How to Survive kids + stomach flu

For the Bed:
Layer 1- Waterproof mattress pad + fitted sheet
Layer 2- Waterproof mattress pad + fitted sheet
(Yes, twice. Then you can pull the yucky layer away and be fresh and ready for more. Works well for potty accidents, too.)

We also recommend waterproof pillow protectors under the pillowcase.

For the floor:
Layer 1- Vinyl tablecloth

Layer 2-  Beach Towel(s) to cover

Layer 3- Garbage can, or our current fav, giant plastic bin, lined with black trash bag.  It has a large opening, better for 4 year old aiming under distress. Plus, easy clean up.

For any other room:
Repeat layers for floor, but apply to seating area (ie: couch) as well. Make a plastic lined, absorbent sicko zone.

And don't forget a few things for comfort after any stomach event:
Tissues for cleanup

A drink of water

Our favorite snack for upset tummies:
Oyster crackers- like soda crackers, but adorable and bite size

 

And a drink of what we call "Yellow Juice" to sneak in some fruits & veggies that are easy to digest. It's also good mixed with a little lemon/lime soda.

And a pile of movies to keep your little ones in their zone!

How to Recycle Anything

Don't believe me? Check out this link!

Scarves, Scarves, and More Scarves

Here is another fun tutorial over at Vermillion Rules

A cutie from Sew Much Ado

And, the ultimate collection posted by Grosgrain Fabulous

 Want more? Click here

More Girl's Room Inspiration

My 4 year old has an eye for design.  She is constantly rearranging my decor and adding to it in her own special way.  Thus, my plans for her room are ever changing, I am trying to fulfill her desires and keep it looking nice to boot. ( If she had her way it would all be hot pink. From carpet to ceiling paint.)

I am thinking antique, pink, ivory, feminine. A princess room that a princess would have slept in, not a room with princess stickers all over the place. Here are some photos that remind me of elements I love.Enjoy

No, I am not putting a wine bar in the girls' room. But I love the look of antiqued furniture with ornate details. I imagine the bunk bed and vanity in something like this:

Here is a room with the softness and the basic color scheme we are going for, plus, who could resist a window seat.

My daughter gasped in awe when she saw this. She loves all things fancy and lovely.

Here is another.

and the bed that she loved

http://kessasuee.wordpress.com/2009/07/22/eclectic-bedroom/

These bedding pics are inspiring me- vintage floral patchwork! I collected these without links, I'm afraid, if you know where they belong, let me know.

Keep checking back for more, for I intend to add to this collection as I come across new inspiration.

More Class Valentines

Today I made my first visit to the Bunny Cakes blog.  It will not be my last!  She has some serious design skills, paired with kind generosity= free downloads!

Click here to download the heart cards

And visit her blog for other adorable downloads

Nightstand Before & After

So I have refinished some furniture before, and I am starting to play around with different paints, priming methods, and antiquing techniques.  I bought a set of 2 of these nightstands of the local online classifieds for $15 each.   Time to get started.

 We went the spray paint route. Spray primer and spray paint.  We used around 4 cans of primer and 4 cans of paint. Part of that was used painting the insides as well. I wanted to seal over the other people's business and feel like these were fresh and new for me.

After we got them a good coat of paint we proceeded to antique.  We went with the glaze method, and deal of all deals, we found a can of mistint glaze on clearance at the home store for $2.50, instead of the list price of $18. It was like a peachy pastel color, so  I asked the guy at the paint counter if he could darken it up.

Following other people's tutorials, we spread the glaze over the entire thing, working with one side at a time.  Then we used a barely damp rag to wipe the glaze off, leaving it in the nooks and crannies. Easy as that. We let it dry and re-assembled the whole thing. 

What do you think?

Before

 After

*for a details on the furniture painting process, check out this post at All Things Thrifty and this one at Blue Cricket Design.  The both include great details, tips, and tricks.

And for glaze specific tutorials, check out All Things Thrifty again, and  Karla's Cottage.

Valentines for Classmates 2010

These sound fun:

• Foam Fortune cookies:   

(Or try Martha's Felt Version)

• Friendship Blossoms 

• Secret Message with special glasses -Oh Martha.
  

And don't forget last year's post!