Love and Farkles: family

Showing posts with label family. Show all posts

Wednesday, 1 July 2015

DIY Baby Toys: Gifts for my new Nephew!

I love DIY projects and I'm always looking to challenge myself with creating something new. Handmade gifts are the best and these 2 DIY projects were fairly easy!

I enjoy sewing and while I'm not very good at it yet (I like straight sewing lines!) I decided to try out some new projects for my newborn nephew, Nate. My sister just had a baby boy (first grandson in the family....lots of little girls so having a boy is pretty exciting!!) I searched out Pinterest for some easy beginner sewing toys to make for him.

First is the taggie blanket toy. This is a small square toy with ribbons around the edges. I knew I'd be able to make this one as it's all straight lines and pretty easy. I found some awesome blue minky fabric and also used some lime green cotton. (the nursery colors are blue and green) I also used some cellophane inside the square so it makes lots of crunchy noises when played with. I had been hoarding my StarWars ribbon for quite some time, waiting for the perfect project to use it on (my sisters hubby is a big fan!) So why not use it on this cute toy for their new son!

Link for tutorial:
http://www.sewadorablefabrics.com/diy-taggie-blanket-super-easy-and-fast-baby-present/

I also wanted to make a stuffed animal. I knew it couldn't be too complicated as my sewing skills are at a beginner level. I found a cute dino pattern and tutorial that I thought I might be able to pull off. I think it turned out pretty cute!

Link to dino tutorial:
http://firstdayofmae.blogspot.ca/2013/05/baby-dino-pattern.html

Wednesday, 10 June 2015

Wordless Wednesday - Shadow Fun

My goofy girls and me

Monday, 8 June 2015

Father's Day Gift Idea - 5 Free Printables

Looking for a cute idea for your child to give their Dad on Father's Day? I've rounded up 5 cute FREE printables that would make a perfect gift! Help your son or daughter fill these out, I'm sure their answers to these fill in the blank forms will be super cute! I'm even filling one out and sending it to my Dad too! Click on the links below to direct you to the page!

Wednesday, 3 June 2015

Wordless Wednesday - Sisters


Having a swing on Saturna Island

Thursday, 14 May 2015

Leading by example - Working Out and Getting Fit

Do you ever make excuses for not working out and getting fit? I think I've used every one in the book! But slowly, I've been trying to make exercise a habit and something my body craves. I know I need to do every day. And I know it is good for myself physically, emotionally and mentally. But it is also good for my kids. Being active and healthy so I can keep up with them and live a long life is so important to me. I also want to be a good role model for them, and to have them watch me workout and cheer me on is an awesome feeling too.

My outside gym

We have a very steep driveway. The bus drops off my daughter at the bottom after school, so most days I'm cursing it as I hike back up to the top! But it also serves as a great workout tool! With one child at home most days, I have to find creative ways to keep fit at home and our crazy driveway is one of them. I'll do sprints up the hill and then free weights at the top. All the while my kids are having fun jumping on the trampoline (exercising!) and cheering for me once I reach the top of the driveway. Plus music outside it a big help! Keeps me going if I have some sweet tunes blasting!

I do find I have to mix it up every day with my workouts or I get bored. I don't want to just run on the treadmill every day, or do the same workout video. If I don't change it up, I won't look forward to it. I like a challenge and I like trying new routines. Lately I've been finding lots of different HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts to try. There are so many different combinations of moves that you can do! And there are lots of ideas on Pinterest (check out my Fitness board here>> Fitness,)

Here is an example of a workout I tried the other day: (I never realized how much I HATE burpees! But I will do this workout again, it kicks your butt!)

HIIT Workout

Leading by example is so important to me. I want my kids to know that exercise is part of our lives and how it helps our bodies. When I workout at home, my youngest daughter watches and usually likes to join in! She even held a plank for 10 seconds! (with perfect form too!)

My 4 year old holding a plank for 10 seconds!

What are your favourite types of workouts? And what do you do to keep motivated?

Wednesday, 6 May 2015

Wordless Wednesday - A Wiggly Prawn

Thursday, 2 April 2015

Beach day with mini me

It is not very often that I get to spend one on one time with my oldest daughter. But this week is spring break for her so she is home while my youngest is still attending her Montessori pre-school.

We took full advantage of our 4 hours together after we dropped off Kelsie. First we stopped at the local bakery to share a treat. Then we headed to the furthest part of the island to hang out on a beautiful beach. It was so sunny out it almost felt like summer.

Growing up I have always lived pretty close to the ocean. It really is my happy place and I'm so grateful that my daughters share that same love.

Shayla and I first looked around the sand for the perfect rocks. This beach has such pretty smooth rocks in all sorts of colors. She always likes to make a 'collection' where she lines them up on a log.