Happy Easter!

Packing for Kids - Quick Tip

Packing for kids is the fun part of vacation packing.  You have to remember all the special things they will need to make the trip comfortable, but not over pack.

My kids have their own bags that I dig out for them to pack stuff to keep them comfortable on the trip.  Most of it is stuff for the car, but sometimes it's stuff that can make them feel more at home in the hotel.  A stuffed animal, or a special action figure.

Make sure you remember your child's special item!  It can make all the difference!

Keep 'Em Busy

I've never flown with kids before, so I really don't have any advice.  I've heard of parents putting together a little baggie for their fellow passengers, outlining the situation, and giving out ear plugs and pieces of candy.

As for road trips, though, I have a few tips.  My kids are older now, so it's easier to travel with them.

Here are some of my tips for travelling with littles:

• DVD player.  It's just one of those things that I have learned to love.  
• Coloring Books and crayons - just don't leave the crayons in the car for too long!
• Road trip games.  There are games that can be purchased at the store that are magnetic, so they can be played in the car, or you could play games like 'I Spy' or the license plate game (which I've never played, so don't ask me how).
• Snacks.  I don't know how you feel about eating in the car, but we've tried road trips without eating in the car, and it just doesn't work.  One of my littles gets car sick, so I make sure to keep crackers and peanut butter on hand.  
• Stretch your legs.  It may not sound like much, but leg stretching can bring renewed excitement to your road trip.  My knees get stiff (my right knee will probably need to be replaced, it's so bad, so I have to work it more than the other), and it always makes me feel better to stop and take a minute to step out of the car.
• Music.  Make sure to bring music with you!  When we went on vacation the last time, there was a stretch when we didn't have music we cared for.  It made it a very long few hours!

That's all I can think of right now.  Check out my Pinterest board "Road Tripping" for some more ideas!

Vacation Packing Checklist

It's March!  You know what that means?  Spring break is right around the corner, and just around the corner from that is Summer vacation!  In honor of road trip season coming soon, I am going to cover different ways to make road tripping easier with kids.  I'll publish a post each Sunday (except for Easter), so, here goes:

Are you a list maker, like me?  Someone who has to write a list to write a list?  Well, this is the post for you.  I put together a vacation packing checklist to help you get it all in order before your big trip.

I call it the Vacation Helper.  The printable has two versions, a version for one individual, and another with a grid for families.

Let me know if you think of any ways I can improve the Vacation Helper!

See ya later, and happy vacationing!

St. Patrick's Day Crafts

St. Patrick's Day is approaching!

Each year I like to do something small for the boys for St. Patty's Day.  Here are a few of the things I did in past years, and some new ideas.

Green Rice Krispies Treats:  I haven't made these, yet, but they are on the list this year.  I know I can buy Rice Krispie Treats, but I have never made them before, and I think the boys will love them! 

Crochet Pot of Gold:  I made these last year, and the boys still use them for various trinkets.  I've added a pattern herehere.  I filled these little pots with Rolos as the gold.

Crochet Shamrocks:  The pattern for these little guys can be found herehere.  They are great to adorn the little pots above.  They can also make a cute hair bow, or be worn somehow, so no one gets pinched!

Scavenger Hunt:  I did this one a couple of years ago, and the boys really liked it.  I don't have any printables for this one, but all you have to do is write down little riddles on slips of paper, leaving them at a couple of spots in the house.  The last, of course, led to their treat.  For their treat, I made a black velvet bag and filled it with gold coins, and had a shamrock coloring page.  I wish I could find the bags I made, but maybe I'll throw together a sewing tutorial for one!!  That would be fun!! 

St. Patty's Day Scavenger Hunt Part 2:  Have your littles search out different things that can be associated with St. Patrick's Day:  rainbows, colors (ie gold, green).  They'll have fun, and get a prize at the end!

St. Patty's Day Jewelry:  I have some large beads somewhere, that the boys will love using to make some green and gold necklaces or bracelets for their friends, or even themselves!

Whatever you do for St. Patrick's Day, have fun with it!!

Check Out The New Shop

Beach Bird Eclectics will no longer be selling on Etsy.  I can hear the groans of disapproval, now, but if you'll hear me out...

I'm just not fond of Etsy.  I feel like it's too time consuming.  Again, I can hear other Etsy sellers groaning, but if you really wanted to sell, it would be worth the time.  Maybe they're right.  I mean, I do want to sell my products.  I just don't want to use that site any more.  I do not like paying for something that isn't paying off.  I have done a lot of research, and I have more business through Instagram and word of mouth than through Etsy or Storenvy.

Here's what I've decided.  I'm going to run my shop through Instagram and through this blog.  Yep.  Easy peasy.  Here's how it's going to work:

If you'll direct your attention to the top of the page, there is a new tab entitled "Beach Bird Eclectics".  That's the shop.  Well, kind of.  This page will have a list of all of my inventory, as well as the prices and a description.  If anything catches your eye, there's a contact form that you can use (on the main page) to order.

I will also post to Instagram {Beach Bird Eclectics} when new items come out, and reminders of where to find the items.  Ordering can even be done through IG, as well as this blog.

In both cases, I'll coordinate with you on the exact price and and send a PayPal invoice.

*I will never ask for sensitive information.  Payments will ONLY be made through paypal.*

To celebrate the changes, I'm offering 40% off of everything in the store!  Prices have already been marked down, so there's no need for a code!  This discount will be available until March 6, 2016!

I hope this wasn't too confusing!  As always, if you have questions, you can get in touch with me!  I'd love to talk with you!

See ya!

Yarn Projects Part 3: Tension

Good morning!  I hope you are doing well!  Today's lesson is on tension.  Not the tension you get from work, or school, but the tension you put on your yarn when making those gorgeous yarny goodies.

When I first started crocheting, my tension was ridiculous!  It's no wonder I have arthritis in my poor hand!  I would hold the yarn with a grip like a life line.

I am still a tight crocheter, but I have let up on the tension somewhat.  Here are two examples of what I'm talking about.

I totally ran out of yarn on the larger
swatch, but I think I got my point across.

These swatches are both made with the same number of stitches, the same number of rows, the same hook, and the same yarn.  The only difference in the two is the tension (and the one I ran out of yarn).

In the top swatch, the tension is so tight.  Probably exaggerated, but still, that's how I used to crochet.

In the bottom swatch I barely held the yarn.  That was difficult. 

See?  Big difference.  The tension you use in your yarn endeavors will affect the outcome of a pattern, just as much as the hook and yarn sizes.

I hope you've found this little series to be informative and fun!  I have a great time doing stuff like this, and I'm thinking of doing more crochet type posts.  What do you think?  Any ideas?