Elmer's Holiday DIY Christmas Ornaments and Decor #GlueNGlitter #CBias

All the items I purchased for my project.

This Holiday Season I told myself I wanted to be more crafty. There is something special about hand made Christmas items that you can remember the good time you had while making them. A few years ago my Mom sent me an ornament that I made when I was in Kindergarten. I love the ornament. Its one that I cherish. This year I wanted to make one like it for my son. I went to Walmart to shop for Elmer's CraftBond and X-ACTO products to create DIY Holiday decor for my tree. My plan was to make an ornament like the one I made as a kid and a few other ones that I could put on the lower half of my tree. (My tree is somewhat bare on the bottom since my son has pulled them all off and broken a few!)

My inspiration item that I made as a kid.

The Elmer's CraftBond and X-ACTO aisle in Walmart

For my #ElmersHoliday project DIY Ornaments I purchased:

Elmer's CraftBond ScrapBooking Double Sided Tape

Elmer's CraftBond Foam Mounting Tape

Elmer's Mini Bi-Fold Foam Board 

X-ACTO Decorative Edge Scissors Zig Zag and Scallop 

X-ACTO Corner Rounder Punch

Additional items:

Felt Sheets Multiple colors

Fuzzy Sticks

Wiggly Eyes

Red Ribbon

Plain Glass Ornament Bulbs

My first item to make is the Look A Like Reindeer Ornament. First I used the ribbon spool as a template for a circle for my ornament. I did the same with the Red Felt sheet and Black Felt sheet. I used the Elmer's CraftBond Glue Pen to glue the felt to the foam board.Then I used the Foam Mounting tape to set the brown felt to make the reindeer face. I used the Foam Mounting tape so the reindeer face would be 3-D like and have room behind it for the antlers. Next I cut the Fuzzy Stick to make the antlers, added the wiggly eyes, balled up some red felt for a nose and made a small reindeer smile with a tiny black felt triangle. After I let the face part dry with the Glue Pen I then glued red ribbon around the ornament to cover the edges and create a loop to hang the ornament with.

The next craft we created using the Elmer's and X-ACTO Products was a few simple but sweet ornaments for the lower half of our tree. Since my son loves to take the ornaments off and on like he is decorating I wanted to make cute but light weight and non breakable ones. The first one I made was a cute handprint ornament of my son's hand. I could not decide on what shade of green to use and after the first try I did not like either of them. Since it was water based paint and the Foam Board has a slightly wipe-able surface I was able to use a damp paper towel to redo my son handprint in red. Next we made a few simple Greeting Card ornaments using the X-ACTO Decorative Edge Scissors. I cut the edges of greeting cards that we have used over the years and had extras of. After beautifying the edges I then used a piece of fuzzy stick as the hanger part of the ornament. A simple way to add some charm and color to our tree.

Next I wanted to make a door hanger for the front door that we could put outside for Santa. We do not have a chimney so I wanted to make a Santa sign for the front door. So that way Santa would know to stop at our house too! This one I made when my son was taking a nap and the look on his face when he woke up and saw it was priceless. He yelled Oh Wow Mama! It was beyond sweet. Glad he appreciates my crafty skills. I used the Foam Board then glued white felt to the front and then another Christmas card I had onto the felt. Then I wrapped some of the red ribbon around the edges using the double stick tape that way I could easily place the back felt on top of the ribbon and ribbon loop keeping it all together. I used the Corner Round Punch on the edges of the card even after it had been glued on. (My plan was to do it before hand but I forgot!) Thankfully I was able to round the edges of the card, it gave it the extra touch it needed. I cannot wait to round the corners on all the holiday cards I will be mailing. To me things just look fancier with round edges.

I used the Double Side Tape for the top card so it would be easy to press onto the felt.

On Christmas Eve I will hang this on the front door so Santa will know to stop at our house :)

The final DIY #ElmersHoliday Project I made was a Christmas Tree Bulb Ornament. I was also planning to make some hand print snowman on a bulb using my son's handprint but after the first handprint item I made he was not letting me put paint on his hand again. He said No Way so I had to not make that one this time. Hopefully in a few days he will let me. Hes 2 and very opinionated lol. For the Bulb Ornament I wanted to make it look like a mini round tree. First I cut out some brown felt to make a tree trunk and used the Foam Mounting tape to fix the stump onto the bottom of the bulb. Next I used the red felt to make a tree skirt for my ornament and white craft paper cut with the Decorative Edge Scallop scissors to make it look lacy like. I used the Double Sided tape to put the tree skirt on the bulb and the lace like paper onto the skirt. I love how versatile and sticky the double side tape is! I added a fuzzy stick piece to the top and then hung it on the tree. I think its super cute! 

My husband said something about a green fat Santa when I showed him this but my son said Christmas Tree so I am thinking it looks awesome!

After I was done making my DIY Christmas Ornaments and Decor #ElmersHoliday #GlueNGlitter Craft Project I was happy with my creations and my son was excited there was stuff on the tree he could mess with. We hung the ornaments and to his delight I let him help hang one too. I had a fun time creating crafts and making memories! 

You can find more great Crafting Ideas from Elmer's and X-ACTO on the website and social media pages.

www.elmers.com
www.facebook.com/elmers
http://twitter.com/elmers
www.facebook.com/xacto

 
Click Below to enter a great Elmer's CraftBond Giveaway. Prize value of $250!

You can see my fun shopping trip at 
Walmart on my Google+ Story 

*This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias.   
#collectivebias #CBias #ElmersHoliday #GlueNGlitter
All opinions expressed in this shop are my own and your experience may vary

Martha Stewart Dog Products at PetSmart Review Holiday Gift Guide

I have had dogs all my life. We have had shelter dogs and store bought dogs, they dont seem to do the store bought ones like they used to. But places like PetSmart can help you find a dog to adopt. Since my son has been born we seem to buy Dog Toys more often for special occasions like Christmas rather than all the time.

This year we were able to review the new line of Martha Stewart Pets products from PetSmart. I am a huge fan of Martha and I was excited to see what types of products were offered. We were sent a PetHoliday Holiday Bow Dog Collar and ToyShoppe Sock Monkey Ring.

The Sock Monkey Ring is really cute. My son did not want to give it to the dog. When the dog had it and put it in her mouth my son screamed OH NO! He thought the dog was hurting the little monkey. The dog dropped it and ran off. It was some what confusing for the dog and my son. We do not buy the dog soft toys that look like stuffed animals since we did not want the dog to try to eat our sons toys and did not want our son sticking dog toys in his mouth too. I ended up tossing the toy in the wash and now my son has it lol. The funny thing is its a really cute toy that kids and dogs will love.

The Holiday Bow Collar we were sent is wonderful. Its festive and very well made. My lab is a sturdy dog that is a puller when she wears a collar and leash. She seemed to mellow out a bit with the collar on. I think it was the bow, she thought maybe she should be more lady like lol.The collar is lined on the outside with a soft velor like material making it look very fancy.

You can learn more about the Martha Stewart line at PetSmart on Facebook and Twitter pages.



*I was not paid or compensated for this post. The opinions in this post are 100% mine. I was provided the products pictured to review for this post by the Company / PR Company.

You too can be the Queen Of Fudge!

Every year for the past 25 years or so, there is one thing that my family could count on at Christmas time. It didn't matter what was going on in our lives, be it unpleasant relatives, a bad economy, or a dear grandmother who had passed away. If Christmas is coming, I am making fudge. Lots and lots of fudge. My favorite is chocolate with walnuts. But I have some picky people here in this family, and they really don't hesitate to ask for their favorites.

I have made maple fudge, white chocolate with red cherries, white chocolate with green cherries, peppermint fudge, and plain chocolate with no nuts. I am happy to make fudge for everyone, not just because they are my family and I love them, but because they think I am am totally brilliant and fabulous because I make the best fudge ever. I do make a huge production of it, stirring away, and no one would dare bother me while I am busy making this magic. But the truth is, it is really very easy to make fudge. Years ago, I watched a relative make fudge and it was a lot of hard work that produced something that was hard as a brick and tasted like one too. I vowed then and there that I would never bother with making fudge again. But then I found the answer to making the softest, creamiest, yummiest fudge on the planet. It is the recipe on the back of the jar of Kraft Marshmallow Creme.

It is a very simple, no fail, anybody can do this kind of recipe. The only thing you absolutely must do is stir it for the entire four minutes that it is on the stove, so that it cooks and doesn't burn. You must also assemble all the ingredients in one place so that you can add them quickly. It really is easy. Fudge makes a very pretty and delicious gift for almost anyone. Teachers, neighbors, co-workers, they will love it. Just try it. It really is easy. And you too may someday hold the title of Queen Of Fudge.

Barney Pillow Pets Review Holiday Gift Guide

A Barney Pillow Pet, how more perfect could a plush toy be for my son. He has a few Pillow Pets already that he adores and he LOVES Barney. He dances and sings anytime he see him. We watch Barney DVDs together and my son learns a lot for Barney. His Pillow Pets he adores he has to sleep with them all. I have been working on asking him to pick just one to sleep with. I am sure now that he has Barney Pillow Pet it will be the one he chooses.

As soon as I gave it to him he squealed and cheered. He told me "Barney Mama" it was so sweet! He has been snuggling him all day and giving him kisses. I know it will be hard when it comes time to wash his Barney Pillow Pet. I love that about Pillow Pets that they can be washed and dried. Anytime my son spills something or his Pillow Pet gets ratty I can wash it back to almost new. He loves to hug them when they are warm right out of the dryer.

This Barney Pillow Pet would be perfect for any kid who loves Barney. Pillow Pets are a super great item. Its useful and fun. We are fans of Barney on Facebook to see all the updates on the latest Barney news.

You can buy a Barney Pillow Pet online at HIT Entertainment Barney Official Shop. You can also find Barney Ornaments and Stocking at the official store.

*I was not paid or compensated for this post. The opinions in this post are 100% mine. I was provided the products pictured to review for this post by the Company / PR Company.

Donating a New Puppy Kit with Milk-Bone® Dog Treats #ILoveMyk9 #CBias

Last week my son and I took a trip to Walmart to buy Milk-Bone®, Pup-Peroni and Milo's Kitchen dog treats along with some other items for a new puppy. You can read my story my story about my dog and see our shopping trip here.

My black lab "Kosha" as my son calls her is one of the sweetest, happy, obedient dogs I have ever had. And over the last 25 years I have had many breeds of dogs. She has been in our home since she was a tiny puppy. She is my side kick and for a few years my "baby" until my son was born. My son and her are best pals. They jump, dance and run together all over the place. She adores him just as much as he does her. My son loves to feed her dog food and give her treats. She is a Milk-Bone® dog. She loves her "cookies" just as much as my son loves Chocolate Chip cookies, and he is a cookie monster! They both could spend all afternoon eating their favorite treats if I let them.

Over the weekend we almost lost our sweet dog! We have a rickety fence on one part of our yard that finally fell over after a windy night and my dog got out. She is not really a runner when it comes to being outside and thankfully so. One of our awesome neighbors took her to a local vet. (Still cant figure out which neighbor it was but THANK U to whoever it was!) When we woke up that morning and my son asked for "Kosha" I opened the door to call her. Normally she comes running to us as soon as she hears me. There was nothing, no bark, no loud trampling noise as she runs, just silence. My son had a panicked look on his face and I was very puzzled. I had no clue the fence on the back part of our house was down. After looking around and realizing what happened we got dressed and were getting ready to go look for her. I looked at my phone on the way out the door and saw there was a message. I almost was going to listen later since we needed to go look for her but I wanted to see who it was. I am so glad I listened because it was a Vet near by calling to say they had our dog and found our info from scanning her micro chip! I was over the moon happy that she was safe and so grateful that we micro chipped her as a puppy.

My son and dog have been pals since he was born!

I grabbed her new collar we got her for Christmas (this was a time for presents!) and some dog treats and we all drove over to the vet to pick her up. When she saw us and my son she wagged her tail like crazy and my son yelled her name and hugged her. It was a very Homeward Bound moment lol. Never have I been more happy to have spent an extra bit of money on micro chipping her. If we would have lost our sweet dog it would have been so sad, and at Christmas time. We thanked the vet and we were given a vague description of our dogs rescuer and took our "Kosha" home.

I know she will be getting a stocking full of Milk-Bone® this year!!!

Getting ready to put together our Puppy Kit Gift

I liked how this all looked but then thought the red stuffing would be a puppy no no

I decided to not include the red festive packing stuff since I am a sure a puppy would try to eat it.

As a frugal Mom I wanted to include some coupons in the basket for the person to buy more treats!

Now that we had our own dog safe and sound at home we wanted to donate our Milk-Bone® Puppy Kit to our local SPCA shelter. Many people will be adopting puppies and dogs this holiday season that need a good home. I know it must be sad for the dogs that are not chipped and were not found if they were lost. I hope all the dogs find a good home.

We dropped off our Milk-Bone® Puppy Kit gift and asked that it be donated to a family adopting a puppy. They were very busy at the Placer County shelter so we did not have the chance to see any dogs or pick a specific puppy to give our gift to, but I know the good people there will make sure its properly donated.

If you are planning to get a new puppy for the holidays or anytime please do as I did and get your dog micro chipped in case they go missing. And of course give them yummy Milk-Bone® treats to make them a happy dog!

The Tree inside the SPCA Placer County. It was full of pictures of animals that need homes.

My son saw a Kitty Cat and kept asking me if I saw it. He said "You See?" Id love to get him a cat but I am allergic!

*This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. 

All opinions expressed in this shop are my own and your experience may vary. #Cbias #ILoveMyk9

Continuum Games Lumps the Elf Coal Game and Family Talk 2 Board Games Review and Giveaway

Board games have always been something our whole family has enjoyed. We are big on family fun aspect and the challenge of playing one another. Quiz and strategy games where we play as teams can be hours of "low tech" entertainment that we can all enjoy. Especially when its different generations playing. What better time than the holidays to have some new games to play with family and friends.


We recently heard of the company Continuum Games. They make all sorts of games for all ages and age specific games for 3+ to 14+. There are many fun games for adults to play like Reverse Charades and Pitch It.

For this holiday season we had the chance to review Family Talk 2. This game is a conversation starter game. The game is played with cards and it asks random questions to spark conversation. As a family we are a bunch of chatter boxes so this game was more of a novelty. But I can see it working for a party where we have new people there and it would be a good ice breaker.

Game info:

• Second edition of our popular Family Talk game
• Fun, Portable family game of conversation keeps today’s busy families connected
• 100 new and exciting question cards attached to round carabiner clip for use anywhere – at home, at a restaurant, in the car, on vacation
• Questions that get the whole family talking – even hard-to-talk-to Teens!
• Portable, thoughtprovoking, fun!
• Great as a travel game
• Ages 3+

The other game we review is Lumps the Elf Coal Game. This game comes in a cute little stocking and is fun. Its a dice type of game that you are trying to get a set amount of points, sort of like a dice card game. The fun part was any amount of people can play. Our competitive nature made us want to each win for bragging rights! Next time we play we might put a candy reward up for the Elf that wins the most times in a row. That will really get the competition going! This game can be a choking hazard for kids under 3 so be sure to keep track of your lumps of coal.

The Lumps Legend:
Children around the world have been so good over the past few years; lumps of coal have built up at the North Pole. Puzzled by what to do with the excess coal; Santa’s elves decided to create an exciting new game that uses lumps of coal of all shapes and sizes

The goal is to score the most points in three rolls by rolling pairs of the same number. Roll a pair of 3s, score 3 points in a pair of 10s scores 10 points. What makes the game unique is that it has four different types of dice and there are few high numbers. On each turn you have to make decisions on which dice to keep and re-roll. Do you play it safe and hold a pair of 4s, or chance it and try for a high pair? 

Also a 15% off coupon code with the code: funforallages

Lumps, the Elf Coal game is available at Hallmark Gold Crown stores, Books-A-Million, Go! Games and 100s of specialty toy stores in the US. Family Talk 2 can be found online at the Continuum Games website.

GIVEAWAY

Win Continuum Games Lumps the Elf Coal Game and Family Talk 2

To Enter This Giveaway: (mandatory entry before extra entries)

What other games do you like from Continuum Games?

*Leave a comment answering the question and be sure to leave your email address if its not public in your Google account*

Extra Entries: Can be done after leaving a comment for mandatory entry. If the extra entry says 1 extra entry leave 1 comment and 2 extra entries leave me 2 comments and so on.

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#Win a Lumps the Elf Coal game and Family Talk @ContinuumGames at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 12/21







*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts December 16, 2011 and ends on December 21 , 2011 at midnight PST. Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize.