In the KinderGarden

When I volunteered to help prepare the garden for the Kindergarten class I had no idea I'd be manning a Rototiller. But before I manned any machinery a family with a winery stepped in and donated wine barrel planters. Thank you!
They came in, dropped the planters in place and we filled them with potting soil, ready for the kids to plant their KinderGARDEN. So, to finish it off I made a sign for both the preschool and Kindergarten classes to mark their gardens.

Summer Wreath

I just finished my summer wreath. It took me a while to find out how to make the flowers I wanted to use and the fabrics, too but I love the end result.

Here's a great and easy tutorial on to make felt flowers. I used the same concept for my fabric flowers.
http://www.infarrantlycreative.net/2011/10/how-to-make-felt-flowers.html

Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches

Today I had a craving for cookies so I made Chocolate M&M Oatmeal Cookies and boy were they great. So I made an extra special dessert for Family Game Night and turned them into Ice Cream Sandwiches with a little vanilla bean ice cream I had on hand. Delicious!

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies with M&M Toppers

I usually make Peanut Butter Jumbos for my family but the kids are anti-peanut butter cookie. So I found this recipe on Betty Crocker and had to share. I added M&M on top to make them a little more colorful...and delicious.

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies/48acadc3-f7e1-46b5-bb33-33bee95f6cf7#?st=6&term=Oatmeal-Chocolate Chip Cookies&fv=AND(HasGridViewImage%3ATrue)&ps=9&pi=9&fv=AND(HasGridViewImage%3ATrue)

ARTIFICIAL TURF FOR KIDS

I took the kids to the Santa Barbara Zoo over spring break. It was loads of fun but I couldn't get the kids to look any many animals because they were having so much fun on the hill. They have an artificial grass hill and cardboard box pieces for the kids to use to slide down the hill. They had a blast but then it got me thinking...what about adding this to our future home play area? I found a link to some neat play area suggestions including a mini putting green.

http://backninegreens.com/play-area-grass

Outdoor play area is available year round No more restricted outdoor time due to maintenience requirements or soggy grass

Reduction in your children's chemical exposure
No need to fertilize the lawn anymore

Grass allergy reactions
Are greatly reduced

Kids stay cleaner
Less mud is tracked indoors and you can say goodbye to grass stains

Fewer owies
Synthetic grassis non-abrasive

Much more attractive and play-friendly
As compared to alternative rubber matting or wood chips

No mess or splinters
As compared to wood chips

Wild animals and insects
Are deterred by artificial turf

Conserves water
Protect our children's futures

Summer Wreath

I'm in the mood to make a Spring or really a Summer wreath. I thought this one I found on http://curtnlinds.blogspot.com/2011/06/vacation-week-dollar-store-wreath.html

was rather unconventional and something I might be able to do HOWEVER I will be making it with my own style and might even incorporate a classic wreath with the frame. Not sure but I had to share cause it's cute.

Succulent Arrangements

Succulents are amazing to me. I found someone that does a beautiful job with a variety of succulents and even makes them into wedding bouquets and boutonnieres. Check out her link.

http://www.succulentlyurban.com/index.html

Peeps Chocolate Milk

I've seen a lot of Easter Martinis which are typically my thing but since I have a load of kids arriving this weekend I thought we'd better make a fancy Chocolate Milk to add something special to the day.

here's what you'll need:

Chocolate syrup

ice cold milk

Williams Sonoma brown sanding sugar

Chocolate Peeps

In a cocktail shaker mix 2 T of chocolate milk and 8-10oz of milk. Shake! Next, rim the edge of the glass in chocolate syrup and dip into the sanding sugar. Pour the milk in and add a Peep to the edge of the glass.