Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue

During the holidays we wanted to do something fun and relaxing with our daughters.  We decided to watch a movie and eat popcorn.  Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue is a book that we have so when it came up we decided to rent it. I was pleasantly surprised. 

One criticism I did have was that all of the fairies have a similar sexy figure and are curvy to say the least.  

On a positive note all of the fairies are of  differing ethnicity and there are even three males. Another thing that I like is the fact that the fairies are interacting with a real person in the movie,  a little girl named Lizzie.  The plot is good and the scary parts are pretty tame and quite well done.  There is no violence and all of the characters are nice people. It's a bit of a modern tale and there is a subtext of female empowerment.  A funny, fantastical, whimsical interpretation about friendship and honesty. The fairies are action heroines throughout.

I'll never forget the image of my sweet girl, dressed in her Tinkerbell pjs watching intently with giant eyes.  We watched it twice in a row!  Maybe now I'll be open to more movies for her.  Possibly even Disney.  Any suggestions?

Making Play Dough

"Play Dough" is great for kids.  My two and four year old daughter's both love it as do my Kindergarten students.  Kneading, cutting, rolling, and many of the other things that we do with play dough are excellent fine motor skills builders.  Today we made some using this recipe and I threw in a pinch of cinnamon to make it smell nice.  Turned out pretty good and we had lots.

Play Dough Recipe:

1 cup white flour
1/2 cup salt
2 tablespoon cream of tartar (find it in the spice section)
1 tablespoon oil
1 cup water
food coloring

Mix ingredients in a pan. Add water and mix well. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 3 – 5 minutes. Dough forms a “clump”.  Remove from stove and knead for 5 minutes–add food coloring during kneading process. Play dough will keep for a few weeks in a  plastic sandwich bag.

Kindergarten Transition

Hi Everyone,

I hope all is well. Sorry I haven't been posting very much lately.  I've been a terrible blogger. hahaha

Recently I returned to work full time and have been working hard to integrate 39 Kindergarten children into my new classes.  A little tired to say the least.

In addition, my daughter started school and has had some transition issues.  Here are some tips to help your little boy or girl to like school.

• Remind your child that you will always come back.
• Focus on the positive. Talk openly about your child's feelings.
• Remind your child that everyone had a first day of school (ie. grandma, mom and dad).
• Make your child feel more secure. Walk or drive the bus route your child will take to school, especially in the days leading up to the first day of school.
• Security also comes from knowing what to do in different situations.  Let the child know that he/she can always talk to the teacher and help facilitate a trusting relationship.
• Establish a routine and encourage positive behaviour.
• Read books like "The Kissing Hand".

The Winners Have been Picked Rock N Learn Giveaway

Thanks everyone for entering.  The following winners have been chosen by random.org

fancygrlnancy said...

so hard to choose .. I think I would get the Colors, Shapes & Counting DVD or the letter sounds DVD
bwneyes100@hotmail.com

thesehappydays said...

tweeted: http://twitter.com/thesehappydays/status/18415455648
denimc@gmail.com

Oliver's Labels

A few months ago I reviewed Oliver's Labels. They are so great and pretty cheap. I'm going to order more for L starting school and C starting day care and have a deal for you. You can get 10% discount, free shipping, and I can earn 15% commission.

Go to www.oliverslabels.com Choose your package and design. During checkout put oliversfriends in discount code for 10% off. Tell them Stacey White referred you I get 15%.

New Headscarf Fabrics

Thanks so much to everyone who supports me here at Snugnluv.  I have added a number of fabrics to my Etsy site (which is about a tenth of what I have). I decided to make a listing with some of my fabrics to make it easier to order.  Please let me know if you have any fabrics in particular that you would like to see in the shop.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/42336068/fabric-choices-baby-toddler-head-scarf

Anyone want to buy a sewing machine?

Brother CS 5000H

$100

Light Weight Computerized Sewing Machine with 40 built in stitches. I love this machine but recently purchased a Bernina. Therefore, I am selling it. Used it for about 6 months and truly loved it. Comes with everything that was originally in the box and with the box.
http://london.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-hobbies-crafts-Cs-5000H-Brother-Sewing-Machine-W0QQAdIdZ220312008

Rock 'N Learn Review/Giveaway

"Cool Music and Videos for Fun Learning!"

Rock ’N Learn, Inc. has a goal to help children to learn while making it fun.  They inspire children to learn by pairing educational material with music and bright imagery.  They have sold numerous videos, DVDs, CDs,  as well as audio book programs worldwide over the years and they feature over  50 products.  Rock ’N Learn programs focus on the areas of  math, phonics, reading, early childhood, social studies, Spanish, test-taking strategies, writing, and science. 

Recently, I was given the opportunity to review some of the products from Rock 'N Learn.  As many of you know, in addition to being the mother of  2 and 4 year old girls I teach Junior and Senior Kindergarten.  I tested out "Getting Ready for Kindergarten" on my oldest daughter, as she is going into Kindergarten in the Fall and it was a hit.  The animated characters, Jill and Joey, kept her attention throughout the entire 45 minute DVD.   The video focuses on the skills that would be helpful for the children upon entering kindergarten. I liked it so much that I showed parents and children this DVD at Kindergarten Orientation this year.  At one point Joey demonstrates how to make his bed.  My daughter has been singing the song and making her bed ever since watching it.  Now, if only mom could follow suit.

                               

The other product I received was "Alphabet Exercise" which is a 37 minute exercise DVD.  Songs and creative moves are combined for each letter of the alphabet.  This is one of the best strategies available for teaching children.  In addition the letters, enrichment activities are provided for older children or those who already know the alphabet.  The physical nature of this DVD is very useful in both the classroom and at home and allows children to burn off some energy while playing.  As a teacher this is one of my favorite "rainy day" DVDs and the children love it! 

"Rock ’N Learn programs have received numerous awards such as Dr. Toy, Parents’ Choice, iParenting, National Parenting Publications, Learning Magazine Teachers’ Choice, Early Childhood News, National Parenting Center, and Parent's Guide to Children’s Media. Our programs lead in the areas of quality and customer satisfaction based on surveys of school supply stores."

Now for the great news!  Two Snugnluv readers will have the opportunity to win the DVD or CD of choice!

This is how the giveaway will work: (please read carefully)

You will recieve 1 entry for each of the following comments (there is NO LIMIT on the number of times you can enter). Please make sure that you post a separate comment in order for each one to count as an entry.

1. Go to the Rock 'N Learn website and tell us which product you will pick if you win (1 entry this one is mandatory to win)

For extra entries:

2. Follow Snugnluv (publicly) and post a comment (1 entry)

3. Join the Rock 'N Learn mailing list for deals and specials (1 entry)

4. Share Information About the Giveaway (Twitter, Facebook, Etc.) (1 entry each)

5. Follow Snugnluv on Twitter (1 entry)

****Please make sure you leave a comment for each of the above and an email address so that we can reach you.The winner will have 48 hours to respond by email once he/she has been notified or another winner will be chosen by the random number generator. Winner will be chosen on July 30, 2010.

Open to Canadian and US residents only.

Eleven Collection Shoe Giveaway Winner

Random number generator picked 183!  Congratulations to the winner of the Eleven Shoe Giveaway.
The winner is

A. Smith said...

Posted on facebook
http://www.facebook.com/#!/abbys1?v=wall&story_fbid=139554679395238
asmithonline at yahoo dot ca

Way to go and thanks everyone for taking part.

Eleven Collection Shoe Review/ Giveaway

As many of you already know, I love shoes from the Eleven Collection.  A sister company to See Kai Run, the Eleven Collection offers shoes in sizes 9-3 (age 3-8 yrs).  I was lucky enough to have been given the opportunity to review a pair of shoes from them again and this time we chose the Skylar in Blush. It was a hard decision since they have so many great styles!  I'm so glad we did because when they arrived they were even more gorgeous than the picture. With out a doubt this is the nicest pair of shoes my daughter has owned!  Even my husband commented on the quality and style.  Premium suede and leather are used in the construction and similar to other Eleven Collection shoes they have a flexible rubber sole and a cushioned insole.

Eleven Collection shoes and boots are of exceptional quality, durability, and style. Shoe designers Cause Haun and Nancy Coronado collaborated to create a brand new collection, which retails from $48-60. A really great price for shoes that are sure to last, look great, and make "hand me down" status!


The Skylar has three stylish laces and a velcro closure, which I like for both my own children and my Kindergarten students.  The Eleven Collection uses only the best materials and the strongest zipper and velcro closures for their shoes and boots. My four year old was able to put them on and take them off independently, which is a big bonus for this age group.  These are my first choice of shoes if a friend asks for a recommendation. My daughter put them on and hasn't taken them off since. She was riding around, in the kitchen, on her bike,  singing a song about her shoes. They fit perfectly and were comfortable right out of the box.  I am so glad to have found  the Eleven Collection! Rugged enough for toddlers and school aged children. Versatile enough to be worn with a casual or dressy outfit.

Shop now for FREE SHIPPING until June 15 th.

The Giveaway:

Now for the great news! The Eleven Collection has generously offered to give one of Snugnluv's readers a FREE pair. The winner can choose any shoes the Eleven Collection.

This is how the giveaway will work: (please read carefully)

You will recieve 1 entry for each of the following comments (there is NO LIMIT on the number of times you can enter). Please make sure that you post a separate comment in order for each one to count as an entry.

1. Go to the Eleven Collection Website and tell us which shoes you will pick if you win (1 entry this one is mandatory to win)

For extra entries:

2. Follow Snugnluv (publicly) and post a comment (1 entry)

3. Join the Eleven Collection mailing list for deals and specials (1 entry)

3. Share Information About the Giveaway (Twitter, Facebook, Etc.) (1 entry each)

4. Follow Eleven on Facebook (1 entry)

5. Follow Eleven on Twitter (1 entry)

6. Follow Snugnluv on Twitter (1 entry)

****Please make sure you leave a comment for each of the above and an email address so that we can reach you.The winner will have 48 hours to respond by email once he/she has been notified or another winner will be chosen by the random number generator. Winner will be chosen on June 30, 2010.

Open to Canadian and US residents only.

Reitmans Sale

Currently Reitmans has a pretty great instore deal going on.  Sometimes they have super cute and fairly cheap clothes that are great for work.  I hadn't been in there for years and a really sweet friend/coworker suggested it.  I've been shopping there a lot lately for clothes to wear while teaching.  There are perfect and not that much money, so I don't have to worry if they get paint on them. 

Currently Reitmans is offering a $25 savings card on every $50 spent in-store. This is available till June 19, 2010. Then you can use that savings card between August 8th – September 4th against any purchase of $75 or more.   Not bad if you shop there anyway.  

http://www.reitmans.com/en/index.cfm

The winner is...

Random.org picked number 8.  The winner of the awesome book Animals Do Yoga...and So Do I is Zoe!  I`ll contact you for shipping details. Congrats and thanks to everyone for participating!

Cricut Expression

After countless hours of research and reading online I finally decided to get a Cricut cutting machine.  This awesome gadget  is going to make my life so much easier at home and in the classroom.  And it's fun.  The Cricut will cut through many types of materials including fabric and magnets!  You can even cut out designs and stick them on the wall because it cuts sticky vinyl.

There are four types of Cricut machines available and they all have different "abilities".

1. Cricut Cuttlebug -is mostly for embossing an simple die cuts.  This is a manual machine. Very inexpensive.
2. Cricut Personal- cuts letters and shapes from 1 inch up to 5.5 inches  (excellent for scrapbookers)
3. Cricut Create - cuts letters and shapes up to 5.5 inches by 11.5 inches wide but also has mirror image, and some other functions that the Expression has and the Personal doesn't
4. Cricut Expression -cuts designs from .25  up to 23.5 inches and has numerous functions that the others don't  (good for bulletin boards)

All models of the Cricut cutting machine, with the exception of the Cuttlebug, function in the same way.  They all work using cartridges and the blades are the same too.

I was unsure if I needed to spend the extra money to buy the expression for my needs. But, of  course I knew that if I didn't get the best one now I'd be back in line waiting for it within weeks.  I justified the price in two ways; one being that I'm going to use it with kindergarten and the other being that it was $200 off at Walmart this week!  I felt bad buying it at Walmart but I couldn't beat the price and it was the BLACK one with the  Plantin Schoolbook Cartridge

So far I've created cutouts for my Kindergartens to make Mother's Day Cards and made a few cards with my daughter.  I can't wait to make the Paper dolls next!

I think I might use it to cut fabric to make appliques for onesies too!  
What do you do with yours?  Does anyone know where to buy cheap cartridges?  What's your favorite cartridge?

Animals Do Yoga....and So Do I (Book Review/Giveaway)

As a mother of two children and a Kindergarten teacher I come across several new books every day. I love children's literature and have been practicing yoga in my classroom for  a few weeks now. You can imagine how happy I was when I had the opportunity to review the most wonderful book for children.  Animals Do Yoga...and So Do I was written by Angela Faith Miller and illustrated by award winning artist Susie McColgan.  Angela is a certified elementary school teacher and teaches yoga as well.  She is a mother of two and has been practicing yoga for 13 years.  It was her understanding of teaching and good literature and her passion for yoga that inspired Angela to write such a great book.  Susie is an esteemed artists and has won many awards for her work.

There are so  many things that I love about this book.  It introduces children to daily yoga practice while fostering creativity inherent within children.   The illustrations are done thoughtfully, demonstrating child friendly yoga poses in a creative, vibrant, and unique manner. Animals Do Yoga and So Do I does a great job of paralleling children and animals doing yoga.  The children in the pictures are multicultural and this is very important to me in choosing literature.  Children can connect with this book  because the concepts are reinforced with things that are real and meaningful for them.

My 4 year old daughter loves pretending to be the animals and is asking to read the book and do yoga every day.  What a great opportunity to encourage a positive, healthy, peaceful way of being! She is already learning to be balanced in an overly active world and Animals Do Yoga has certainly helped her to do this.  I'm so happy to have found this book and have been using it in the classroom as         

                                                             well as home.

This book would make the perfect gift for any child if you want to give something meaningful that will certainly be loved!
Buy the book now Soft cover $12 and hard cover $18 or enter here for a chance to win a copy.  Angela has generously offered a reader a copy of Animals Do Yoga.

Please leave a separate post for each of the things you complete and you will be entered for each of the following:

1. Stop by Angela's site and tell us something that you like about the book.
2. Share a yoga experience that you've had with children or on your own.
3. Follow Snugnluv's blog.
4. Tweet, facebook, email about the giveaway. (1 per day)

The winner will be chosen by random.org on May 9th.  Thanks everyone.

Yoga for Children

The best part of my teaching day is dance time.  Just before our nutrition break, along with 19 Kindergartens and all of the other paraprofessionals in the room, I stop everything that's going on in our active classroom and we all "bust a move". We dance hard and with reckless abandon, like no one is watching.  (although on Friday I noticed the principal peeking from the hall with a sideways smirk).   The kids love it, the adults love it and it's fun!  This fifteen minutes of freedom  has reaffirmed for me the belief that children need and crave physical activity.


Next week, I've decided to try something new in the classroom.....YOGA!  The mental, physical, and emotional benefits are numerous. Not to mention the self control skills and the ability to handle solitude that can result from yoga practic.  If it makes the classroom more peaceful and calm we can't lose.


Listed below are several resources I found while researching our new classroom initiative.  I'm going to try it at home with my four year old too. 

http://lazylizardsyoga.com/index.html
http://www.buddhafulkids.com/
http://www.karmakidsyoga.com/
http://www.thekidsyogaresource.com/
http://www.yogabuddies.com/
http://www.yogakids.com/
http://www.youngyogamasters.com/

Books
http://www.childrensyogabooks.com/index.html
http://www.animalsdoyoga.com/index.htm

Facebook Page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Toronto-ON/Snugnluv-Handmade-Originals-and-Patterns/321006789810


Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to let you know that I now have a facebook page.  Come on and fan it for all of the Snugnluv news!!!  Thanks for all of your support.

Stacey

Eleven Collection Shoe Review

The Eleven Collection Spring styles are in and it's almost time for another review.  Stay tuned for more details!!

Check out the site now because previous syles are available for 50% off. 

Free shipping on two or more pairs.

New Headscarves

I've added some new headscarves to my collection in gearing up for Spring.  Check them out.  $6 each or 3 for $16.

Rock and Roll Baby

In the Spirit of the Games

Animal Lovers

Kids Books About Love

Since our theme this month in Kindergarten is love, feelings, and friendship I thought I would put together a list of books for readers who are interested in picture books.  Here are a few of my favourites.

The I Love You Book

by Todd Parr

I Love You Stinky Face

 by Lisa McCourt

illustrated by Cyd Moore

Mama, Do You Love Me?

by Barbara Joosse

illustrations Barbara Lavallee

Love Splat

by Rob Scotton

Me and You

Genevieve  Cote

Big Bear Hug

Nicholas Oldland

The Winner Has Been Chosen for the St. Eve Kids Blanket

I'm not sure if you remember, but  a few weeks ago we had a short little contest where people described their 5 Useful Tips for Bedtime Routines. http://snug-n-luv.blogspot.com/2009/12/five-tips-that-i-use-to-get-my-kids-to.html  The prize was a gorgeous wearable blanket from St. Eve Kids.  The blankets have arrived and they are adorable.  So, it's time to choose a winner.  Thanks to all for your participation.

Random Org picked #3 and the winner is:

Supermom said...

We have a very regimented routine here LOL
7:30pm- Timmy time (fairly odd parents) and a small snack
7:45pm- mommy brushes teeth
8pm- into bed with 2 stories (Sometimes I like to Curl up in a Ball and The Very Hungry Caterpiller- gawd I'm sick of reading these sammmmmme stories every night). I lay on the bed while daddy reads and then we both hug/kiss goodnight
8:10pm- CD of classical tunes goes on and her white noise machine with a night light goes on. she gets to pick the colour the night light shines.

My Guest Post on Beetling's New Blog

Etsy....Can I Quit My Day Job?  Click here for the full article.  :)

http://beetling.weebly.com/1/post/2010/02/can-i-quit-my-day-job-guest-post-from-stacey-white-about-etsy-and-her-snugnluv-ventures.html

Hearts and Flowers Applique Quilt

Quilt designer: Linda Lum DeBono
From Quilting Ideas, Fall 2003

2-1/2 yards total of assorted bright prints for blocks and appliqués
1-1/3 yards of pink plaid for border
1/2 yard of purple print for binding
2-7/8 yards of backing fabric
51x54" of quilt batting
1 yard of lightweight fusible web

Finished quilt: 45x48-1/4"

Quantities specified for 44/45"-wide, 100% cotton fabrics. All measurements include a 1/4" seam allowance. Sew with right sides together unless otherwise stated.

Check out the full pattern and get the free instructions at www.allpeoplequilt.com

JD Salinger January 1, 1919 – January 27, 2010

"It's funny.  All you have to do is say something nobody understands and they'll do practically anything you want them to.:  ~J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye, Chapter 21

Rest in Peace J.D. 

New PDF Empire Style Dress Pattern

The new pattern is listed.  Sizes 6 months to 4 years.  This will be your favorite pattern, as it is only two pieces and takes only 1 yard of fabric.  Free zipper tutorial included.  :)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39199491

I just can't stop making these dolls they are so much fun!!!  I made a tutu for a Special Baby's 1st birthday and I thought her Bit of Whimsy Doll would look perfect sitting on it.  I'm hooked!

New PDF Empire Style Dress Pattern

New Snugnluv Pattern.

I'm excited to be releasing my newest pdf file next week.  It's an empire style dress, with bias tape for the armholes and neck to avoid the tricky armholes.  It is two pieces of fabric and uses less than 1 yard. There is an option for a back zipper, but the dress fits without putting a zipper in.
Sizes 6months to 4 years.  Check back next week, as the pattern will be listed in my Etsy shop!

Easy, quick, and most of all fun to make!

Lovely Feature on Today's Giveaway - Thank You

Check it out for a chance to win.

Here is the post from  http://www.todaysgiveaway.net/2010/01/snug-n-luv-patterns-free-giveaway.html.  Go on over to enter.  :)  Buy one pattern and get a second for 50% off too if you buy today.

Loving the Bit of Whimsy Dolls

Just finished this girl today.


And this one yesterday. Lindsay chose the skin tone and the outfit is one of her old favs!

This one is for my niece. She's a Tween so goth is cool. :)

My First Bernina Quilt - Michael Miller Zoology with a Minky Back

Well, I finished my first quilt on the Bernina. I can`t believe it.  It was so much fun.  It measures about 40X40".  I wasn't sure who it was for until I say my daughter's reaction to it.  She is eighteen months so when I opened it up she was at eye level.  She started pointing to all of the animals and was naming them,  "shuuu", "muu" (?).  She tried to kiss them multiple times. hehe  Then I showed her the back and she went "ahhhh" and hugged it.  She also said "shoft". I had it sitting on a chair in the living room a little later and when I heard a noise and went to investigate she had taken it off the chair and was laying cuddled up in it on the hardwood floor pretending to sleep. She looked at me and put her finger over her mouth and made a "shhh" sound.  Way too cute!!  Now I am just waiting for the fabric to make one for my soon-to-be four year old. (although I did make her something in the meantime which will be posted later today) :)

I pieced the top using  the 1/4" foot, quilted through the top and binding using my walking foot,  and then attached the minky...(yes, the ultra slippery minky) using the walking foot.  I used a "stitch in the ditch" method.  Because of the  1/4" foot the seams were easy to sew and turned out perfect.  After I had it all cut out I realized that I had made a mistake in cutting so I ended up using applique for each of the centre squares, but I think it turned out ok. :) I tried to attach the binding using the machine, but decided to do it by hand in the end.

The fabrics are a combination of Michael Miller and Amy Butler.  The dark brown animals is Michael Miller, Zoology. One of my all time favourites!  The blue and green polka dots and stripes are from Amy Butler Lotus. (full moon polka dot and oxford stripe)

Pink Bliss Fat Quarter Quilt from All People Quilt Free

I just love this quilt and it's a freebie, fat quarter friendly pattern.  24 fat quarters and it's done.  Get the free pattern from All People Quilt. Yep, it's Amy Butler too.

Materials
24—18x22" pieces (fat quarters) assorted small, medium, and large florals and prints (blocks)
1/2 yard green-and-pink paisley (binding)
3-1/3 yards backing fabric
59" square batting

Finished quilt: 52-1/2" square

Cool Site

Can I Get the Recipe? is run by Cari, a fellow Canadian Collective member.  Cari has worked as a chef and has traveled the world creating meals and menus on private yachts. Currently, she lives in North Vancouver with her family and is the owner, publisher, recipe collector, and the writer of Can I Get the Recipe?

Each week she puts out a menu, with recipes, and a grocery list.  The food is easy to make, family friendly, healthy, and it won't cost you a fortune to make.  The site features interesting cookbooks and kitchen gadgets and offers reviews as well.

Last week I won the giveaway and shall soon be sporting a new set of Credo organic mesh reusable produce bags. Woohoo!  They are going to be perfect, if I can somehow trigger my overwhelmed brain to remember that they're in the trunk. (I'm teaching Kindergarten this year and my brain is full...hehe)

Check the site out. Comment on any of the January featured recipes for a chance to win reusable shopping bags by Grey Gourmet.   The recipes look delicious and if it makes life a bit easier I'm all about that!