The COVID Essential You Need!

With COVID-19 still very much present but so much of our lives slowly returning to normal, how can you properly equip yourself to protect your family? For us, it starts with a FORA IR42 Non-Contact Forehead Thermometer! We have one by our front door and we check the temperature of everyone that comes into our home. We loved our FORA IR42 Non-Contact Forehead Thermometer before COVID-19 because of how easy it is to use with our kids but have really come to appreciate it even more now.

The FORA IR42 Non-Contact Forehead Thermometer can be used on babies, kids, toddlers and adults! You simply point the thermometer at your (or your child’s forehead) and you press a button. Within seconds you have a reading. Because it never needs to touch their forehead, it’s so easy to use with kids and babies and it’s also hygienic and coronavirus safe.

It excelled in clinical accuracy tests and has a highly precise sensor that gives a reading in 1 second, which I find is so important to look into because many other thermometers that we researched at did not. What I love as well is that it has specific modes for infants, adults and even surface temperatures! It has a memory feature too so you don’t have to worry about remembering the temperature you took before.

The FORA IR42 Thermometer is not only helping us feel better about having people in our home, but it’s going to be such a game changer during cold and flu season this fall. It’s always a wrestling match trying to take my kids’ temperatures when I think they’re sick. With our FORA IR42, I can literally take their temperature anywhere, including in front of the TV, while they eat, while they brush their teeth and they don’t even know that I’ve done it! Click here for more info and to shop.

Use Code FORAXTOVAH for 10% off of your FORA IR42 Non-Contact Forehead Thermometer!

Planning A Superhero Birthday Party!

My son, Zane, recently celebrated his 3rd birthday and we threw him the coolest superhero birthday party and I can’t wait to share all the amazing vendors that made it possible! If you don’t know where to start, use my party as inspo and start from there. Confession: I don’t actually enjoy planning parties but I do loveseeing my son’s face light up, so I promise everything I did is super simple and can easily be replicated! Whether you’re planning a superhero birthday or a Frozen themed one, the vendors I used were INCREDIBLE, professional, reliable and understood exactly what I was looking for. I’ve linked them all in this blog post!

For custom invites, loot bag tags, cupcake toppers, centre piece accessories and candy bag stickers, there’s no one better than Julia from Funkissd. She has a shop on Etsy with a ton of options, but can also make something custom for you. I’m not even exaggerating when I tell you that I sent her a few pictures from Pinterest for inspiration and let her do the rest. What she created was absolutely perfect (and so affordable)!

Click here to shop FUNKISSD.

Loot bags can be so tricky! Often kids aren’t all the same age and finding something adorable can be tough. I opted for TY beanie ballz! They’re soft and plush (so perfect for the younger kids) and are fun to throw around indoors (which the older kids love) without damaging walls or furniture (which the parents love)! They come in so many different characters. The TY site makes it a bit hard to find them, so I recommend finding the character you want (in my case, the regular spider man), click on it and then scroll down - it will show you all the other formats of that character, including beanie ballz!

Click here to shop TY Spiderman Beanie Ballz

For the table decor, I kept it simple and stuck to primary colors. Red and blue table cloths with red and blue cutlery, napkins and plates! I picked up awesome toddler capes, masks and snap bracelets and set them up at the table so that every kid could be a superhero! I wavered back and forth on whether I should get “girl” version of the super heroes, like Wonder Woman and Catwoman, but ultimately decided that the point was for the kids to dress up and have fun and to be honest, the kids didn’t mind one bit. In fact, I’m not even sure half of them even knew who they were dressing up as! They just LOVED putting on the cap and mask! Amazon Prime came to the rescue for all of this decor!

Click here for CAPES & MASKS

My favorite part was definitely the sweet table. I ordered a super cheap superhero backdrop from Amazon ($22 shipped prime) and decorated it with THE MOST gorgeous balloon garland from Balloonia. They were such a pleasure to deal with, again, completely understood what I was looking for without me having to spend hours sending pictures. They showed up early (that NEVER happens!), were super competitive with their price (in my opinion, for the amount of balloons and for how large it was, I think they actually offer a better value than their competitors) and they were a pleasure to deal with.

Click here for Backdrop on Amazon
Click here to visit BALLOONIA on Instagram or email Melissa for info: info@balloonia.ca

For the desserts, I worked with Laura, from Yum Creations. It was my first time but definitely not my last. She’s the original creator of the Cakesicle but she made us so much more. Instead of a typical fondant cake, we opted for a large number 3 decorated with custom superhero items and candy! It was SO delicious. We also got cake pops, mini cakesicles (perfect for little hands) and custom cookies. Each dessert was more delicious than the next.

Click here to visit YUM Creations on Instagram or email Laura at: info@yumcreations.com

Finally, we finished off the dessert table with a candy bar! This was probably the biggest headache. I didn’t properly gauge how much candy to buy to fill up the containers so I made multiple trips to the candy store and then when I finally had enough, I ate half of it one night and had to go back yet again for more! I stuck to the same colors as the party for the candy and used my custom stickers from Funkissd to decorate the candy bags! I recommend choosing your containers and brining them with you to the store!

Zane LOVES to dance so it was a no brainer to contact Tania from Funtastik Boogie. She literally does it all. Sings, dances, brings a bubble machine, a disco light machine, can bring in mascots and can literally plan any party under the sun for you. Our little superheroes in capes had a blast playing and dancing with her!

Click here to check out Funtastik Boogie on Instagram or email Tania at tania@funtastikboogie.ca

For the location, we had the party at Le Rinque. It has full catering on-site, a bar area if you want to have alchol and we were able to rent one of their indoor arenas for a sporting activity first, followed by music in the party room and then food! They have a vast menu with a ton of options for any budget!

Click here to check out Le Rinque

For the sporting activity, we used Sport Ball! Zane already takes classes with them every week and the coaches are just phenomenal. They bring the equipment (depending on which sport you want your kids to play) and the coaches keep them entertained for a full hour! They specialize in coaching kids of all ages so they were able to adapt the activity to ensure that all the kids had fun!

Click here to check out everything Sportball offers
(choose your location at the top right of the site to find activities near you)

Any other questions? Drop them below and I’ll do my best to answer them!!!

Last Minute Shopper's Gift Guide

With Christmas only 9 days away (I know I can’t believe it either!), I’m helping all you last minute shoppers find the best items for the most important people on your list! What if I told you that you could go to 1 store and find it ALL. Gifts for your nieces, teachers, pregnant sister, difficult to shop for husband, parents and grandparents? Check out my gift ideas below, ALL available in store or online at Indigo! I’ve covering The Gamer, The Beauty Obsessed, The Entertainer, The Kids, The Relaxer… and a few more :).

Something For Everyone

A cookbook, a guide to running an empire, some stationery to stay organized and a bit of Elmo. Finding a thoughtful book for ANYONE on your holiday shopping list is a breeze at Indigo!

1. CRAVINGS: HUNGRY FOR MORE: THE MOST delicious recipes with easy and simple steps to follow. This cook book is perfect for anyone who loves incredible food.

2. START WITH WHY: HOW GREAT LEADERS INSPIRE EVERYONE TO TAKE ACTION: Help the go getter in your lift find the inspiration to be a better leader and to inspire those around them, including colleagues and customers!

3. INNER TRUTH PAD - I HAVE TO DO WHAT: For the student, the parent, the organizer. This will make chores, homework and tasks easy to keep track of!

4. ELMO'S LITTLE LIBRARY (SESAME STREET): For the little reader in your home, this series of 4 books reinvents nursery rhymes while fitting perfectly in their little hands! Perfect for road trips and vacations, the books pack neatly away in a little box that they will not want to leave behind.

Something For the Kids

Whether you’re shopping for a future pro athlete, a scientist or an Elmo obsessed toddler, Indigo has the best of the best with prices that can’t be beat!

1. NHL GOAL AND 2 STICK SET: This collapsible net that can be easily stored comes with 2 hokey sticks and a foam ball that will keep kids happy and parents happier. It can be put away so there’s no clutter but will also keep your little hockey fan busy for hours!

2. DELUXE CLASSIC PEG PUZZLE BUNDLE by Melissa and Doug: Known for their quality and educational children’s toys, these peg puzzles are perfect for the learning toddler. The pegs make it easy for their little hands to grab, and these wooden puzzles are durable and colourful which will mean hours and years of fun! Melissa & Doug make some of the cutest toys around. Click here to see their entire collection at Indigo.

3. FIRE FLYER, RRRROLL MODELS by B. Toys: A favourite brand in our home, B. Toys not only makes colourful and fun toys, they give a portion back to charity, use non toxic dyes and sustainable materials. This fire engine roars, moves on its own, lights up and comes with 2 fire men and a movable ladder so that your kid’s imagination can run wild! Click here to see the entire B. Toys collection at Indigo.

4. SESAME STREET GEAR: Books, costumes, hoodies, stuffed animals and toys. Indigo is the place to go for everything Sesame Street! Whether you’re looking for a TICKLE ME ELMO, a P IS FOR POTTY! potty training book or a MUSIC PLAYER STORYBOOK, Indigo has it all!

Something For The Competitive Gamer

For the competitive or playful person in your life, get them a stylish game that won’t spend it’s time in a closet! You’ll be the hit at every party when you show up with one of these games!

1. CLASSIC DARTBOARD: Whether you’re an amateur or a pro, get every party started with a fun game of darts! This set includes a large dartboard, darts and instructions for the newbies!

2. TABLETOP AIR HOCKEY: It can be set up on any hard surface and will have people lining up to play! It bring the classic arcade game right into your home! This set includes 2 strikers, 2 goals and a battery powered puck for that authentic air hockey experience!

3. SIX-IN-ONE WOODEN GAMES COMPENDIUM: 6 of the best known board games, including checkers, chess and pick up sticks, come packed in this easy-to-bring-anywhere board game!

4. 5 IN 1 WOODEN GAMES SET: a perfect stocking stuffer, this 5-in-1 wooden games set includes backgammon, chess, checkers, dominoes and pick up sticks.

Something For the Relaxer

We have one of these in our lives… the person that either loves taking spa like baths… or the person that should spend more time relaxing! Help that person make the most of the holiday season with these spa-like essentials!

1. SILVER BIRCH & JUNIPER MERCURY 3-WICK CANDLE and POURED GLASS CANDLE: This fresh and unique aroma will transport you to a world where holiday shopping and wrapping is done and there is no cooking left to do!! Guaranteed to please even the pickiest of people, the 3 wick candle is a beautiful centre piece for any table this season, while the smaller candle makes the perfect stocking stuffer!

2. DETOX BATH SALTS: These 100% natural bath salts are formulated with lavender and eucalyptus essential oils and highly detoxifying Cambrian Blue clay. Just a handful of them will help to clear the mind and body… exactly what everyone needs this season! They also come in a CALM formulation.

3. THYMES EUCALYPTUS HAND LOTION: The perfect stocking stuffer or gift for a teacher! Made with skin-conditioning jojoba oil, honey and soothing aloe vera, it has the most beautiful scent.

4. THYMES EUCALYPTUS BATH SALTS: This single use package of bath salts is a great stocking stuffer and will help anyone forget their day’s stresses. It comes in an array of scents, such as Lavender, Goldleaf Gardenia and Aqua Corraline.

Something For The Tea Drinker

The tea aficionado in your life will think that they’ve seen it all, until you gift them these items that will blow their mind!

1. NUDE RASPBERRY HONEY: Available in stores (but worth the trip to your local Indigo), this smooth raspberry honey gives your tea the perfect extra kick that it needs. It’s subtle and not overpowering, but the hint of raspberry will make you wonder how you’ve ever lived with just regular honey before!

2. TEA DROPS BOOST TEA SPRINKLES: These sprinkles that include a blend of organic matcha, ginger, and lemon can just be added to water and magically dissolve! No steeping or waiting necessary! This is, by far, one of the coolest presentations for tea that I’ve ever seen!

3. TEA FORTE - WORLD OF TEAS: Available in stores, these loose teas from across the world in single serve packages mean that you can take your favourite teas on the go! You’ll travel from Morocco to China to Japan and enjoy every bold flavour in this box set.

4. PERFECT TEA MUG - HOLIDAY PLAID: A perfect gift for dad, this large tea mug that includes a lid and removable infuser, will keep him enjoying his favourite tea all winter long!

Something For the Hostess

Spoil the hostess with the mostest by gifting them items that will not only make entertaining easier, but also more stylish!

1. GREY MARBLE & WOOD COASTERS and WHITE TERRAZZO & MARBLE RECTANGULAR BOARD: More than just a kitchen accessory, this marble board and set of coasters are decorative pieces that will impress any hostess!

2. AURIA GEO ULTRASONIC DIFFUSER and AURIA DIFFUSER OIL BLEND FOREST: This gorgeous ceramic silver diffuser is a statement piece in any room, and combined with one of the many Auria Diffuser Oil Blends, they will turn any space into a relaxing escape!

3. CUT GLASS LOWBALL: With gold trim and conversation starting wit, this set of glasses will be a hit at any party! With sayings like: “dare to be fabulous”, “meet me under the mistletoe”, “pleased as punch”, “cheers daring”, they are perfect for any gathering!

4. ROUND MARBLE BOARD – YUMMY and GOLD CHEESE MARKERS - SET OF 5: Looking for a gift that will leave someone speechless? This beautiful white marble platter with gold accents is the perfect gift, and if you really want to splurge, pair it with this unique set of cheese markers!

Something For The Beauty Product Obsessed

We all have a friend or family member that loves to pamper themselves, so help them this holiday season by gifting them the best of the best!

1. LAPCOS VARIETY SKINCARE PACK: This set includes 7 masks and 1 exfoliating pad that addresses a different skin issue every day of the week!

2. ILLUME GIFT SET - BEST DAY EVER, WHITE BERGAMOT: This gift set includes a rollerball fragrance, hand creme and lip balm with a mix of mix of grapefruit blossom, blue fig, sparkling blackberries, bergamot, waterlily, lotus flower, cedarwood, crisp vetiver and cool white musk!

3. ILLUME BAR SOAP - HEY GIRL HEY, COCONUT MILK MANGO: A perfect stocking stuffer, this bar of soap will become a necessity in every beauty routine. It’s smell is devine and it leaves your skin feeling soft and refreshed!

4. AWAKENING GINSENG AND EUCALYPTUS UNDER EYE MASK: Available in store, these under eye gel pads, made in Korea, are enriched with 12 hydrating extracts which leave the skin around your eyes feeling revived and replenished!

I wish I could say that I covered everything Indigo has to offer… but I could spend weeks writing gift guides filled with unique and beautiful items! Head over to their store or visit their site to take advantage on amazing holiday sales! I would love to see what you pick out so don’t forget to tag me on Instagram in your pictures!

This blog post was written in collaboration with with Indigo.

All thoughts and opinions (as always) are 100% my own.

Last Minute Shopper's Gift Guide

With Christmas only 9 days away (I know I can’t believe it either!), I’m helping all you last minute shoppers find the best items for the most important people on your list! What if I told you that you could go to 1 store and find it ALL. Gifts for your nieces, teachers, pregnant sister, difficult to shop for husband, parents and grandparents? Check out my gift ideas below, ALL available in store or online at Indigo! I’ve covering The Gamer, The Beauty Obsessed, The Entertainer, The Kids, The Relaxer… and a few more :).

Something For Everyone

A cookbook, a guide to running an empire, some stationery to stay organized and a bit of Elmo. Finding a thoughtful book for ANYONE on your holiday shopping list is a breeze at Indigo!

1. CRAVINGS: HUNGRY FOR MORE: THE MOST delicious recipes with easy and simple steps to follow. This cook book is perfect for anyone who loves incredible food.

2. START WITH WHY: HOW GREAT LEADERS INSPIRE EVERYONE TO TAKE ACTION: Help the go getter in your lift find the inspiration to be a better leader and to inspire those around them, including colleagues and customers!

3. INNER TRUTH PAD - I HAVE TO DO WHAT: For the student, the parent, the organizer. This will make chores, homework and tasks easy to keep track of!

4. ELMO'S LITTLE LIBRARY (SESAME STREET): For the little reader in your home, this series of 4 books reinvents nursery rhymes while fitting perfectly in their little hands! Perfect for road trips and vacations, the books pack neatly away in a little box that they will not want to leave behind.

Something For the Kids

Whether you’re shopping for a future pro athlete, a scientist or an Elmo obsessed toddler, Indigo has the best of the best with prices that can’t be beat!

1. NHL GOAL AND 2 STICK SET: This collapsible net that can be easily stored comes with 2 hokey sticks and a foam ball that will keep kids happy and parents happier. It can be put away so there’s no clutter but will also keep your little hockey fan busy for hours!

2. DELUXE CLASSIC PEG PUZZLE BUNDLE by Melissa and Doug: Known for their quality and educational children’s toys, these peg puzzles are perfect for the learning toddler. The pegs make it easy for their little hands to grab, and these wooden puzzles are durable and colourful which will mean hours and years of fun! Melissa & Doug make some of the cutest toys around. Click here to see their entire collection at Indigo.

3. FIRE FLYER, RRRROLL MODELS by B. Toys: A favourite brand in our home, B. Toys not only makes colourful and fun toys, they give a portion back to charity, use non toxic dyes and sustainable materials. This fire engine roars, moves on its own, lights up and comes with 2 fire men and a movable ladder so that your kid’s imagination can run wild! Click here to see the entire B. Toys collection at Indigo.

4. SESAME STREET GEAR: Books, costumes, hoodies, stuffed animals and toys. Indigo is the place to go for everything Sesame Street! Whether you’re looking for a TICKLE ME ELMO, a P IS FOR POTTY! potty training book or a MUSIC PLAYER STORYBOOK, Indigo has it all!

Something For The Competitive Gamer

For the competitive or playful person in your life, get them a stylish game that won’t spend it’s time in a closet! You’ll be the hit at every party when you show up with one of these games!

1. CLASSIC DARTBOARD: Whether you’re an amateur or a pro, get every party started with a fun game of darts! This set includes a large dartboard, darts and instructions for the newbies!

2. TABLETOP AIR HOCKEY: It can be set up on any hard surface and will have people lining up to play! It bring the classic arcade game right into your home! This set includes 2 strikers, 2 goals and a battery powered puck for that authentic air hockey experience!

3. SIX-IN-ONE WOODEN GAMES COMPENDIUM: 6 of the best known board games, including checkers, chess and pick up sticks, come packed in this easy-to-bring-anywhere board game!

4. 5 IN 1 WOODEN GAMES SET: a perfect stocking stuffer, this 5-in-1 wooden games set includes backgammon, chess, checkers, dominoes and pick up sticks.

Something For the Relaxer

We have one of these in our lives… the person that either loves taking spa like baths… or the person that should spend more time relaxing! Help that person make the most of the holiday season with these spa-like essentials!

1. SILVER BIRCH & JUNIPER MERCURY 3-WICK CANDLE and POURED GLASS CANDLE: This fresh and unique aroma will transport you to a world where holiday shopping and wrapping is done and there is no cooking left to do!! Guaranteed to please even the pickiest of people, the 3 wick candle is a beautiful centre piece for any table this season, while the smaller candle makes the perfect stocking stuffer!

2. DETOX BATH SALTS: These 100% natural bath salts are formulated with lavender and eucalyptus essential oils and highly detoxifying Cambrian Blue clay. Just a handful of them will help to clear the mind and body… exactly what everyone needs this season! They also come in a CALM formulation.

3. THYMES EUCALYPTUS HAND LOTION: The perfect stocking stuffer or gift for a teacher! Made with skin-conditioning jojoba oil, honey and soothing aloe vera, it has the most beautiful scent.

4. THYMES EUCALYPTUS BATH SALTS: This single use package of bath salts is a great stocking stuffer and will help anyone forget their day’s stresses. It comes in an array of scents, such as Lavender, Goldleaf Gardenia and Aqua Corraline.

Something For The Tea Drinker

The tea aficionado in your life will think that they’ve seen it all, until you gift them these items that will blow their mind!

1. NUDE RASPBERRY HONEY: Available in stores (but worth the trip to your local Indigo), this smooth raspberry honey gives your tea the perfect extra kick that it needs. It’s subtle and not overpowering, but the hint of raspberry will make you wonder how you’ve ever lived with just regular honey before!

2. TEA DROPS BOOST TEA SPRINKLES: These sprinkles that include a blend of organic matcha, ginger, and lemon can just be added to water and magically dissolve! No steeping or waiting necessary! This is, by far, one of the coolest presentations for tea that I’ve ever seen!

3. TEA FORTE - WORLD OF TEAS: Available in stores, these loose teas from across the world in single serve packages mean that you can take your favourite teas on the go! You’ll travel from Morocco to China to Japan and enjoy every bold flavour in this box set.

4. PERFECT TEA MUG - HOLIDAY PLAID: A perfect gift for dad, this large tea mug that includes a lid and removable infuser, will keep him enjoying his favourite tea all winter long!

Something For the Hostess

Spoil the hostess with the mostest by gifting them items that will not only make entertaining easier, but also more stylish!

1. GREY MARBLE & WOOD COASTERS and WHITE TERRAZZO & MARBLE RECTANGULAR BOARD: More than just a kitchen accessory, this marble board and set of coasters are decorative pieces that will impress any hostess!

2. AURIA GEO ULTRASONIC DIFFUSER and AURIA DIFFUSER OIL BLEND FOREST: This gorgeous ceramic silver diffuser is a statement piece in any room, and combined with one of the many Auria Diffuser Oil Blends, they will turn any space into a relaxing escape!

3. CUT GLASS LOWBALL: With gold trim and conversation starting wit, this set of glasses will be a hit at any party! With sayings like: “dare to be fabulous”, “meet me under the mistletoe”, “pleased as punch”, “cheers daring”, they are perfect for any gathering!

4. ROUND MARBLE BOARD – YUMMY and GOLD CHEESE MARKERS - SET OF 5: Looking for a gift that will leave someone speechless? This beautiful white marble platter with gold accents is the perfect gift, and if you really want to splurge, pair it with this unique set of cheese markers!

Something For The Beauty Product Obsessed

We all have a friend or family member that loves to pamper themselves, so help them this holiday season by gifting them the best of the best!

1. LAPCOS VARIETY SKINCARE PACK: This set includes 7 masks and 1 exfoliating pad that addresses a different skin issue every day of the week!

2. ILLUME GIFT SET - BEST DAY EVER, WHITE BERGAMOT: This gift set includes a rollerball fragrance, hand creme and lip balm with a mix of mix of grapefruit blossom, blue fig, sparkling blackberries, bergamot, waterlily, lotus flower, cedarwood, crisp vetiver and cool white musk!

3. ILLUME BAR SOAP - HEY GIRL HEY, COCONUT MILK MANGO: A perfect stocking stuffer, this bar of soap will become a necessity in every beauty routine. It’s smell is devine and it leaves your skin feeling soft and refreshed!

4. AWAKENING GINSENG AND EUCALYPTUS UNDER EYE MASK: Available in store, these under eye gel pads, made in Korea, are enriched with 12 hydrating extracts which leave the skin around your eyes feeling revived and replenished!

I wish I could say that I covered everything Indigo has to offer… but I could spend weeks writing gift guides filled with unique and beautiful items! Head over to their store or visit their site to take advantage on amazing holiday sales! I would love to see what you pick out so don’t forget to tag me on Instagram in your pictures!

This blog post was written in collaboration with with Indigo.

All thoughts and opinions (as always) are 100% my own.

Ripley's Aquarium - Fun for the Whole Family

If you're in the Toronto area, Ripley's Aquarium is a MUST SEE attraction. I wasn't sure what to expect and went in just hoping that I could keep Zane entertained for a few hours. It turned out, we could have spent the entire day there!

From the second you walk in the Ripley's Aquarium, you're surrounded by gorgeous colours, illuminated aquariums that span from floor to ceiling and EVERY type of underwater fish you can imagine. It was such a nice experience to see Zane fascinated by the lights and swimming fish. I went with a friend of mine who has 2 older children and they were just as enthralled by the breath taking views.

The aquarium is divided into exhibits such as the Canadian Waters, Rainbow Reef, Ray Bay and Curious Creatures (to name a few) but besides the exhibits, they have so many other things to offer! They have interactive stops along the way for older kids, they have caves that kids can crawl though, educational games and puzzles, and there was even a teaching session happening where someone from the Ripley's Aquarium was giving a lesson about fish!

We had 2 favourite parts of the aquarium. The first was the Dangerous Lagoon - which is a long and beautiful aquarium tunnel that allows you to walk under swimming fish, sharks, sea turtles and so much more! There is moving belt so you can relax and be transported on what feels like a magical underwater journey.

Our second favourite was in the Planet Jellies exhibit. There was this HUGE wall filled with what seemed like hundreds of jelly fish. As the wall changed colours, so did the jelly fish! It was one of the coolest things I have ever seen!

We had such a blast at the Aquarium and I can't wait to go back with Zane the next time we are in Toronto. It's a place we could visit over and over again and always find something else to love.

A sleeping baby means a happy mama!!! This is the the right place to tire out your mini :)

DIY Mother's Day Handprint & Footprint Gifts

We LOVE DIY crafts (well I do at least... Zane loves to play with paint - so it's a win-win) and what better time to make one than Mother's Day? All moms LOVE DIY crafts from their kids and even more so from their grandkids! Zane and I got to work and created the most adorable gifts for his Grandma and Great-Grandma this Mother's Day.

DIY NOVELTY TRAY AND PIGGY BANK

Start of with finding the pieces you want to decorate. Make sure to thoroughly clean and let them dry. Some materials are more porous and will need to dry over night. This step is SUPER important. Often ceramic and porcelain products are covered in a film or dirt and the paint won't properly stick unless it's clean. 

Choose your paint colours. We used the paint below and bought a thinner because I didn't want it to go on too thick. 

Optional: Paint Brush - You'll need one if you decide to write something on the jar or piggy bank (such as the date, your child's name etc.). I also used a thick paint brush to paint on my son's hands and feet. You could also just mix the paint in a bowl and press their hand/foot in it.

Once your tray is clean and dry, map out the design you want. You want to know EXACTLY where you're putting your mini's hand or foot once it's covered in paint because it won't be fun trying to keep them still if they're younger. I recommend doing this project with someone else so that one of you can place the foot or hand in paint and make the print and the other can stop your baby from crawling away covered in paint. 

Follow the directions on your ceramic paint. If you used the same one as I did, let it dry overnight, then bake for 35 mins at 150 degrees. Then it's ready to package and send off!

Tips: Definitely find a place to date your artwork. It's always nice to look back and see when the art project was made. I definitely recommend doing the hand print before the decorating because it's the hardest part. I needed to wash off my son's handprint several times before getting one that was perfect and the rest of the design would have been ruined had I done it first!

Happy Crafting! I would love to see the artwork you create so don't forget to tag me in your posts! @mrsnewmommtl

xox Tovah