The Polka Dot Cottage

Twilight stickers and t'shirts

2008-11-07T16:20:00.002-07:00

I'm so excited for "TWILIGHT" to come out. I am going to buy my ticket today. Anyone that would like to go with our big group.... we are buying tickets to see it Friday the 21 at 7:45pm at the New theater at the Tyler mall. I think we are meeting at 5:30 to get in line. Let me know if you wanna go.
I decided that I am going to make stickers and t-shirts. If you would like one email me and i can make one for you.
All the t-shirts will be black with white text. Just let me know the size and phraze you want. the one with the check mark can be checked in either box. Just let me know which one you love!!!
The t-shirts will be $12.00 each and the stickers will be $6.00 each. (all stickers will be in white vinyl.)
Email me your orders:
sticketydoodah@yahoo.com

check out my blog:

www.sticketydoodah.blogspot.com

Which side is your gas cap on?

2008-11-01T17:09:00.001-06:00

Have you noticed the little secret on the dashboard of your car that has been there for years?
.....I didn't...and maybe you didn't either...

Have you ever rented or borrowed a car and when arriving at the gas station wondered...mmm, which side is the gas filler cap?My normal solution was to stick my head out the window, strain my neck and look, try to see in the side mirrors or even get out of the car!

Well ladies and gentlemen, I'm going to share with you my little secret so you will no longer look like Ace Ventura on your way to the gas station or put your neck at risk of discomfort or injury.If you look at your gas gauge, you will see a small icon of a gas pump?The handle of the gas pump will extend out on either the left or right side of the gas pump?If your tank is on the left, the handle will be on the left? If your tank is on the right, the handle will be on the right It is that simple!

Ever have a wet Cell Phone?

2008-10-31T13:11:00.002-06:00

Tech TLC

Have you or any of your kids dropped your cell phone in water? Mine ended up in the pool this summer.

Try this:

Don't try to turn it on. Remove the battery and seal both it and the device in tupperwareg witha silica gel pac (found in a new purse, or in a new shoe box, or even in a bag of beef jerky). Put the lid on and wait a day for the gel to absorb the liquid before reassembling it and turning it on.

Homemade Laundry Detergent

2008-10-24T10:55:00.002-06:00

I came across this blog that has a recipe for homemade laundry detergent. You can make it for around $6.00. Plus the supplies last around 2 years. Saving tons of money. Click here for the recipe.

Halloween Fun with good deals

2008-10-24T10:33:00.000-06:00

I'm sooo there!

Fall Craft night.

2008-10-22T10:46:00.005-06:00

Fall Craft Projects.

Here are the Fall crafts that I will be offering.

I will be having a craft night at my home on

Tuesday November 4th

For anyone in Moreno Valley I will be doing a craft night at my moms house on

Thursday November 6th

(If you can't make either night you can just order the kits.)

email me for directions: sticketydoodah@yahoo.com

Project # 1

Happy Thanksgiving Board

measures 3.5 x 24 in.

Kit $8.00

Project # 2

Harvest blocks

Kit $18.00
these are totally cute and covered with scrapbook paper. I will have paper provide.

paper may vary

Project # 3

Small Live Thankfully Plaque

kit $8.00

This is a good one to leave up all year round

(paper may vary)

Please let me know if you will be attending. I need to make sure I have enough kits and supplies. Email me at sticketydoodah@yahoo.com

Baked Apples

2008-10-19T23:04:00.001-06:00

I came across this yummy recipe and wanted to share.

Directions:

Core an apple, leaving the bottom in tact. Add a dallop of butter inside, a few walnuts or raisins, then cover with brown sugar and cinnamon.

Bake at 350 for 40 min.

2008-09-24T17:26:00.001-06:00

The night before I had Marie, we were out running errands and decided to stop at Chili's for dinner (I believe it was the dinner of chips & salsa, and molten lava cake - no entree - that put me into labor. But that's beside the point).

As is usually the case, Kyle begged for a kids meal, and with it came one of those fabulous mini-packs of crayons designed to keep kids (and their parents) from going crazy waiting for their food.Well, in the craziness that the rest of that evening brought, those crayons were left in the car. Not in the package. In the 110 degree summer heat. You get the idea.

A couple of days later, when we were all finally home and I had stored up enough energy to unpack the car, I had a big pile of melted, red wax on the carpet to greet me. And a few spots on the seat. It actually made me a little sick, and I had no idea what to do. So, I did what I do best - I ignored it and hoped it would go away.Fast forward a few more months - three to be exact. The spots were surprisingly (???) still there and I decided I'd better do something about it.

I surfed the internet to see what my options were:

1. Freeze it with an ice cube and chip it off with a dull knife. Hardly made a dent.

2. Place a brown paper bag over it and iron it off. I knew that iron would turn my synthetic carpet into an bigger pile of melted plastic.

And then I came upon this beautiful, wonderful, strange tip: WD-40.And I thought to myself, "This couldn't possibly work."Well, I was wrong. It worked like a charm. It practically melted off the carpet. And the seat. Not a trace left. It's a miracle worker, and I think I'm in love. In fact, I think WD-40 just may be my new best friend.I can't wait to see what other tricks it has up its sleeve.

Thanks Ruth. I stole this from your blog. Wanted to share the GREAT news with everyone.

Very Cute Halloween Jars

2008-09-23T16:10:00.001-06:00

I found this blog hopping. Click on the pictures to make bigger. These are adorable. I'm gonn ahve to try these. Do you have any Halloween craft ideas?

Kool Aid Play Dough

2008-09-15T12:46:00.000-06:00

Kool-Aid Play Dough
The children will love the smell of this playdough!
2 1/2 cups flour

1 cup salt

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 cups boiling water

2 packages unsweetened Kool-Aid
Mix dry ingredients. Add oil and water. Wearing gloves, knead for 10 minutes. Store in zip lock bag in refrigerator.
Note:
Your hands may smell of the Kool-Aid flavor even with gloves.

It smells so good!

Mini Carmel Apples

2008-09-13T10:18:00.001-06:00

Check out this cool idea. Mini Carmel apples. Scoop out a piece of the apple and cover it with carmel and nuts or candy and eat it with out getting it all over your face. Make em yourself

Hollywood Hair Virtual Make Over

2008-09-10T14:11:00.001-06:00

At in style dot com you can download a picture of yourself and add different celibrities hair styles to see what it would look like on you. You can even change the hair color and add highlights! So before you make that summer haircut plundge... try before you buy!

Taco Soup

2008-09-10T14:02:00.000-06:00

Taco soup recipe is as follows:

1 lb. hamburger

1 med. onion chopped

1 clove garlic minced

– Combine, brown and drain.

In large (5 qt) pot combine the following:

1 can whole kernel corn

1 can pinto beans

1 can red kidney beans

1 lg can diced, stewed tomatoes

1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes

1 pkg Taco Seasoning Mix

1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix

Add in meat mixture and water to cover, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for an hour. (Or, keep the water to a minimum and put it in the crock pot for all day.)

Serve over tortilla chips (or tamales). Garnish with sour cream, shredded cheeses, cubed avocado ... or all three!

Where's your toothbrush been

2008-09-10T13:52:00.002-06:00

For something that goes in my mouth everyday, you’d think I’d be more eager to have it super clean and sanitary. I tend to put my toothbrush back in it’s little white basket when I am done, not really thinking about germs. Simply gather all the toothbrushes in your house, then add them to the next dish washing cycle. Viola! The hot water will have killed all those bad germy bugs. Those toothbrushes have no excuse and can always use the cleaning. Especially my children’s toothbrushes. I suggest you try this little tip for cleaning your toothbrush. Your mouth will thank you.

Peanut Butter Bars

2008-09-10T13:42:00.001-06:00

Peanut Butter Bars

1 c. butter

1 c peanut butter

2 c graham cracker crumbs

2 c powdered sugar

1 1/2 c semi-sweet choco chips

4 Tbsp peanut butter

Directions: Melt butter & 1 c peanut butter. Add graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar. Mix until well blended. Press into ungreased 9"x 13" pan. Melt choco chips with 4 Tbsp peanut butter (either on stovetop or microwave) and spread on top of graham cracker mixture. Refridgerate for at least 1 hour.

Homemade Peach Cobbler

2008-09-09T18:49:00.002-06:00

Our friend Shaila had this yummy recipe on her blog. I'm definetly gonna make this one. Probably tonight! Thanks Shaila Peach Cobbler
melt one stick of butter in your casserole dish
1 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 c. milk
1 t. vanilla
2 t. baking powder
dash of salt
Mix this together in a bowl and pour it over the butter. Do not stir.
Then open up a lg. can of sliced peaches and with a fork set the peaches around on the batter. Then pour the peach juice around over the top. (again, do not mix)
Bake at °350 for about 30 min (until golden brown)
ENJOY!

Circus animal cookies

2008-09-01T12:17:00.004-06:00

Bake a batch of sugar cookies.
Use a mini cookie cutter, about 1.5 - 2″ in diameter.
Dip baked cookies into melted almond bark.
Cover with sprinkles.

I was blog hopping and came acrossed this cool recipe. I love circus animal cookies. definetly gonna try this one.

Tip from Julie

2008-09-01T10:26:00.002-06:00

To keep the microwave clean you can purchase a cover for your food. Its plastic and super cheap. You can usually find it for $1 or $2 at CVS or Rite Aid. I love mine and it keeps my microwave sparkling! *I love the bowl of water idea* thanks :)

Thanks Julie. Check our her site. She finds good ideas with coupons. She's an expert. I wanna learn.

Helpful house hold tips

2008-08-30T20:31:00.003-06:00

For a hard to clean microwave

Put a bowl of water in the mircowave for a couple of minutes... until the window gets nice and steamy. Remove the bowl and you'll find that all the bits of who knows what will come off with a quick wipe of a washcloth.

(I tried this one and worked fabulous)

For a clean wooden cuttingboard

1 tablespoon of baking soda

1 tablespoon of salt

1 tablespoon of water

Mix together

scrub and wash clean with warm water.

Got gas?

add a pinch of baking soda to baked beans or chili as they are cooking and it will significally reduce their gas producing properties.

Homemade air freshener

fill a saucepan half full of...

water, cinnamon sticks, orange peels and some cloves

add water as it evaporates.

(my mom always does this and the house smells good)

Ice Cream sandwich cake

2008-08-30T20:26:00.002-06:00

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

1 package ice cream sandwiches (pkg of 12)

1 container of frozen whipped topping, thawed (aka Cool Whip)

1 Butterfinger, crushed

Line an 8x8 baking dish with 6 of the sandwiches, cutting to fit as necessary. Spread on half of the Cool Whip. Layer the remaining 6 sandiches. Spread on remaining Cool Whip and sprinkle the Butterfinger. Freeze for 2 hours, slice and serve.Super simple and yummy!!

Thanks to Kingcadekitchen I found this yummy looking ice cream cake. I'm definetly trying this one

Say Cheese

2008-08-29T16:05:00.002-06:00

I know to some people walmart is not your favorite store to shop at. I signed up for their mailing list at the portrait studio to get coupons in the mail. Having little kids, it's fun to have their pictures taken. Even if it's just once a year for birthdays. Well I got one in the mail the other day and it was for...

1-10x13

1-8x10

2-5x7s

4-3 1/2 x5s

16 wallets

8 keepsakes

For $4.99

I personally think that is a good deal. They usually turn out pretty good but if you are not happy you only wasted 5 dollars.

Click here to print out a coupon.

Freebies

2008-08-28T11:09:00.003-06:00

On September 1st, Chick-Fil-A is giving away a free three count order of chicken strips if you come in wearing at least one item of football clothing!

Try Purex's new fabric softener.

Grab a free recipe book entitled "Feed Our Kids Well", from Ragu.

Get free movies from Car Angel.

Kids looking for something to do? Print your own Paper Toys.

McDonald's id giving away free chicken sandwiches with the purchase of a drink, print a coupon!

Everybody loves Monopoly, but what do you do when the money is lost?? Print your own official monopoly money, of course!

Grab a sample of Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub.

Our friends at Walmart are sending out full size rolls of Scott bathroom tissue!

Take the Natural Beauty Quiz and get a free Natural Beauty Package (I'm not sure what's in it...)

Calistoga Water wants to know which type of water you prefer... sparkling or still? Take their quick quiz and they'll send you a coupon for a free four or six pack of any calistoga beverage.

Christina Aguilera has a new perfume "Inspire" grab a sample.

Walmart has samples of the new Cascade all-in-1 action packs (scroll down for free sample button)

Air Kids Party Zone

2008-08-26T14:37:00.004-06:00

Daytime:

Tuesdays & Fridays: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm.

$8.00 per child. Adults free with payng child.

Kids under 2 years old free with paid sibling.

Family Fun Nights:

Thursdays: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

$8.00 per child. $3.00 per adult.

Kids under 2 years old free with paid sibling.

Air Kids Party Zone in Corona has open play time. Pretty inexpensive play date. check it out.

Old Navy

2008-08-23T11:06:00.001-06:00

Great deal at Old Navy. Today only.

Can you believe...

2008-08-22T12:45:00.007-06:00

...that it is already time to start thinking about Halloween costumes???

I've quickly learned that if I don't move early and fast enough that all of the good costumes are gone before October even gets here. So my husband and I have already begun shopping for our little guy's costume. Here are a few possibilities...

(I love costumes that will be warm since it's freezing in Utah in October!!)

The Children's Place is one of my favorite places to get Halloween costumes for kids (that is where the turtle and penguin are from).

What are your kids going to be this year? Do you know of any great places to find cheap (but cute) costumes?

Crossings at Corona

2008-08-15T19:11:00.002-06:00

Any of you Riverside County peeps they are having Summer Concerts every Tuesday night until the end of September. For more info.

Summer Concert Series Every Tuesday
from 5:30-7:30pm in the entertainment area
near the large fountain
August 12....Stingers
August 19....Western Express - Sponsored by Daniel's Jewelers
August 26....SuperFreaks
Sept. 2........Michael Chain
Sept. 9........Smooth Connection
Sept. 23......Guilty Conscience
Sept. 30......Little Chris & the Nightcrawlers

Small living!

2008-08-14T19:37:00.002-06:00

Do you have any ideas for organizing a small living space maybe using items you already have in the home or items that can be purchased very inexpensively (with a minimum budget)?

here are some things I've learned:
1) Declutter, declutter, declutter, I repeat, declutter - We all have more stuff than we need. If you don't love it and use it, get rid of it. Stick to the basic essentials. It will make it much easier to clean, much easier to organize, much easier to live. One of the major advantages to living in a small space is that you can't have very much stuff. The more space you have, the easier it is to accumulate. So, small homes force me to keep things pared down!

2) Break the rules, sometimes - Just because a cupboard is in the bathroom doesn't mean you must only store bathroom items in it. One of our bathroom shelves houses extra kitchen items and cloth napkins. Another of our bathroom cupboards is designated for extra paper products - plates, napkins, plasticware, etc. Our bedroom closet is home to much more than clothes and shoes ..... craft and sewing supplies, suitcases, special heirlooms, and more. Go through your home and determine where your extra space is and then designate items needing space to have their place there - no matter where it is. (Obviously, you can't just designate a spot, you also have to train yourself to put the item back in the spot after you use it, but designating a spot usually goes a long way for me to actually putting it back!).

3) Think high and low - Clean out of extra storage space? What about storing certain items on the tops of bookshelves, or the tops of your kitchen cupboards, if you have space there. What about under the hang-up clothes in your closet, under your dresser, or under your bed?

4) Hang up your clothes - I've found that it takes much less space to hang up clothes than to store them in drawers. By doing so, we can get by with only one dresser for all of us. Plus, the clothes stay less wrinkled.

That's just a small start - there's so much which could be said on this subject. Would others like to share what has worked for them?

What are some of your ideas!

Monkey Munch (as seen on John and Kate plus 8)

2008-08-11T15:20:00.002-06:00

Ingredients:

9 cups Chex Cereal (any variety)

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

1- Put chex in a large bowl and put aside.

2- Place chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter into a quart-sized microwave bowl.

3- Stir the ingredients together.

4- Microwave the mixture uncovered for a minute on "high". Stir the mix again and continue to zap in thirty second intervals until it mixes smoothly.

5- Add vanilla and stir.

6- Pour over the cereal while stirring.

7- Put combination into a 2-gallon, ziplock freezer bag.

8- Add powdered sugar, seal the bag and shake until distributed.

9- Spread "Monkey Munch" out on wax paper to cool and dry.

let the games begin

2008-08-10T21:55:00.003-06:00

The Olympic games have officially started and to recognize that,

we want you to tell us all of your great ideas for getting your kids active!

What are some fun ways that you have brought the Olympics home into your own backyards??

Here are a few that we have found to inspire you...

Crab Walks – walk on your hands and feet with your tummy up
Bear Walk – walk on your hands and feet while keeping them straight and not bending your knees or elbows
Army Crawl – use your elbows and not legs to crawl
Wheel Barrow Race – with a partner, have one child hold the legs of the other and walk or run as the other uses the hands to move
Three Legged Race – tie one left leg and one right leg of two kids together while they walk along using three legs

Share your great ideas by leaving us a comment!!

Another give away

2008-08-09T15:31:00.006-06:00

Check out this giveaway. Mia Mia Couture is having their first giveaway and would love you to participate. check it out.

And the Winner Is!!!!!!

2008-08-09T15:16:00.006-06:00

Here are your random numbers:
43
Timestamp: 2008-08-10 17:03:59 UTC

Congratulations #43 comment...Natalie. You are the first winner of our giveaway here at The Polka Dot Cottage. Thanks everyone for all your comments. Check back often for future give aways. We had so much feed back that we will definetly be doing it again.
Natalie contact us through our email and we will get your info. Congrats again.

Farmers Market

2008-08-09T00:19:00.004-06:00

Here in Riverside, every Friday from 9am-12pm in the Sears parking lot on Arlington they have a little Farmers Market. I've also heard that they have one in the Kaiser parking lot on Magnolia on Firdays too. I went this morning and for $12.00 I got a huge seedless watermelon, two cantelopes, 4 peaches and a big bunch of green and red grapes. the fruit is so much sweeter and juicier than bought from the store. I think it's cause it's grown locally. So if you see a farmers market in your town, go get some produce. The vegetables are great too.

Window painting

2008-08-09T00:08:00.005-06:00

I got a cool idea to make homemade window paint. Just mix it up and let your kids go crazy on the windows from the outside.

ingredients:

water

cornstarch

dish soap

food coloring.

use equal amounts of each (except food coloring) until it has the consistency of pudding. Add food coloring for color. Get some paint brushes and let your kids go wild. then when they are done spray it down with the hose and voila. Clean windows!

Kid's clothing

2008-08-01T19:25:00.003-06:00

My friend Shalece just let me know of a website that sells used kids clothes for a good price. I know with my kids they grow out of their clothes before they get enough wear in them. What a good idea to buys used clothes that are in good shape for half the price you would pay for at a regular store. Click here to check it out. Thanks Shalece.

Shalece is also a Mary Kay beauty consultant. If you need some contact her.

Ice cube drawing

2008-08-01T19:15:00.003-06:00

Ephemeral Ice Drawing
Here's a very cool project for a hot day. Supply your child with several sheets of colored paper and an ice cube to draw with. As the ice cube melts, it will create a trail of dark marks that fade as they dry and then -- poof! -- disappear completely. For an easy-to-hold twist, you can make the ice in a plastic ice pop mold with a handle. This can even be done on the sidewalk.

Cake Mix cookies

2008-08-01T19:01:00.005-06:00

These are the best and easiest cookies ever. Chocolate are my favorite. But any flavor will work. I usually get my cake mix at the 99cent store, and you can add whatever you would like. I add walnuts sometimes. mmm mmm mmm

1 cake mix

2 eggs

1/2 c. of vegetable oil

mix well

form into balls and put on coolie sheet

Bake for 9-12 min at 350 degrees

Oh my gosh go try them out.

xoxo, Sarah

sushi anyone?

2008-07-30T09:04:00.008-06:00

My fabulous friend (and step-mom) is a Nurse Practitioner and is always getting great parenting magazines. I love visiting her and finding a stack of these magazines waiting for me in their guest room for my enjoyment.

On our last visit, I found Family Fun magazine and loved all of the fun ideas they had in there for us to try.

My favorite was the Sweet Sushi.

Anyone who knows me knows that I.Hate.Fish. But I could definitely eat this fun treats.

Here's how to make them:

1. Sushi bases: For rolls, use a knife to cut 1 1/2-inch circles from a slice of cake. Frost the tops of the circles, then wrap a 6-inch strip of fruit leather seaweed around each one, using a dab of frosting to secure it. Press coconut rice into the frosting. For individual sushi, cut a cake slice into rectangles and round the edges, as shown. Frost the top and sides of each oval, then roll it in coconut.

2. Sweet toppings: From left to right, starting with the top row, we used orange nonpareils, apricot preserves, and pieces of Twizzlers Rainbow Twists. In the middle row, we used a green gumdrop slice, diced Swedish Fish, and gumdrop wedges. On the bottom row, we topped the sushi base with a Swedish Fish, then wrapped it with a strip of fruit leather.

3. Sushi sides: To make wasabi, warm a green Starburst candy in the microwave for 10 seconds, then use your hands to work it into a mound. For pickled ginger, microwave and flatten an orange Starburst candy, then bunch it up into a pile, as shown.

No sushi party would be complete without the right attire. Check out these cute toddler tees and onsies by Board Inc.

$1.00 this week

2008-07-29T21:03:00.003-06:00

I'm a little slow for getting this posted. The movie plays tomorrow (Wednesday, July 30) at 10:00 am. The show is only $1.00 and is playing at AMC Theater. For anyone in the Riverside area it's the new theater by the Tyler mall. Check here for available theaters near you.

They also have a Kid's pack for only $3.00
*kids size drink
*kids size popcorn
*kids size snack
upgrade to a regular candy for $1.00 more

Home Depot Clinics

2008-07-29T11:29:00.004-06:00

As summer begins to draw to a close (I hate typing that sentence!) you may be looking for something new to do with the kids that doesn't cost a penny.

Have you checked out the Home Depot Kids Workshop? "The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children".

The best part?? IT'S FREE!!

The clinics are designed for kids 5-12, but my friend just took her 2 year old and he loved it!

Check out your local Home Depot to learn more about the next project!

Eye Spy Bags

2008-07-26T14:36:00.005-06:00

I have made tons of these. I make mine like a log cabin quilt. I make 2 sizes. For the small ones, the clear center is 5 1/2 inches square. The sides are strips 3 " wide. I take one of the long strips and sew it right sides together to one of the sides of the clear vinyl. Start by cutting out your clear, heavy vinyl (I purchased mine at Wal-Mart. It is made for tablecloths.) For the large one:1 piece vinyl cut to 5 1/2 inches x 5 1/2 inchesStrips of flannel cut 3 inches wide (I just cut off the sides as Isew)
For the Small one:1 piece of vinyl cut to 4 1/2 inches x 4/1/2 inchesStrips of flannel cut 2 inches wide.

Right sides together, sew one strip of flannel to 2 sides of the vinyl. I USE A 1/2 INCHES SEAM. I WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS SECURE. Cut off excess vinyl. Open seams and finger press. Now add flannel to other 2 sides of vinyl and fabric. You will end up with a square with the vinyl in the middle. Finger press fabric and stitch around vinyl opening to secure--don't want those little balls to escape! If you are adding ribbon in the seams, baste it down to the top side seam now. If you are doing an eyelet, do it after you have sewn the 2 sides together. Cut backing same size as the top, sew top and backing, right sides together. Leave a small opening for turning. Turn, attach eyelet if desired, add *pellets and small items. Although you could hand close, I personally like to sew it on the machine--again for safety and security.

I have done the tag in two ways. You can add a piece of ribbon in between the last step and sew it right in the seam . I have also added an eyelet in the corner after I have finished the pouch. Just be sure that the eyelet is in strongly and cannot be pulled out. I have sometimes sewn a zig zag stitch from corner to corner underneath the eyelet to make sure that none of the little pellets get out.I put tons of things in mine. Some ideas: Try looking in the button section at Michaels, etc. They have buttons and then tiny things that are probably for scrapbooking. Also some of the confetti that you put on tables are fun. They are small and hard to find. I also go to the dollar store and get doll shoes, clothes, jewelry. Wal-Mart carries things for baby showers like diaper pins, bottles, etc. Tiny mirrors are available at craft stores.

BeadsButtonsDinosaursCarsTrucksFlowersScissorsWiggle eyePaper clipMoney (penny, dime, nickel)Rubber bandsStarsHeartsRibbonSnowflakesRingDoll shoesEarringsBouncing ballSnakeSpace shipMarbleBasketballBaseballFootballSoccer ballLettersSmiley faceSea shellJingle bellBeePuzzle pieceAntPom pomMirrorUmbrellaButterflyCatDogDog boneFishFish skeletonBalloonPurseBaby bottleDoveGhostPumpkinWitchLady butTeddy bearMittenStockingFlagArmy manLegoLemon sliceHippoGiraffeElephantBaby rattlePeace signCannonStrawMonkeyChickenClothes pin (look in the craft section for the tiny ones)AppleOrangeBugSpiderGold button, red button, silver button, etc.UmbrellaSpace shipLionZebraPenguinHandSafety pinMooseSun glassesDog pawYou can also copy and paste small things into a program and them laminate them. I love doing this to personalize it--try a picture of them, a family picture, CTR, picture of Jesus, what about each of the apostles, Their name, "H" "A" "N" N" "A" "H" (each on a different square. Put a Book of Mormon sticker on a piece of paper and laminate it, cut it out.WOW you could go way over board. I am in the process of making one for our granddaughter now that is out of Sesame street material with Elmo and friends in it. It is really cute. She is now into Dora, so I guess I will have to include her also.

From Other Contributors:
Religious "I Spy"Use items found in the scriptures, church history, etc.. For example: a dime (tithing), a seed, a CTR ring, a tie tack, a picture of Christ, a picture of Joseph Smith, a picture of President Hinckley, a red pencil, stickers, a toy anchor, an angel, a boat, Noah's ark items.
Look through scriptures for more ideas! If made in pillow form (bottles are a bit noisy!) It could be used during sacrament meeting!

I have not attempted this project yet but I am so excited to. SOON! I found these instructions on a website given to me from Lissa Rogers. Thanks Lissa you are the best!

line upon line

2008-07-25T18:09:00.011-06:00

When I was little, my mom taught me a lesson that was passed down from her mother who was taught the lesson from her mother (and so on, I'm sure) of the importance of thank you notes.

When my great-grandmother would send us a gift, we were told that we would never receive one again if we did not promptly send a thank you note to her...she wasn't lying. Ask me...I should know!

As I've grown older, I've gotten worse at sending these cards, but I really think that with these fun cards by Line Upon Line Greeting Cards that you won't be able to stop me from sending them to everyone I know!!!

Here are some of my favorites (go to their website for more great cards):

Front: I think Cheerios under the car seat should count as a 72-hour Kit.

Inside: You're such a good mom

Front: Families are Forever

Inside: I hope you like your in-laws

Front: Thank you for the delicious meal.

Inside: Glad we could help you rotate your food storage.

Front: You are so talented.

Inside: Will you do that for me for free?

Front: Got Casserole?

Inside: Thank you for nourishing and strengthening our bodies, and doing us the good we need.

xoxo,

Jen

First Ever GIVE AWAY!!!

2008-07-25T13:16:00.008-06:00

{{{{{{{{{ **Update** As of July 29th, we will be changing how our giveaways work. Thanks for being patient since this is our first one and we are learning along the way what works for the blog. When you leave your comment to enter your name in the drawing, you must go to Stikety Doo Dah's blog and tell us what your favorite item on that blog is.

Also, if you put our button on your blog, you will be given an additional entry in the contest! So button up!! }}}}}}}}

We are having a giveaway to help get people to view and add our blog. If you are interested in our give away please leave a comment at the bottom of this post and we will randomly choose a number depending on the number of comments and the winner will receive a fully finished family name board, with the colors or your choice. It can also say "families are forever" instead of "established 2008". A $20.00 value! We can't wait to read your comments.

Contest ends August 8th and we'll let you know who lucky winner is on August 9th!!

Love Jen and Sarah

welcome to the polka dot cottage

2008-07-11T18:14:00.000-06:00

The Polka Dot Cottage is a parenting blog that we hope will bring friends, women and moms together by celebrating all that makes our lives happy.

We hope to place a focus on the simple, modern, pretty and family friendly. And we hope that we can bring to light ideas, activities, recipes, design and things we love--all on a budget!

Posts will include exciting product finds and reviews, recipes, crafts, great deals that we stumble across and personal experiences as well as giveaways!

If it makes our lives happy, we hope to share it with you. We are just a few girls that love to share finds that make motherhood a bit easier, fun and enjoyable.

We hope for lots of interaction through comments and emails to the authors. Ask lots of questions, send us your tips, offer you opinions and give suggestions. We love and hope to make lots of new friends!!

Love,
Jen and Sarah