Back to School & Holiday Bling

My Internet has been out since Thursday!
So this is my first chance to show a couple listings that will be ending tomorrow
July 22nd
Here are 2 New 2008 Designs for the
"End of Summer what a Bummer" launch with TheAve

Custom Cat & Mouse Bling Tees
To match a set by Simply*Sophia

Cat Bling Tee Listing

Mouse Bling Tee Listing

Also ending tomorrow
"Celebrate the Holidays in July" with BLB Boutique

Custom Scaredy Cat Bling Tee


Ready to Ship * Size 4
Witchy Bling Tee

Not ending until Sunday, July 27th
New 2008 Design Perfect for Back to School
Made to Match
the Gymboree Prep School clothing line


Prep School Bling Tee

The cable co. has been out twice since Thursday to fix the Internet (and phone but who uses a phone anymore)...it looks like they got it right this time.
I felt so out of touch not having Internet service but it gave me time to clean the house and work on more designs!
~Patricia

Keeping the Kids Busy

With Trenton and Bella becoming their own "person" more and more everyday, my life seems to have become even more centered around them and their wants/needs.
Don't get me wrong I have no problem with that, It is just becoming more evident as they get older.
This summer they have kept me on my toes!
Trenton is 10, he started the summer off with a trip to New York (which I still haven't blogged about...sorry Trenton), golf/tennis camp, another round of golf camp, followed by snorkel camp. On top of his normal play dates, golfing, tutoring twice a week and guitar lessons.
Bella is only 4 so she is a little easier. She attends a summer program at her preschool 3 half days a week and has had a few play dates of her own.

When we are All at home we garden, play on the water slide and craft.
Crafting has always been a big part of my parenting. We paint, cut, glue, draw, in general create something everyday. During these times are when I get unprompted hugs, kisses and am told I am the Best Mom EVER ;)
I know these are memories they will have with them forever...
What Kid Crafting have you done this summer?
Here are a couple easy ones we have done

Homemade Play Doh
We used Martha's recipe






Bella and I made the Play Doh weeks ago and it is still good!

Recycle broken crayons to create Rainbow Crayons


Remove wrappers from Crayons (not always easy to do...try soaking in water overnight)
Break Crayons into 1/2 inch pieces


Fill aluminum foil lined muffin tins or metal cookie cutters half way with the Crayons
Bake Crayons in a preheated 300 degree oven for 5-7 minutes
Melt them just enough for the colors to Blend, not to liquefy into one color
Cool for 30 minutes
Remove from Foil

And Look what you have!

~Patricia

Just the 4 of Us on the 4th

unless you count a lounging cat

and a pup with a bone

The past few years we have spent the 4th on our boat watching the Fireworks over the River.
This summer we have not been on the boat once. We made an oath to Not put the boat in the water until we completed some long over due maintenance. Much to my surprise we are done with the original "To Do List" but of course have added a few extras (New Seats...I will actually have a cushion to sit on!)

Here is a recap of our backyard fun for the 4th

The Plunge

Homemade Ice pops (see below for recipe)

Picnic on the Porch

Is it Dark enough for Fireworks yet?

Ouch, Sparklers Hurt!

Yummy Treats!

Ice Pops
Ingredients: 1 (3oz) Jello mix package; 1 unsweetened Kool-Aid package; 1 cup Sugar; 2 cups Boiling Water; 2 cups cold Water

Dissolve Jello, Kool-Aid and Sugar in Boiling Water.
Stir in Cold Water and Pour into Popsicle Molds or small cups.
Freeze

If using cups like we did, place foil over the cup after you fill it and insert your popsicle stick. This will keep it in place. Otherwise Freeze until almost hard, put the sticks in and continue to Freeze.

Chili-Lime Chicken Kabobs

Marinated Shrimp Kabobs & Scallops
Ingredients: 3 Garlic cloves minced; 1/3 cup Olive Oil; 1/4 cup Tomato Sauce (plain); 2 tbls Red Wine Vinegar; 2 tbls Fresh chopped Basil; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper; 1-2 pounds of Shrimp, Scallops or Chicken...anything you want, I've used this marinade on everything

Mix all the ingredients in a Bowl or Ziploc Bag. Add the fish or meat and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (the longer the Better)

For Kabobs
preheat grill to medium heat. Prepare the Kabobs. Lightly Oil or Spray the Grill.
Cook Shrimp 2-3 minutes per side or until done.
For Chicken Kabobs cook for 10-15 minutes.

We had small Bay Scallops so I cooked those in a pan, but still very yummy :)

Gotta Love the Pioneer Woman and her Fabulous recommendations for the 4th!

Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos


And another Favorite the Barefoot Contessa's 4th of July Cake
which came highly recommended from the Pioneer Woman
and I can Not Bake without Step by Step Photo Instructions!
Thank You Pioneer Woman :)


Hope you all had a Happy & Safe 4th!
~Patricia