DIY Flash Cards for Toddlers

Before the age of two, Little Mister became a pro at "Head & Shoulders, Knees & Toes" by pointing out every part of his body that was in the song, as well as also knowing his elbow, belly, and booty. I am so proud of that little guy for knowing his body parts and I have been dying to get him started on recognizing colors, shapes, and even begin him on numbers and counting, but I was at a loss of where to start. Identifying body parts is much easier because, well…they're on you! I decided it was time to brainstorm on how to get Little Mister familiar with colors, shapes, and counting and it didn't take long before the lightbulb turned on. Flashcards.

Now me being the cheap momma that I am really didn't want to go out and buy flashcards because I remember having flash cards when I was young…they were bitten, bent, torn up, and lost, and that's money down the drain. I decided I would try and make my own to see how they turned out and I loved the idea that I could just save them onto my computer and be able to reprint them any time I needed to! 

Lets save some money! I'm going to show you how to make your own flash cards in less than 10 minutes! 

What You Need:

A Computer/Laptop

Internet Access

A Printer w/ Colored Ink

Scissors

Start by pulling up whatever word processor you have on your computer and take a screenshot of the blank white canvas. Next, crop your screenshot so that it is just the "white paper".

You will then go to your internet browser and go to http://www.picmonkey.com. Choose "Edit A Photo" and pull up the blank screen shot you just created. 

Once your "white paper" is pulled up in PicMonkey, resize it to 2550 X 3300 pixels.

You will then visit the overlays section of PicMonkey (the butterfly icon) and click on Geometric to pull up your shapes. I chose to use a circle, square, triangle, rectangle, and oval. For each overlay I changed the color so that one flash card could be multifunctional!

I decided to create a few more shapes and colors and added in a star, a diamond (which I created by putting two triangles together, you will not find a diamond shape on PicMonkey), and an arrow. I also added in a couple of counting flash cards by adding circle overlays and adding text for the numbers.

Once your flash card sheet is created, save the photo to an easily accessible place on your computer!

Print out the flash cards when you're ready to use them with your toddler, make sure to use colored ink! I highly recommend printing on card stock so that your flash cards are a little more durable, but if all you have is regular printer paper that will work too! The cards that I printed were on regular printer paper because my card stock is at our new house! I will reprint once the regular paper flash cards gets wore down. 

Using your scissors, cut out the flash cards so that you and your toddler may begin to use them! The final step in this project is to have fun & learn! 

What I love most about DIYing your own flash cards is that you can customize them to whatever you'd like! If your child is at a more advanced stage in their learning process you can make new flash cards, or you can even have fun with your child and let them choose which color the shapes are! The sky is the limit when you're DIYing! 

A Note From the Author: Right after I created these flash cards I sat down with Little Mister and started telling him the shapes. Within the first round of flash cards he had learned two new words (star and square) and was able to identify them both on the second round! I was a proud momma!

Share Your Special Events with Minted!

Screenshot Via Minted . com

*I received a website credit to use for Minted in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions on their website*

When it comes to purchasing cards and invitations for your special occasions, choosing a website to work with can be a real challenge. You want a website that is not only user friendly, but reasonably priced, and has a great selection! Whether you're shopping for holiday cards, birth announcement, wedding invitations, or birthday invitations, Minted will be there for every step of your journey. 

Tis the season to start thinking about those holiday cards to send out to friends and family so that they can see the growth of your family and know that although you may not talk daily, they're still an important part of your life. With Minted, you may choose from hundreds of holiday cards that will fit your family dynamic perfectly! Whether you choose not to include a family portrait, or whether you include 4, everyone who receives your card is sure to fall in love with it!

Screenshot Via Minted . com

What I love about the Minted website is not only is it extremely user friendly, but Minted gives you the ability to customize your holiday card to exactly how you want it. You choose the card style, paper type, color of the font, shape of the card, the font style, and you can even change the card to say "Happy Holidays" or "Happy New Year".

Screenshot Via Minted . com

Screenshot Via Minted . com

For your convenience, your holiday card will include envelopes and give you the option of express shipping! You also have the option of having one of their designers proofing your card and send you a digital copy for your final approval! I love that option because to many times have I thought something was perfect only to have another set of eyes look at it and catch a silly error that I've overlooked! 

In addition to offering thousands of card options from holiday to wedding, Minted also offers stationary, art and room decor, greeting cards, party supplies, and much more! I got particularly excited when I saw that Minted also offers bunting banners! I think bunting banners are absolutely adorable and now I can't wait until Little Mister's 3rd birthday (oh my, I actually don't want to think about that yet! Eeek!) so I can snag an adorable banner for his party! 

I am so excited that I was introduced to Minted and I can't wait to go shopping for my wedding invitations, holiday cards, and everything else I may need along the way! Minted has a fabulous selection and are very reasonable with their prices! Although I haven't ordered from them yet, I can't wait to do so! They even have moving announcements!! I'm thinking about ordering these once we get into our new home! Aren't they adorable!?

Screenshot Via Minted . com

Hurry on over to Minted and snag your holiday cards today and use the code Bright for 15% off of your holiday card order!

*I received a complimentary website credit in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions on the Minted website*

The Adair Group Review and Giveaway

*I received complimentary clothing for review in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions*

Photo Credits: The Adair Group

The Adair Group is a family owned company that has been selling t-shirts in Atlanta and around the country for over 50 years.  They offer quality products at the lowest prices in the industry.  They buy in bulk so that they can pass the savings on to the customers.  They offer first quality and slight irregular t-shirts, fleece, tie dye, polos, and more.

I was happy to do a review for The Adair Group, as a mother I am always looking for good quality clothing at an inexpensive price, since we all know how fast kids go through clothes.  I received a fitted t-shirt and a zipper hoodie for myself, a kids t-shirt and pullover hoodie for Little Miss, and a toddler t-shirt for Baby C.

All of the clothing I received was good quality, in fact on most of them I couldn't even find the irregularity.  On one of the shirts the seam was a little off but it took a lot of looking for me to find it.  The great thing about The Adair Group is that they are very selective and only purchase from manufacturers who perform a multi step process to grade their irregulars, then they only buy the top grade.  They never purchase seconds which are shirts that may have holes in them.  They also perform random checks where they unfold and visually examine a significant percentage of their shirts.  The Adair Group carries sizes from toddler all the way up to 5XL.  They carry trusted brands like Hanes, Gildan, Anvil, Jerzees, and their house brand Riada. 

 

This would be a great place to buy bulk t-shirts for a school or church event.  A good way for screenprinters to save money on t-shirts, allowing them to keep their prices low.  Most wholesalers will only sell to businesses, but at The Adair Group they offer the savings to individuals as well.  A lot of the products do have to be purchased in increments of 12, and there is a $50 minimum for purchases. 

 

I enjoyed everything that I received from The Adair Group, but I have to say the zip hoodie is my favorite.  I love to be warm, and with winter just around the corner this is the perfect thing for keeping me nice and cozy.  Little Miss really liked her pullover hoodie as well.  The t-shirts are not thin and cheap like a lot of shirts you find for inexpensive prices, they are actually nice thick shirts that will hold up. 

 

I would recommend The Adair Group,  especially if you need to buy in bulk.  The clothing that I received to review was in good condition and you can't beat the pricing.  I'm definitely going to be buying from them in the future.

To Purchase:  Visit The Adair Group to view their selection.

To Win:  Mommys Craft Obsession and The Adair Group are giving one lucky winner a zipper hoodie of their choice!

Entry-Form

Congrats Christi Oscarson!

The Giveaway will close late on the evening of November 12th. The winner will be chosen at random through Giveaway Tools. The winner will be announced both on Giveaway Tools form as well as notified by email and announced on MCO’s Facebook. The winner will have their prize sent to them by The Adair Group, Mommys Craft Obsession is not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. US Only.

*This review is 100% original and in my own words. Everything written is from my own personal view point and opinions, what works for me, may not work for you. All photos have been taken by me unless stated otherwise. I have been provided with product to review by The Adair Group however I have not been compensated monetarily for this review.

3 Scrumptious Recipes For Your 'Straight Out of The Pumpkin' Seeds!

*You are about to read a guest post from my friend Jessica! I've known Jessica since high school and when I spotted her picture of these delicious pumpkin seeds, I practically begged her to share the recipe! Enjoy!

Hi everyone! My name is Jessica and I am so excited to be a guest here at MCO today! Fall is my FAVORITE season and nothing feels or smells more like fall than pumpkin everything! Today I wanted to share with you a few recipes for pumpkin seeds, a wonderful post pumpkin carving treat. This year I decided to get a little crazy and make three different flavors of seeds using some of my favorite ingredients.  

I started by extracting the seeds from two large pumpkins. I used a colander and hot water to separate the seeds from the pumpkin guts aka pumpkin meat (the “official” name for the slime inside.) Once I separated all the seeds, I laid them out to dry for almost 24 hours (overnight and while I was at work.) I then divided the seeds into three equal(ish) parts.

Pumpkin Pie Flavored Pumpkin Seeds:

Ingredients:

1 Cup pumpkin seeds

1 Tbsp melted butter

Equal parts sugar and pumpkin pie spice (I bought mine at Safeway- you can also find recipes online)

*Sugar and pumpkin pie spice should be used according to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
2. Combine the Sugar and Pumpkin Pie Spice with the melted butter and stir to create a paste
3. Stir in the pumpkin seeds until evenly coated
4. Spread evenly on a lined baking sheet (I used parchment paper)
5. Roast in oven at 350 degrees for 7-9 minutes or until golden brown and crunchy

Cinnamon/Sugar Pumpkin Seeds 

Ingredients:

 1 Cup pumpkin Seeds

1 Tbsp melted butter

Approx. ½ Tsp ground cinnamon

Approx. 1 Tsp sugar

*I like mine with a bit more cinnamon and sugar. I have a sweet tooth. Adjust according to desired taste.

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
2. Combine the cinnamon and sugar with the melted butter and stir to create a paste
3. Stir in the pumpkin seeds until evenly coated
4. Spread evenly on a lined baking sheet (I used parchment paper)
5. Roast in oven at 350 degrees for 7-9 minutes or until golden brown and crunchy

Parmesan/Garlic Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredients:

1 Cup Pumpkin seeds

1 Tbsp olive oil (I used garlic olive oil)

Grated Parmesan cheese

Garlic powder

Everyday Seasoning (I used a grinder from Trader Joes)

1 Pinch ground cayenne pepper

*Parmesan, garlic powder and everyday seasoning should be used according to desired taste. 

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
2. Combine all dry ingredients with olive oil
3. Stir in the pumpkin seeds until evenly coated
4. Spread evenly on a lined baking sheet (I used parchment paper)
5. Roast in oven at 350 degrees for 7-9 minutes or until golden brown and crunchy

I hope you all enjoy these yummy pumpkin seed flavors. Thanks for letting me share!

Happy Fall! Xo-Jessica

New Home, New Roots Pt 2: Just For Dads! Bagster Bags Giveaway

We are so excited you joined us for the last day of this awesome event!  New Home, New Roots: Just for Dads, hosted by We're Parents has been an awesome week long event featuring some great reviews and giveaways for things DAD needs in his new home!  

Waste Management is the largest environmental solutions provider in North America.  With more than 20 million customers across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, they are committed to developing new waste solutions that help communities and organizations achieve green goals, including zero waste. Last year, they worked with more than 100 Fortune 500 companies to become greener. They are also a renewable energy provider by doing things such as collecting the naturally occurring gas inside landfills to generate electricity. They are involved in many up-in-coming green projects to make the world we live in a better place. 

Since buying our first home, Andrew has been most excited about the projects that he has been able to accomplish.  With Bagster Bag, we are able to complete renovation projects on our own time, while making clean up not only a breeze, but also convenient and affordable.  Bagster Bag is a new service from Waste Management is as simple as three steps:  Buy.  Fill. Gone. You can purchase the bags on-line or at local home improvement stores and fill them with up to 3,300 pounds of debris or waste.  Collection is then scheduled on-line or by phone and it's gone!  That simple!

MCO is super excited to bring you a Pt 2 to the awesome New Home New Roots giveaway! Enjoy!

Want to win your own? Visit We're Parents!? to check out the review then enter to win a $75 Visa Giftcard below! For projects big and small, Bagster Bag is a absolute must have for dad in a new home. 

Entry-Form

The Giveaway will close late on the evening of November 8th. The winner will be chosen at random through Giveaway Tools. The winner will be announced both on Giveaway Tools form as well as notified by email and announced on We're Parents!?’s Facebook. The winner will have their prize sent to them by Bagster Bag. We're Parents!? is not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. US and Canada Only.

*This blog has not been compensated for the promotion of this giveaway*

Click here to check out all of the other awesome reviews and giveaways during the New Home, New Roots: Just for Dad Event

Zebra ERGObaby Carrier Giveaway from Thanks Mama

Babywearing is one of my favorite things to do when Little Mister and I go out and about. I love knowing that he is close, safe, and hey, it gives us extra time to cuddle! In honor of babywearing, MCo is excited to be participating in this giveaway!  Enter to win an ERGObaby Carrier from Thanks Mama natural parenting store, we think you'll love it!


Thanks Mama online baby store features a selection of twelve baby carrier brands, among them the popular ERGObaby Carrier. This particular brand was the one that started it all and revolutionized babywearing to be truly comfortable and suitable for every day life. The ergonomic design of this carrier supports the correct sitting position for baby and also balances baby's weight on the parent's hips and shoulders. 

Our Favorite Features of the ERGObaby Carrier: 

• Reinforced stitching between fabric intersections make a safer carrier
• Padded waist belt supports the lumbar area
• Can be worn on the front, back, or hip
• Attached sleeping hood that can be tucked away
• Thick, comfortable foam straps
• Fits babies from 7 to 45 pounds (with infant insert)

Our Favorite Features of the Thanks Mama Store: 

• Large selection of 28 brands of cloth diapers
• Over 15 options of reusable potty training pants
• Eco-friendly and non-toxic baby care solutions
• Classic and modern wooden toys
• Non-toxic mattresses for the whole family
• Eco-friendly furniture for baby and kids made of rubberwood
• Free shipping on all U.S. orders over $60 and Worldwide shipping rates available
• Earn rewards dollars with every purchase

Purchase: You can purchase the ERGObaby carrier at Thanks Mama. Use code CARRIER for 15% off!

Win It! Thanks Mama is generously giving away the Zebra print ERGObaby Carrier to one winner.

Special thanks to AnaB Social for hosting this giveaway. Huge thanks to Thanks Mama and all participating bloggers as well! Giveaway ends November 21st at 11:59 pm, open to U.S. residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below (see directions on how to enter here). Thank you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Disclaimer: AnaB Social, Eco-Babyz, Mommys Craft Obsession, and all participating event bloggers are not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. 

New Home, New Roots Pt 2: Just For Dads! Brylane Home Giveaway

We are so excited you joined us for this awesome event we are participating in this week!  New Home, New Roots: Just for Dads, hosted by We're Parents is going to be an awesome week long event featuring some great reviews and giveaways for things DAD needs in his new home!  We hope you check back in daily!

Brylane Home was started in 1998 to make consumers' lives easier by keeping them up to date with the latest styles, colors, and designs.  They don't think you should have to wait for a sale, so everyday they offer the best prices!  The company actually consists of two divisions:  Brylane Home & Brylane Home Kitchen.  Brylane Home is known as "America's White Sale Catalog".  With everything from Fashion bedding to Housewares to Bath items, they also offer Floor covering, vacuums, sewing, and ironing products to complete your home shopping experience. The Brylane Home Kitchen division was added in 2000 to bring customers hard-to-find kitchen and home essentials.  In 2005, the company merged the two divisions together to form BrylaneHome.com.  Customers can now easily access everything from home fashions, decor, kitchen essentials, and the perfect gifts, all at one site and at unbeatable prices. 

Photo Credit: BrylaneHome

Andrew is not much of a cooker.  Don't get me wrong, he can cook.  He just doesn't really like too.  However, he loves having the "guys" over for football or even just because and I knew that there would be days that I wouldn't be home that he would invite friends over and I wanted him to have an easy way to make some great foods (and also not make too much of a mess for me to clean up!).  BrylaneHome's Digital Double Deep Fryer was the perfect solution for our new home! Featuring two separate sides, allows you to use this deep fryer to cook two different things at the same time. Each side features a 12 cup fryer with see-thru window, digital temperature control, splatter-protect lid, and the housing is stainless steel. 

MCO is super excited to bring you a Pt 2 to the awesome New Home New Roots giveaway! Enjoy!

Want to win your own? Visit We're Parents!? to check out the review then enter to win a Digital Double Deep Fryer of your own below! BrylaneHome products are a must have for dad in his new home!

Entry-Form

The Giveaway will close late on the evening of November 7th. The winner will be chosen at random through Giveaway Tools. The winner will be announced both on Giveaway Tools form as well as notified by email and announced on We're Parents!?’s Facebook. The winner will have their prize sent to them by BrylaneHome. We're Parents!? is not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. US Only.

*This blog has not been compensated for the promotion of this giveaway*

Click here to check out all of the other awesome reviews and giveaways during the New Home, New Roots: Just for Dad Event