Handmade Party Hats

I wish, like my husband, I was a natural in the kitchen.  Fate would have it though, I am just a natural at the table!  Or maybe, the sink.

I mean, Yummy Mummy, you make it look so easy! 

Butterfly Cakes, no problem!

Vanilla Bean French Macarons with painted Peonies, of course!

I feel accomplished, personally speaking, when I manage without error to cook bacon and eggs, or more embarrassing, boil rice.

But hope is not lost, because I am creative.  Here, for instance, are a few Yo Gabba Gabba party hats I recently made:

If you like these, and want pointers on how to make your own, email me.  If you have a themed party and would like custom hats, also let me know.  I feel certain I could conquer any character!

Lastly, thanks for inspiring me to cook and create, Yummy Mummy.  As a mention, if you've made something you'd like to share, check out the linky above.  Also, don't forget to stop by my Sundae Hop beginning tonight at 7 PM EDT.

Now, anyone feel like voting?  Pretty please!  XO

Mom Thumb.

I value my husband's opinion... selectively.  I'm not gonna lie.

However, the ol' hubs made a wise observation yesterday, and even I have to admit he's right.  (It feels unnatural though.)

But, here goes nothing...

So, we went to our local Outback Steakhouse for dinner last night.

While we waited patiently for our Bloomin' Onion to arrive, I encouraged Aksel to use his Joey crayons to color. 

As usual though, he struggled to properly grip the crayons, preferring instead, to clank them one against the other. 

Not to mention, the occasional bite.

So, being the artistic person in the relationship, and feeling it my responsibility to develop our child's artistic talents, I took lead in suggestively correcting Aksel's failed effort.

"Buggy," I said, "hold the crayon like this."

My husband interrupted immediately with a laugh, and said, "Aksel, listen to daddy.  Don't hold your crayon like mommy."

Forgetting, I looked down.  This is what I saw.

"Oops!  I'm Mom Thumb!" I said.  "Good call, Lovey." 

We then chuckled and ate more pumpernickel bread.  So, as I was saying, I value my husband's opinion...

PS - Enter this giveaway!  Ends tonight @ 11:59 PM EDT.

Give Me a Hand... Puppet!

I love these homemade, imaginative kiddie masterpieces:

Doorway Puppet Theater

Tablecloth Playhouse

Now, I only need a few hand puppets.  Check these cute ones out!

Under My Feet.

Life is so predictable right now, and it's good for my creative soul.  No fuss.  Nothing to get in the way.  Just a little boy under my feet...

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All over the Chalkboard.

I'm all over the board.  Peas one minute, books the next, now the playroom.  For the sake of this entry though, let's just say...  I'm all over the CHALKBOARD!

So, I've been thinking further about Aksel's playroom.  Specifically, what creative objects I want to include? 

As a child, my bedroom/playroom wasn't outfitted with the most expensive toys, or gadgets.  It was in fact modestly decorated, neutral in color, and clean most of the time. 

There are elements I remember though that had a profound artistic effect on me.

For one, my chalkboard. 

Oh, my chalkboard! 

Yes, my chalkboard!

I loved it!

My mother was constantly leaving messages for me, or I was scribbling nonsensical shapes & letters.  (See above.)

I also remember in particular my grandmother, Alice, drawing a chalk masterpiece of clowns-n-squiggles the day of my sister's christening.  (More on that later.)

 

Point is, I definitely plan on including one in the space. 

Today in the Mulligan-Kohn household, we're assembling a gift and possible playroom addition -- LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Table

Readers, I'll keep you posted.

(FYI:  We've settled on a safari theme for little man's room!)

A Safe Space.

On Friday, my little bug will celebrate his FIVE monthiversary.

(That very day, Aksel will also receive his first paycheck for work as a film extra!)

How the time has passed?!  I still can't believe I'm somebody's mother...

With that having been said, my
Bug-Bug is approaching mobility, and I'm on a momma quick mission to childproof my house.   

As I mentioned previously, I am also in the midst of designing Aksel's playroom...

It's my motherly objective to provide my child a SAFE space in which he feels encouraged to both create & comprehend.

I look to accomplish these goals by (1) stimulating his senses through the use of color and varying textures, and by (2) furnishing the area with quality toys, art supplies, and musical instruments.

I'm excited, but overwhelmed!

Here are a few of my favorite Blik wall decals for Aksel's playroom...

Help me choose.  (I love 'em all!)

www.whatisblik.com