be little and play. Let them learn to build social emotional skills. That is what is lacking. Alphabets can be taught at school social emotional now that’s a different story.

I love to find fun ways for Row to explore through sensory play and learn! It’s also an easy activity for her to do at the high chair when I’m working in the kitchen. Luckily my mom is usually over when I’m cooking but it’s fun for her should I need something for her to do to keep her busy. This is a keeper-she actually seeks out this tub and cries to play with it.

All of the supplies were bought at the dollar store. See my previous post about shipping the dollar store.

Simply make your base-I used beans and Fall colored pasta. Add in Fall items such as fake gourds, pumpkins and leaves and bam Fall sensory tub.

Why do we do sensory activities for two reasons. 1. It allows our toddlers to explore the world around them through their senses. I can also talk to her about colors and textures, weight, sorting you name it. Don’t overload-it’s fun! 2. Many toddlers, especially boys are sensitive when it comes to sensory activities. This is a chance for them to explore in a safe environment and bring down those sensory phobia walls.

Sensory tubs are so easy!!!! You can add or change. I plan on bagging the supplies for this one and upcoming tubs to use for next year as well!

On the home front Row and I hosted a Toddler Halloween party today. It was so cute! Row’s birthday is this month but I didn’t want to miss out on Halloween. We all dressed in black and orange and brought treats for the kiddos. They attempted to trick or treat each adult but ya know. They had a blast as you could have told by the giant mess. But we loved it!

I also finished my mantle and hutch decorating this weekend! I love Halloween! Notice the hutch is only decorated so low-uh hum.

Valentine’s Day Banner

Fall Sensory Tub