I found it on Pinterest!

I vaguely remembered a pin, this pin in fact, about putting a glow stick in bubbles and having glow in the dark bubbles.

 

 

We had some left over bubbles from Mackenzie's birthday party, and I figured why not. In the summer it doesn't start to get dark here until about 11pm or later, so it's really not the best time to test this out with Austin. Even though it was kind of cold tonight and about 40 minutes past his bed time I figured what the hell.

 

I busted out the glow stick tube I bought at Michaels. I didn't have high hopes for these glow sticks. The other tube I bought and pulled out when we lost power during a storm to light the way through our house for Austin didn't glow very much at all. They were sad and pathetic. I wish I had known that before buying 2 tubes, but anyways.

 

I decide on yellow glow sticks since they seemed to be glowing the brightest out of all of them (and glowing is an understatement) Take them to the kitchen and cut off an end and try to dump it in. Nothing came out. I tried wiggling the glow stick, nothing. So, I figured out I had to cut it into small pieces (I cut them into 3 pieces) and blow through the one end to get everything out.(without my lips touching!) Now, I will note, I think these glow sticks suck because they don't have enough glowing liquid in them. A good glow stick will probably pour out much easier. Anyways, I emptied 3 glow sticks out into the bubbles, had Austin get his coat and boots on.

 

I shook up the bottle and had high hopes since our bottle looked like this one but yellow.

 

 

We got outside and could barely see the bubbles I was blowing. I let Austin blow a few bubbles then we came inside.

 

Then, I went to clean up.

 

Holy shit. That glow stick crap goes everywhere! My hands were covered in it. I didn't have the forethought to get my good camera out so I took some cell phone pictures.

 

 

This is what my garbage pail looked like.

 

But then, I thought I would take a picture of the garbage pail with the light off.

 

 

So I did. But once I shut the light off...... Oh.My.God.

 

There were splatters of glowing alllll over my kitchen. In places I didn't think would have reached. Austin laughed and said I had to clean that up. Everything on the counter and sink were splattered, my skin, my clothes, and my feet were covered. And my floor. All over the floor. Again, no forethought to get out the good camera (which seeing this mess makes me a little happy as I'm sure my camera would have been covered too) so this is from my cell phone and kind of hard to see. But that is my floor, the garbage pail, and on the top right that is the inside of the cupboard that my garbage pail was in  before I started. Yes, that shit ended up in the cupboard.

 

I told Austin we would try again with a better glow stick. But I think next time will be in the summer and I will cut apart the glow sticks outside. My kitchen doesn't need that kind of mess.

The 1st birthday party

I will admit it. My poor daughter was victim to second child syndrome. I totally dropped the ball on her party. Austin? His was planned with little details months before his actual party. I threw Mackenzie's together in about a month and a half.

 

I thought of themes. I think owls are super cute, but "look Whoo's Two" is a much cuter theme then just an owl 1st birthday. Then I thought pink cowgirl. Then, I tried to book somewhere for the party. (we do not have the space we had when Austin turned 1) Of course being a slight procrastinator left me with few options.  Finally, we booked a party at Crock A Doodle. I knew Mackenzie wouldn't care what we did for her party. However, a lot of our friends all have kids about Austin's age. I wanted to do something that they wouldn't get bored. Crock A Doodle it was. Basically a pottery painting place.

 

Ta-Da! Artist theme party!!!!  I went to order a cake.... and there was nothing cute for an artisty theme. I found a cute sesame street cake in their book that had polka dots all over it. I requested the polka dots in pinks and purples.  Of course then I thought, hmmm, Austin had a 1st birthday that was Elmo, and we had a bunch of supplies left over. (the plastic plates I bought for the party? We still use them today. 3 years later) I went to the party store and bought a happy 1st birthday Sesame Street candle, some Sesame Street decorations that I knew we didn't have for Austin's birthday, and let Austin pick out random party favours to give away.

 

Let's just say, it's a good thing I bought some Sesame Street stuff. Because when I went to the box of party supplies, there was a vapourizer in there instead. And the left over supplies from Austin's 3rd birthday when I just lifted the flap of the box high up on the closet shelf and dropped them in what I thought was our left over party supply box. Imagine my surprise, when I found all that 1st birthday stuff I already had was gone.  The party still went on with a hybrid Artist/Sesame Street theme.

 

So, to keep with the Artist theme, I got out my sewing machine and got crafty. I picked up 3 different colour of star fabric and made all the party goers an apron for crafting and cooking!

 

 

 

So, the goodie bags consisted of: Sand Bucket to hold everything, 2 Sesame Street crazy straws, a Sesame Street blower, a container of bubbles, Colouring page roll, mini pencil crayons, clackers, a mini skateboard, magnifying glass, and a mini set of paint.

 

The Aprons were put at each kids seat as they came in.

The kids? They loved the painting! Even the birthday girl got in on it!

 

 

 

She had so much fun rubbing the paint all over her face.

 

And getting her handprints done!

 

 

And then? It was time for cake!

 

 

 

 

 

 

And I'm pretty sure she enjoyed her cake a lot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And finally, my 2 adorable kids.

 

(And it bugs me that even though the bows on her shirt and her shoes were the same color, the picture looks like the bows are orange and the shoes are pink)

 

And this picture? Just makes my heart melt. She loves her big brother so much.

 

I survived

I survived Scrapfest. I did come away though with some sore muscles from carrying everything I bought. I also have no idea how I'm getting everything back to Alberta with me. haha.

I have so many new ideas on cards and items. I can't wait to get home and put everything together. I am hoping to have some amazing items shortly!

I will post some pictures and an overview of my weekend shortly. Just wanted to let everyone know that I made it through the weekend. lol.

Busy weekend.

Whew! What a craft filled weekend.

I made an Easter dress for my Niece Katrina, and Made Austin and my Nephew Logan a matching tie.

That took a while since in true me fashion, I didn't have a pattern. I have to say the ties were probably the hardest, but once I figured out the basics it was pretty easy.

Then, I made a little surprise, which will be revealed later.

And finally, I tried my hand at making a tutu. It turned out so well and can't wait to see Katrina in it! I had some extra Tulle so I made a smaller one for a friend's Daughter. I have just a few pieces left so I'm thinking that I might make a matching headband to match.

I will post pictures of the before and during wearing later, I promise!!

Oh Michaels...

I'm sure all of you know that I am hardcore crafter. My super awesome husband got me a cricut a few years ago for Christmas. For owning the cricut for so many years, I definitely don't have a lot of cartridges. Due to the cost of them in store ($90 to $120 at michaels) I can only afford to buy them during sales.

Well, Boxing day Michaels had cartridges on sale for $39.99. This is the cheapest i've seen them so we went. They had nothing. boo. We picked up the other stuff we went for and checked out. The cashier put the little flyer with the upcoming sales into our bag. I get home, unpack the bags and find the flyer. And I see this
















And I was in shock and totally excited. Cartridges for $16.99?!?!? Holy crap! The sale is Saturday the 8th and Sunday the 9th. Now, I know it says while supplies last, no rain cheques etc. So I tell my super awesome husband that we are going to be standing at the door the minute the doors open on the satuday. I put the flyer on my fridge and even write it on the calendar.

Fast forward to Saturday. We are in the middle of a crazy snowstorm. Regardless, we got dressed and ready to go for the 9am opening. The snow pile at the end of our driveway was so big that we had to get the snowblower out and it took a good 30 minutes, even with the snow blower to get out of the driveway. We brave the drive into Edmonton and even though the main roads are plowed, Michael's parking lot sure the hell isn't. I pull into the parking lot, and get stuck. My super awesome husband got out and pushed me until I finally got going again and made it to the store. This is when my super awesome husband turns into slightly cranky husband. We made it there with 5 minutes to spare.

9 am there are 3 of us waiting at the door and the Michaels associate opens the door. The lady in front of me asks, where do you keep the cricut cartridges. Now here is where the whole day gets worse. The associate answers. "Aisle (whatever) but the ones on sale for $16.99 are sold out." I think all of us stopped in our tracks and stared at the lady. It's the first day of the sale, how on earth are they sold out. So, I ask.

"These cartridged went on clearance before Christmas and we've been sold out since then." That explains why there were no cartridges there on boxing day. However, knowing you don't have any stock and you have a sale coming up, why would you not order more? I point out that maybe they shouldn't have advertised the sale if there were none available. The oh so helpful associate (did you read that with sarcasm in your head? Good.) tells us that the sales are determined 6 months in advance. Obviously they should know there is a sale coming up, order more!!! So we figure, we are already in town, lets see if the other stores have any. Nope, they are all out too. One store has 3 of one cartridge. I'm not driving across town for that.

We leave the store even more ticked off and stand with one of the ladies that was waiting with us for the door to open while she called the 1-800-michael number. She was told pretty much, tough luck for you. My slightly cranky husband becomes really cranky husband.

We get in the car, crank the heat back up and go to leave.... Our tires just spinned. We were stuck. Really cranky husband gets out and pushes (again) and when we finally manage to get the car moving I have to hit the brakes and stop because a truck was coming up to the intersection and wasn't going to be stopping. Really cranky husband turns into yelling husband. Starts pushing again. Finally after a good 30 minutes we are freed from the clutches of Michaels. Yelling husband is now downright pissed off husband.

We head home and I hit the interwebs. Leave a comment with michaels twitter page, log onto their facebook page and leave a comment then hit up the website and email them. On the facebook page, there are HUNDREDS of other equally pissed off people. Apparently stores in the states were told to start the sale early so those lucky enough to be in the store before the weekend got cartridges, but people like me, who show up early on saturday were left disappointed. My downright pissed off husband calls the 1-800-michael number himself. He is told unfortunately they sold out, too bad. We mention how our michaels hasn't had any cartridges (incl. reg price) since boxing day. the oh so helpful phone agent (yes, read sarcasm in that too) tells us that the michaels superstars (not really the name, yes, sarcasm) checked inventory on Dec 31st and decided that there was enough for this sale and didn't need to order more. Well, someone please tell me where they found that stock, because there is nothing in Edmonton.


Like I had said, I emailed Michaels. This is the message I had sent to them.


Call Description: I am writing in regards to the cricut cartridges on sale in the flyer for this week starting today. I arrived at 9am to my closest Michaels store, despite a severe snow storm, to be told as we walked in the door that they were all sold out of the cartridges that were on sale today.I find it ridiculous that on the first day of the sale, with the first customers of the day there not be ANY product available. We were told by the employees at the store that the cartridges had been reduced before Christmas and they had sold out of them then. If they sold out of the cartridges over 2 weeks ago I find it hard to believe that they did not think that maybe they should re-order for this upcoming sale.

I am beyond disappointed at Michaels for this and do spend a lot of my scrapbooking money there. I am in the midst of getting my own handmade card business off the ground and believe me, I do spend quite a bit at Michaels on paper, glue and embellishments.

I am starting to think that maybe I need to order my products online from now on because Michaels seems to be unreliable with it's promotions. I have also noticed on your facebook page that there are quite a few people who experienced the same thing today and are as equally upset. I do hope that you take this chance to make it up to your customers, while you still have them.
Kristin *****

I think it was well written and said for the most part. Just before writing this post, I received a response from Michaels.


New Entry: Dear Kristin, Thank you for contacting us; we appreciate your business! The Cricut cartridges featured in the Weekly Ad that are available for $9.99 ($16.99in Canada) are only clearance styles. These styles are being retired andare only available while supplies last, as noted in the ad. We apologizefor the inconvenience.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to express your concerns. Please feel free to contact us at 1-800-642-4235 with any further questions or concerns.

Sincerely, Michaels Customer Relations

CCCallID: 02796486

It does not note anywhere in the ad that it is only clearance styles. I states Cricut clearance blowout (which one would think means you are NOW putting them on clearance) and states that Cricut cartridges Orig $89.99. Does not say anything about previously clearanced items or only certain ones.

I also love how they don't even take responsibility and accountability for the email to an actual person and just sign the email Michaels Customer Relations. This whole thing angers me so much. I guess it's time to check out Ebay and wholesale websites instead. Thanks for nothing Michaels.

2011

2011 is going to be a good year. I'm determined to make it so.

I can go on and on about New Years resolutions but let's face it, I have never been able to stick to them. Instead, how about things I'm pretty sure will happen.

I am going to try and work on my health and losing weight. Obviously this isn't the easiest thing for me, so I am going to try. If anyone out there wants to keep me accountable to this I would love the help.

I am beyond excited about our bills. Yes, I know, that is something ridiculous to be excited about. However it is exciting. We haven't been exactly awesome with our finances, and racked up quite some debt. But I'm very excited to share that out of all of our bills we paid off one of them in December and the last payment on a loan comes out this month. As soon as Dave gets another job we are going to be great. We have the extra funds from the 2 bills, plus since moving to Alberta our car insurance is cheaper, our Mortgage is cheaper and some of our utilities are cheaper. I know we will make our bills slowly disappear, and while they may not be gone this year I know that we will have made a dent in it.

I know that we will be working on our house. New windows and insulation in the walls if we want to survive another winter without A) freezing or B) becoming broke from heating. lol. I plan on painting and decorating a bit. Everything in this house is either a light or dark color of beige. I kid you not. The previous owners left us a note with the colors of paint attached to it. It was one paint chip with 2 colors circled. I need some color in this place and have some great ideas for it.

Also, most importantly I really want to get my business going. I've launched my etsy store (http://kristinscraftythings.etsy.com) and really want to make people happy with what I can make. I want people to get a smile on their faces when they see they've been given a handmade item and know that some thought went into their gifts. If anyone out there has any kind of event coming up, birthdays, wedding showers, baby showers, thank you cards, mother's Day, Father's day, or even just a little something pretty to let a friend know you are thinking of them. I would love to make something special for you. I want to be a part of your special Occassion. I can also make an upcoming Birthday party a blast with themed Decorations. If you have a need I will try my hardest to wow you. I hope I have a chance to work with you in the upcoming year!

In closing, I am going to try to make this an awesome year. Come on 2011, let's rumble!

One more day

Until my Birthday!!

Another year gone. I'll be 27. That was always my 'number' of the bridge from young and carefree to Adult. Holy frick I'm going to be an adult. The fact that in a month Dave will be 28, well, that's freaking me out and come next birthday I might be drunk rocking myself in the corner.

I'm not really sure what I will be doing tomorrow. I usually try to get my friends and family together for a nice dinner out. However being in Alberta I don't have any family and only a few friends here. Maybe I'll convince Dave to take me out for dinner.

I got spoiled today and shopped till we dropped.... or well, until my gift cards ran out. haha! Dave got me 3 stacks of paper and a whole lot of glue for my crafts! I'm so excited! I'm off to do some creating now!! Hope you all have an awesome evening.

Almost time!

Well, this will be my last post from my laptop in my house. I've taken a quick break from packing to write my last post here before I unhook my internet. Our house is sold as of tomorrow and most of our things are packed and gone. We spent our first night at my mom's last night.... it wasn't fun. Austin definately needs time to adjust. We'll see how tonight is.

I'm slightly sad about the fact that I won't be pulling into my driveway tomorrow, or ever again. it's weird to think about it, but on the other hand I'm getting very excited. We've purchased a place and get posession Nov 1st. I'm pretty excited. I can't wait to see it! lol. I've seen pics online and Dave has seen it in person and he said that I will like it so I'm getting excited to get there. There are a few things I'm very excited about.... such as, the toy room!

Also, I'm super excited about this little area, which will now be known as my scrapbook/craft/business area.

Finally, I think this is going to be awesome to play in next summer, and I can't wait for Austin to be able to get out in the yard and actually be able to run around!

My big plan for after moving is to actually start working on my Creations by Kristin stuff. I have an etsy store but I haven't put anything in there to sell yet. I'm going to start creating a bunch of different things to put in the store and really focus on that. I think that will help me a lot with being in another province by myself without my family around. I will try to update and post things on my blog www.creations-by-kristin.blogspot.com with whatever new things I have.

I have to sign off now, but I will make sure to get online and update for our drive across Canada!!

Shopping.

I am in a shopping fever. I was directed to Cafepress.ca for a tshirt for a cause, then started browsing. I want to get so many things now!!! I really want to get Austin a t-shirt for when my In Laws bring him to Alberta that says "it's your lucky day" then a picture of an airplane then "you get to sit beside me" I loved it and now I can't find it. boo.

Other then that I have a huge and heartwarming project coming up, details will be following!

Adventures in Father's day.

I was a little behind on my father's day planning, I will admit that. I didn't finally decide what Austin's gift to his daddy was going to be until yesterday. That being said, I woke up this morning with a plan and a vision of how today was going to go. This is how my day was supposed to go. Dave was gone to church and Austin and I stayed home. Around 8:30 we leave and go to michaels to buy a tshirt and some fabric paint. While we were out we would stop at Children's place since they were having a 50% off sale today. Get home, make daddy an awesome tshirt that includes some hand prints, maybe foot prints. wash up, daddy comes home, loves his shirt, Austin goes down for a nap. Do something fun, bake the perfect father's day cake using my cake decorating tips I got for mother's day, start the roast, have the in Laws over, have a fun night with lots of pictures.

Well, this is what happened.

We got up and were ready to go at 8:30am. Then I realize that it's actually sunday and stores don't open that early. I go online to check the times, michaels opens at 10. Ok, so we play for a bit then head to children's place first since I figure with a 50% off sale there may be a bit of a crowd. Get there and there is no one there, because the store doesn't open till 11. Off to Michaels first then. Get to michaels and analyze over what color shirt to buy, what color paint to buy etc etc etc. Got the stuff on sale, white shirt. Austin poops. Smells SOOOOOOO bad that I can't even push him in the cart without wanting to gag so I pull him along in the cart. Have to wait in a line (of course!) while the ladies behind us in line have obviously smelled my son as well and they are keeping a more then normal cash register line up space between us. Get outside and change him in the truck. By this time it's 10:55 so we head back to Children's place.

At some point in the morning I've realized that dave took the stroller in my car to church. No problem, right? WRONG. I don't know what Children's place pumps into their air, but every time we go in there my son runs. Runs in circles around racks giggling, laughing, and yes, screetching. Yes ladies and gents, I was THAT mom today. Because I had a choice. let him scream with joy or have a complete meltdown because I won't let him run. I actually chose a small amount of both. Grab him and attempt to hold him while he's screaming in my ear and wiggling out of my grasp. have 3 seconds of silence before he takes off runing again deliriously happy. I know what I want, we need t-shirts. I hit up the collared shirts, then hit up the regular tshirts. I am throwing stuff into a random pile I've started in between running after Austin. Basically if I see a 3T or 4T it goes into the pile. at $4.50 for the collared shirts you can't go wrong. Getting ready to go and this familiar disgusting smell hits my nose. Yup, he pooped again. Of course I didn't believe it was him so I had to check. It was so bad that I was afraid of one fall on his bum and everything was coming out. Again, I quickly rush through the cash, but this time I'm trying to hold onto him, without putting him on the counter because of my fear of the poosplosion, which is causing him to wiggle and scream. Go out to the truck and change him again. Again, such a horrible smell I want to throw up. Decide to go home.

Austin passed out cold on the way home, and we pull in at the same time as Dave. My plan for getting the shirt done before nap is gone because A) austin is sleeping, and b) I have to pre-wash the shirt first. Put austin down, start a load of laundry, clean up our room. Austin get up from his nap and I tell Dave he's been banned to the living room while we work on the t-shirt. Does.Not.Go.Well. I want to write "I have the world's best dad" then put Austin's hand prints, then below write "hands down." To start, the fabric paint marker I bought sucked. I try bribing Austin to stay in the kitchen with me by fruit snacks. he's not going for it. Dave takes him in the living room. He's not going for that either so dave puts on Treehouse. He's happy. And of course this is the time I need him for the hand prints. He screams when I get him to leave the living room. Once I have the paintbrush and paint out though he is loving it. we got blue handprints done and I'm getting the green pain ready and he starts playing with the paint. takes the lid off and tries to paint his legs. Thankfully i stopped him in time. Then as I am writing out the hands down part he pulls out the gigantic medieval times glass that dave got and while talking into it he drops it and it shatters. Dave was outside so he had no idea what happened. I'm trying to calm a scared crying child, while trying to get him to stay out of the glass and get it cleaned up.

Oh what a day. The shirt is really cute though and I think Dave likes it. Unfortunately it was such a scattered day that I got no pictures today. i'm not even sure where my camera is. Anyways I am off to bed now. Hope everyone had a great father's day!!