Help Me & You Could Be Featured

I have A LOT of these yogurt cups leftover from lunchtime at my kids preschool. I have a few ideas on how to use them, but I thought I would enlist YOUR HELP!

Do you have any activities, crafts, or ideas on how to use them?

I will choose one of your ideas and feature it on my blog along with a link your blog!

I'm Praying for Tuesday....Are YOU?

Candy Coated Oreos

For a yummy treat for Valentines day (or any day really) try these super simple Candy Coated Oreos! It's a treat that is sure to please everyone from your child's teacher, a grandparent or even your or your husband's co-workers.

Gather your goodies:

1 package oreo cookies (might be cute int he mini size too!)
1 package candy melting bars in vanilla flavor (we used candiquik)
assorted sprinkles, mini candies, or squeezable frosting

cookie sheet

wax paper

(we did not use the kissables, they were too big)

Directions:

Step 1:

lay out enough wax paper to cover your cookie sheet

melt the candy in the microwave according to the directions on the package
have your oreos and your candy to side of your cookie sheet




Step 2: Dip your Oreo half way through the melted candy

Step3: Lay the dipped cookie on the wax paper covered cookie sheet.

Step 4: While stile wet, sprinkle the cookie with candy sprinkles, mini m & ms, or...you can draw a little heart with frosting. I left some plain too!

ENJOY!

The "Go-To" Box

This is the "Go-To" box. I keep it in the car and have it handy for those times when the kids need to be occupied quietly (or semi-quietly) when we are out. I only let them play with it when we are out, so it keeps it's special-ness. I purchased this two-tiered "snap box" at Wal-mart. I like that it has a handle and the two tiers seperate the princesses from the dinos! Any little bag or box will work. This is also a great option for airplane rides. Having this "Go-To" option really helps curb boredom, the wiggles, and the ever dreaded ants in the pants. :)

If you are curious what's inside:

little miss:

-princess figurines

-mini pink playdough

-mini coloring/sticker book

-Crayola triangle crayons (so they don't roll off the table at the restaurant)

-dollar store doodle pro

-silly putty

little dude:

-assorted matchbox cars

-assorted mini dinos

-mini coloring/sticker book

-Crayola triangle crayons

-mini lincoln logs

-dollar store doodle pro

For other boredom busters visit We are THAT family, the home of Works For Me Wednesday

Tweet. Tweet.

I. Did. It.

I am now a Twitter-er.

Or is it Tweeter?

http://twitter.com/HerCupOverflows

working on getting a widget for my sidebar...

Shoe Box Car Garage

Simple. Easy. Free. Three things I love and look for when it comes to crafts, activities and projects for the kids. This one in particular is great for boys.

Here's what you do: using utlity scissors or knife, cut out doors from the sides of an old shoe box. Flip the box over and you have an instant, free, and fun Car Garage for all those matchbox cars your son (and mine) hoards. Oh, and if you have two shoe boxes, you can make your garage double decker.

Winner!

WINNER of the MAGNETWEAR Giveaway is

Sandy of Just For Fun

Here's how I got there:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:7

Timestamp: 2009-01-27 15:55:56 UTC

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Sandy's comment for "I'm a follower" was the seventh entry.

Thank You to MAGNETWEAR for sponsoring is great giveaway. Be sure to check them out on the web and on Etsy. And thank you to everyone who entered! I am planning another giveaway very soon! So check back.

No More Boring Cakes

Jen Drury of No More Boring Cakes made this AMAZING cake for my daughter's birthday! She was delighted and so was I! It tasted incredible! And a special thanks to Robyn for sponsoring it! It was an incredible gift!

Muffin Tin Monday

There is still time to enter my MAGNETWEAR for kids Giveaway. Go check it out! The giveaway closes tonight at midnight.

Muffin Tin Monday is a weekly blog gathering (here at HCO) of mommies who serve one meal a week (or more:) ) in a muffin tin! We post submissions every Monday and enjoy sharing and encouraging each other as parents. Remember, you can be as basic or as detailed as you want!

This week's muffin "tin" is very small. This is actually a photo of the snack cups we had for Kya's little birthday party. Muffin tin liners are a great way to have kid-sized, disposable snack at a party-just enough for them to snack on and no little (most likely germy) hands getting in that snack bowl! The kids LOVED them!

Now it's your turn! What Muffin Tin Meal did you serve this week!?

Muffin Tin Mamas:

Muses of Megret

Counrty Girl Originals

faithful life

Just For Fun

Junior Mints and Reeses

Mind Games

On a Whimm

Growin' Up Anderson

The Sound You Hear is Living

Mommy and Little G

Blue Eyed Blessings (check out her "snowmen)

Casa Camacho

No Need For The Sunday Paper

As always, Muffin Tin Monday is tomorrow! There's no theme this week, so bring a little everyday muffin tin goodness my way! Don't forget to submit the direct URL to your post and not just a link your blog. The MTM post is what I link to.

HAVE YOU ENTERED MY MAGNETWEAR GIVEAWAY YET?

Ahhh...back in the saddle, as it were, where links are concerned. This list started out very small and then like all viral content....it kept growing and growing and well...Here they are:


NOTE: If you have a link, idea, tip, or even funny post and think HCO or it's reader's might enjoy it, email me at vistamommy(at)yahoo(dot)com and I will come check it out!


Casa Camacho: a cute birthday countdown chain. Wish I would've had this for Kya's 5th, I guess I 'll be bookmarking it and making it next year!


When Teachingtinytots gave me a heads up on this Spagetti and Meatballs Sensory Table idea, I knew I had to include it!

Skip To My Lou has a great tutorial on how to make Candy Cane Hearts. Perfect for Valentines day, I'd say!

Blue Eyed Blessings is one of my favorite blogs to get decorating and organizing (and still making it look pretty) ideas. She's just a mom, like you and me, but she's super talented and inspires me all the time. For example, her recent post about organizing her daughter's hair stuff and making it extra girly is so clever and cute!

The Masked Mommy has a great DIY post about using cereal boxes to make a DIY Mail Sorter

Little Birdie Secrets has an adorable fabric Valentines Wreath that you should definitely check out!

Little Moments takes a turn at the Cardboard Box Doll House. She calls it "a little ghetto", well, if so, then it's "ghetto fabulous"!

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Scripture today comes from the book of Romans:

Romans 12:9-16

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. [10] Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. [11] Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. [12] Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. [13] Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. [14] Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. [16] Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. [NIV]

Giveaway: MAGNETWEAR for Kids

Agnes over at MAGNETWEAR has gracious agreed to sponsor my next giveaway! I first spotted these adorable shirts after connecting with her through Divine Caroline. Each shirt comes with an adorable bug toy that clips to the child's shirt with a magnet! So clever and cute!

Would you like to win one of these adorable shirts for your child? You can win one of three ways:

1) Visit her website or etsy store and come back here and leave me a comment on this post as to which one you love or your child loves! she also has a blog that keeps you updated with new styles, photos and info. My personal fave is the spider pictured above!

2) Win a second entry by blogging about it and let me know you did! You must include a link to this post AND a link to either MAGNETWEAR's blog, site or store.

3) Get an extra entry of course, by becoming a "follower" or Subscriber to my blog. If you already are one, please state so in your comment. Remember, it's an honor system, so be honest about whether you subscribe or not!

GIVEAWAY ENDS MONDAY AT 12AM. WINNER WILL BE ANOUNCED TUESDAY MORNING.

Friday Find: Dollar Store Kids Baking Set

Another great find, this time at Dollar Tree. This kid's baking set is two part - the tools and the mat. Both were a dollar each, but priceless in their capacity for fun! We used ours for pretend baking tonight. The kids spent a great deal of time (okay, it was 45 minutes) making heart shaped "cookies", or as my son called them "hearts for Jesus" (His Sunday School teacher has been talking about what it means to ask Jesus into our hearts-pretty cute.)

I feel like I have joined an elite club of mommies after making two batches of homemade play dough. It was super easy and I didn't have to worry about the colors mixing. And I'm pretty sure the kids were just as happy than if I had paid money. I think all moms should go the homemade route when it comes to play dough - It's so worth it!

Here's the Play Dough Recipe I used:

1 cup flour
1 cup warm water
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon oil
1/4 cup salt
food coloring

Mix all ingredients, adding food coloring last. Stir over medium heat until smooth. Remove from pan and knead until blended smooth. Place in plastic bag or airtight container when cooled. Will last for a long time.

Kya's 5th Birthday "Day O' Fun"

For Kya's 5th Birthday, we decided a few weeks ago to, instead of a big party, with lots of friends and relatives, do two seperate days...celebrate on her bithday with a "day o' fun" and then a week later, a little sunday afternoon party with several of her girlfriends (in other words...the highly desired "princess party"). So this past monday, whilst recovering from this, Coach and I took Kya out for a day of 5 of her favorite things. She got a jump start the day before with Grandma and Grandpa - spending the night at their house is one of her very favorite things!

Here they are, the 5 faves, in no particular order:

1. A Night at Grandmas (trumped the Dollar Store)

2. Donuts for Breakfast

3. Pierced Ears

4. Boston Market

5. Ariel (represented in a new "not scratchy" version)

So here's how the morning started. And if you think she picked the pink one...You. Are. Right.

Next was ear piercing. My sweet little girl cried for a few minutes afterward, but over all braved it very well!

Boston Market was pretty uneventful and it turns out ALL Ariel dresses are scratchy, so she chose Cinderella instead.

This Sunday will be her little party with friends. I am keeping it very low key but still full of fun and very princessy.

Toilet Paper Roll Castle

We made these today and it was super easy and super fun! The kidlets used their actions figures and peg dolls to play with them later.

Materials:

4 empty toilet paper rolls (can use cardstock/construction paper too!)

1 pipe cleaner (for flag pole)

1 scrap of paper for flag

assorted stickers and decoration

Marker (to color a door on)

Steps:

(Before you begin, it is a good idea to wipe (rubbing with your fingers) all the excess tissue of each roll)

1. Assemble your castle by gluing/taping the four rolls together. (We taped ours together on the bottom and top) Cut divets into the tops of two of the rolls to create the towers ( I am blanking on their formal name).

2. Cut a length of pipe cleaner for the flag pole

3. Fold a scrap of paper in half and cut out a triangle for the flag (you can can have more than one of course, we just chose to do one)

5. Go wild with stckers and decoration on your castle! Don't forget windows and a castle door.

5. Adhere your flag to your pole and adhere that to your castle on the inside of the four rolls. You are done! Play to your hearts content.

Blogroll Is Up!

Here it is! Wow! There are some awesome blogs out there that I have found! I have categorized them, but honestly, almost everyone has a smattering of topics they blog about, so check 'em all out! (When you get to the end blogger was doing something weird and wouldn't let me format correctly-it looks a little too spaced out!)

Parenting:
Musings of a Mom
Confessions of a Mommy Blogger
Coplings Hobbit Hole
Mom's Marbles
Proud Mommy of 4
Just a Blink
You Can't Diaper Their Faces
Casa Camacho

Craftiness, Ceativity, Tips, Ideas:
Junior Mints and Reeses
Flyin' Annie
This, That N T'Other
My Little Gems
Bestitched Boutique
Life's a Journey
Blue Eyed Blessings
Cupcakes and Cutlery
Kidoozy
On A Whimm

Homeschool/Preschool Ideas, Crafts,Tips

Teaching Tiny Tots At Mommy School
It's All About The Kids

Miller Moments
A Bit of This and A Bit of That

Queen Bee Bows on Etsy
Just For Fun

Mind Games

A Thousand Joys

Our Nifty Notebook

My 4 Sweetums

No Need For The Sunday Paper (The Late Edition)

photo courtesy of notimeforflashcards.com

I am ready to be back in the land of the living and have already begun to get back into the family routine. I recently began working as an assistant preschool teacher at my kid's preschool and when I went back to work today, a few of my fellow co-workers said bladder/kidney infections are among the most common illnesses - because teachers can't leave the room to use the bathroom! They all assured me they had "been there". It was a little comforting to know I wasn't alone in having this happen!


So how was MTM??? It looks like all your tins were wonderful! Who knew there were so many blue and purple foods out there and like one of you said...seems a little peculiar that there aren't any naturally flavored/colored blue foods! Next week we are taking a break from themes (whew!) and just bringing your regular meals in a tin(or whatever theme you want to do yourself!).





So on to this weeks links (as promised!):





Mom's Marbles: Icicle Painting. Wish I lived in a cold climate to do this one! (Although I guess I could break out the ice cubes, but icicles just sound like more fun!).





No Time For Flashcards: Playing Grocery Store This seems like an old stand-by, but it's such a great boredom buster. I need break this one out!





Organize with Sandy: A new-to-me blog that I am loving. I think Sandy will be helping me with my new year's resolutions!





Confessions of a Mommy Blogger: She is a reader of mine that has a saved my after bathtime hair issues with my little girl with her homemade detangler. It's easier than you think!

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And here is some great scripture to ponder as how it applies to Godly humility:





Romans 12:9-16





Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Muffin TIn Monday Color Theme: Blue and Purple

Head over to Junior Mints and Reeses as she guest hosts Muffin Tin Monday for me today!

Bed's Eye View

This is the view from my bed right now. I am down, but not out with a wretchedly unexpected kidney infection. Bleck! It it is not fun, friends...seriously. But, I am getting better, so that's good! I am still working on getting that blogroll up and my sunday links post will most likely be a tuesday links post. And of course tomorrow, muffin tin monday is guest hosted by the lovely and creative Annie of Junior Mints and Reese's...so get your tins off to her!

Stay tuned in because I have a bunch of great things coming up this week!

Photo Friday: Waiting For Cookies To Bake

Here's our little guy, watching over a batch of cookies from cake mix. Making sure they cook correctly (ahem, fast). He kept walking over, kneeling to peer in the oven window every few seconds and flipping the light on (a recent discovery).

Blogroll

I am going to put together a blogroll of my current readers and publish it soon (in the next week). If you would like to be a part of it, just leave a comment or email me with the subject title blogroll. If you want, go ahead and include your blogs focus (i.e. parenting, recipes, homeschooling, etc.) and I will try and

Let's Dish: Jen Drury and No More Boring Cakes

Jen Drury and her family live in Vista,CA. I first "met" Jen after she realized we both live in Vista! It truly is a small world. I think Jen's cakes are adorable and wanted to share with you a little of her story and invite you to check out her business: No More Boring Cakes

Here is my Q and A Interview with Jen:

1) Tell us about yourself, your family and your business. How did No More Boring Cakes come about?

My name is Jen Drury. I am a SAHM (Stay At Home Mom) to Eli, my 4 yr. old son and wife to my very supportive husband Kris. I am so grateful to do this type of work while still home with my son:)

I have over 6 years of cake decorating experience. The very first cake that I helped work on was a baby shower cake. I realized that not only was it lots of fun but I was also good at it! It seemed very natural. So I took one Wilton class at our local Michael's craft store and I was hooked! My first cakes that I created on my own were for my nephew's birthdays. They were sort of my guniea pigs, but of course they did not mind (as long as the cake was lemon flavored:) For many years I only did cakes for family and friends. Cakes were my gift on all ocassions.

In Januray 2008 I decided to give this whole Cake Decorating idea a go with the public. I have been very well recieved and have been steadily getting orders. This is an amazing job that allows me to attend to my first job as a SAHM. For this I am grateful, blessed and could not be more happy being able to stay home but still contribute to our household.

In August 2008, I have added a new edge to my cake making. I am now doing Cake Decorating Parties. This is a great idea for kids birthday parties (aren't you tired of the bowling alley, chuck e' cheeses, boomers, etc?) These parties are also available to adults that would like to know how to decorate cakes. Gather a group of friends and invite me to come to your home; I will bring ALL supplies and everyone will go home with their very own cake creation.

I enjoy making cakes that really make people take a second look to figure out if it is the real object or a cake. I think about cakes all the time, always wondering what I can create next. With each cake, it is like my very first; I still get excited, nervous and anxious.... but I LOVE it!!!

2)What is the biggest struggle as a mom with a business?

Making sure I don't get carried away with my business and in turn neglect my son or use the tv as a babysitter.

3) As a parent, what are some ways you foster activity/creativity with your son?

I was a preschool teacher prior to having my son and that has really helped me think about all the day to day activities a bit different. I try to make everything fun and a learning experience, as well as planned out crafts, etc.

4) Do you have any special traditions or activities you do with your family?

Not in particular.... Nothing that has stuck at least...:)

Thank you so much Jen for sharing a little about yourself and your business!

If you have a moment, stop on over to No More Boring Cakes and check Jen out!