Month: May 2019

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Social Media Personalities That You Should Be Following In 2019

With so many blogs and social media platforms out there, it is easy to find some great people that you relate to and enjoy reading their works. I have quite a few social media personalities that I follow. Some because they know a lot about what I am interested in at the moment. Others, because they are just too funny and have a great spin on EVERYTHING which makes my day. And those that are truly inspiring. Just reading their blog gives you a sense of hope and the drive to be a better you.

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Here are a few of my favorites that you should pursue. They are the hot item this year. Great reads, motivational, full of experienced and fun style, amusing takes on child rearing, and kid-takes on life, all wrapped up into one happy package.

So, today’s post is a tribute to some of the amazing bloggers, YouTubers, and Social Media gurus that I am lucky enough to call friends, and a few others that I am constantly inspired by their creativity and the content that they put out into the world.

If you’re looking to make your online community a little more positive and inspiring for the this year, I highly recommend checking out these people and their little corners of the internet. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Out of Hiding

For an amazing read, one that truly I feel in my gut each time I open a new post, you should keep an eye on Out of Hiding.

This is a page dedicated to those dealing with substance use disorder and those needing a bit of inspiration. Bobbie has been there and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly.

She knows what it takes to rise above and gives amazing support and insight to not only the addict, but the families that are going through this tough road to recovery. Bobbie’s words are Inspiring and supporting messages for anyone suffering from addiction or depression.

Bobbie from Out of Hiding
Bobbie from Out of Hiding

My journey through depression and alcoholism.

About Bobbie: In long term recovery. Trying to make my part of the world a little nicer. Published in Love What Matters and For Every Mom.  My story began with depression and ended in full blown alcoholism.  I tried to hide my problems from the world and they just got bigger.  My story is about finding my light.  My blog helps me heal and I’m finding it helps others too. 

Follow Out of Hiding:

Pizzazzerie

Courtney with Pizzazzerie

PIZZAZZERIE is your go-to guide for entertaining in style from easy and delicious party foods to daily party tips and inspiration! She has so many great ideas for fun and unique parties. And the photos of these events are above and beyond. I love scouring her pages for ideas and inspiration.

Courtney Whitmore shares entertaining intuition and ideas with her readers. She has published 3 cookbooks and contributes to many magazines with her beautiful tablescapes, foods, and party planning suggestions.

Toby & Roo

Harriet Shearsmith from Toby & Roo gives her take on raising kids and surviving life.
Harriet from Toby & Roo

Harriet Shearsmith is a mother of 3 that is absolutely hysterical! She tells it like it is when it comes to raising kids and I think that is why I find her so funny. She is saying exactly what we all want to say. Quite a bit of sass this one!

You can expect an honest account of parenting, a touch of fun, and some cussing. ;). I love her humor and how she comes across. She will teach you how to make slime, how to survive carpool, and about traveling with kids.

KidVentions

Kid Ventions social media superstar
YouTube social media superstar Jase from Kid Ventions

Jase Joiner is the kid scientist, explorer, challenge taker, & professional unboxer behind the YouTube Channel Kid Ventions. This tiny entrepreneur is new to his craft, but is a natural in front of the camera. At only 6, he already has an opinion on everything.

Social Media Sensation

He just finished Kindergarten and went LIVE with his new “summer job” on the last day of school. This kiddo has a line up of kid science experiments and a great bean boozled challenge on his channel. In one of his videos, he even pranks his grandma!

At Kid Ventions, Jase also does unboxing of some favorite toys and kid subscription boxes. He gives his opinion of what he thinks about the company and the quality of the boxes. Great review information when you want to see if a toy or subscription is worth your money. Unboxing is the new rage of what every little person is watching on YouTube these days.

Let’s Go Blues

Jase is passionate about his favorite sports team, the St. Louis Blues hockey team, and does a fun Carseat Confessions bit on his take of the games and how the coach should take care of business. He is ecstatic that his team is in the Stanley Cup Finals this year! And on his Kid Ventions channel he teaches you how to make a Blues Slushy to support his team. #LGB

He is also working on a Podcast suitably named Carseat Confessions. It will be a platform perfect for kids. Jase plans on sharing his opinion on sports, playgrounds, kid’s books, his favorite things to do, and even heavy topics like bullying. All from a kid’s point of view.

His podcast Carseat Confessions and his YouTube Channel Kid Ventions are both fun and safe sites to subscribe to for your little ones. No need to worry about what you’ll find on Jase’s space. That’s a win in my eyes!!

I hope that you get a chance to stop by the platforms of these great writers and social media notables. I love following them and I think you will too.

Who do you enjoy following on social media? Let me know in the comments, maybe I can check out your favorites too! ~Susie Peas

Check out my post on other entrepeneures in my post Small Businesses that Have Exploded on the Scene. There you will find other social media sensations making it in their professions.

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Color Matching Activity for 2 & 3 Year Olds

Color Matching Activity

2 and 3 year old kiddos are working hard to learn their ABC’s, Counting, Shapes, & COLORS. Here is a great way to help them practice their color matching skills with items that you already have around the house.


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Gather Your Color Matching Supplies

  • Supplies for Color Matching Activity
  • Container to hold solid colored items
  • toys, kitchen supplies, crayons, blocks, cars, food (play or real), etc. Items that are a dominate color. Collect 5 items for each color.
  • ALSO Collect at least one item that has 2 dominate colors and hold to the side for LAST item to be placed.
  • foam circles, construction paper, colored buckets. Some type of ‘base’ to use to put colored items on/in as a guide.
  • That’s it!!

Set Up Your Color Matching Game

Set up your Color Matching Game and give simple directions of matching objects to correct color circle.
Color Matching Game for 2 & 3 year old

Be sure that the items you pick have one dominate color. This will help allow for success and make the game fun. When things are too difficult, unsure kiddos will quickly lose interest and give up.

Color matching for 2 - 3 year olds
Color Matching for Toddlers

Sometimes when you give the child objects that have something else in common, like these crayons, the child will put the wrong color object onto the foam circle by the similar item. WOW! Amazing things just happened right there!

We are quick to think this is wrong. STOP – ask them why they think the yellow crayon goes here (above example). Their little brains are already categorizing in multiple ways. In this example, she grouped (categorizing skills) the crayons together even though they are different colors. We left it. No need to correct such an awesome mind growing thing!!

Give them a 2 dominant color item to see where they would put it on their color matching activity
Our Spiderman has 2 dominant colors

A Little Harder

Hold an item that has more than one dominate color for the end of the activity. There will not be a wrong answer here. Just see where they place it. Ask them the ‘Why’. It’s fun to hear their reasoning. Good job kiddos!! Let them try it again and again, until they lose interest.

Eye Spy is another great color game for little kids. Be patient, they are learning. What are some fun things you do with your kiddos for color fun? Check out some great fine motor and gross motor activities for toddlers here. And be sure to stop by my blog post on Grandma Camp. Tons of Toddler fun packed in there too! ~ Susie Peas.

Check out these Color Matching Games & Puzzles below. Great fun for your little ones. And I added the link to The Reading Bug Box. A perfect birthday gift for someone you love to read with. I like customizing mine to fit all of my Sweet Peas. ~Kim

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Fun With Kids at the Public Libraries

St. Louis County offers 19 library branches around the area. They volunteer amenities such as interactive children’s areas, private study rooms, and comfortable seating and quiet reading areas.

Public Libraries are not what they used to be. Now these libraries are offering new and innovative programs like Sensory Story Time for families with children on the autism spectrum, Listen Up STL a collection of local music available to stream on the library’s website, and 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, a program designed to give kids a head start in school by encouraging them to read. 

Children’s Area at St. Louis County Library – Grant’s View Branch

Library Programs For Kids

Here is a short list of some of the many programs they offer for kids. With so many, you are sure to find a few that you and your children will find interesting and fun to check out.

Discovery Zones

Select SLCL branches now feature Discovery Zones for children. These spaces are designed to encourage children to explore, play and learn. The Discovery Zones have several unique features including pneumatic tube displays, interactive light walls and large format touch screens where kids can play games using educational apps.There’s also an area for younger explorers with features designed for small children such as reading nooks, magnetic walls and interactive literacy panels.

Kids Area at Grant’s View Branch

Discovery Zones are located at the following locations: 

FLIP Kits

FLIP Kit

FLIP (Family Literacy Involvement Program) kits are fun, interactive, free of charge and easy to use. Each kit contains a book and activities. FLIP Kits are available for checkout at all St. Louis County Library branches.

Browse the list of available kits. Each kit can be checked out for two weeks.

Kindergarten Prep

Get an overview of what is expected before your child enters the classroom. SLCL offers a Kindergarten Prep workshop for parents and children who will be 5-years-old by July 31, 2019. Families who participate will receive a free backpack, a book and school supplies. Space is limited. Registration required.

Launch Pad, Audio Books & Computers

You can check out Launch Pads, Books on CD, or play games and read on the child friendly computers. The libraries are set up to make learning and reading enjoyable at an early age.

Parent Packs

Parent Pack

Parent Packs are designed to help young children and their caregivers have meaningful, age-appropriate conversations about important topics. Each includes books and a resource list on a specific theme, such as First Day of School, Death, Potty Training, Friendship and Where do Babies Come From. Adults are encouraged to read the books first, then share with their children.

The kits can be checked out for two weeks. Packs are geared towards families with children in second grade or younger.

These are available at the following locations: Bridgeton Trails, Cliff Cave, Daniel Boone, Florissant Valley, Grant’s View and Library Headquarters.

Sci-finder kits

Sci-finders kits contain everything parents and kids need to engage in hands-on activities at home. The kits can be checked out for a period of two weeks by anyone with a valid, adult SLCL library card. Each kit comes equipped with learning activities and experiments centered on a variety of science and technology topics.

You can find Sci-finders at:

  • Bridgeton Trails
  • Cliff Cave
  • Daniel Boone
  • Florissant Valley
  • Grand Glaize
  • Grant’s View
  • Headquarters
  • Indian Trails
  • Jamestown Bluffs
  • Lewis and Clark
  • Prairie Commons
  • Samuel C. Sachs
  • Thornhill
  • Weber Road 

Sensory Story Time

St. Louis County Library offers Sensory Story Time for families with children ages 3-9 who are on the autism spectrum or who have multi-sensory needs. The program provides a welcoming environment for children to enjoy a story and other fun activities.

Story Time

Stories, songs and other fun activities to help develop early literacy skills. Each branch offers different story times geared towards particular ages. There are even lap time story times for those between the ages of 0-36 months.

STEAM

St. Louis County Libraries offers a variety of art and science-related resources and activities for families. Explore all the great programming at your local branch.

We Stories

The We Stories collection at St. Louis County Library features culturally diverse children’s books and discussion kits to help parents initiate conversations about race.

The kits include 4-6 different books, suggested activities and a discussion guide. Each kit is centered on a different theme such as “Everybody Counts,” “Girl Power,” “Celebrating the Skin You’re In” and “Who are the People in Your Neighborhood.” The We Stories kits are designed for parents and children ages 3-8 and can be checked out for two weeks.

Learn more about the We Stories organization at www.westories.org.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

1000 Books Before Kindergarten encourages families and caregivers to read 1000 books with their young children before they enter kindergarten.

Studies have shown that families who start reading aloud to their children at birth help strengthen language skills and build vocabulary–two important tools when children begin learning to read in kindergarten.

How does it work?

  1. Register at any St. Louis County Library branch and take home a reading log.
  2. Track your reading by marking a circle every time you read a book with your child.
  3. Visit your local SLCL branch each time you read 100 books and receive a sticker. When you reach 500 books, your child will receive a free book and a small prize. When you complete 1000 books, your child will receive a free book, a drawstring bag and other fun items.

FAQs

Can we really read that many books before kindergarten? Yes! If you read one book a day you can complete the program within three years.

Can other people read to my child besides me? Stories read by parents, grandparents, siblings, etc. all count. You can also count books read at story times.

But my child wants to read the same book over and over! The good news is that repetition is important to learning and you can count that book multiple times.

Educator Bundles

Educators interested in requesting books to supplement their collection on a specific topic(s) can complete the form below.

  • Requests should be made at least two weeks in advance of needing the material.
  • The quantity requested may be altered by staff due to the availability of items in the system.
  • Once the material has been gathered a notification will be sent.
  • Pick-up and return of the material should be completed by the dates given.

If you have any questions, please contact the Youth Services Department at 314-994-3300 or kidzone@slcl.org.

There is something for everyone at your local public libraries these days. With so many great opportunities for kids, can you imagine what they have lined up for adults! Stop by and check out all that they have to offer. ~ Susie Pea

For more great ideas to do with kids, check out my post on Mud Kitchens. You can teach kids about how animals live with my post on Habitats to Make with Kids. My Christmas Camp post has even more fun packed in! Also read about my Snackle Boxes that I pack for my grandbabies when we are out playing all day.

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Summer Survival Series DAY TWO – Chores, Behavior, & Rewards

Hey there!  Welcome back to my Summer Survival Series! Are you ready to get your next set of Summer Survival Tips? 

Now that you took time for yourself, and Step Number 1 is hopefully in the making. It’s time for our next step for Summer Survival!


NUMBER 2. CREATE A SYSTEM FOR CHORES, BEHAVIOR, & REWARDS.  

Summer Survival Tips – Chores

I’m a BIG supporter of chores for kiddos. Listen, they are CAPABLE. I am a BIGGER non-supporter of the FIGHTING that comes along with making them do chores. So let’s make it FUN this summer, shall we? 

To help combat this chore war, I downloaded a relatively new app called “S’Mores Up.” You create an account and you add each child to that account.  Next, you  create chores (or choose from the chores they have already preprogrammed).  Then, you come up with some rewards for doing said chores.  Finally, YOU GET THEM TO WILLINGLY HELP AROUND THE HOUSE! WHAAATTTT!?!? 

Summer Survival Series - S'mores Chore chart
Summer Survival Series – S’mores Chore chart

Summer Survival Tips – Rewards

 When Little Curtis takes out the trash, he gets a point, which the app has cutely nicknamed a “s’more.”  When he saves up enough “s’mores,” he can cash them in for awesome prizes!  Like staying up late, extra screen time, a batch of his favorite cookies, or a toy from the dollar store!  

Summer Survival Series - S'mores Reward Chart
Summer Survival Series – S’mores Reward Chart

The littler kids, like my Griffin, really don’t care about the points, but they love to be doing the same things as the big kids!  AND *DUH* while they’re cleaning, you can be cleaning!  This was a huge “AHA” moment for me several years back.  I didn’t have these expectations for my kids and I felt this huge mom guilt while trying to clean as they entertained themselves (which usually involved following behind me and undoing all of my hard work…).  

In addition to the chores app, I’ve also created this “Chore Board” so my bigger kids can earn some money and do some jobs that I just really don’t want to do! Check it out. 

Summer Survival Series - Chore Board to help promote good summer help and habits with children
Summer Survival Series – Chore Board

SNEAKY, right?  I remember thinking that my parents had kids just so we could clean for them.  Obviously, I now realize how much I DIDN’T do as a child.  But I also realize that this is indeed a BONUS to having children!!! BAHAHA!  

Summer Survival Tips – Behaviors


BUT HOLD UP.  Let’s get real.  None of this is going to happen if we allow misbehavior.  My parenting style mostly falls under the Authoritative category.  Check out this information from Strictly Stress Management to learn more. I believe our kiddos need to see us giving them consistency, strength, expectations, practical life skills, and deep, unconditional love.  I believe in natural consequences, but also consequences that are consistent. When my child does behavior A, they should already know what punishment B has always been.  At a very young age, they’ll start developing the LIFE SKILLS needed to be able to weigh their behaviors with the risk of the consequences.  

I already have a good handle on this in my home.  I taught kindergarteners for 5 years.  So this summer I’m really focusing on Quality Character.  We are going to use a ticket system for this behavior plan.  The kids will earn a ticket when they display excellent character.  Tickets can be lost when poor character becomes a problem.  They’ll go “shopping” in the treasure box once a week!  

Good Character Poster to promote good behavior and reward system

If you are interested in a printable of the Character Counts PDF Click Below

https://susiepeas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Character-Counts-1.pdf

Summer Survival Series - Treasure Box & Tickets. Ways to promote good behavior and rewards.
Summer Survival Series – Treasure Box & Tickets

Now, I didn’t say today’s topic was going to be an easy task.  One thing I know for certain is that these transition times (like the upcoming transition from school year to summertime) are IDEAL for making changes.  So let’s practice our MOM VOICES and perfect THAT LOOK that means business.  We can do this, Momma!  #bosslady #queenbee  ~Boo


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Summer Survival Series DAY ONE – Set Routines

OH HAY!  Glad to see you’re back!  That means you’ve read yesterday’s post and you’re already pampering yourself and ready to conquer this thing called summertime, yes?  Summer Survival 101 – OKAY!  LET’S DO THIS.

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NUMBER 1. SET ROUTINES 

Set them.  Weekly, Daily, HOURLY schedules that the kiddos can see and actually decipher!  It will keep you sane when they will.not.stop.asking.what’s.next.  I started with this one from Fab n’ Free and added to it along the way. 

Summer Survival Series – summer schedule

Mine is magnetic and goes right on the fridge.  When they ask me when we are going to the pool, I point to the fridge.   If they ask how many more days until the birthday party, I point to the fridge.  WHEN THEY ASK IF THEY CAN HAVE A SNACK…the SCHEDULE tells them they will have a snack AFTER chores and suddenly YOU’RE NOT THE BAD GUY!!! AND BONUS!!!  They’re practicing their CALENDAR SKILLS!!! WOOT! 

 I have learned to stay away from putting too many rules on our summer days. In the past I’ve tried the schedules that include “Make it Monday” and “Water Fun Wednesday.” But when the things we really wanted to do didn’t fit into that schedule, I felt a bit of mom guilt and a smidge of failure.

Nowadays, I lean towards the practice of having a bunch of fun activities prepped and entertaining excursions in mind at the beginning of the week, ready for action when the time is right. 

Summer Survival Schedule

In case you’re interested, here’s our schedule for the summer…I’m super flexible, but this is my baseline.  Like I said, I keep it simple.  


6:30AM  Wake up before everyone else, while the house is still quiet.  Pour a cup of coffee (duh) and have some quiet time.


7:00AM The children start waking up.  Breakfast immediatly or they will most likely die.


7:30AM  Get ready or we will probably never do this.  I take that back.  We will do this 5 minutes before Daddy gets home so it doesn’t look like we spent the day in our PJ’s.


8:00AM  Second cup of coffee.  Do not bother Mommy until this is finished.  They need time to play independently anyway.  It’s SCIENCE.

8:30AM  If we have someplace to go, it probably starts at 9.  So start getting in the car.  This will take FOREVER.  And you’ll be late. Don’t forget to pack a Snackle Box for the trip!


9:00AM  If there’s no outing scheduled, start some educational activities.  These are the things I’ll have planned and prepped before the week begins.  Because if I don’t, I’ll just say EFFIT.  I’ll have more ideas for you soon, so stay tuned!


10:00AM Snack Time, Reading Time (You’ll be reading about my family’s Reading Time in the next few days…)


11:00AM Play some more!!!Have some fun!  Play outside!  Read!  Cook! Make a craft! Experiment!  Exercise together!


12:00PM Lunch Time


1:00PM Chores & Cash in Rewards (I’ll be sharing my Chores, Behavior, and Rewards systems soon!)


2:00PM  Nap Time/Quiet Time

3:00PM Big Kid Fun Stuff (That the nappers can’t do…)


4:00PM Wake up Nappers, Ten Minute Tidy (Have you been doing this?  We’ll chat more about it later…)


4:30PM Daddy Home!

  • Summer Survival Series – Chore Chart and Schedules
  • Chore Chart and Schedule

Summer Survival Evening Prep


After bedtime (we start our routine at 8:00PM), I clean the kitchen, do more laundry, get stuff ready for the next day if necessary, take a shower, have more coffee, and unwind.

 

Summer Survival Tips

I rarely start something new without putting procedures into practice.  It’s the Kindergarten teacher in me. I spent the first TWO WEEKS of school simply practicing procedures, like sitting in a circle quietly, raising our hands, using the restroom.  Basic.  Tedious.  And necessary.  Especially for creating order and peace in our classrooms and in our homes.  

You’re already doing this, or at least you should be.  Do your little ones know what to do when you say, “It’s bed time!” or “Time to go bye bye!”?  If they run for their toothbrush in the first instance, or their shoes and jackets in the second, you’ve set up procedures in your home!  YAY!  If not, I suggest spending the first few days of summer practicing your new routines.

If you truly want to make your life easier, start expecting the same thing from your littles each time you move on to the next part of your day. 

For example, when it’s time for snack, we 1) wash our hands, 2) get our cups, 3) get into our seats, 4) wipe our hands when we are finished, 5) excuse ourselves from the table and 6) clean our spots.  They can do this, and you can, too!

I hope day one of my Summer Survival Series has your wheels turning with ideas of your own on how to put routines and procedures into practice in your home this summer.

Stop by again tomorrow to find out how I’m cracking down on chores, managing the behaviors in my home, and rewarding my little sweet peas for all of their hard work and good choices! ~ Boo

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Summer Survival Tips – School’s OUT!

WOAH.  We are half way into May.  Summer is LESS THAN ONE WEEK away for my kiddos!  Here are my summer survival tips to ensure it’s packed with fun!

Boo’s Summer Series

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If you don’t know much about me, I’m Susie Pea’s oldest.  My name is Brooke (AKA Boo) and I have four sweet babies (two-thirds of the sweet peas you’ve read about).  They consist of a first grader, a three-days-a-week prekinder, and two littles with me at home, all day, every day. 

As crazy as I know it will inevitably be, summer is about to make my life a whole lot easier in many ways. And if I do the right prep work, it can stay that way!  I know you stay at home moms of school aged kiddos feel me right now…

Join me over the next two weeks for
INSIDER TIPS for surviving summer and making it AWESOME as I guest blog for Susie Pea’s!

My name is Brooke (AKA Boo) and I have four sweet babies
Hello Friends! I’m Brooke – mom of 4!!

Summer Survival Tips


BEFORE WE BEGIN with number one…LETS TAKE CARE OF NUMERO UNO.  Treat yo’ self!  We’ve heard it a thousand times, but when will we listen, Mommas??  You can’t take care of your tribe until you take care of yourself!!!  Consider doing some of the things below before summer starts for your own joy!!!

⦁ Set a routine for YOURSELF.  Rise early in the morning, have some quiet time, set aside time for chores and errands, exercise, tidy up and get ready for the next day, get to bed early, etc.  Don’t do what I tell you you should do, do what puts your mind and heart at peace!

Relax the Day Away. Enjoying some sweet fragrances in my bath - Summer Survival Tip
Survival Tips – Relax

⦁ Shower. For the love of GOD.  I like to “wash the day away” and take my showers after bedtime.  No littles running in to tattle or have me braid Barbie hair or wipe their nose… I put on some tunes or pray or think about my to do list…


⦁ Get out of your PJ’s!  Put on something you feel GOOD in. If you don’t have things in your closet that make you feel happy, get thrifty!!!  My mom, sister, and I love a good secondhand store.  Read more about our favorites in STL and how we “Shop the Look!”

⦁ Throw on some Makeup.  Just a tad.  I like to give my eyes a little love in the AM.  “Fake it ‘til you make it.”  ‘Cuz at least they won’t LOOK exhausted.

More Survival Tips


⦁ Take care of your health…Exercise.  Meal Prep.  Drink LOTS OF H2O!!!  I’ve lost 15 lbs. in 3 months on (kind of) KETO!!!  My mom is so much more disciplined than I am, but cutting carbs and sugar has been EASIER THAN I COULD HAVE EVER IMAGINED and I feel incredible.  Seriously.  I HATE DIETING AND EXERCISING.  I’m just making better choices!  And I haven’t looked at myself in the mirror this way since before baby #1. Check out my mom’s keto journey and start living a healthier life IMMEDIATELY.

⦁ Get organized.  Tidy spaces create serenity in our minds and souls!  I’m CLEARLY putting this on my GOALS list for the summer ‘cuz I suck at this…

⦁ Designate some quiet time during the day for yourself.  It’s good for grown ups, too!  Try to plan for it in the morning when the house is asleep, in the afternoon so you can recharge your battery for the evening ahead, and after bed time! Don’t you dare look at that to-do list.  Did you put this in your routine we just talked about?  ‘Cuz ya need to. The next three bullet points are full of great quiet time activities!

⦁ Read some good books.  Listen to some good podcasts.  Grow your mind! Here are the titles I’m diving into this summer…

READ!!! OMGOODNESS. READ. Get to your local library. Sign up for summer reading! Make it FUN! And please, please, please LET THEM SEE YOU READING! Summer Survival Tip
Survival Tips for Summer – What I’m Reading Now

⦁ Recharge with a cup of afternoon tea (or coffee or a glass of lemonade or a shot of tequila…jk…or am I?? *great survival tip*).

⦁ Get summer ready!  Haircut, cute swimsuit (what about this ROMPER?!), new baseball cap and sunglasses, tanning lotion, lip gloss, bath bombs, face masks, fingernail polish! Buy some fun beauty products on the cheap!  NOW USE THEM!

Now here we go…My “Baker’s Dozen” of To-do’s before the last school bell rings!!!

Summer To-Do List

1. SET ROUTINES.  Weekly, Daily, HOURLY.  Schedules that you can see and that the kids can see as well.


2. CREATE A SYSTEM FOR CHORES, BEHAVIOR, & REWARDS.  Practice your MOM VOICE, Y’ALL.

3. SIGN UP FOR ACTIVITIES! Library Summer Reading, Summer Camps, Vacation Bible School, Sports Camps, Sports Teams, Etc.

4. #GOALS. For everyone!  Learning.  Development.  Character.

5. EDUCATE.  Keep their little minds working all summer long

6. READ!!! OMGOODNESS.  READ.  Get to your local library.  Sign up for summer reading!  Make it FUN!  And please, please, please LET THEM SEE YOU READING!


7. QUIET TIME IS IMPORTANT. Set it each day.  Don’t skip it or they’ll remember.  Then those little manipulators will try to get you to skip it every day!  


8. LIMIT SCREEN TIME.  FOR REAL THIS TIME.  Set a rule.  Make it safe.  Don’t be lazy. 


9. Do some RAOK! Okay, I’m totally not cool enough to use that acronym…OR MAYBE I’M TOO COOL TO USE IT!  I’m talking about Random Acts of Kindness.  Spark some JOY!!!

10. OUTINGS! Parks, Zoo, Pool, Movies, Play Dates!  VISIT GRANDMA!!!


11. HAVE FUN AT HOME, TOO!  Backyard Exploring, Exercising, Arts & Crafts, Gardening! PLAY IN THE HOSE! Pajamas and Movie Marathon Day!!!


12. RAINY DAYS ARE FOR TRADITIONS!  Think of a fun tradition to do each time the skies are gray. 


13. THE SNUGGLE IS REAL.  Make time for each kiddo to have their own “snuggle night.” 

Summer Fun with These Sweet Peas

Brooke and her sweet peas, 4 beautiful babies.
My Own Little Pea Pod

I’m excited to spend the next two weeks with you!!! If you want to find out more about how I’m implementing each of these lovely ideas (survival tips), starting with my daily routines and schedules, check back tomorrow! ~Boo

Just incase you missed it, here are some fun things to do this summer –

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My Favorite IKEA Finds

Great Finds at IKEA

St. Louis was lucky enough to land an IKEA store in September of 2015. It is a warehouse sized building in downtown St. Louis that offers a range of home furnishing products at an affordable price. IKEA’s line of merchandise combine function, quality, design and value. It helps you envision how your own space can be more functional, organized and cohesive with day to day living. If you get the chance to visit, plan on staying awhile because it is an experience all it’s own. With so many IKEA finds, you will surely walk out with something.


Get organized
and fall in love
with your home
all over again

IKEA

I love to spend an hour or two roaming the expansive show room. I get a ton of amazing hacks going in and out of the tiny apartment sized areas they have staged for you on the top floor of IKEA. Yup, that is how big this place is! (There is even a restaurant with some amazing Swedish Meatballs on the top floor.) I see something new each time I go.

The middle floor houses the market, a small café, a kids area for babysitting while you shop (this in itself is a reason to spend an afternoon here!), a warehouse of products, and the check out.

Since they have opened, I have gotten so many things from IKEA. My bedding, my bath towels, rugs, furniture, dishes, pans, throws, lighting… literally every room in my home is touched by IKEA.

I decided that BLOG wouldn’t be complete without a post on IKEA deals. So without further ado: MY FAVORITE IKEA FINDS

Those Cute Little Plants

FEJKA
  1. The FEJKA plant. There are several styles of this little gem of greenery to choose from. They only cost $5.99 which is amazing for the quality and size. The FEJKA comes in a small, black pot which is complimentary to my style. If you think it needs a little more, you can pop them straight into a tin from IKEA or use one of your own. I have several of these simple IKEA finds at my house and at the lake. You can never get enough of a good thing!

Clocks

DEKAD

The DEKAD clock is another inexpensive find at IKEA. It comes in black or this brushed green color. Even though IKEA products have a more modern and sleek look and feel, this clock blends in perfectly with my farmhouse, antique vibe. (Other décor in this photo are from thrift stores. Check out My Favorite Second Hand Stores in St. Louis here. And Amazing Thrift Store Finds here.)

Little Silver Bucket – Plant Pots

SOCKER

This is another item that I have multiples of at home and the lake. At only $1.99 each, the SOCKER plant pot is the right size for so many things that clutter my house. Having a cute place to store my pens and art supplies to keep them organized is a win-win. These also fits the FEJKA plant pot perfectly.

Chair Cushions

Chair Cushion

I was blessed with my husband’s, grandmother’s oak table and 3 of her kitchen chairs. They are beautiful and cherished pieces in our home, but not so comfortable. IKEA offers a wide selection of chair cushions in some great colors. For average price of $8.99 each, they were a much appreciated addition to the dining room.

Step Stools

BEKVAM

This is my favorite of my IKEA finds. The BEKVAM is only $39.99 and holds a max weight of 220 lbs. Like most IKEA furniture, you have to assemble it yourself. The directions are so easy to understand though, that I have been able to build most of the things by myself. Jaybird helps when it’s a heavier project than I can’t handle. (They also offer to build your furniture for you for a little extra money.) The best thing about this ladder, is that it comes with a mounting bracket to get it up off the floor. Everything has a place and there’s a place for everything!!

Storage

TJENA

TJENDA $2.99 storage boxes with lids. I have several sizes of these in my home office. These are just the right size for file folders and office supplies. They help me to keep this area clean and organized.

High Chair

ANTILOP

ANTILOP High chair with tray. This is a high quality high chair that I use everyday. The best part about it is that I can deep clean it easily with few nooks and crannies for food to get into.

Ice cube Tray

  • PLASTIS

PLASTIS Ice cube trays are $1.99 each. I use mine for a mold for my KETO fat bombs. Find my Pinterest Board on Keto snacks here. I love how easy it is to pop these sweet treats right out of the mold.


There you have it, My Favorite IKEA Finds. Send me a comment to let me know what great deals you have found from here. If you want to check out these deals or any other goodies from IKEA, but you don’t have one near you, go online at https://www.ikea.com/ and order a free catalog. – Susie Pea

Check out My Great Thrift Store Finds and My Favorite 2nd Hand Stores! Both of these posts have good information for some slappily shopping ideas.

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The Paper Route – The Best Job Ever!

Stuffed to the roof with Newspapers to Deliver
Hoarding Newspapers

I have got to say that the most fun, tiring, crazy, exciting, boring, dirty job that I have ever had was a Newspaper Route. I’m not talking about a “throw onto the front porch while riding by on my bicycle” kid paper route. I am talking about “up all hours of the night, 365 days a year, car packed to the roof, speeding all over town” adult paper route. – And I LOVED IT!!

The Basic Gist of a Paper Route

Every night after the presses run, trucks head out to depots all over the city delivering bundles of edge-of-your-seat information about the day’s news events, headlines, birth announcements, and obituaries. Then it is my job to add some coupons (you’re welcome) and get them to you before the sun comes up!


“Extra, Extra Read All About It”

It’s a pretty easy gig. Unless something spectacular is going on like the World Series. Yes, I have all of the cover pages from St. Louis Cardinals 2011 World Series Games. Then there will be an “EXTRA Edition” of the paper… typically printed out to deliver spectacular or breaking news before or after the “normal” edition. – I miss it!

Shop for official St. Louis Cardinals fan gear from Majestic, Nike and New Era at Shop.MLB.com

GO CARDS!!

Games run into overtime or extra innings – papers come later. Presses break down – papers come late. Blizzard and storms – papers come late. Crunch time to get the news out doubles! – And I miss it!

Biggest Paper Route Day of the Year – Black Friday

Black Friday Turkey 1 Newspapers. St.Louis Post Dispatch
Black Friday Turkey 1 Newspapers

And then there is BLACK FRIDAY. The biggest newspaper day of the year. It’s the 3 inch thick paper delivered the day after Thanksgiving that has every Christmas ad you can think of packed inside.

Preparation begins weeks before this paper comes. You have to bring in a crew to get the job done. It’s exhausting! – But I miss it!

The Other 360 Days of the Year

The rest of the year runs like business as usual. Up at 2:00a.m. (Check out this alarm clock for heavy sleepers.) Rub the sleep out of my eyes. Throw on some news ink stained clothes and a ponytail. Arrive at the depot just to sit and wait. And wait. And wait.

The tractor trailer brings the goods and the warehouse buzzes like a well oiled machine. Stuff, band, load and I’m off to the dark sleeping city. With the radio blaring, a polar pop (giant soda) on hand, I speed through town.

No time for red lights or stop signs. In and out of businesses delivering the news on the front stoop. (I had a business route, but I have done my son’s residential throwing route more than I wanted to. An aim that could knock out a garden gnome with one hand tied behind my back – or on the wheel 😉

I would drop the last bundle just before the sun came up. It was a beautiful thing.

Paper Route Delivery Tales

Driving every night for over 8 years, I have some great and not so great adventures of my own that could have made the news. Or at least the comics.

My Scoops

Once when I stopped at the Post Office Paper Box on a dead end road, a car came speeding towards me. My adrenaline was going as I sprinted back to my car with only a box cutter in hand. It was an officer speeding to me to find out why someone would be back by these closed businesses in the middle of the night. Not sure why his lights weren’t on, but I yelled at him like I was his mother!

Same Officer, different night and business. I pulled up to deliver my papers and he was outside of his car flapping his arms and spinning around. A giant moth had gotten into his car. –hysterical!

Same Post Office another time I saw someone inside looking out at me. SCARED I ran back to the car screaming!!! Come to find out, it was a life sized cardboard Postman display.

I have chased teenagers running from the cops. Once I held a heroin overdosed girl, freezing on a store parking lot until help arrived. I was first on the scene of serious car accidents making sure everyone was alright. So many stories. So many crazy memories.

Boo & Lee Lou’s Chronicles

I don’t know if any of you have ever seen 30 Days of Night, but after seeing that movie about Vampires, the paper route becomes a little scarier.

Boo and Lee Lou pulled up to a lone Newspaper Box – those yellow boxes with a pull down door, only visible by a dim street light. The only building around was an old abandoned stone mansion. Creepy even on a normal night.

They jumped out leaving the car doors open. One unlocked and opened the hinged box door, they other stuffed the papers in. And then they sprinted back to the still running car.

Lee Lou slipped on the loose gravel and fell flat on her back. When Boo jumped into the car, there was no Lee Lou so she screamed and threw the car in reverse knowing that the vampires got Lee Lou and she was next.

Before Boo could move, Lee Lou sprung up onto the seat half in and half out of the car knowing that her sister was about to leave her behind in order to save herself. –sister love.

Another story Boo shared was when the 7-11 worker handed her a brown paper bag and told her to give it to the SHELL guy down the road. She was so nervous about it. Day 3 she looked in the bag. Taquitos!

A fun favorite was being frisked at the Defense Mapping Agency. That will wake you up for sure.

Jaybird’s Nonfictions

On a typical evening on Jaybird’s throwing route, he would fly up and down residential neighborhoods hitting every driveway and front porch with a paper.

One night an officer pulled him over which was the norm on a route until your car is recognized by the local police. The officer said, son I just watched you blow through 6 stop signs. –Oops!!

Jaybird has also bought a telephone pole and lived to tell about it. He was going less than 5mph –thank God! Those poles are not cheap!

Another night when Jaybird was stopped, the policeman went back to the patrol car to run his information. Watching thru the side car mirror, Jay could see the officer approach the car with his hand on his weapon yelling to him to put his hands out the window and to tell the officer his social security number. Another person with the same exact name and close birthdate was wanted for a double murder. –Whew!

Even Jason Had a Memoir

At the big store chains, we would put large racks out to hold hundreds of Saturday papers. One particular Saturday, the papers were thicker than normal and had a lot of slicks (shiny coupon cards) inside. The whole night was spent straightening up these awkward papers. At Jason’s last stop, he stacked bundles and bundles of thick Saturday Posts one on top of another. As he walked away exhausted from the long evening, all he heard was WHOOSSHHHH!!! He never looked back! –Done!

Newspaper Recycling

These days we recycle, reuse, and repurpose our newspapers. Here are some great crafts and ideas to do with your old newspapers.

Uses for The Paper Route Recyclables

See how to make Biodegradable Seedling Pots. This post is a DYI on how to make cups used to start plants until established. After you assemble planter cups, place them in a safe place where the seedlings can get sunlight and air.

The Paper Route Seedling Pots
The Paper Route Seedling Pots

Once the seedlings are ready for planting, simply place the entire cup into the ground. This way, you get to transfer the seedling without disturbing its roots. Eventually, the newspaper will disintegrate without causing any harm to your plant.

You can make envelopes from recycled paper. Hometalk.com has an easy to follow tutorial on how to make them.

The Paper Route Crafts

How cute are these Newspaper Snails. What a fun way to use old newspapers. Easy and kid friendly.

The Paper Route Newspaper Snail Craft

Check out this post on 42 Simple Newspaper Crafts for Kids. Great ideas that are simple and easy to do. There are so many amazing ideas. I am definitely going to try some with my grandchildren this summer.

  • Decorations with The Paper Route old papers
    Using The Paper Route old newspapers for DIY decorations
The Paper Route Crafts for Kids
Shark Craft with The Paper Route Newspapers from iheartcraftythings.com

The ideas are endless when looking for ways to use your old newspapers. From paper Mache to cover your counters when frying foods. Old newspapers will always come in handy.

I sure do miss that Old Route. We still tell stories about it when we get together. What was your favorite job? I would love to hear about it in the comments below ~Susie Peas.

Here is my DIY Bunting post that you can do with old newspapers! Or save your newspapers for crafts at Grandma Camp.

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Springtime Succulent Wreath

Springtime Succulent Wreath

My new favorite plant is the succulent. These tiny pieces of greenery are making their way onto the scene and into the spotlight as a great go-to in all types of décor. I thought they would be the perfect plant/garden look for my kitchen door wreath. Here is how I made this darling wreath. So simple, you can make one for yourself in less than 30 minutes!

Supplies

Supplies for My Springtime Succulent Wreath.
Supplies for My Springtime Succulent Wreath
  • 4 – 3′ terra cotta pots
  • 5 – 2.5″ terra cotta pots
  • 4 – 1.5″ terra cotta pots
  • 12 inch grapevine wreath
  • floral wire
  • Spanish moss
  • plastic succulents
  • embellishments/ribbon
  • hot glue gun/ glue

Instructions

Step 1: Run floral wire thru each terra cotta pot hole in bottom. Place in alternating spots around wreath securing by tying floral wire ends together, twisting, and tucking into back of wreath. See picture below.

  • Place floral thru terra cotta pot
    Place wire thru Pot
  • Secure Pot on wreath with floral wire
    Secure terra cotta pot onto wreath

Step 2: Check to see that pots are visually pleasing along the wreath. Place them at random points as well as stagger positions of each pot. Double check that pots are secure to wreath.

  • Alternate different sized pots around wreath
    Visual check of terra cotta pots around wreath

Step 3: Add embellishments and bows/ribbons to wreath with hot glue to fill in empty areas. Inside of pots, add Spanish Moss and succulents.

  • Embellishments for Succulent Wreath
    Add embellishments to succulent wreath
  • add bow/ribbon to wreath
    Add ribbon/bow to succulent wreath

Step 4: Add a floral wire loop to top of wreath to hang onto a secure wreath hanger or cup hook. Note: this wreath is heavier than most wreaths.

Simple DIY Succulent Wreath

It didn’t take long to put this darling wreath together and I love how great it looks on my kitchen door. The perfect way to greet neighbors passing by my tiny garden on the side of the house. ~Susie Peas

You have to see my DIY Picture Frame Wreath how-to. It’s a great keepsake wreath that would look amazing in your home. Just like my huge DIY Chalkboard. It’s the perfect large piece to add to your wall décor.

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My DIY Bunting That is Simple & Quick to Make

A Simple DIY Bunting

One way that I love to decorate and bring color into a room is by making my own bunting. This way I can pick the colors and designs that will accent the space or party theme perfectly.

My bunting garland is so simple to make. You will want to add them to every room and party. It gives an instant dose of color and helps to theme your décor.

Simple DIY Bunting
Bloom Where You Are Planted

Next week I am having a Succulent Party. Hosting is one of my favorite things to do. I love planning, prepping, decorating, & cooking for each event. See My Favorite Party Planning Tips here. It is my way of sharing the love. I try to add a little bit of my personality in every part of my get togethers. My end goal is for each guest to walk away feeling good.

Everything always $1 – Shop Now

In prepping for my party next week, I decided to make one of my Simple DIY Bunting garlands as decoration over my chalkboard. See how I DIY this amazing chalkboard here. It is an easy way to bring in color and add to my plant theme with patterned card stock.

Supplies for My DIY Bunting

Cardstock for Easy DIY Bunting
Cardstock for my DIY Bunting
  • 4 pieces 12×12 card stock in different complimentary colors/patterns (I got mine at Michael’s when half price).
  • ruler
  • scissors
  • tape
  • string/twine Length needed my project

Instructions on Making DIY Bunting

Step 1: Decide size of pennants that you want and length of bunting garland. For my project, I wanted smaller pennants and my garland need to be 9 feet in length.

Mine are 3 inches wide across top of pennant and 6 inches high down sides. With a 12×12 cardstock, I was able to get 14 pennants out of each one if needed. My garland is long enough to hang a little over my chalkboard, so I only needed 8 of each color.

I could have made bigger pennants, hung them side by side spaced further apart or closer together, or used more cardstock. Your bunting can be adjusted to what your specifications are for that particular project.

Step 2: (skip this step and go to step 3 if your pennants are longer than 6 inches. 12×12 cardstock folded in half gave me the 6 inch height that I needed.) Fold cardstock in half lengthwise. It will allow for you to double up on cutting and measuring and speed up the process.

Step 3: Measure along top of cardstock desired length for each pennant. Mine was 3 inches each. I marked 3 inches, 6 inches, and 9 inches.

Marking top of cardstock for length of pennants
Measure width of each pennant and mark.

Step 4: Mark the halfway point on the bottom of the cardstock. So for my 3 inch wide pennants, the halfway mark would be at 1 1/2 inches, 4 1/2 inches, 7 1/2 inches.

Step 5: Draw line from top left point of pennant to bottom triangle tip of pennant. Now draw line from top right point of pennant to bottom triangle tip.

  • Marking your pennants using guides.
  • 1/2 way mark on each pennant
    Marking bottom of pennant at halway mark for each one.

Step 6: Cut bunting pennant triangles along lines.

Assembling My Bunting Garland

Step 7: Assemble bunting garland. You can use a simple pattern of 1 each of the 4 cardstock pennants and then start again. I like to make mine more of a mix and match. For example 1 teal green pennant, 1 cactus pennant, 1 heart pennant, 1 dark green pennant. Then instead of starting pattern over, I might mix it up with 1 heart pennant, 1 dark green pennant, 1 cactus, then 1 teal. Either way is fine.

For this bunting, I put my pennants about a 1/2 inch apart and taped to string. You can space them further apart if you need a longer garland.

DIY Bunting. Simple steps to making your own Bunting.
DIY Bunting

I love how it turned out. I think it will look perfect at my Succulent Party. These colors will be easy to match with paper plates, napkins, and other décor for the party.

More DIY Bunting Projects

  • Boy’s Toyroom at Previous Home
  • Toy Room at New Home
  • Toy Room Bunting

Here are just a few of the other DIY Bunting garlands that I have made. Some are larger or longer than the one that I made for this party. They add the perfect pop of color and whimsy to my grandchildren’s toy rooms.

Click here to see what else I did with the toy room. It’s a fun and functional space in our new home. Be looking for my blog post on how my Succulent Party turns out. Better yet, hit the subscribe button and you won’t miss it! Thanks for stopping by! ~Susie Peas.

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