Fabric Birthday Banner

It feels like forrrrrever since Ive shared a craft with you guys. I'm super excited to share this one, because its one off the list for the big first birthday party extravaganza.

In the grand scheme, it probably took total two hours to make. But with drying time, it took a couple of nights total.

First I started with the letters. First I  made a template in Word using Areal Black font in size 300, and cut the letters out. Then I traced them backwards onto a sheet of fun foam.

After they were cut out, I busted out the glitter and some mod-podge.

Paint on a thin layer and smash into the glitter.

I let the letters dry overnight before hitting them with  a coat of clear acrylic to seal in the glitter so it doesn't get everywhere. You could also coat with another layer of modpodge if you like.

Then it was time to start the banner. Using the shape feature in Word I made a triangle template and traced it onto some duck cloth that was on sale for $3.99 a yard. I only got 1/3 yard of each color and I had way more than enough.

Just remember to alternate the triangles so you don't waste fabric, that way if you do screw up you have lots extra.

Once they were all cut out it was time to sew them to the ribbon. I laid them out on the floor and made sure to leave enough room to allow them to hang underneath one another. In my case it was 10 inches for the first layer, 20 for the second and 30 for the third.  I just used a few straight pins to pin the triangles 1 inch apart to the ribbon and sewed a nice straight line. If you don't sew, remember to use the reverse at the ends so that you can cut the thread nice and close and it wont fall apart on you.

Just a tip, make sure when you sew you pin the triangles on so that the clean side (the side you didn't trace on) is facing out. Otherwise, get yourself a seam ripper because that will bug the crap out of you if you're anything like me!

I used hot glue to attach the glittery Super Letters (it is a Super Why Party, after all!) to each triangle, and it was done! I saw these available on Etsy for upwards of $50- and in total I spent $10.59 on the supplies. It was well worth the savings in my book, because it was really super easy.

I promise to post a full shot of the three layers when I do the big birthday reveal :)

Cost Breakdown:

Fabric 4 Colors @ $3.99 per yard- $1.33 each x 4 = $5.32

Ribbon 1 Spool @ $.99 with coupon = $.99

2 Sheets of Fun Foam @ $.89 each = $1.78

1 bottle of red glitter @ $2.50 with 50% off coupon = $2.50

Total = $10.59

I already had the ModPodge and the red thread, but if you didn't add on another $5 or so for those.



Its Okay Thursday

Linking up with Neely and Amber for Its Okay Thursdays- because, well, its been that kind of week.

Go check it out and link up what you're okay with this week!

- If you get more cleaning done in the 15 minutes before someone comes over than you do all day.

- If the bean poops while Daddy is pulling into the garage to pretend you didnt notice so that you dont have to change it.

- To eat Redi Whip from the can for breakfast- its kind of like milk.

- To block someone on facebook who posts an absurd amount of political opinions and stupid pictures all.day.long.

- To shop online and at discount stores to avoid paying full price for something.

- To spend all of your fun money on a deluxe mani/pedi for Momma- sometimes we just need to spoil ourselves.

- To let the man child eat a whole slice of American cheese in the grocery store if it means that you get all of your shopping done in peace

- To tell the cashier at Kohls/Carters/Children's Place that you forgot your coupon at home to see if they will just give it to you anyhow. Most times, they do!

- To wear yoga pants everywhere, even if you have no intention of doing yoga in them.

- To go to a Zumba class and realize that your dream of being on Dancing With The Stars will never EVER come true because you spend most of the class looking like a goof.

- To grab a doughnut on the way home from spinning class- you need the sugar to keep up with the bean!


Happy Thursday, Lovelies!



Sunday Social- all about Food!!

Back again for week 10 of the Sunday Social with Neely from A Complete Waste of Make Up!



  If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?   Hmmm...thats tough, because I get bored with food easily. Probably chicken fingers and fries or mac n cheese.   What is your guilty pleasure/comfort food?    Cheese Steak Pizza.  

  What is the weirdest/craziest thing you've ever eaten?   I love putting ketchup on my mac n cheese, and grilled cheeses- which people think is weird.  I don't eat crazy foods, but I always have eaten like a pregnant woman.  I will eat some cheese, then Ill want some peanut butter, then Ill need an apple, then some chocolate. One after the other- its kind of strange. Of course when I was preggo I didn't eat like that at all.   What foods do you avoid at all costs?   Lots. Fish, whole tomatoes, watermelon, most veggies, guacamole, mustard...Im a pretty picky eater lol   What meal reminds you of your childhood?   Spaghetti, Ham and Mac and Cheese, Lucci's Pizza on Saturdays   Share one of your favorite recipes and the story behind it.   I love making bacon cheddar bay biscuits- they were one of the first things I thought at a restaurant that I could make myself and make better.  My husband loves them and requests them at least once a week- mainly because he likes to take them for his lunch the next day to eat a turkey sandwich on. They're also amazing with my quick homemade chicken soup- recipe for biscuits and soup here!  

 

Ten Months Old

Grayson Boy-

We did it- you have officially been on the outside as long as it took to bake you. I still cant grasp how you can be 10 months old, but that's besides the point.

You made it EXTREMELY difficult to take these pictures, peanut. You don't sit still for a nano second, and picture taking is a team event these days.

At your 9 month appointment you were 21 pounds 8 ounces, and when we took you back to your 10 month appt you were still exactly the same,  21 lbs 8 oz.  You did however, grow an extra inch- so you're one tall little guy.  You grow too fast, but Daddy is excited for the chance to have a tall boy so hes okay with it. You're breaking into 9-12 month clothes, but can still wear your 6-9 month shirts and size 3 diapers.

This month you took your first vacation- 11 hours in a car and you did excellent.  You barely cried, and were pleasant the whole time. We went to Tennessee and Georgia, and you did a lot of firsts. The only thing you really were not a fan of was the tubing on the Taccoa River because they made you wear a life jacket. You screamed the whole time, and made us all feel so bad.

You're trying so hard to walk, you take 5-6 steps off of the couch before you drop to your knees and take off crawling. You zoom around the couch, literally running the length of the sectional and fling yourself at whoever is there to catch you.

You climb on EVERYTHING. It drives Mommy crazy, because you take your little red chair and push it to the couch and scale it like its no big deal. The other day I was on the phone with Grammy and she asked where you were, and when I looked up to see what you were doing you were trying to climb onto the back of the sofa.  I keep joking that I'm going to attach you to the doggie run so you can't get too far!

You've mastered the high five and so big, and love to do them for people. The other skill you've figured out is clapping.  You clap for yourself all the time, and you wait for us to tell you "Yay Grayson!" while you're doing it. If we don't, you yell at us and its pretty funny. 

Your other new trick is the stinker face- and you give it whenever you are not thrilled with a situation.

 When you get really agitated, you also snort while making this face and that makes everyone laugh. You're full of personalty, and I love it.

You got to celebrate your first 4th of July as well as the birthdays of both Grammy's this month. You loved watching the small fireworks, but the big ones were too late for you- you passed out before they started.  You painted your first masterpieces this month for Grandma's birthday, and Mommy and Daddy were a little jealous that they got your first works of art.  

You love to eat new foods, but you hate when we baby you. You don't like food cut up into baby pieces, you want the big people food and you eat it like a champ.  The other day we went to eat with Grandma and you ate her burger, and you also eat whole slices of pizza.  You want your cereal on a spoon with milk, and a full on banana for breakfast. Chicken strips are a favorite, and so is any type of bread. Spaghetti you think belongs in your hair or on the backs of the puppies, but its so cute to watch you eat it. 

You're a talking fool. Of course all you ever want to say is DaaaaDaaaa! You jibber on and on and so far we can pick out words like Mama, Dada, Dog, Yea, and Nana. Mostly though, its all about daddy. He doesn't mind, but it does drive me nuts.  Grammy even tried to bribe you to say Mama- she offered to give you a dollar to say it. You held your hand out like pay up, and laughed at her. You are too much my love.

Grayson you are amazing. I cant say it enough. I love you more than words can say and even though I'm pretty sure you're going to give me a heart attack, I wouldn't change a thing about you or our time together.  You are the light of our lives and were really blessed to be your parents. I cant wait to see everything else you're going to be able to do next month, because you learn everything so fast. Its okay if you slow down a bit though, Mommy doesn't mind if you want to stay a baby for awhile.

Love always,

Mommy



Month 10 Must Haves!!

Here is what were loving this month!

Fisher Price Little People Classic Block Shapes

These blocks are the perfect size for little guy to start playing with, because they are still too big to fit into his mouth.  He tries to put them together, and can stack them on top of each other- but has yet to get them to click. He can seriously play with these for a good 30 minutes- which is amazing in Mommy time.

Three Foot Wading Pool

This pool is $7.99 at Toys R Us- and while its the perfect size for baby swimming, its useful for so much more.  Its the absolute perfect size to contain any messy play, and because its that super light plastic it can be cleaned easy and moved to wherever its needed. 

So far we have used it to paint in, play with moon sand, play with jello- all big hits.

Cars Upholstered Chair

This is Graysons current favorite spot to watch Super Why. Its his own chair, and the remote balances just perfect on the arm rest.  I like it because its wooden, so its sturdy. When he tries to pull himself up on it, it stays put- which is a plus because hes constantly using this as a jungle gym. Oy.

Innobaby Packin' Smart Stackable Snack Container

Best. thing. ever. I can bring along 5 different snacks- puffs, fruit, goldfish, pretzels, and Cheerios all in the space that the Puffs container used to fit. Each piece comes apart and has a little pour spout so they all stay in place. You can put formula, and pacifiers in the compartments as well and remove any part you don't wish to take along. Anytime I am out people always stop and ask where I got it, its just a really awesome diaper bag essential.

Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowls

If you want the bowl to stay put, this is your answer. It prevents them from knocking the bowl over when they are attempting to get food out themselves, or from tossing it over the edge when they no longer want to eat. Plus, they have lids, which means you can save some for later and just pop it into the fridge. Also works well on the snack tray of the stroller, or the tables at restaurants where they don't always have kid friendly tableware.

Make sure to check out Months 1-9 Must Haves here!!

Someone bring me an adult beverage.

So way back a few weeks ago Grayson took his first baby steps from my friends couch to her coffee table. Yay!!

Since then, hes been getting better on those legs- but gravity and him are still not bff's by any means.  He will pull himself up on something, then take about 5-6 steps on his own before dropping to his knees and crawling the rest of the way.  He hasn't yet stood up from nothing and taken off, but he does literally run the length of our sectional. He just sticks his hand out when hes a little shaky, but he zooms.  I know hes just going to get up and start running some day, but I'm in no hurry for that day to come.

What we have been doing really well? Climbing on everything.

Yesterday I ran to the kitchen to answer the phone and when I walked back into the room he had pushed his little red arm chair behind the couch, climbed onto the back of that chair and was attempting to scale the back of the couch.

Later that day we went to the park to try and get some pictures for first birthday invites- but this bench looked way more fun.

As well as the 6 foot slide he scaled with no help from us.

Oh and how many babies can do chin ups at 10 months?

Apparently, this guy.

As you can see the hubs is right there, but in no way is he holding onto him at this point.

So here is what I don't get, he cant walk, but he can climb like a mad man? It doesn't make sense.

The only thing I know is that I'm going to have to start drinking wine, stat.  

Sunday Social- All about Fall!

Here I am again, linking up with the Sunday Social. I had such fun last week popping in on different people and reading the answers to their questions that I decided to do it again!


 
1. What is your favorite fall activity?

Im going to pretend it says activities- FOOTBALL!!,  pumpkin picking, celebrating the hubs and the Grayson boy's birthday, back to school excitement, seeing the leaves turn colors, warm apple cider, taking Grayson trick or treating and finding him the perfect costume, Homecoming at the school I teach at and seeing the kids get all into it and have fun, celebrating the day I married the hubs- I like fall, a lot.

Our First Anniversary Picture- it was game day.

2. Do you follow a football team? If so, which one and why?

I love Football, and there is no question- I bleed black and gold. I grew up in a family of Steeler fanatics, and married a Steeler fanatic.  We live literally 5 minutes from Heinz Field, and can hear the crowd roar from our back yard on game days. We try to go to at least 1 game a year, and have been on the waiting list for season tickets for 3 years now.  I absolutely love how crazy Steelers fans are for their team, and the following that they have all over.  They are hands down my favorite fall activity.  

 No lie, he was 12 hours old- but it was game day, and he needed to learn how to represent early. This photo made it onto the local news to announce his entrance into the world.

3. What is something fun about fall in your area?

The leaves turn pretty colors, tons of farms have pumpkin picking and hayrides, haunted houses galore, trick or treating in our neighborhood can yield 300 kids, and Steelers Games.

4. Fav Fall outfit staples?

Big chunky sweaters, jeans, warm hoodies, boots, fleecy sweats and football jerseys.

5. Things you are looking forward to most about this fall season?

Seeing Grayson turn 1 and enjoy his first Halloween where he can get a little into it and celebrating our second wedding anniversary.

6. Favorite Fall Holiday? Traditions?

I like Halloween just a bit better than Thanksgiving, but its close. Going pumpkin picking at the same farm, taking drives to see the leaves, carving pumpkins competitively, decorating for Halloween, Halloween parties at friends houses, writing what we're thankful for on our place mats and re-using them every year so we can see what changes year to year....Im big on traditions and holidays.

I will do this again this year- just need a bigger pumpkin.

Go Link Up With Neely and Ashley!! Now!!