Sunday, January 30, 2011

Hey Moms and Dads- Check out this healthy lunch box snack

I'm always on the hunt for tasty, nutritional, convenience snacks.  Just because we lead busy lives doesn't mean we have to make poor food choices.  I recently discovered Praeventia  snack cookies and have been in love ever since.  Not only are they made with carefully chosen healthy ingredients, they come in convenient little snack packs and they're super tasty, not to mention totally cute! 

What makes them different from all those other 100 cal packs we see flooding the shelves? 
  • They contain Inulin, a prebiotic form on dietary fiber (4g per package!!!)
  • They're made with Green Tea extract,Ginger, Red Wine extract and 70% dark chocolate which are excellent sources of antioxidants.  This all equates to a "heart healthy product"
  • It's made with a natural sweetener called Agave Nectar.  This is much healthier than artificial sweeteners and has a lower glycemic index
  • They are highly regarded by nutritional experts
















Because these little snacks are heart shaped, I thought they would be perfect Valentine's Day Treat.

I figure a teacher may appreciate the health benefits of this snack cookie ,therefore, I decided to make a valentine treat container for my kids' teachers.





















Supplies you need:  
Heart shaped lacing cards or card stock
Choice of ribbon
Praeventia Cookies
Decal for the front {I used a button}
















String lace through two cards to form a pouch
















Insert a few cookies
















Finish lacing cards























BTW-This is not a paid product review!  I just really like these healthy snacks and felt the need to share with all of you!  Have you tried this product yet?  I found them at Costco but I'm sure most grocery stores carry them! 

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Snow Cones-Reason #29 Why I Love Living In Canada

Sometimes I wonder if my brain has been wired a lil' differently!   
{No insults from the peanut gallery.  This is a positive platform remember}

Let me explain...

This huge icicle caught my eye this morning as I was washing dishes!












What's the first thing you think of when you see this icicle?
Remember your answer because I'd love to hear what it was in my comment section below!!!
So this is what popped into my head at 8am this morning while studying this natural beauty!
"I bet you that icicle would make an awesome snow cone!"
See, I told you my brain is wired a little differently than most!


Ladies and gentlemen, I'm here today to tell you, yes, the icicle hangin' outside my kitchen window was quite delicious and the highlight of our cold winter day!
This leads me to the title of my post!  Why am I happy to be living in Canada?  An endless supply of snow and icicles, which have the potential for becoming tasty treats!

Snow Cones


































What you'll need to make your own refreshing snow cones

1.Ice (if the idea of using icicles from your eves trough creeps you out, then feel free to use ice from your freezer)
 





2.  Blender
















3. Syrup














2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 (0.13 ounce) package unsweetened, fruit-flavored soft drink mix
In a saucepan, stir together the sugar and water. Bring to a boil, and boil for about 1 minute. Remove from heat, and stir in the drink mix. Allow to cool, and store in a container for pouring. Pour over shaved ice to flavor

4. Cups and straws with the scoop on the end of it



Enjoy!
ps...I still wanna hear what came to mind when you saw the giant icicle!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Toots Giveaway

Three Jewels In My Crown welcomes the very talented, illustrator and graphic designer, Adrienne Boyer.
Adrienne is the creative mastermind behind the fabulous






My friends, my 3 Jewels, have fallen IN LOVE with the
moxy + toots line of monsters and munchkins.
 
moxy, toots and their friends are handmade monsters and munchkins,
made with wool fabric and stuffed with polyester fiber fill. Each
one is unique, no two are exactly alike, and they all have lots of 
personality! Flip them over and you will find a surprise - 
they all have a heart on their bum!
 
moxy + toots are perfect for people of all ages
moxy + toots are best of friends and they go on many adventures 
with Dot,Buck and Mack. 

My kids were recently given the opportunity to preview and adopt their very own moxy + toots monsters.  Fast forward several months, the moxy + toots brand has exploded in popularity and is receiving amazing reviews.  Even in it's infancy stage, it gained notoriety among Etsy subscribers.  The brand was featured in several treasuries in it's first few weeks at Etsy.  

Let me just say, my kids instantly made connections with these cuddly little critters .  Opal chose a blue toots{actually he refers to him as BOBO, but don't tell Adrienne}and Sapphire chose a pink moxy. 



The moxy + toots brand is just one of the many creative projects launched by Adrienne at her Port Hope, Ontario, studio.  Adrienne loves to doodle and loves funky colors and patterns. 
moxy + toots were created when she decided she wanted to make her illustrations come to life and she admits, it is one of her most favorite projects yet!!
  

Now my friends, here is the great news!
Adrienne has graciously offered to give away, a very special valentine inspired handcrafted toots, to one lucky Three Jewels In My Crown reader. Yeah, prize time!!!


This one of a kind, Valentine Inspired toots, could be yours!!
Isn't it precious?
This very special Valentine's Day toots is the perfect gift to show someone how much you love them.  His pocket is the perfect hiding place for a love note or a small gift.

This precious monster could be yours!  Wanna know how? 
OK, time to pay attention...

Simply visit the moxy + toots shop, take a look around and come back here to tell me which monster or munchkin you like best.
{I personally like Buck the best}

For extra entries, leave a separate comment letting me know that:
  • You follow 3 Jewels In My Crown through Google Friend Connect and/or Facebook
  • "Like" Moxy and Toots on facebook
  • Follow 3 Jewels In My Crown on twitter or tweet about this giveaway
The contest will end on February 13, 2011 {my husband's birthday} at 11:59pm E.S.T.
At which time a winner will be chosen via random number generation. The winner will be announced on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2011.  Remember, in order to win I need to be able to contact you.  Please leave a contact email or clickable link!  Good Luck



***P.S. Would you like to meet the talented Adrienne Boyer in person? Well here's your chance.
A Valentine's Day Party and Official Launch of moxy + toots is being held at Higglety Pigglety on February 12, 2011.  Higglety Pigglety is located at 74 Walton St, Port Hope Ontario, Canada.  Come join them for fun, free snacks, crafts and prizes
between 1pm-3pm.

Monday, January 24, 2011

I saw this cute project today and just had to share it with all of you! I plan on making one for each of my 3 Jewels.  My hope is that it will help ease the separation anxiety, when my husband and I leave for our vacation next week.

Heart Felt Locket 
{or was it, felt heart locket?  Either way you get the point}














Completely adorable!








Jessica from Sweetie Pie Bakery has put together a full tutorial for this project!
So hop on over and check it out!


Saturday, January 22, 2011

How to use the Clone Tool in Picnik

Which site do you use for making quick edits to your digital images?
Awhile back, I shared my top five picks for free online photoediting sites.  Picnik is one of my favorite sites for quick, easy edits.  It's very user friendly and 95% of what you'll do in Adobe Photoshop, you can do in Picnik. 

Exhibit A~Tonight's Supper

Today I want to introduce you to the Clone Tool! This tool is often overlooked but I think it's a pretty neat tool to introduce to your collection.
Time to celebrate!  Yes the weekend is here but more importantly, 3 Jewels In My Crown accepted two more awards!  Well kinda!  The same award but from two different bloggers.

 I'm glad my blog is considered "stylish" because my current wardrobe is absolutely pathetic!  The Olsen twins have nothing on me!  Have you ever looked inside a nurse/mom's closet?  Scrubs, scrubs and wait I see more scrubs!  Stacey and Clinton, I nominate myself for any future episode.  Just hand over the Visa and I'm putty in your perfectly manicured hands.  My kids, on the other hand, are seriously rockin this year's fashion trends!
When did my kids become more stylish then me?  Wait...when did my BLOG become more stylish then me?  Are you thinking what I'm thinking?  Time for a SHOPPING TRIP!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Super Simple Handmade Mug Cozie

Wanna know what I'm dying to get my hands on?  Handmade mug cozies!
If only I knew how to crochet/knit! :( 
{hint hint to my girlfriends, who's talent in this department, completely blows me away.  I know you're reading this post}

Since I lack the necessary skills and patience to crochet or knit, I had to come up with my own version of the extremely popular Mug Cozie!

Check out my much simpler version...





Wow, I didn't realize how many marshmallows I threw in, until now!  Yum!





Totally cute, right?  Here's how you can make your own. 

Grab your mugs, old knitted shirt and scissors
Cut the sleeve and cuff off and slide it onto your mug!
It can't get any easier then that!

Hot Chocolate Anyone?


***note***Always check the temperature of the hot chocolate before serving it to little ones
I know this is pretty much a given, but you would be surprised at the crazy emails I would receive if I didn't post this precaution!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

My secrets to stepping on the scale!

Weighing In~Anyone who embarks upon a weight loss journey, be it 5 lbs or 150lbs+, at some point has to step on a scale.  I'm pretty sure I've **finally** perfected the art of "weighing in".
Yep, I'm about to spill my secrets!
Listen closely, because I'm about to help you shave ,at least, 2 lbs off your current weight. 


You can thank me any time now! 


Seriously though!  Obsessing about the number on the scale?  Stop! Now!  It means NOTHING!  Your overall health means everything!  Small changes each and everyday and long term thinking will be the difference between success and failure! 









Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Love Bug Valentine's Day Card

Here's another valentine's day card to consider making with your kiddos!  My girlfriend, who has 3 boys, asked me if I had any valentine's day card ideas for her boys to make.  Well this one is for you Joanna!! :)

 Love Bug Valentine's Day Card

Paper Glitter has lots of great free printable cards like the one featured above.  I found these near lifelike bug stickers at the $ store.  {leave the backing on so that the recipient can keep the stickers}

I have to say these stickers are kinda creeping me out a little!
 The bugs look like they could crawl off the page any time now! Yikes {{squeal}}
Have I mentioned I don't like insects?  I guess this is why God sent me 2 girls and only 1 boy!
I guarantee the recipient will go "buggy" when they receive this valentine's day card!
I mean that in a good way!

xoxo
Hugs and Kisses Everyone,

Monday, January 17, 2011

Vlogging about my recent speeding violation



What do you think of my costly reminder to obey the speed limit? 
Here's an interesting fact!  The very first speeding ticket ever issued was to a MAN named Harry Myers.
He was charged for driving twelve miles per hour.

What would you do if you were pulled over by a cop for speeding?  
Would you challenge his/her authority or offer up complete submission? 
I suggest being very polite and doing exactly what the nice cop with the big gun says.


Sunday, January 16, 2011

Styrofoam Baby Bootie-Baby Shower Favor

I had the opportunity to co-host a baby shower for a very good friend of mine this past weekend.  I was placed in charge of games, prizes and favors. 

I decided to give away these baby booties, filled with "Hugs and Kisses" chocolate candies!






















These cute and inexpensive favors are cleverly made from styrofoam cups.  






































Directions:

1.  Cute the rim off the top of the cup {approximately 1 inch}
2.  Cut a slit starting at the top of the cup and cut downward until you are about an inch from the bottom of the cup. Make a matching slit with a space of an inch to an inch and a quarter in-between.
{This will become the tongue of your shoe. Push the tongue back and bring the sides in to create flaps over the tongue} 
3.  Some instructions suggest punching two holes in either side and pulling the sides together with lace.  I found it easier to glue the sides together and avoid the hole punch.  I used crafting glue dots.
4.  Pull the sides together and glue.  Decorate with a ribbon, tule and candy! 

 It's also a nice idea to attach a tag that says, "All a baby needs is Hugs and Kisses.  Thanks for coming!"
























 Is this something you would make for a baby shower? 
Anyone wanna place bets on how many chocolate kisses I devoured while making these favors?
 



Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Valentine's Snack Attack

Riddle me this, "When did cheese become soooooo expensive?"  I think I paid over $5 for a sack of Babybel cheese yesterday.  Sapphire has been at my heels for sometime now, asking for Babybel cheese in her lunch.  A classmate introduced her to it and ever since, she's been fixated on this little "luxury" snack! 
I'm often frustrated by the cost of healthy, nutritious food.  I can buy a pack of cookies for $0.99 but a bag of fresh greens beans cost $3.99. 

Well, I hope Sapphire realizes how much I LOVE HER when I send this little snack in her lunch tommorow!

























Which food items do you feel are overpriced? 
Can we actually put a price on eating healthy?  
Are there any nutritionists reading this post?  If so, is Babybel cheese a healthy snack alternative or am I just wasting my money?








Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Ice Cream Snowman

This is perfect weather, if you're a snowman!


I've seen these ice cream snowmen around the blogosphere and I had to get in on the action!  
If only I had a homemade ice cream maker!  
Almost too cute to eat!


Sunday, January 9, 2011

Make a friendship cuff from a cardboard roll

I recently visited Toronto to check out the Hand Of Man Craft Show.
This was my first visit and I was totally amazed by all the creative artisans.  I fell in love with so many products and had a chance to fill up my "inspiration tank" again.

Right now I'm loving handmade leather cuffs.   Such a great gender neutral accessory, don't ya think?
I saw one in particular that was made for a child.  It had flames on it and would have been perfect for Opal.
This is where I came up with the idea for the following craft!

Friendship Cuff
 

Wouldn't this be a neat gift to hand out on valentines day?  I find most valentines cards are geared towards girls.  Not this one! Opal was pretty "stoked" to have a "tough guy cuff". {His exact words.  Apparently he took on a new persona when he laced up the cuff}

Wondering how I made it?
Well, you'll have to scavenge your recycling bin for any left over paper towel rolls or wrapping paper rolls.  You could also use a toilet paper roll but this would require collecting them for awhile, if you plan on making several for you child's classmates.   


1. First gather your supplies.  You'll need your cardboard roll, funky paper, scissors, a hole punch, glue and colored twine or ribbon.  I printed this flame decal off of the computer.


2. Cut out a 1 1/4" strip from the roll to create the opening for the cuff.
3. Glue the paper decal to the roll
4. Round off the edges of the cuff
5. With the hole punch, punch two holes on each side of the cuff



6. Lace up the cuff and wear



You could also add some sticker quotes like I did.


Totally rad, 100% affordable{free}, wearable art!!!