Home-Made Dresses

I was browsing on Pinterest one night when I came across some very cute Tutorials to make summer dresses for toddlers.

I decided to try two and see if I had the skill for it...

Here is the first one: (Tutorial)

Here is the second dress: (Tutorial)

Alphabet Letters

So , I have decided to start little home-made project for Élina and the first great idea I found were Fabric Alphabet letters stuffed with cotton.

It took me four naps (Elina's) and two nights and I was done.

Here are some pictures of the finished project.

12 Foods to Eat Organic

These are the fruits and vegetables that you must buy ORGANIC if you want to avoid the exposure to pesticides which are really bad for your overall health.

1. Apples: more than 40 different pesticides have been detected on apples, because fungus and insect threats prompt farmers to spray various chemicals on their orchards. Not surprisingly, pesticide residue is also found in apple juice and apple sauce, making all apple products smart foods to buy organic.

2. Celery: USDA tests have found more than 60 different pesticides on celery. It's a good one to commit to memory, since it doesn't fit the three main categories of foods with the highest pesticide residue (tree fruits, berries and leafy greens).

3. Strawberries: Strawberries are always on the list of dirty dozen foods, in part because fungus prompts farmers to spray, and pesticide residue remains on berries sold at market. Nearly 60 different pesticides have been found on strawberries, though fewer are found on frozen strawberries.

4. Peaches: More than 60 pesticides have been found on peaches, and nearly as many in single-serving packs, but far fewer in canned peaches.

5. Spinach: Leading the leafy green pesticide residue category is spinach, with nearly 50 different pesticides. (While frozen spinach has nearly as many, canned has had fewer detected pesticides.)

6. Nectarines (Imported): Nectarines, at least imported ones, are among the most highly contaminated tree fruits. Domestic nectarines don't test with as much pesticide residue, but overall 33 pesticides have been detected on nectarines.

7. Grapes (Imported): Another perennial entrant on the dirty dozen list, imported grapes can have more than 30 pesticides. Raisins, not surprisingly, also have high pesticide residue tests. Makes you wonder about wine, eh?

8. Sweet Bell Peppers: Sweet bell pepper, in all of its colorful varieties has nearly 50 different pesticides that have been detected.

9. Potatoes: America's favorite vegetable has, unfortunately, more than 35 pesticides have been detected on potatoes in USDA testing. Sweet potatoes offer a delicious alternative with less chance of pesticide residue.

10. Blueberries: Blueberries usually make the dirty dozen list, since more than 50 pesticides have been detected as residue on them. Frozen blueberries have proved somewhat less contaminated. Unfortunately, obvious alternatives like cranberries and cherries, while they may not make the dirty dozen list this year, are often contaminated themselves. For breakfast cereal, if you can't find blueberries, consider topping with bananas.

11. Lettuce: Joining spinach in the leafy greens category, lettuce makes the list of dirty dozen foods with the most pesticides. More than 50 pesticides have been identified on lettuce.

12. Kale (Tie): A super-food, traditionally kale is known as a hardier vegetable that rarely suffers from pests and disease, but it was found to have high amounts of pesticide residue when tested in each of the past two years. Can't find organic kale? Safer alternatives include cabbage, asparagus and broccoli. Dandelion greens also make a nutritious alternative.

Stocking Stuffers Ideas

I absolutely LOVE Christmas shopping. I have a blast coming up with things to stuff inside our stockings, and wanted to share some ideas with all of you. I hope you will find this list helpful, and that you come away with at least one or two new ideas to make your baby's Christmas a very Merry one.

Young Kids (Infants-2 years)

• Cereal puffs
• Animal crackers/Biter biscuits
• Baby Mum Mums
• Rattles
• Sippy cups/bottles
• board books
• small stuffed animals
• pj’s (you can ALWAYS find pj’s on clearance!)
• cute socks or baby legs
• teether
• soft Tonka cars
• small soft doll
• bath toys
• bibs
• baby silverware
• wooden puzzles
• juice
• baby lotion/baby bath
• first toothbrush

Happy Holidays,

Another Handprint Ornament Idea

I found this idea through "ASortaFairytale.com" and thought you guys might enjoy making it as a keepsake to put on your Christmas tree year after year.

All you need is:

*an ornament ball {the color is up to you}

*Embossing ink- stamp pad {to rub on babies hand}

*glitter {to sprinkle over the clear ink}

*q-tip {to clean it up a bit}

*heat {An embossing heat gun will seal it. if you don't have one of those, hold it over a toaster or burner}

Happy Holidays,

Naughty Donuts

Want to make some?

You'll need:

canned biscuits (I used Pillsbury Homestyle Buttermilk)
Melted butter in a shallow bowl(4 tbls per 8 biscuits give or take)
Sugar & Cinnamon in a shallow bowl(Mixed together in your favorite proportions...I like a nice medium brown mixture)
Veggie oil to fill your pan up to about 1/2in or so.

Heat up oil for a few minutes on medium heat.
While it is heating up, cut holes in the donuts with a cookie cutter or some other circular object

When one side is golden brown, flip with tongs. When that side is golden remove from oil and place on a paper towel lined pan or plate.

When the donuts have cooled enough to handle...using your fingers dip one side in the melted butter, let the excess drip off, dip in cinnamon and sugar mixture. Get it nice and coated. Flip over and repeat for the other side.

Enjoy,

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

November 1 through December 31

Free crafts, games and activities!

Take free pictures with Santa at the North Pole!

Where: 200 Gulf Stream WayDania Beach, FL 33004

When: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Who: Families with children of all ages.

How: Just show up

Cost: Free

For more info: Phone: 954-929-7710

Train Rides at Tradewinds Park

Every 3rd full weekend of the month

For all ages.

$1/ride per person (Cash Only)

10:00-4:00 p.m, weather permitting.

Riders under 10 years old must be accompanied by adults.

The Tradewinds and Atlantic Railroad offers model steam train rides on a half-mile track around a lake.

For information, call the park at 954-357-8870 or the railroad station at 954-978-1134.

The park's regular weekend and holiday gate entrance fee of $1.50 per person (children 5 and under free) will be in effect.

TradeWinds Park: 600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek FL (across the street from Butterfly World)

Happy riding, y'all

A Francophile Shop

I found this great website that allows you to buy French Products directly from France.

They have it all: Food, Drinks, Well-Being, Family, Baby, Home and many more...

This is a great find for French moms, and American ones as well. The prices are very reasonable and they have great variety.

Mondizen is an online store offering a wide range of French products for French expats and Francophiles in every country of the world. Mondizen’s website also manages grouped deliveries and provides a customized order service for sourcing, purchasing and transporting any French product.

Here is the link:

Mondizen - French products for francophiles and French expats shipped worldwide

I have already bought a few books for Élina to read before bedtime (I'm so happy to be able to

read to her in French again), some other baby products and some sweets for me ;)

Hope you guys enjoy this website as much as I have.

Flying with a toddler...

My daughter and I are heading home tomorrow from out lovely trip to Maine to visit my parents. I am a firm believer that organization is the key to a safe and relatively peaceful flight.

Here are some tips that have helped me get ready for 6 hours of traveling:

· Start preparing to pack a few days before you travel. Keep a running list of things to bring, or put items out on a table or dresser as you think of them.

· Use a diaper bag with a waterproof lining and a shoulder strap.

· Pack an extra shirt for yourself in your carry-on bag — just in case.

· Prevent leaks by packing medicines and toiletries in re-sealable plastic bags.

· Keep your child's outfits together in one suitcase so you can find them easily.

· Take your camera — and don't forget the battery charger if it's digital.

Here's a checklist of things you'll need to put in your carry-on, plus tips for easy, efficient packing.

• Diapers- Bring extras in case of emergencies or delays

• Wipes
• Pad to put under your toddler during diaper changes- You can buy disposable changing pads at supermarkets or reusable ones at baby stores

• Blanket- For comfort, shade, and warmth

• Plastic bags- Carry a variety of sizes for storing soiled diapers, clothes, and shoes

• Small bottles of disinfecting hand gel and toiletries
• Tissues
• Toys and books- Your child's favorites, plus several new toys for surprises along the way.

• Clothes, socks, and shoes- Dress in layers.

• Bibs
• Sun hat and sunscreen
• Sippy cups, or bottles- Encourage your toddler to drink lots of liquids to avoid dehydration, especially when flying

• Lightweight plastic feeding set with utensils
• Snack food- Don't forget high-energy snacks for yourself, too!

• First-aid kit- Pain reliever, allergy medicine and supplies for treating minor injuries

• Collapsible stroller- Can be gate-checked or stored in the overhead bin of an airplane.

All in all, just remember: pack right, arrive early, stay patient and most of all try to have a good time :)