January 29, 2018

Tangled Party Ideas for My Rapunzel’s 5th Birthday

Written by christie 15 Comments
Crafts & DIY & Recipes

Ready for the Best Day Ever? Grab these Tangled Party Ideas for My Rapunzel’s 5th Birthday; DIY, food, decor, free printables & lots of Disney party inspiration, all on a budget under $150! May contain commissioned links.

Tangled Party Ideas for My Rapunzel’s 5th Birthday

The challenge: a Tangled Party for my Disney Princess for under $150. Tangled is one of my favorite Disney movies of all time. The music, the punchlines, the happily ever after – the perfect theme for my Rapunzel’s 5th Birthday party.

But here’s the thing, January birthdays are ROUGH. Right after the holidays, I had to immediately get into birthday party mode. I only had a few weeks to pull together the ultimate Tangled party ideas into a fun party. With her bedroom already mid-Rapunzel transformation, I knew that a Tangled party would not only highlight her love for Disney princesses, but also motivate me to get some bedroom decor ideas done. So here’s how we made my favorite party to date with TONS of amazing Tangled Party Ideas including food, decor, and more. Scroll down to up close tutorials, party pictures and even video of my girl’s big day.

“Best Day Ever?” Absolutely.

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December 5, 2017

Festive DIY Minions Garland for a (NON) Despicable Christmas Card Display

Written by christie 18 Comments
Crafts & Entertainment

Celebrate the release of Despicable Me 3 Special Edition on Blu-Ray and DVD for the holidays with this Festive DIY Minions Garland & Christmas Card Display! This post is in partnership with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. All festive opinions are my own.

Festive DIY Minions Garland for a (NON) Despicable Christmas Card Display

You know the holidays are here when a festive garland craft has landed on the blog! You guys know how much I can’t resist a fun garland. With Despicable Me 3 Special Edition here for the holidays, I was definitely feeling the Minions + holidays + garland craft challenge. Twinkling Christmas lights were the inspiration for this Festive DIY Minions Garland. A fun kids craft AND a creative Christmas card display in one, your family will love how those yellow lights twinkle with a little extra special holiday cheer.

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December 1, 2017

DIY Popcorn Snowman Jar | Easy Holiday Gift Idea

Written by christie 19 Comments
Crafts & DIY

Looking for an easy DIY gift idea for the holidays? Try this DIY Popcorn Snowman Jar – a yummy holiday snack & Christmas decor in one! This post is sponsored by G.H. Cretors. All delicious opinions are my own.

DIY Popcorn Snowman Jar | Easy Holiday Gift Idea

It’s the most favorite time of the year – the season of giving. We absolutely LOVE giving Christmas gifts to say thank you to our family, friends, teachers and all of the wonderful people in our lives. But finding the perfect gift for everyone on our family’s list – that’s the challenge. Striving to make sure that every gift is unique, special and made with love doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be simply adorable with this DIY Popcorn Snowman Jar. See how this easy 5-minute DIY can really step up your holiday gift giving this year, filled with delicious limited edition G.H. Cretors Popcorn.

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November 28, 2017

Easy Christmas Book Tree

Written by christie
Crafts & Family

Create your own special holiday memories with this Easy Christmas Book Tree. I was asked by Carusele to participate in the #HallmarkAtWalgreens campaign, sponsored by Hallmark at Walgreens. Although I have been compensated, all opinions are my own.

Easy Christmas Book Tree

It’s never too late to start a new family Christmas tradition. We all have family traditions, especially during the holiday times. But every year, I find the chaos of the holiday season just completely overwhelming. Is it just me or does time seem to move even faster as soon as Thanksgiving is over?

(Or am I getting older and slower? Never mind, let’s not go there.)

At ages 9 and 4, this is the prime year for my kids to enjoy Christmas at its fullest. I wanted to find a way for our family to slow down and really enjoy the whole season – without technology or busy schedules or work getting in the way. And that’s when a brilliant idea came to my head – a Christmas Book Tree Advent calendar. We’d countdown to Christmas together, telling stories, snuggling on the couch all while creating a brand new family Christmas tradition that fit our family’s needs. But brilliance also came with an “Oh poop!” moment – I had an Advent calendar idea that needed to go into action on December 1st! But don’t let the busyness of the holidays stop you from starting your new family Christmas tradition. Find out how a little creativity, a great deal on #HallmarkatWalgreens and some Christmas cheer can help you create your own Easy Christmas Book Tree – for many years of memories to come.

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October 23, 2017

Good Day, Good Night Paper Plate Craft + Giveaway

Written by christie 99 Comments
Crafts & Giveaways

Celebrate the newest book release from the creator of Goodnight Moon with this Good Day, Good Night Paper Plate Craft. This post is sponsored by HarperCollins. All crafty opinions are my own.

Good Day, Good Night Paper Plate Craft + Giveaway

There’s something so sweet and timeless about making paper plate crafts with my kids. Always classic and perfect for involving little hands, I love making themed crafts to go along with some of our classic bedtime stories. And now we have a new classic book to add to our collection. From the author of Goodnight Moon, Margaret Wise Brown’s familiar words return in the companion book that your family will love. Good Day, Good Night has had an instant impact on our family’s bedtime stories, so much so that we dug into our timeless crafting supplies to create this inspired Good Day, Good Night Paper Plate Craft. Make your own flippable day to night puppet and be sure to scroll down for a fun giveaway!

Good Day, Good Night, from the author of Goodnight Moon

Goodnight Moon was a pivotal book from my childhood, one that I remember reading with my parents and one that I now cherish as a parent. Those illustrations from illustrator Clement Hurd? Classics! And now 70 years later, Margaret Wise Brown’s wise and sweet words are back in the companion book our childhoods are missing. Good Day, Good Night is the newest book from Margaret Wise Brown, the unpublished work that is now an instant family treasure. The beautiful illustrations from Loren Long really help to capture the essence of Margaret Wise Brown’s words. Reading this book with my daughter is like revisiting an old friend. Happy, safe, warm, familiar.

Good Day, Good Night Paper Plate Craft

To celebrate the new book release, we got out our good old paper plates, paint and glue for this inspired Good Day, Good Night Paper Plate Craft. Perfect for reading along, your kids will love telling you when it’s day and when it’s night during the story with their own flippable day-to-night paper plate puppet. Ready to make your own? Here’s how:

What You Will Need:

(2) Paper Plates
Paint: Yellow, Orange, Black
(1) Popsicle Stick
Glue
Scissors

Directions:

Take 1 plate and paint the front and back in yellow. Allow to dry.
Paint the front of the 2nd plate orange. Paint the back of the plate in black. Allow to dry.
When dry, take the orange/black plate and cut out a crescent moon shape out of the middle (use the inner circle as a guide). Avoid cutting close to the outer ridged area.
Take the yellow plate and cut out small triangles out of the ridged area to create a sun shape.
Glue the yellow plate on top of the orange/black plate, adding your popsicle stick in the middle, as shown. Allow to dry.

VOILA! You have a wonderful day night paper plate craft, perfect for reading the new Good Day, Good Night book together!

Flip from one side

to the other as you read about daytime and nighttime in this adorable new kids book. Be sure to download this FREE Good Day, Good Night Activity Book for more Good Day, Good Night themed activities too.

So whether you’re snuggled up for a good bedtime story or enjoying a mid afternoon read,

the new Good Day, Good Night book has the classic appeal of parents and kids alike, all from the words of Margaret Wise Brown.

Add this storybook to your Goodnight Moon collection and enjoy more sweet reading moments with your kids.

Check out this trailer to get a sneak peek inside of Good Day, Good Night.

Good Day, Good Night Giveaway!

Is your family ready to add a new “classic” children’s book to your collection? Then enter to win this adorable Good Day, Good Night Giveaway! One lucky reader will win a fun reading prize pack including:

Good Day, Good Night book by Margaret Wise Brown
Goodnight Moon book – always a classic!
Good Day, Good Night themed event kit
Branded Goodnight Moon Bunny Rattle by KidsPreferred

Giveaway open to U.S. addresses only. Ends 11/3/17. Here’s how to enter:

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October 17, 2017

EASY Harry Potter Wands DIY for Under $2

Written by christie 3 Comments
Crafts & DIY

Hosting your own Harry Potter birthday party? Don’t forget to make your own Easy Harry Potter Wands DIY for Under $2 each, the perfect party favor! May contain commissioned links.

EASY Harry Potter Wands DIY for Under $2

My son wanted a Harry Potter birthday party for his 9th birthday. I know, I couldn’t be more proud. But creating a birthday party based on one of the most epic book and movie series EV-AH…not an easy feat, especially when you’re a crafty Type-A perfectionist with about 1 million amazing ideas. But travel and a crunched time frame forced me to focus on the absolute Harry Potter birthday party must haves. Case in point – wands. You cannot have a party without the wands.

But have you been to Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter lately? I keep seeing the prices climb – last time I checked over $45 per interactive wand. Did you have a slight heart attack? Yeah, me too. Not being able to afford such an amazing party favor for our guests, I did the next best thing, make my own Harry Potter wands. These Easy Harry Potter Wands DIY for under $2 a pop will have your guests thinking you really brought the magic to the birthday party, with a slight Asian flair 🙂

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October 4, 2017

Celebrate Despicable Me 3 Special Edition Release + Family Movie Night Ideas

Written by christie 4 Comments
Crafts & Entertainment

Bring home the fun of Despicable Me 3 home with the Despicable Me 3 Special Edition Release + Family Movie Night Ideas! The post is in partnership with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. All movie-loving opinions are my own. May contain commissioned links.

Celebrate Despicable Me 3 Special Edition Release + Family Movie Night Ideas

Hip Hip HOORAY! Just in time for the holidays, the #1 animated film of the year is coming home – to your home – very soon! The #1 animated comedy of the year, Despicable Me 3 is the ultimate holiday gift, with almost an entire hour of exclusive bonus features including an all-new mini-movie, Minion moments, and much more! And just announced, Despicable Me 3 Special Edition is available on Digital November 21^st, Blu-ray & DVD December 5^th. Pre-order now and get a head start on your child’s holiday wish list.

My family has absolutely loved following the adventures Gru, the girls and of course, those adorable minions from the very first movie. We actually call my daughter “Little Agnes” since they act so much alike! Despicable Me is so much a part of our family – bringing together action, humor, love and family values in films that stay with us. Now you can bring the fun of Despicable Me 3 movie home for the holidays with the Despicable Me 3 Special Edition on Digital, Blu-Ray and DVD! Your favorite Despicable Me characters are back and better than ever in the long awaited movie sequel event – and will be available to own in time for holiday gifting (Ahem, stocking stuffers!!)

Illumination, the studio that brought you Sing, The Secret Life of Pets and the Despicable Me franchise, continues the adventures of Gru and his family in Despicable Me 3. After he is fired from the Anti-Villain League for failing to take down Balthazar Bratt, the latest evil mastermind to threaten humanity, Gru finds himself in the midst of a major identity crisis. But when a mysterious stranger shows up to inform Gru that he has a long-lost twin brother — a brother who desperately wishes to follow in his twin’s despicable footsteps — the former super-villain rediscovers just how good it feels to be bad.

Starring Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, Nev Scharrel, Steve Coogan, Jenny Slate and Julie Andrews.

Talk about an amazing cast, folks. I mean who can resist a Julie Andrews film, am I right?

Despicable Me 3 Special Edition Features include:

Digital Copy of Despicable Me 3
Deleted Scene with Intro by Dana Gaier
Minion Moments
Character Profiles
The Making of Despicable Me 3
Developing Dru
The AVL Files
Freedonia Visitors Guide
Despicable Me TV
“Doowit” Sing-Along
“Yellow Light” Music Video
Minion Mug Shots
Wanted Posters
Mini-Movie: The Secret Life of Kyle

Despicable Me 3 Family Movie Night Ideas

To celebrate the new Despicable Me 3 Special Edition Release, I’ve gathered up some of the best Despicable Me 3 Family Movie Night Ideas so you can start planning the ultimate at-home party! From crafts to party food, kids activities and more, there’s plenty of great “minion” inspiration to be found here!

DIY Minion Pinata – Raising Whasians
Minion Birthday Party Ideas – The Suburban Mom
Minions Sensory Play – Simply Today Life
Minions Ice Experiment – Raising Whasians
Minion Apple Cakes – As the Bunny Hops
Mini Banana Cream Pies – Simply Today Life
Minions Snack Cups – All Mommy Wants
Frozen Banana Nutella Treats – Simply Today Life
Minion Goggles Kids Craft – Raising Whasians
Minion Snack Cups – As the Bunny Hops

Despicable Me 3 Special Edition is available on Digital November 21st, Blu-ray and DVD December 5th

Pre-order now: http://uni.pictures/DM3

Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #DespicableMe3 #DM3Family

Be sure to follow Raising Whasians via Facebook, Twitter, Google, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube for more adorable party ideas, entertainment updates and more!

September 26, 2017

DIY My Little Pony Hair Clips to Celebrate My Little Pony: The Movie

Written by christie 22 Comments
Crafts & Entertainment

Celebrate My Little Pony: The Movie in theaters October 6 with DIY My Little Pony Hair Clips for a Rainbow Dash-ing Look! This post is in partnership with Lionsgate. All magically crafty opinions are my own.

DIY My Little Pony Hair Clips to Celebrate My Little Pony: The Movie

There was something always magical about having My Little Pony as a sidekick to my childhood. I love that My Little Pony has withstood time, still a part of little girls’ childhood memories – even my own 4-year old. My daughter loves playing with her My Little Pony ponies, so you can imagine the excitement when we heard that a My Little Pony Movie was coming to the big screen on October 6. I couldn’t wait to create the perfect My Little Pony accessory for my sweet pony-loving girl. (Spoiler alert – Rainbow Dash is my favorite.) Get excited for My Little Pony: The Movie in theaters this fall with these easy DIY My Little Pony Hair Clips for a Rainbow Dash-ing Look.

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September 8, 2017

Easy 4-Ingredient LEGO NINJAGO Movie Slime

Written by christie 22 Comments
Crafts & Entertainment

Celebrate The LEGO NINJAGO Movie with this Easy 4-Ingredient LEGO NINJAGO Movie Slime! This post is sponsored by Warner Bros. Pictures. All creative LEGO-loving opinions are my own. May contain affiliate links.

Easy 4-Ingredient LEGO NINJAGO Movie Slime

I swear, this kid eats, breathes and lives for LEGO. At 8-years old, my son has been playing with LEGOS as long as I can remember. For fun, he reads and studies LEGO instruction books. The LEGO Movie hit theaters just as he was reaching his addiction prime – completely engrossed in the humor, the laughter, and the complete world that is LEGO. Now with the 3rd movie hitting theaters this September, we’re celebrating The LEGO NINJAGO Movie with this Easy 4-Ingredient LEGO NINJAGO Movie Slime. Because what’s better than playing with LEGO? Playing with LEGO and slime!

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September 5, 2017

FREE Popcorn Counting Printable for Preschoolers

Written by christie 16 Comments
Crafts & Reviews

Master counting this school year with this FREE Popcorn Counting Printable for Preschoolers. This post is sponsored by G.H. Cretors as a Flavor Obsessed Five Ambassador. All delicious opinions are my own.

FREE Popcorn Counting Printable for Preschoolers

Eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, “five-teen,” sixteen – oh my goodness, I love to hear this girl count. While ABC’s may not be her thing, this little preschooler loves math (just like mommy). And when I combine her favorite math activity and a yummy preschool-approved snack, I basically become the best mom ever. Help your little one get to counting to “five-teen” and beyond with this FREE Popcorn Counting Printable for Preschoolers and the delicious new organic popcorn flavors from G.H. Cretors – because counting to 20 should be a “POP!”

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