Tips for Having the Perfect Playdate

Since March 2020, parents and children have been left with primarily virtual connections, with some children born during the pandemic who have never enjoyed a simple playdate at all.

Let that sink in for a moment…

As a mom of three girls - age 5 1/2 years, 3 years and 4 months - the last 18 months have been difficult for our family. Virtual junior kindergarten wasn’t exactly the way we envisioned our daughter crossing that milestone off the list. Seeing her interact with her new friends through the computer, celebrate birthdays over Zoom, talk to her neighbourhood friends from the sidewalk and constantly cover the smile on her face with fabric decorated in rainbows and unicorns was not exactly what we had in mind.

But this year, things are changing. Kids are back in school, organized sports, birthdays and backyard hangouts are a go. The playdate is making a comeback. 

Play is extremely important for our children - the simple act builds creativity, creates positive feelings and fosters connections. It contributes to the cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being of out children. And for adults, play helps to reduce stress, improve brain function, improve productivity and provides positive energy. Play is imperative in childhood development, and, believe it or not, in adults’ too.

The pandemic has definitely changed how children play and interact with others, and Fisher-Price wants to help bring people back together and connect through play - be it virtually, in-person or in a hybrid environment. For more than 90 years, Fisher-Price® has created toys that spark childhood learning and development through play. 

When thinking of the perfect playdate, what comes to mind for you and your children?

For the perfect playdate, it is important to balance the play needs of multiple age groups. One way to do this is by incorporating toys that are not only age appropriate, but that are also suitable for multiple age levels.

Two of our current Fisher-Price® favourites include the Giant Rock-a-Stack® and Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym.

The Giant Rock-a-Stack is perfect for all ages. For our littlest, it can help develop her coordination skills by grasping and shaking the six extra-large, colourful rings, our preschooler can use her problem solving skills to figure out how to sort and stack the rings from biggest to smallest, and our oldest can have fun playing with her younger siblings (she’s often in the role of ‘teacher’).

The Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym is also a hit. It has five light-up piano keys, a repositionable toy arch, 5 repositionable toys (a self-discovery mirror, elephant teether, crinkle panda, lion rattle & monkey cymbal clackers) and four musical settings that keep your little one rocking out for years. The best part is that this infant activity gym grows with baby, from lay and play to tummy time, sit and play and take along. Baby sister is just learning to roll, so the girls love getting down to her level  on the colourful animal mat to encourage her new moves. 

Looking for more playdate tips and ideas? The Fisher-Price “Lets Be Kids” platform celebrates seeing the world as a kids sees it. Check out the playdate tip sheet that encourages communication and imaginative play between children, their playdates and their families. 

Parents, welcome back to childhood. Together, lets celebrate play through the lens of a child. 

What are some of your tips and tricks for creating a successful playdate? I would love to hear!

Toddler-Friendly Felt Christmas Tree Tutorial

Are you looking for a toddler-friendly Christmas tree alternative? This Toddler-Friendly Felt Christmas Tree Tutorial will add a festive flair to your home this holiday season, while creating a learning opportunity for your little one.

Holiday decorating is upon us, and today, I'm flashing back to the 2016 holiday season with this simple and festive DIY for your little one. 

I originally created this felt Christmas tree tutorial when my husband, 8 month old daughter and I were living in a teeny tiny one bedroom apartment as we awaited the completion of our first home. We were so excited to celebrate baby's first holiday season, but since, at the time, she was starting to become quite the mover, we were worried about her safety around the Christmas decorations in the small space. 

We usually opt for a real tree, complete with all of the fancy decorations, but because of our little mover, that year we decided to try something a little different. We had a small tree tucked out of the way for mom and dad, but also added this felt Christmas tree to the living room wall, just for the babe.

This simple-to-make felt Christmas tree is baby/toddler-safe, maintenance-free and decorated with lots of brightly coloured ornaments that your little one can easily rip off and put back on.  It added a festive flair to our teeny tiny abode, while creating a great learning opportunity for little miss Morley. 

Why not make one for your little one this holiday season?

Toddler-Friendly Felt Christmas Tree Tutorial

Materials

• 1m green felt
• Several squares of felt, assorted colours
• Square of yellow felt
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks 
• Fabric scissors
• Soft tape measure (normal measuring tape will also work fine)
• String
• Marker
• 1 adhesive wall hook, medium

Directions

I purchased the felt from my local fabric store. They sell small individual squares in a variety of colours (for making the ornaments) as well as felt by the length, which I used to make the tree. You can also find a package of assorted colours, here. 

First, make the star for the top of your tree using the yellow felt. I started with the star because I had a limited amount of yellow felt and the size of the star would determine the size of the tree. 

Next, make the tree body. Lay your tree fabric (green felt) on the floor and fold in half, vertically. Using a marker, draw the outline of your tree. Cut along the line, through both layers of green felt. Open the fabric back up to reveal your bare tree. Attach the star to the top with hot glue.

Next step is to make the ornaments. I used a cup as my stencil to make circles on the felt. I made circular ornaments for my tree because they are easy for my daughter to grab. Get creative - you can make any size or shape you desire! Use the scrap felt to spruce up the ornaments.

When it comes time to sticking the ornaments on the tree, you won't need any additional material. Thanks to a little science and the power of static electricity, felt sticks to felt like magic.

Don't worry about making it perfect - your babe is not going to judge you if the tree is not symmetrical or the colours of your ornaments don't match. They are going to love it either way!

Now it's time to hang your tree. Using the glue gun, add a loop of string to the top of the star/tree. This will be how you hang the tree on the wall. Make sure that the wall you hang the tree on is a smooth surface. With the tape measure, measure the height of your tree on the wall. Following the directions on the package, affix the Command™Clear Medium Hook to the wall. 

Hang the tree on the hook. Since our apartment is so dry, the felt automatically clings to the wall. However, you can repeat the above steps with a few more hooks to support the branches, if needed. Ensure the weight of the tree is evenly distributed across the hooks. 

The great thing about using these hooks for this tree is that if you don't like the placement, or need to move it for any reason, you can do so without the fear of holes or damage!

The possibilities with this tree are endless. You can add as many different colours and shapes of ornaments as you wish! If you are feeling especially creative, you can even make presents to go "under the tree" or even a stocking to hang beside (like I did in the photo above). 

To incorporate a learning experience into your felt Christmas tree, make ornaments of different shapes, sizes and colours. Add numbers and letters to the ornaments to take it to the next level.

Now it's time to let your little one play and have some fun with their new tree! But please remember, do not leave your child unattended while doing this activity.

For more baby-friendly activities, check out this recipe for baby-safe paint.

What are some of your tips and tricks for decorating your indoor spaces around the holidays? I'd love to hear!

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

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Favourite Packable Kid-Friendly School Lunch Ideas

There’s no denying that for children everywhere, the 2020-2021 school year will look different than those in the past. Just how different, is yet to be fully determined. But one thing that will remain constant is lunch time, and the need to pack your child’s lunch. 

Check out some of our favourite packable kid-friendly school lunch ideas, made with Mastro/San Daniele cooked deli meats.

This September, our family enters a new chapter - our oldest daughter enters kindergarten. And while we're all excited for her to go to "big girl school", one thing I'm NOT looking forward to? Having to pack her lunch every day. 

I was having a conversation with a girlfriend the other day about school lunches. For the past six months, I’ve made my girls’ lunch every. single. day. Making my kindergartener lunch for school should be no different, right? Wrong. We may only be a few days into the school year, but I’ve quickly found that the opposite is true.

So much more planning needs to go into school lunches - ensuring they have enough food to last the entire day, that what you pack is peanut-free, that your kids actually like and eat what you pack, that the lunch contains minimal packaging, that they can easily open any of those packages, and so on, and so on. 

At the end of the day, regardless of whether our children are in kindergarten or high school, we just want them to eat lunch. Am I right?! But, coming up with creative ideas that ensure no food gets left behind can often be a challenge. 

Mastro/San Daniele offers a variety of cooked deli meat products that are great for families and can make going back-to-school easier. They are versatile, light and can be used to elevate a dish that you eat regularly (think that reliable lunch sandwich) or incorporated into a tasty snack. 

Check out our favourite packable kid-friendly lunch ideas made with Mastro/San Daniele cooked deli meats - meals that are easy to whip up the night before, but delicious and healthy to keep our kiddos fuelled throughout their busy day (regardless of what that may look like this school year).

Favourite Kid-Friendly School Lunch Ideas 

Nectarine Wraps

Kids won’t eat fruit? Try this fun alternative. Mastro Prosciutto Cotto is full in flavour, extra lean and low in fat. Combined with the sweet nectarine, its a winning combination.

What you’ll need:

• Mastro Prosciutto Cotto
• Nectarine (can also use peach, pear or melon)

What to do:

1. Slice the nectarine into manageable sizes. 
2. Wrap each individual slice of nectarine in an approximately sized piece of prosciutto cotto.

Ham & Cheese Flatbread

A fun spin on a classic sandwich! Slow cooked to perfection, Mastro Capocollo’s distinctive flavours make it ideal in sandwiches, antipasto and pizzas.

What you’ll need: 

• Mastro Capocollo
• Cheese, thinly sliced
• Small pita or naan bread
• Mayonnaise (optional)
• Mustard (optional)
• Shape cutters (optional)

What to do:

1. If your child likes mayonnaise and mustard, add a thin layer of each to the top of the pita or naan.
2. Add a piece of Mastro Capocollo on top of the bread. 
3. On top of the cooked deli meat, add a piece of thinly sliced cheese (your choice of variety). 
4. If you want to get really fancy and fun, use shape cutters to cut fun shapes into the bread, meat and cheese.

Lunch Sandwich Sushi

Perfectly portioned, two-bite sandwich rolls. It’s like kid-friendly sushi! San Daniele Mortadella is gently prepared and cooked to savoury perfection, a great choice for this lunch sushi. It comes in three varieties - classica, light and hot.

What you’ll need:

• San Daniele Mortadella
• Whole wheat tortilla
• Cream cheese
• Cucumber, thinly sliced

What to do:

1. Peel and thinly slice cucumber.
2. Lay out the tortilla on a flat surface, and cover in a thin, even layer of cream cheese.
3. At the bottom of the tortilla (closest to you), lay a few thin slices of cucumber.
4. Layer a piece of San Daniele Mortadella on top of the cucumber.
5. Starting from the bottom (closest to you), roll up the tortilla. If the wrap does not stay closed, use a bit of cream cheese to hold it together. 
6. Using a sharp knife, slice in one inch sections.

Check out this link for $1 OFF your next Mastro Prosciutto, Mastro Capocollo or San Daniele Mortadella purchase. 

What are your favourite kid-friendly lunch ideas? Any tips or tricks for this new school-aged kiddo mom? I’d love to hear!

*Disclosure: I have participated in a paid partnership with Mastro/San Daniele. Opinions in this post are my own.

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Tips for Preparing Your Child for Back-to-School in a COVID-World

Next week, our oldest heads off to kindergarten. And in the world that we currently live in, I would be lying if I said I wasn't just a little bit stressed.

Starting "big kid school" alone is enough of a worry for parents - how will my child do, will my child make friends, will they miss me, and so on and so on, are all valid questions on our mind. Truth is, I don't feel prepared. BUT add on a global pandemic, potential exposure, new health and safety policies and procedures, wearing a mask all day, etc. etc., and things get a bit more worrisome.

(^^ How was that one year ago already?! ^^)

The past few weeks I've spent a lot of time talking with other family members, parent friends and teacher friends to learn how they're feeling about sending their kids back to school, and the techniques they're applying to ensure a smooth transition.

Here are some of the things I learned, straight from the mouths of parents and teachers.

Side note: I understand that school has already started for some and for us in Toronto, is quickly approaching next week. However, it doesn't help to apply these tips anyways. 

Tips for Preparing Your Child for Back-to-School in a COVID-World

1. If your child is not used to wearing a mask, get them used to it as soon as possible.  Start in small increments (5-10min) and gradually build up.  Perhaps you can put a mask on their favourite stuffy to "normalize" it a bit more.  

*I know that school starts next week for us here in Toronto, and it may be too late to apply this tip. However, if you live outside of Toronto and masks are not mandatory in your child's school, it may not hurt to start applying this tip in the evening, just in case. 

2. If you are out shopping with your child, be intentional about showing them the signs and stickers on the floor which point out directions and the need for proper social distancing and what that looks like. 

3. For lunch or snack times, pack a tea towel or cloth in their bag for them to use as a placemat.

4. Make sure to pack a spoon and/or fork for your child to use so that they are limiting the need to put their hands in their mouths-especially for fruit which can be very sticky. 

5. Make sure that your child can open and close all of her/his containers,packages or thermos meals. 

6. Start practicing with your child how to zip up/button clothing and make sure to send your child to school with velcro shoes. Laces will not be tied up.👟

7. Start practicing a hand washing routine and how to do so properly (between the fingers, wrists, back of the hand). Same with sanitizing.  Do it multiple times in the am and pm.  

8. Talk to your child about how to behave in the bathroom at school.  It's not a place to play. Do your business and get out. And stay off the floor. 

9. Have a safety plan. If you are working and receive a call from the school that your child is ill, is there someone who can pick them up?  What protocols does your place of work have for parents who need to pick up a sick child?  

10. Invest in good outerwear for your child-rain boots, raincoat with a hood, snow pants and jacket, warm mittens and hats. This year students will be spending A LOT of time outdoors-rain or shine. 

Check out some of our favourite back-to-school gear for outdoor play, here.

 

11. Remember to pack an indoor pair of running shoes for the first day of school so that soiled outdoor shoes remain out of the classroom area.  Children will need a set of clothes to remain at school in case of spills or bathroom accidents. 

12. Label everything-masks, clothes, masks, water bottles etc. Mabel's Labels are durable labels that can get wet and won't wear off. We buy the Ultimate Back-to-School combo which includes 40 small rectangle labels, 70 Tag Mates stick on clothing labels and 16 shoe labels. 

Additional tip: If you have multiple children, order labels with your last name instead of the child's first name. This makes it easier if they share belongings. 

13. Invest in a breakaway lanyard or fanny pack for your child to place their mask when not in use. (We used this breakaway lanyard and this fanny pack - both Canadian small shops.)

14. Practice having your child apply sunscreen.  In the past we have helped apply it, but will be unable to do so this year.  Show them what an appropriate amount is and important places it needs to be applied.  

15. Ensure your child drinks enough water to stay hydrated. Talk about the importance of drinking water, and how it can help to keep them healthy. (This is our favourite reusable water bottle for kids.)

16. Pack extra masks in your child's backpack, just in case. Place them in a clean resealable sandwich bag. Also have an extra bag on hand for soiled masks. 

17. Have conversations. Having open, age-appropriate conversations with your children will help them know they are not alone, that we do not have all the answers, that flexibility is very important and that parents, teachers, doctors, etc. are doing everything possible to ensure their health and safety.

18. After spending many long months at home, children may feel nervous about going back to school and being apart from family members. There's a strong possibility of separation anxiety. Have conversations about going back to school and try to develop tools for your child to feel connected to home, such as notes in their lunchbox, or a family photo they can bring to school.

19. While visiting the interior of the school may not be allowed, take a walk through the outdoor yard. Show your child where they will enter, where you'll pick them up at the end of the day and where they will play outdoors. Children (especially kindergarteners) are creatures of habit, so walking them through where they will spend their time may make them feel more at ease. 

20. Remember, we're all in this together. Talk with your children and help them understand that anyone can get the virus, no matter where they are from in the world. We all must do our part to keep ourselves, family, friends and others safe and healthy. 

Keep in mind - these tips can be applied to children of all ages and are not restricted solely to those entering kindergarten. Practicing proper hygiene and health and safety procedures is important for everyone, regardless of your age. 

Do you have any tips and tricks for preparing your child for back-to-school in a COVID-world? I'd love to hear!

For those that have already started school, did you apply any of these tips? And did you find they were effective? Please share!

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Let's be honest, school is going to look A LOT different this year. With more outdoor time planned, it's important we send our kids to school with the appropriate gear for the activities AND the weather. As September approaches, and you begin to create your back to school shopping lists, be sure to check out our favourite back to school gear for outdoor play!

I've always been a big advocate for outdoor education. As an environmental education professional for the past decade plus, I see the benefits of getting kids outside and connecting them with nature. Whether the intent is to learn about our environment, or just spend time outdoors for fun, being outside has a positive benefits on mental health. Extending the classroom to the outdoors, even if being forced to do so for public health and safety and the ease of social distancing, is beneficial for everyone - teachers, students AND parents. 

A recent report by the Children and Nature Network documents how getting students outside more enhances learning and academic performance and is good for physical and emotional well-being. The report found that more outdoor learning contributed to lower rates of diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases, reduces anxiety and depression and engages students in their schoolwork. And at a time where mental health may be at an all time low thanks to COVID, anything that takes my daughter's mind off of the anxieties of that come with "the big bad germs" and improve her physical and emotional well-being, is welcome in my books. 

One key to creating an enjoyable outdoor experience is ensuring children have the proper outdoor gear. Staying warm, dry and comfortable is definitely key. And it doesn't hurt to be over-prepared for the weather. As a friend in Alaska, where you can blink and the weather has changed, once told me, "It's easier to take off the layer you have, than to put on the one you don't have." Simply put, layering is key because you can always take them off. Wise words I live by, and now enforce with my girls.

With the amount of time we spent outside in all seasons, we've learned a thing or two over the years about what being dressed for the weather and outdoor play means. And now, we're sharing that info with you! Check out our list of favourite back to school gear for outdoor play below.

Back to School Gear for Outdoor Play

Outdoor Clothing & Gear

1. MEC Toaster Suit: Full coverage and warmth for small skiers and riders who want to play outside in wind or wet snow (because wet snow is the best building snow). This classic one-piece suit offers warmth and weather protection when there's fun to be had in fall and winter. Redesigned for 2018 based on member feedback, the Toaster Suit is now waterproof and tougher than ever. Durable waterproof fabric helps them stay warm and dry through hours in the snow, and it's abrasion-resistant to stand up to the demands of serious play. The suit has room for layers and a hem that can be let down to accommodate growth, then (if you need it) tacked up again to ready it for the next kid in line. Also comes in infant sizes. *Easily our favourite clothing item from MEC for our children.

2. MEC Toaster Bib Pants: These waterproof insulated pants offer weather protection when there's fun to be had in foul conditions. Redesigned for 2018 based on member feedback, these snowpants are tougher than ever. New durable waterproof fabric helps them stay warm and dry through hours in the snow, and it's abrasion-resistant to stand up to the demands of serious outdoor play. Room for layers lets you dress for the weather, and an adjustable hem accommodates growth, then (if you need it) readies them for the next kid. Variable-thickness insulation allows ease of movement while retaining warmth. And a center zip makes them easy to get on and off.

3. MEC Long Toaster Parka: For those days where the cold comes at you from every angle, a little extra parka goes a long way. The Long Toaster Parka keeps the youngest members of the family warm and comfortable, and that is in everyone’s best interest. Thoughtful details include soft trim around the neck and pockets, reflective piping, zipper pulls that can be grabbed with mittened hands, and insulation that's tapered in the arms, so movement isn't limited.

4. MEC Newt Suit: An outdoor classic for wet days. Redesigned based on member feedback, the updated Newt Suit returns to the durable, tried-and-true fabric of previous years. Taped seams and waterproof fabric stand up to wet playgrounds and rainy hikes, so kids stay dry and comfortable no matter where their explorations take them. Long zippers make for easier outfit changes when it's finally time to head inside. Also comes in infant sizes.

5. MEC Aquanator Jacket: The fully waterproof-breathable fabric on this jacket ensures dryness through wet and windy conditions.The relaxed silhouette easily fits over several warm layers and can be worn just a light jacket as conditions require. Comes in the pictured pink pattern and blue. Also comes in youth sizes.

6. MEC Heritage Rain Pants: These rain pants are built for the wettest weather and the splashiest activities imaginable. The seams are fully taped and the fabric has a DWR finish. Ideal in extremely wet conditions when the goal is to stay completely dry. Comes in blue, grey and black. Also comes in infant sizes.

7. MEC Campfire Fleece Jacket: This mid-weight polyester fleece jacket works perfectly as a mid-layer to wear under a rain jacket or ski shell. On its own it takes the chill off outdoor play. It has classic style and even a bit of a retro nod, but the brushed polyester is entirely warmth-without-weight modern. Comes in a handful of colours, including purple and orange.

8. MEC Sunnyday Joggers: These joggers are perfect for campsite exploring and recess adventures. With a UPF rating of 50+, the Sunnyday joggers are ready for fun in the sun.The lightweight fabric is treated to repel water and resist dirt, keeping kids looking cleaner longer. 

9. Sunday Afternoons Play Hat: This sunhat gives the perfect sun coverage for small heads. The cape provides neck protection and compresses easily for leaning back in a car or stroller. A buoyant foam core in the brim keeps the hat afloat if it falls out of the canoe. The lightweight fabric allows it to dry quickly, and also resist water and dirt. Breakaway chin strap provides security and safety, which is extremely important on the playground. Comes in a variety of different colours. 

Outdoor Footwear

10. Kamik Riptide Rain Boots: These Canadian-made rain boots are 100% waterproof for foul weather protection. Kamik's lightweight rubber protects you from the elements without weighing you down, while the insole has an antimicrobial treatment to keep things fresh. Comes in a variety of colours. 

11. Kamik Snowbug 4 Boots: These winter boots are perfect for the littlest members of your family. They'll keep your little ones wonderfully warm, and the easy-fit, extra wide openings and adjustable elastic Velcro® strap provides a snug, stay-on fit.

12. Smartwool Toddler Trio Socks: This 3-pack of Smartwool socks are made from 70% merino wool, and their medium thickness makes them perfect to pair with winter boots and high-volume footwear.

13. Smartwool Merino Hike Stripe Light Crew Socks - Children: These mid-calf height Smartwool socks are made from 48% merino wool, making them perfect for hiking, camping, winter and even daytime at school. 

Additional Gear

14. Hydro Flask 354mL Wide Mouth Kids Bottle: Made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, this TempShield™ double-wall insulated keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and won’t sweat in their backpack - perfect for making sure your child has access to cold water to stay hydrated all day long.

15. MEC Process Bookbag: The much-loved MEC Book Bag has a fresh look and an updated name. Dedicated spots for your laptop, books and academic supplies are still in the equation, but we've added a new heritage-inspired logo and better organization for electronics. There's a low profile side pocket to hold a water bottle or a slim vacuum flask of caffeinated motivation, and the fabric is more durable than ever. This unisex bag comes in a variety of colours. 

16. Light My Fire Spork: It's a knife, it's a fork, it's a spoon. It's the perfect addition to any kiddos lunch bag. This durable utensil is made of a corn-based co-polyester that won't scratch non-stick coatings and is dishwasher safe. Comes in a variety of colours, and as a single or 2-pack. 

17. SkipHop Kids Insulated Lunch Box: This roomy, insulated lunch bag keeps food and drinks cold, including when outside for longer periods of time. They are easy to clean, machine washable. An interior mesh pocket can hold utensils, and a handle clip to allow attach to any backpack. Comes in a variety of fun characters including unicorn, butterfly, owl, monkey and more. 

18. Bentgo Kids Brights – Leak-Proof, 5-Compartment Bento-Style Kids Lunch Box: This bento lunch box has five practical compartments, portioned perfectly for a child’s appetite (recommended for ages 3-7). It is made with BPA-free materials and is drop-proof, with rubber-coated edges and sturdy design - ideal for active kids on the go.

19. Mabel's Labels Ultimate Back to School Label Combo: Make sure your kiddos never loose their outdoor (or indoor) gear again with these durable, waterproof name labels.  Perfect for backpacks, lunch containers, clothes, water bottles, pencil cases and so much more. Sign up for their newsletter and receive 20% off your purchase. 

What's on your back to school shopping list for your kiddos? Needing to purchase any additional gear in anticipation of longer outdoor time? I'd love to hear!

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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5 Fun & Easy Summer Cricut Joy Projects (+ Preschooler Flashcard DIY)

*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cricut. All opinions are 100% mine.

Summer. The days are long, and the kids are out of school. And chances are high that you’ve also been home from work - maybe juggling working and caring for your children? Ya, me too. Keeping them busy and engaged, while limiting screen time to allow you to get work done is not an easy task. And if there is ever a time to pull out the Cricut and create some fun projects with (or without) your kiddos, now is the time.

Today, I’m sharing why I love my Cricut Joy™, specifically five of my favourite Cricut Joy DIY projects that I’ve made at home this summer using Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl™.

5 Fun & Easy Summer Cricut Joy Projects

Vegetable Garden Markers

One of my favourite things about our new house is the backyard. It’s crazy what a little green space can do for your mood. Since moving in last summer, I have been so excited for the girls to finally have a place to get outside and play. But, this new green space also meant that I could build an even bigger and better vegetable garden than the container gardens we had on our condo terrace last summer. So we were able to tell what was what, I created these vegetable garden markers using up cycled paint stir sticks that I simply spray painted white and Smart Vinyl - Permanent in black. I measured the size of the paint stir sticks and created the vegetable labels text (DJ Juicy font) in the Cricut design space app. I applied the labels to the painted stir sticks with Transfer Tape, and once completed, added them to my garden next to the appropriate fruit or vegetable. Much better looking that the generic tags that come from the Garden Centre. 

Wooden Welcome Sign

This wooden welcome sign is one of my favourite Cricut Joy projects to date. Earlier this summer, we added a deck to the back of our house, and to give it some added personality, we created this “Welcome to Our Deck” sign. It was also super easy to make, and with several home update projects already on the go, we had all of the materials we needed already at home. I simply created the text in the design space app (Babette font for "Welcome" and Creative Memories Tiny Treasures - Rubber Ducky font for "to our deck"). My design can be found on Design Space here.

Mailbox Decal

While our front porch is going to be next summer’s focus, I couldn’t help but take our ugly white mailbox and give it some curb appeal by painting it black to match the porch railings. I then personalized the mailbox with “hello” text created in the Cricut design space app using Babette font (easily my favourite cursive font in the app). Once the mailbox was dry, I applied the cut vinyl in the desired spot using Transfer Tape. 

Stemless Wine Glasses

We love to entertain. And while this summer may look a little different when it comes to entertain, I am happy that we have still been able to have those in our bubble over for backyard BBQs. I recently purchased more backyard-friendly plastic stemless wine glasses and decided to jazz them up a little using Smart Vinyl - Permanent in gold. I measured the size of the glasses and created the “cheers” text (Babette font) in the Cricut design space app. I then applied the labels to the outside of the clean glasses uses Transfer Tape. They were very easy to make, and added a little something extra (including lots of compliments and questions about where I bought them) to our backyard get togethers.

Preschooler Flash Cards

These flashcards were one of the first projects I made with my Cricut Joy when schools closed back in March. I was determined to keep the learning continuing, and these super simple flashcards were a great help in doing so. Using construction paper and Smart Vinyl - Permanent, in white, I created a set of capital letter cards and small letter cards. These flashcards could be used for letter recognition, spelling names and/or matching capital and small letters. The flashcards were very easy to create in design space, as the font Cricut Alphabet Circle already existed. I simply printed it on the vinyl, and applied it to the construction paper using the Transfer Tape. I did used two separate colours of construction paper, one for the capital letters and one for the small letters. But if you wanted to up the difficulty, you could use the same coloured paper for all. 

Next up on my Cricut Joy DIY list? Story blocks. Stay tuned to see how they turn out.

The Cricut Joy makes home DIY projects so easy. Unlike other Cricut machines, the Cricut Joy is a compact cutting machine, less than half the size of Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker—making it perfect for people without a dedicated crafting area (like me)! From customized pillows, to personalized glassware and welcome signs, the possibilities are nearly endless with this fun tool.

For the majority of my projects, including those outdoors, I use Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl - Permanent which is water- and UV-resistant, and lasts up to 3 years. Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl also comes in removal and writable, and a variety of different colours, including mattes, metallics, holographic and more. 

Be sure to check out the Cricut blog, where you’ll will find more DIY inspiration and tutorials! Use the hashtag #CricutAtHome when sharing your project on social media - I would love to see what you create!

Do you have a Cricut machine? What’s your favourite project to make? I’d love to hear - I’m always looking for inspiration!

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Easy DIY Piñata - Made with Up-Cycled Materials Found at Home!

Looking to add some excitement to your next backyard birthday party? Check out this easy DIY piñata tutorial, made with up-cycled materials found at home!

Last summer, our daughter’s first birthday party theme was “One in a Melon”. To go with the theme, I decided to create a watermelon shaped piñata. It was really ambitious, I admit. BUT turns out, it was SUPER easy! And not to toot my own horn, but it also turned out pretty amazing and was a smashing success (no pun intended). 

Also turns out, I set the birthday bar REAL high, and piñatas are now a birthday party expectation. 

So, when Berks’ second birthday came around, I decided to go it again and make an ice cream-shaped piñata, because she was “Two Cool”. 

Buying a piñata at a party store can get pricey. Making your own is a cost effective option and not as hard as you’d think. Chances are, you already have all of the materials you need at home. And, it's a good way to repurpose those items destined for the recycling bin - think Amazon boxes, newspapers or flyers and gift tissue paper. 

I will admit, while they’re easy, they do take some time to make. At least 2-3 days. So it does take a bit of pre-planning and can’t be a night before decision. But, they’re so worth it because it will be a hit (ok, pun intended on that one). 

Check out the easy DIY piñata tutorial, and all of the materials you will need to gather from around your home, below.

Easy DIY Piñata Tutorial

Materials:

• Cardboard (i.e. your Amazon boxes)
• Marker or sharpie
• Scissors
• Tape (thicker tape works best)
• Newspaper or flyers
• Large bowl
• Flour
• Water
• Streamers or tissue paper
• Rope
• Screwdriver 
• Sharp knife
• Goodies (i.e. candy - for the inside)

Directions:

1. Repurpose the boxes from all of your COVID Amazon purchases (I can't be the only guilty one?) - Cut two pieces of cardboard, large enough for your design. Using the marker, draw your design and cut it out. Pick a design with less detail. The less detail, the more structurally sound (and easier to put together) it will be. 
2. Using the left over cardboard, cut cardboard strips, which will act as the edges of the piñata to give it the 3D shape. 
3. Using the tape, attach the cardboard strips to one side of the piñata face. Repeat for the other side.
4. Cut the newspaper into large strips. I kept the newspaper folded when I cut so that the strips were two-ply. It will save some time when getting down to the paper mache part of the piñata.
5. Mix up the paper mache goo. You can use traditional plaster of paris, but not everyone has that lying around. Flour and water will work just as well, and chances are, you already have flour in your pantry. Add a little bit of water at a time to get the correct consistency, you want it to be almost pancake batter thin. Add more flour if it is too thin. Flour and water is much more environmentally friendly (and pet safe) as well. 
6. Start paper maching! Dip the double-layered strips of newspaper into the flour-water mixture. Remove any excess with your fingers. Cover the cardboard cutout with a single layer of paper mached newspaper. Allow to dry for 24 hours, flipping every so often to allow each side to dry. By this point, it should be rock solid. If not, repeat with another layer.
7. Before decorating, cut a hole for the candy using a sharp knife. Don’t make it too big, or it will affect the structure of the piñata. It just needs to be as big as the biggest piece of candy or item you will be putting in it. 
8. Add the goodies to the piñata. Once you are done, close the flap. No need to tape the flap shut, the tissue will eventually cover it.
9. Now it’s time to bring the piñata to life and decorate the outside! To do this, you can either use paper streamers or tissue paper cut into strips. When I made the watermelon, I purchased pink paper streamers and green tissue paper at Dollarama. For the ice cream cone, they did not have the colours I wanted in the paper streamers so I bought gold, purple and pink tissue paper (gold for the cone, and purple and pink for the Cotton Candy ice cream, as requested by my four year old).
10. Cut the tissue paper into strips. Using tape, wrap the tissue around the piñata and use small pieces of tape to secure it. Remember to start at the bottom and work your way to the top so that the layers overlap properly. Repeat until the entire piñata is covered, with no exposed newspaper or tape. It doesn’t need to be pretty - the next step will help to blend it all together.
11. Using scissors, fray each layer of the tissue paper to help to blend it all together.
12. Using a screwdriver or sharp knife, poke a hole through both sides of the piñata to be able to hang it. Make sure the hole is about two inches from the edge of the piñata to keep the structure and so it doesn’t fall apart at the rope.
13. Once the rope is added, pick a location to hang it, grab a bat or hockey stick and have fun cracking it open!

*See photo below for detailed photo instructions.

Happy piñata-ing!

Have you ever made your own piñata? I’d love to hear about it!

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