cheep cheep cheep

Time to start collecting blown eggs for spring decorations. I've never been a fan of hard cooked eggs and I don't have the space to store dozens of paper mache eggs in a closet. As a compromise I will be opening all of our eggs for the next couple of weeks using a pin and a bulb syringe.

Step 1--Pierce the top and bottom of the uncooked egg with a long pin or needle.

Step 2--Insert the pin/needle into the egg and wiggle it around. The goal is to break open the yolk be vigorous and work from both ends.

Step 3--Finally get some use out of that bulb syringe by using it to blow out the yolk and white.

Step 4--Rinse the shells under running water and blow them out again. Persnikity folks or those who will be filling the eggs with choclate will want to gently boil the eggshells for a couple of minutes.

It's my party

Shopping for unique paper plates and napkins for your next party? Look no further than Plates and Napkins. They have everything from Cloisonne beverage napkins to a Surf's Up tablecloth.

I love to include pocket tissues in gift bags. I always keep a few on hand for diaper bag duty.

share the love

With just some construction paper and twist-up crayons Little Man and I were able to make these adorable Valentine's cards for friends and family. This was such an easy way to share his artwork with far-flung relatives. I let him draw all over 8 1/2 x 11 paper and then cut the sheets into quarters with decorative scissors. We found that pre-quartering the paper was a recipe for toddler frustration.

stuff my stocking

One of my greatest Christmas joys has always been discovering all the little goodies in my stocking. I know Little Man will be showered by friends and family with big gifts but I want to pass on the simple magic of the sock full of tiny delights. I am kicking off my Christmas season with a stocking hunt.


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