We recently spent a couple of days at my mom's house at the beach in Dana Point then headed up to Incline Village in Lake Tahoe for Brandon's snowboarding contest. It's always fun to take a road trip and getaway on a mini vacation. Both places are beautiful and were equally enjoyed. Sophia had a great time, especially visiting C (grandma), Uncle Bilbo, and Aunt Marybeth and friends. Beautiful low tide day at Monarch Loves her Dadada Brandon took first in both contests (slopestyle and pipe)! At Northstar Resort … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2013
Jan 29, 2013
Show Your Love
I recently read an article in the February issue of Parents magazine titled "Spread the Love" written by Francesca Castagnoli and Amanda Kingloff. I thought it offered parents great advice for how to make your child feel appreciated other than just a hug or a kiss. I know Sophia is only ten months and hugs, kisses, and smiles probably keep her feeling plenty loved and satisfied. It's easy to do this with a ten month old. Kissing them all over is part of the daily routine. As she gets older, I realize it won't always be this way and I'd like to get in the habit now of practicing ways of praise other than just hugs and kisses. Below is a list of my ten favorite creative ways to show your child you appreciate them (10 from their list). my 10 favorite ways to show your child appreciation 1. Let your child teach you something they know that you don't. 2. Give your child a foot rub or a long back scratch. 3. Ask for your child's help when you're cooking dinner. 4. Send your child a handwritten letter to your home address. 5. Shut down your phone or laptop to give your child your full attention. 6. Create a secret handshake that only you, your partner, and your child know. 7. … [Read more...]
Jan 27, 2013
Baby’s First Christmas
Christmas has come and gone but since I'm just starting this blog and it's for Sophia, I want to document some memories from her first Christmas here. Heading out to a Christmas party All dressed up Slightly terrified to be on Santa's lap! With Grandma "C" and Mom With Grandpa and Uncle Bilbo With Cousin Elle O'Connell Family Christmas Party White Christmas A walk through the village with mom and dad Cutest Christmas Baby Ever! … [Read more...]
Jan 25, 2013
Photo Coasters
For Christmas I made photo coasters for my family. I had seen pictures on tiles used as coasters before but I was not sure how to do this until I read about mod podge. I found I could use this to glue the pictures onto the tiles and as a sealer on top. They were extremely simple to make and came out really cute. Supplies I Used 1. White tiles (I purchased from Home Depot for 29 cents each) 2. Mod Podge - Glossy (I purchased from Hobbie Lobby for $4.95) 3. Tree House Studio Clear Acrylic High Gloss Coating Spray HL - $5.99) 4. Photos (4x6) 5. Sponge applicator 6. Scissors 7. Felt (pre-stick sheets from Hobby Lobby) Step 1 Cut the picture to the size of the tile (If you want to measure it perfect you can, but I don't think it is necessary). Step 2 Use the sponge applicator to apply the mod podge onto the back of the photo first. Seal the photo onto the tile then apply the mod podge onto the front of the photo. I did the same vertical strokes covering the photo. Step 3 Repeat the first 2 steps. Cut your pictures to the size of the tile, glue onto the tile with mod podge, then apply a first coat over each picture. Allow each coat to dry 3 hours. Apply 3 … [Read more...]
