I asked my daughter one night what she wanted for her birthday. She mentioned that she had a cake that she could cut apart and serve as part of her kitchen arsenal, but thought it would be fun to have a cake that she could decorate. 

"Because I really like to organize and arrange things, Mom." 

Gosh I love that kid.

So, here is what I came up with:

I bought two paper mache boxes like these. Then, I measured the top and sides and added a half inch seam allowance for all sides. The top is just slightly different in size. Labels and arrows help very much!

                            

Sew right sides together first to the top piece of the box. Then, down the sides. 

Trim the seam allowances as needed.

 Turn it right side out, place it over the box, and trim the bottom as needed.

Now, it's time to make and collect decorations! There are so many great tutorials out there for felt flowers and felt food. Just take a look here and here and here.

Also collect ribbons and rick rack and just cut out shapes from felt to use as decorations.

The BEST part... all those decorations can be stored right in the boxes!

Both of my kiddos love to decorate.

My Minimal, Mostly Natural Hygiene Routine

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Also, please do your research on essential oils if you are truly interested. Read this post for more.

When I started looking into essential oils for my anxiety, I learned A LOT about the amount of STUFF that is in beauty and hygiene products; so much of that stuff is really awful for us. 

Chemicals, dyes, perfumes... 

When I really took stock of what I was putting on my skin and in my mouth, I was shocked!

So, in the last couple of years, I have been making changes to have a more natural, chemical free life.

But I'm gonna keep it real.

Here is the other side of my bathroom counter:

I fully intend to dye my hair next week after I get a hair cut. Baby steps, right?

Oh... and jelly beans, 'cuz potty training.

Let's talk tooth paste.

I was worried that natural wouldn't cut it. After all, there's no fluoride in it. Well, let me tell you a story. The first time I went to the dentist after I started using natural tooth paste, the hygienist asked me, 

"Are you doing something different since your last visit?"

My first thought was OH CRAP! I totally lied and said no.

Her reply was that I need to keep doing whatever I was doing, because the number of "deep pockets" (whatever the heck those are) had gone from 17 at my last visit to 8.

She didn't even lecture me on flossing, 'cause well... I don't... very often... like once a week... or maybe once every two. Did I just admit that?!

When she told me this, I *suddenly* remembered to tell her that I was using a home made toothpaste. 

Here is what I use for my toothpaste:

1 part coconut oil

1 part baking soda

1/3 part hydrogen peroxide (optional for whitening)

Appropriate ratio of peppermint essential oil

Now, I'm not gonna lie, the first time I used this, I was NOT A FAN. It tasted so salty and bland compared to the minty, Aspartame (yes... ASPARTAME) sweetened toothpaste I was used to, but I was determined to stick with it. After just a few days, I was used to the taste and thoroughly impressed by how clean my mouth felt after every brush. I'll never go back.

Facial Care:

I don't have time or patience for any more facial steps than cleanser and moisturizer. 

I use a simple Neutrogena bar cleanser (not totally natural ingredients though) if I wore make up that day. If I didn't wear any make up, I just use my body cloth from Norwex. 

I moisturize with a mixture of 50% Jojoba oil and 50% Rose Hip oil. I add to that an appropriate 2% ratio combo of Tea Tree essential oil  and either Lavender or Frankincense essential oil. 

Six to 8 drops on my face is all I need for all day moisture. Oh, and don't freak out if your Rose Hip oil is yellow... it absorbs colorlessly ; ) Seriously, the container I have right now will last me a year for sure!

Body Care:

Again, soap and moisturizer only for me and actually, I rarely ever use lotion on my body other than my hands. I need LOTS for my hands especially during winter.

In the shower, I wash up with Dove bar soap for sensitive skin, and exfoliate with my Norwex cloth mentioned above.

My lotion is 50% coconut oil and 50% shea butter and then 2% ratio of your favorite essential oils. I am currently using Spearmint and Eucalyptus. 

This lotion is so thick and creamy. It takes just a tiny amount to do the job, and I really only need to re-apply after I wash my hands.

Hair Care:

I used to use shampoo and conditioner, but not any more. I found this bar soap and I LOVE it. 

I did a whole ton of research on the "no poo" method and all kinds of DIY shampoos. It just seemed that home made shampoos that were actually PH balanced (do your research on that) had to be mixed right before you used it or refrigerated or lasted only a few days. 

This shampoo suds up nicely which isn't always the case with natural shampoos. It also rinses totally clean. 

I use this on my kids too, even my daughter's long hair. There is no need for conditioner, and her hair is no more tangly than it was using the popular store bought kids' shampoos.

A few times, I have used regular shampoos while we've traveled and stayed other places. I notice every time how slimy they leave her hair, like the shampoo never rinses out. It just feels like build up in her hair.

Finally, for control of my pixie cut, which can be affected by major cowlick action, I use this recipe by Robin Konie of ThankYourBody.com. 

Less chemicals. Less time. Cost effective. All of these things are a win for me!

Have you thought about the ingredients in your products before? It's worth a look. Share your experiences in the comments!

That Time When I Said, "No Big Birthday Party This Year"

Last year, I threw a STELLAR birthday party for my kids. They both have May birthdays so, I hosted one big party for adults and kids. I *thought* having adults over would be cool because I like all the people I hang out with, right?

Well, everyone had a blast! People told me for weeks afterward what a great party it was. The thing is... I didn't enjoy it. I was so busy "hosting" that I missed out on any relaxing visitation with said people. 

I know it's not about me. The kids had a terrific time. I loved watching them (for a few stolen moments) have a ball with their friends and family. But, there's just got to be a better way! A way for me to help give happy memories to my kids as well as for me to ENJOY doing so.

Every week, I host a "mom's group" at my house. Six moms, 12 kids. I don't know what I would do without these women in my life! Their kids are my kids' friends and would be the friends we'd invite to a party anyway. Why make another day to schedule? Our family is trying hard to take a stand against being busy. So... mom's group party it is!

It's a morning group so, I made up a simple waffle bar. That morning I set out the toppings, and poured batter (which I made the previous night) and put waffles in the oven to keep warm. Basically, I cooked ONE thing. Amazing.

Throughout the week, I prepped a couple of easy crafts and snacks for the kids to take home. Gwenyth and Reuben helped with all of them so, it wasn't stressful but a fun way to work together.

After eating waffles and dissolving dinosaur eggs, the kids played as normal and the mom's chatted as normal. I felt relaxed and happy... not like I missed out on the good time!

Birthday candles on birthday waffles -- just make sure the waffles are cool! I learned that the hard way last year with birthday pancakes : )

All of these are ideas I found on Pinterest. Words can not describe my love of Pinterest!

I did throw a "family only" party that weekend. Cake and ice cream. That was it. I think everyone actually appreciated the simplicity.

Simple. Sweet. Enjoyable!

Simple can still be super awesome.

What are some things you've simplified because you learned the hard way? Tell me in the comments!

The Importance of Play -- DIY Play Mat Inspiration

Kids learn when they play. Play time and learning time are one in the same, not separate.

I love making things that my kids can play and imagine with. It brings me so much joy!

For Christmas, I bought my one year old niece some super cute wooden cars, and I wanted something to roll the cars on. At first I thought about simple strips of felt. I did that for my kids, but they get frustrated with those, because they slide around so much on the floor. So, I just resolved to sew them to a larger square of felt.

Well... flat is boring right?

So, I added some dimension and sort of lost myself in the fun of free form sewing. This is what I ended up with:

Then, on the other side I made an ocean scene... perfect for a whale softy I made : )

Knowing my kids dislike the road strips they currently have, I decided they needed a road mat too.

Now, I am NOT a sewer. I do my best, but I don't really care that much, especially for a project like this, about perfectly straight lines. I LOVED the free form nature of this project.

So, these are not exact instructions with measurements and patterns, but I hope it might give you some inspiration to do your own. It is SUCH FUN for all of us (me included). I just have to give up control when my almost three year old wants to put his tiger in my sheep pasture.

Start with a large piece of felt. I love felt for many reasons, but mostly because it doesn't fray; no hemming needed! With some chalk, map out the road path.

Using cloth or felt (again, felt is easier because of the no fray edges) cut out the negative spaces... those shapes that surround the road. I tacked them down with fabric glue first before sewing them down to the felt. I used cloth. So, to prevent fraying edges, I zig-zag stitched the edges. I love the way the zig-zag stitch looks.

Now, it's time to be creative and have fun adding elements and texture!

My number one recommendation is to both glue AND sew your three dimensional elements to the mat. I was so excited to let the kids start playing with the mat that I let them play when the elements were only glued down. A whole bunch of them came off. Kids can be rough! It took some time, but nothing has come off since I stitched them all on as well.

I am hoping that someday, I will add some edging. But, for real... the fact that I completed it this far is a minor miracle.

If you are looking for more AMAZING inspiration look HERE.

The Importance of Play -- Paper Dolls

I am incredibly passionate about play. 

Kids need to play. 

I firmly believe that there should not be separate times... "learning time" vs. "play time." Play time IS learning time. Even when it doesn't look like kids are learning, their little brains are working very hard to connect all kinds of things.

I definitely think that technology is a great thing and can be used effectively to educate, but I DO believe that technology has begun to overtake our culture. Overuse of technology by our children has had major effects on motor skills development especially.

There is a difference between grabbing, holding, and placing a physical puzzle piece versus clicking and dragging a digital puzzle piece with one index finger. Both are good for the brain, but one is way better for motor skill development.

I'm not telling you that we don't play games on our devices, because we do.

I try my best to limit it, and I try my best to decipher games and apps that are replacing physical, motor skill developing activities.

For instance, paper dolls. My daughter loved a "paper doll" dress up app. With this app, you didn't even have to click and drag! Simply tapping on a new clothing item would instantly change the doll.

Well, I was over that.

That was motivation to finish a set of paper dolls that I actually started for another project that just never happened, because well... life.

I printed the colored version on heavy card stock, cut them out and attached magnets. I found the metal try at a thrift store and painted it with a primer/sealer. The 'fridge, of course works perfectly too, but they tend to play this while I am working in the kitchen and need quick access to it.

If you would like to, you can purchase these in my Etsy Shop for instant download.

You can get the color your own version or version that are already colored.

I also plan to do more! I'm working on some boys. Even though Reuben likes playing with these, he'd love a boy. I envision some pirate clothes or knight clothes which would also fit on the girls : )

When You're a Mom and You need to Get Stuff Done...

NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase, I may make a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Little Things, Love... and Reality!

Get some watercolor (cake form) paints that are a little bit better quality than the really cheapo brand.

Like these:

or these:

The cheap brands work, but the color is very transparent and faint which might not even matter to your kids. Because painting on a window is such a new and exciting thing!

Set out the watercolors, a water container, and some brushes (soft, nylon or acrylic) like these:

 

And let them paint!

The beauty of the watercolors is it wipes of the window like a breeze!

I will warn that it does stain wood window sills... especially if they are painted white. This is my studio so, I really don't care. You could mask off the edges of the windows with some painters tape. If you have vinyl windows, I would think it would clean up well.

This is a fun activity that has allowed me some time to actually WORK in my studio while home with alone with the kids.

Hand Made Holiday -- a Do It Yourself Project Round Up

I do love to give a good gift, thoughtful and meaningful ones that can be consumed/used or at least don't take up a lot of space -- i.e. not junk.

I am fully aware that not everyone is a "do it yourselfer," and for sure, not all the gifts I am giving this year are. I did plenty of Amazon shopping!

Here are some links to some fabulous people who have shared some of my favorite DIY projects that make great gifts.

Gifts for the kiddos:

PLAY DOUGH

This recipe from How Does She is the BEST recipe ever. I have made a couple batches for my own kids. It is soft. It DOES NOT crumble, and if sealed well, lasts for months and months.

SNOWBALL FIGHT IN A BUCKET

C'mon! How cute and creative is this idea from This Moment is Good?! Usually there is a rule about no throwing in the house, but this is definitely an exception.

FELT MONSTER BAGS

Felt is my favorite. You can make super cute things and you don't have to sew hemmed edges. OR you don't even have to sew it, you can just glue it down. I can't even count how many felt projects I have made for my kiddos, and I love this idea from Make It Yourself Magazine. Just a note, this site has about a GAZILLION awesome DIY projects! It's one of my most favorite sites ever.

Gifts for the guys in your life:

SIX PACK BOTTLE HOLDER

My neighbor made six of these following plans from Beer.WonderHow To for his son's groomsmen. They are just cool.

BOW TIES

Use this pattern from the Sewing Sessions to dress up a dapper man in your life.

FLANNEL SCARF

I love LOW SEW projects. I really enjoy my sewing machine for little bits of time : ) So, this idea from An Oregon Cottage is perfect.

Gifts for the foodie:

ETCHED WOODEN SPOONS

A wood burner tool is my next crafty investment for sure, and they are very affordable. There are so many possibilities! This idea from Design Mom is simple and beautiful.

POPCORN SEASONINGS KIT

Evermine Occasions shares multiple sweet and savory popcorn seasoning recipes. We pop all our pop corn in brown paper bags in the microwave now. It's so easy!

VANILLA EXTRACT

Pretty much everyone who bakes needs vanilla extract. I never realized, until recently, that it is so easy to make your own! Plus, Tasty Yummies gives you a super cute printable label to use.

Gifts for the coffee/tea lover:

SHARPIE MUG

I followed this tutorial from Delineate Your Dwelling to the tee. It worked like a charm. I gave my mugs a good scrub with a rough scrubby sponge and the designs all stayed perfectly in tact. The key is a porcelain pen or an OIL BASED Sharpie.

HOME MADE COFFEE SYRUPS

These recipes from A Few Short Cuts are easy and way less expensive than ordering Starbucks!

TEA WALLET

So handy! Always have a few packets of tea with you -- not randomly floating around in your purse. Handmade Therapy show you step by step how to sew one yourself.

Gifts for the book worm:

RIBBON BOOK MARK

Super easy and super cute! More with Less Today will show you how to make one.

TRIANGLE BOOK STAND

This stand is so simple and sculptural. I love it so much I'm making one or myself! Thanks to Hipholstery for the tutorial.

ROCK BOOK ENDS

These are spray painted rocks, and they are so beautiful! Refinery 29 shows off this simple way to add tons of style to your book shelf.

I would love to know what DIY gifts you have made or received that you have loved. Share with each other in the commens!