DIY Toilet Paper Roll Valentine Countdown & Activities

It is the day before February, and I should have done this post a week ago, but you still have today to get it put together, or go ahead and save it for next year.

If you're somewhat of a regular here at Blissful Roots, then you know we love counting down to the holidays at our house.  It's a great way to sneak in some math lessons, (numbers, counting, how many more, etc…) build anticipation, and do some fun activities that probably wouldn't get done otherwise.

In October, I shared my Halloween toilet paper roll countdown, and today it's the Valentine's Day version. 

Toilet paper rolls are perfect for this project for so many reasons!

*They're free.
*You always have plenty of them (if you get in the habit of saving them).

*You're recycling when you use them.

*They're the perfect size for holding a small treat and note.

*They're a blank canvas for decorating however you'd like. 

I found my white and red polka dot paper at Michaels.  Then I added some ric rac to the top and bottom of the covered toilet paper rolls.  I found the red glitter hearts at Dollar Tree, then used some blue number stickers I had for the numbers.  I painted them white and added a bit of glitter.  I used red tulle to stuff in the tops of the toilet paper rolls because I was out of tissue paper (what I usually use). I have to say I'm really liking the tulle this time around.  I've never used it before. 

Inside each toilet paper roll, I put a goodie bag (found at Dollar Tree or Michaels) with an activity on a note, and a small treat.  Pretty easy and low-key.

If you want to start this tomorrow, you can just do one toilet paper roll a day.  I do that some years when I'm not too on top of things.  Some years I have all 14 days ready to go and set out on February 1st.  Other years, I just do one toilet paper roll a day, and switch the number on the front and replace the treat and note in the goodie bag. Do whatever is easiest for you.

And in case you're needing some ideas for valentine activities, here's a list of what we do.

*Valentine tic-tac-toe

*Read a valentine book

*Pick out/make your valentines

*Heart attack someone

*Conversation heart graph

*Goldilocks valentine story (check back on February 11th for more details)

*Make valentine cookies, cupcakes, cake, treats, etc...

*Shaving cream and food coloring hearts (follow directions in post, but just use red, pink, and purple food coloring and then cut into heart shapes when done)

*I love… journals

*Love letters jar

*Love notes & mailboxes

*Symmetrical valentine art project

*Valentine movie (Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown is always a favorite)

*Valentine breakfast, lunch, or dinner (more details coming soon on that as well)

So, that's how we spend our time leading up to the big day of love.  What are some of your favorite valentine activities?  We've been doing these for several years now, and while my boys haven't complained, I'm sure they wouldn't mind mixing it up a bit.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you found a little something worth your time.

Linking up to these parties & Savvy Southern Style.

Fingerprint Art

For some reason I've had fingerprint art on my mind lately.  I've done it in the past with my twins, but I don't think  my four-year-old has done it.  I love how simple and whimsical the characters always turn out!

I know it's really a no-brainer.  You put ink on your finger, stamp your print on a paper, allow to dry, and then add the details with pen or marker.  But, it's fun to share just the same.  

I stumbled upon a great book for fingerprint art!  I first found it on Pinterest.  I added it to my Kids Board (go check it out, it has TONS of fingerprint pictures to choose from!).  Then I looked it up on Amazon.  It's by Ed Emberley.  It looks like a great book!  I want it for myself, if not for my boys.  I love to draw, but I'm terrible at it.  This kind of drawing/art is right up my alley.  That's why it's so great for kids, too.  They can do this on their own.  So, so easy!  

Amazon

My four-year-old and I did these yesterday.  His favorite part was doing the fingerprints.  He'd do the prints, then he'd choose a character for me to draw.  It was fun for both of us.  I did convince him to do a T-Rex on his own.  Look how adorable!  We can't wait to do more!

BTW, we used the Pilot G2 Pens (they're gel ink) for this project.  They're a bit more expensive than your regular Ballpoint Pen, but they're perfect for this project!  And I had some Tsukineko Memento Dew Drop Inkpads on hand, so that's what we used for the fingerprints.  I'm sure any ink you have on hand would work well.  The ink we used does dry almost instantly, so that was nice.

Go grab yourself a paper, some ink, a pen, and a finger (or two) and stamp away.  The possibilities and entertainment really are endless!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you found a little something worth your time.

Linking up to these parties & Savvy Southern Style.

Overnight Steel Cut Oats {from Mel's Kitchen Cafe}

Well, just like My Running Journey Series, this week I'm wrapping up my month long series of healthy breakfast recipes.  

Today, I have one last recipe to share that my sister gave me, and then a quick, simple breakfast idea the doesn't require ANY cooking (only cutting, toasting, and stirring).

On to the steel cut oats.  My sister has been a big fan of Mel's Kitchen Cafe for sometime now.  I love EVERYTHING she's ever shared with me from Mel, and this recipe is no exception.  My sister would rave about the texture (nuttier and chewier than instant or rolled oats).  I was a bit hesitant, but knew enough to trust my sister's taste in amazing recipes, so I gave it a try.  I'm not a huge oatmeal person, but I absolutely fell in love with the steel cut oats! She was right.  The taste and texture are amazing.  Look for them in the bulk bins at the grocery store.  They're easy to find, and really inexpensive!

You can click here for Mel's recipe.  It's so, so easy!  Three simple ingredients, and you make it the night before.  In the morning you just heat it up, stir it, add your toppings, and you're done!  We like to add brown sugar or maple syrup (click here for our favorite homemade recipe) and fruits and nuts.  Half the fun is experimenting with the toppings!  Delicious!  

While you're over getting the recipe from Mel, be sure to check out all of her recipes.  I don't dare visit her site too often because I get lost in amazing recipes, and can't stop!

And here's one last quick, easy, healthy breakfast option for you.  We all know how busy mornings can be, and we don't always have time to cook something.  A family favorite of ours is:

Whole wheat toast with peanut butter

Ovaltine

Banana

I remember during my first pregnancy (when I was carrying twins) that my doctor told me to find ways to add protein into my diet wherever I could.  She recommended peanut butter on toast.  I'd grown up on peanut butter on toast, so that was easy for me.  My mom is an Ovaltine fanatic, and we've all joined her.  A few years ago for Christmas my dad gave her a big box full of Ovaltine.  He knows her well!  Add a banana, and you're done. I've been seeing so many health benefits of bananas these days.  I love them, and I love what they do for your health.  So, if you're in a hurry (like we are many mornings) give the this combination a try.  It's so satisfying, filling, and healthy!

Well, that wraps up a month long of healthy breakfast recipes.  I hope you've been able to find one or two you'd like to add to your breakfast routine.  I know they've made a difference at our house.

In case you missed the first three weeks, here they are.

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you found a little something worth your time.

Linking up to these parties & Savvy Southern Style.

What Children Want... Printable

I've done several posts on our little nephew, Ben over the last few months.  He's been battling leukemia, and now he's experiencing some major heart complications.  The tender situation he's in right now seems to be in the forefront of my mind every time I sit down to do a printable these days.

Any Mr. Rogers fans out there?  I loved him growing up, and was thrilled when Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood came out recently.  My four-year-old is getting a taste of what I used to love so many years ago.  Anyway, I've had this quote of his for quite sometime, and it's one I keep close to help me  remember where my focus should be as a mom.  Life is busy, and I often times get sidetracked with other silly things, but really my three boys are what deserve my undivided attention, no matter what. 

This experience with our nephew (and actually a niece several years ago) has really made me stop and think about how sacred our time is with our young children.  They grow up so quickly, and life is so fragile that we really can't waste a single minute of our precious time with them.  

Ben has been blessed with amazing parents who have always been extremely focused on him and his brothers.  But now that he's in such a delicate state, I know they're giving him their every ounce of attention, love, and care.  I'm guilty of not doing that as often as I should.  And it doesn't mean I can't do my own thing, and have time to myself, but when they talk (I love how the quote says talk with, not talk to)- I need to listen, when we're together- I need to set my iPhone down, and be there in the moment with them.  I remember my then-three-year-old used to take magazines out of my hands and shut them when I was sitting on the floor "playing" with him.  They're totally smart.  They know when they don't have your undivided attention.  They deserve it, they need it!  Let them have it. 

Here's a printable from a few weeks back that I did for Ben.  We're still praying for the miracle he needs.  We love you, Ben!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you found a little something worth your time.

UPDATE
Unfortunatley, allowing you to print this printable by Rhonna's App is in violation of the EULA.  You can use my image as a guide to create your own.  Sorry!

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My Running Journey Part 3 {Finding Your Second Wind}

Can you believe it's the last week of January?  That means I'm wrapping up my Running Journey Series.  Each Monday of the month I've been sharing a bit of what I've come to love and learn about running.  Not that I'm an expert by any means, but I always enjoy hearing others ideas, and finding a bit of motivation to get going.

Finding my second wind has been one of the biggest "ahas" I've had as a runner.  

I LOVE Shelley from House of Smiths (who doesn't?)!  I remember reading one of her weight loss journey posts quite awhile ago, but a quote I read in her post has stuck with me ever since then.  It said:

"Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second wind."

-William James

By the time I read this quote, I'd actually already found it to be true, but hadn't really ever thought about it in the way to quote states it.  Here are a few tips that I've found helpful in finding my second wind.

SET A CHALLENGING GOAL

This was my week two post of My Running Journey Series.  I have to say that setting my challenging goal (doing Ragnar) pushed me enough to find my second wind.  If I'd never given myself that challenge, I would have just been content to run like I'd always run, and not pushing myself any further.  I was running on my first wind, getting tired, then stopping.  Unless you have something challenging you to go further, you probably won't.  Set a goal to get you past that first wind.

SLOWLY INCREASE YOUR RUNNING TIME

It's just about impossible to make yourself take one more step when you're dead tired and exhausted.  Just start with something small.  Even just one or two minutes more past your exhausted stage can make a difference.  After time, you'll get used to the extra two minutes, and then you can increase another minute or two, then another, and another.  For me, the first three miles of my run are always the hardest.  I used to never go past three miles because it was hard, and I thought I'd feel that way for my entire run.  As I've slowly increased my time, I've come to find that it actually gets easier for me the longer I go.  My body seems to settle in, and I honestly do feel that second wind kick in.  It's really cool, actually!

SAVE YOUR FAVORITE SONG FOR THE LAST

I've been amazed with how my body responds to music when I run.  I have a lot of great songs on my playlist, and they help me throughout my run, but I have a few songs that I always save for the last stretch just before my second wind, because they bring a burst of energy when I don't have much to pull from myself.  Right now my song is Katy Perry's Roar.  I tell you every time that songs comes on, I feel completely energized!  I usually have to switch up my last stretch songs because I do get a bit bored with them after awhile.  Keep your ears open whenever you're listening to music for your next last stretch song, or you can search running playlists online and find songs that way.

PRAY

(This actually doesn't relate exactly to finding my second wind, but it's helped me keep going even when I've wanted to quite, so I'm putting it in here.)

I pray for just about about everything in my life.  Well, okay, I don't pray about what bread to buy at the grocery store, or what to wear for the day, but the big, important things I do.  The reason I do is because I realize I'm human and I can't do a lot of what I want to do on my own.  I believe I need some divine help in my life to accomplish my goals and purpose.  I'm not saying I pray to go more miles and it happens right then and there, but I do have a habit of praying for a desire to get up and stick with my goals.  It's made a big difference for me.  I LOVE this quote from Spencer W. Kimball:

"Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can.  He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunity, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace."

Did you see that line about strengthening our muscles?  I honestly believe it!  There are many days I get up, I run, and at the end of it all I wonder how I did it.  For me, this quote explains why. 

Hopefully you've found a thing of two that's either kept you motivated, or got you motivated to stick with your running/exercising goals.  I know they've helped me along the way, and I couldn't be more grateful.  Running has been such a blessing for me.  That may sound funny, but it's true.  My days are much more productive and pleasant when I start them with a run.  I have more energy, I'm more patient, I feel good about myself, my pants fit, and my overall health and well-being are simply better.  I read another quote on Shelley's blog that I loved.  This one comes straight from her:

"It's never gotten easier, but eventually the results started outweighing the pain and struggle.. and that's why I keep going."

-Shelley Smith

I couldn't have said it better myself.  There will come a point where the results outweigh the struggle, and that's why you get up and do it!

Here are weeks one, two, and three's posts if you missed them.

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you found a little something worth your time.

Linking up to these parties & Savvy Southern Style.

DIY Valentines Straws

I know, I know it's not February yet, and I hate to do this, (I have a thing with allowing a month to finish itself out before jumping into the next one) but I have to sneak one valentine post in before January's over.  And yes, I'm quite aware that I'm way behind on the valentine train in blogging land, and I probably need to change my tune if I want to survive as a blogger.  

My boys love straws, but we hardly ever use them at our house.  That is until a holiday comes along and I can't stop hot gluing embellishments to them.  Then we use them more frequently because I think they're so cute.  And truth be told, I love when my boys use these kind of straws, but if they just sit in a cute container as decor, then that's fine with me too.

I found the glitter heart stickers at Dollar Tree, and the red heart felt stickers at Michaels.  Both came in packages for just $1.

  I've had the straws for awhile.  I'm not quite sure where I got them, but I'm sure they're everywhere this time of year.  BTW, have you ever tried to buy plain white straws?  I was looking for some to do wintry snowflake straws ( I can't stop!), but I could not find a single white straw anywhere!  Let me know if you've ever seen them.

I added a dab of hot glue to the straws, attach the heats, and viola!  Instant fun!  Well, instant fun for me because I get to use a lot of pink and hearts.  I have a house full of boys, so those two things rarely get used in my neck of the woods.

The perfect easy, inexpensive, and adorable addition to any valentine table or party. 

And to show off more of my straw embellishing addiction, you can check out my Halloween straws.  They're my FAVORITES!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you found a little something worth your time.

Linking up to these parties & Savvy Southern Style.

Shaving Cream & Food Coloring Art For Kids

Do you ever read Family Fun magazine?  I used to have a subscription, and loved seeing all the clever activities and crafts for kids.  This art project came from one of their issues many years ago.  My boys love this project so much that we've done it for years now. 

My four-year-old said he had never done this activity before (he has, but it's been a long time), so we got out the shaving cream and food coloring a few days ago.  This art project is always a hit with kids of any age, but it is a bit messy.  In fact, I think the Family Fun magazine had this as an outdoor project for summertime.  We've always done it inside, and it works.  You just have to be careful with all the food coloring.  Have you and your kids wear aprons and gloves if you're worried about getting messy.  We never do, but we should.  Our hands are always stained for a day or two after the project.  All part of the fun, though.

SUPPLIES

Shaving Cream (not gel, CREAM)

Cookie Tray (I use cheap ones from the dollar store)

Food Coloring(the we love using the neon colors)

Popsicle Sticks (for swirling the colors around)

Knife (for spreading the shaving cream)

Card Stock (For imprinting designs)

Paper Towels (for keeping the mess somewhat under control)

HOW TO

*Start by squirting some shaving cream on the cookie tray, and then spread it around just like you were frosting a cake.  It doesn't need to be deep, just a nice covering of the entire tray.

*Next, squirt drops of food coloring in the shaving cream.  You can do one color at a time, or multiple.  If you do multiple colors, drop them in different parts of the shaving cream.

(We were working on a valentine project in these pictures.  We usually don't just use one color.  The more, the merrier!)

*Swirl the food coloring with the popsicle stick.  If you're doing multiple colors, make sure to remind your kids to not over-swirl.  When they do, it just ends up looking brown because all the colors mix too much.  You want the colors to look swirled together with individual colors showing, not just a brown blob.

*Take the card stock and gently push it on to the colorful shaving cream.  You can do a big piece of card stock to get the entire cookie tray at once, or you can cut the card stock into smaller pieces and just do sections of the tray.  Play around with it and see what you like.  We like to do a lot of smaller sizes most often, but we do whole pages sometimes as well.

*Pull the card stock off of the shaving cream, and then lay the paper on a flat surface and and use a popsicle stick to scrape off any excess shaving cream.  You can kind of see the shaving cream on the card stock here.  That's what you will scrape off.

*Set the card stock aside and allow to dry a bit.  Don't worry if the card stock begins to curl while it dries.  Ours always do.  I just lay them under a heavy book when they're completely dry to flatten them out.

And that's it!  This is honestly one of the coolest art projects I've ever seen!  I never get tired of pulling the card stock off the shaving cream, and scraping it off to see the end product.  Beautiful every time!  

Here are a few of my four-year-old's masterpieces from the other day.

Stunning, right?  He was so proud of all of them!

This is the perfect activity for these cold wintry days when we're inside more often than not.

Oh, and we always have to use our fingers to play with the shaving cream when we're done with all of our pictures.  Way too much fun!

Happy swirling!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you found a little something worth your time.

Linking up to these parties & Savvy Southern Style.