LEGO Army Men on Patrol

Both of my daughters received LEGOs for Christmas. It has been so much fun sitting down and building things together as a family. But stepping on the little peices in bare feet is not so fun!

When I saw this new set from LEGOs I fell in love! Toy Story is one of my favorite kids movies. I remember going to see it in the theaters with my now 19-year-old nephew. The little green army men were so funny. The LEGO set includes 90 pieces to build three soldiers, one medic, and one Jeep. And fun accessories like a mine sweeper.

This would be a great birthday gift for classmates, or your child's Easter basket.

Find it here on Amazon for $10.75.

Some Kind of Magic

This 5 x 5 print from Wren & Chickadee etsy shop captures my thoughts for spring 2010 - bright, beautiful, blooming.

'Some Kind of Magic' print in a simple frame is the perfect reminder of spring and how the season renews our hope at the end of each winter. Great gift to brighten a friend's mood, and the perfect size to tuck into just about any little space throughout an apartment or home.

Find this ($13.50 and free shipping) and other prints here. Check out the cute cupcake papers photo print as well!

... 25 days until spring ...

request from Suzy

Suzy asked for gift ideas for the little guys as well, more specifically twin boys that will be joining her extended family. Here goes:

~Eli, Ellen's brother, from Green Elephant's Boutique on etsy

~Personalized alphabet blocks here from Craft-E-Family

~Newborn Visor Beanies, here, from Portland Beanie Company on etsy (I like the lighter colors to be worn well into spring)

~My favorite - Book Buddies print, here, either framed by you or along with a few favorite board books to start their collection

~Complimenting applique tie onesies here from Super Sweet Creations etsy shop

Sweet Flower print

Want to know why I've been so focused on little girl gift ideas? Two friends had little girls in January and I've gotten to cuddle with each of them recently. Ah, nothing like squishy, cute new babies! So ideas for baby girls have been on my mind ...

Yesterday I saw this print at Hope Ink's etsy shop and fell in love. It is a personalized 16 x 20 inch print (offered in different color combinations) perfect for little girls of just about any age. This would be a great idea for birth, baptism/christening, birthdays, etc.

Around the petals of the flower Psalms 139 is printed:

The Sweet Flower print is $55 with free shipping. Visit Hope Ink's etsy shop here for lots of other personalized, beautiful, and inspiring artwork.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well ... all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

Ellen, the little elephant

Dear Readers, meet Ellen. Isn't she adorable?!?

Ellen would make a great baby shower gift, birth gift, or even baptism/christening gift.

You can find her here ($21 plus 4.50 shipping) at Green Elephant Boutique on etsy.

Spring Cupcake Stencils

33 days until Spring!

(Can you tell I have the winter blues?)

Spring Cupcake stencils from Crate and Barrel, here, for $5.95 plus shipping. I think the bumblebee is my favorite.

The Princess and the Frog - PRE-ORDER

We didn't get to catch this Disney movie while it was on the big screen, boo! But I did hear great things about it. I pre-ordered it from Amazon (release date March 16, currently priced at $16.99). I think it will make a great Easter gift!

With Amazon's Pre-Order Price Guarantee you can order with confidence that you'll get the best price between your order date and the release date.

Big thanks to Sara for posting about this yesterday.

Fingerprint Ink Pad and Drawing Book

My older daughter loves crafts, writing, and drawing. I try my best to fulfill her love of these three activities but its almost exhausting at times. While I was looking for Christmas ideas I knew at least one of her gifts had to be something creative and art-focused.

I found this fingerprint ink pad ($9) and drawing book ($8) from LakeshoreLearning. Needless to say my daughter loves it! We have had fun creating little creatures from our fingerprints. It even makes me feel like I have drawing skills (and I *so* do not).

This would be a great gift idea for a classmate's birthday party. Or, dare I mention Easter basket?!? ;)

Ragtop Newspaper Tote

The Lands End catalog arrived here last week and I've been drooling over all the beautiful new items. This tote in Kelly Green is one of my favorites.


Add a fun paperback book or a cute pair of flip flops from Old Navy, like these, and you have the perfect gift for a late winter/early spring birthday girl!

Valentine fun

I am up to my ears in Valentine's stuff and having so much fun! I don't think of this holiday as a gift giving event (its not in my little family) so I haven't shared too many ideas, sorry.

I have been busy thinking about banners, card bags, and of course my children's class Valentine cards. The fun stuff to make it 'feel' like a holiday around the house. Just what I need in the middle of a cold winter.

In searching for Valentine ideas I've discovered the world of blog printables and I'm hooked.

LivingLocurto has a page full of links to fun printable Valentine cards and stuff.

This banner (doubled) from Tricia-Rennea, Illustrator is hanging over our fireplace.

Like baking? Customize your Valentine goodie bags with this printable from Twig & Thistle.