Elyse Major divides her time between being a mom, writer, tinkerer, blogger and communications consultant at Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island. Elyse is a contributing writer at Romantic Homes magazine and also contributes articles and features to magazines such as Romantic Country and Flea Market Décor. Elyse’s first book Tinkered Treasures, a book of over 35 craft projects, will be released Valentine’s Day 2013 (CICO Books). Elyse's efforts are cheered on by her husband and two boys in Rhode Island.
With ominous reports of category-something hurricanes, it’s easy to get caught-up in a bit of the (dare I say) “fun panic” usually associated with stock-piling bread, eggs and milk during winter storm warnings. However, as I’ve been telling my boys: let’s be prepared and not scared. Provided below are some tips to keep your family calm before (and hopefully during) a storm.
Unplug and batten down…
Any pile of sand can be magically transformed to castle status with the addition of a small flag. Make a bunch and pack them in your beach bag to add pops of color to your day in the sun.
Materials: Waterproof material such as a shopping bag or oil cloth, Wooden toothpicks, Glue stick, and Sharp scissors
There’s frothy fun and more off Route 44. Looking for a new-to-you destination that doesn’t require a full tank of gas? Head to Smithfield, Rhode Island for some good old fashioned fun. Just fifteen minutes from Providence, Smithfield offers a pleasing blend of outdoor activities in an atmosphere that mixes scenic with suburban. A&W The [...]
I cherish having two older sisters for our many connections that go far beyond each of us having dark hair, great senses of humor, and a love for tuna sandwiches. It’s shared memories reaching back to childhood that formed the strong bonds we have today as adults. I feel fortunate to have sisters: people who love me unconditionally. This is why I am rattled to my core when my boys scream “I hate you!” to one another. And that’s why I invented Brother’s Day.
My online dictionary does not include the word “upcycle” but I think it will soon. Upcycling is one of those fun new terms for repurposing what already exists (repurposing is another fun word but not so new). Long before I upcycled or repurposed, I began to paint furniture when I thought it needed a lift or perhaps when I did. Because I’m sort of a hurried furniture painter, this post really isn’t meant to be a how-to but more of a go-for-it.
I have always been most at ease when creating on a small scale; finding large, blank areas intimidating. The same might also be the case for my boys, who upon discovering a few packs of Artist Trading Cards among my craft supplies, asked if they could have them and then quickly set about composing with markers, pens and paint. My youngest is always drawing but it was a wonderful surprise to see my oldest using his stack to paint beautiful pictures.
Artist Trading Cards (or ATCs) are only 2 ½ X 3 ½ inches, the same size as trading and baseball cards, so they fit into standard size card-collector pockets or sheets.
Today Elyse Major interviews Annette Tatum, author of The Well-Dressed Home and creator of the high-end and highly successful interior-decor line Annette Tatum Collections, as well as a wife, and mom to four children. Annette’s fashion goal is to help people create beautiful interiors inspired by their own personal layers but at home, she still needs to tackle what to do on a rainy day just like any other busy mom.
Annette is offering a giveaway of a Faux Bunny Fur blanket to one lucky reader of Kidoinfo in celebration of the launch of her new website AnnetteTatum.com. To enter, simply email info(at)kidoinfo(dot)com with “Well-Dressed Home” in the subject line by Noon (EST) on April 19, 2011. Please specify color preference (chestnut, creme, or pink). One winner will be randomly selected to win a blanket. Winners will be notified via email.
Many people find themselves making the “big” trip to Smithfield (:15 from Providence) for apple picking season but continue heading West on Route 44 any time of year, past the A&W and Newport Creamery, and you’ll come to big-as-a-minute Greenville Common which boasts its own landmarks including Wood Items & More, a full service, independently owned craft shop. Built in 1924, the brick building with green awnings that houses the store is currently undergoing a bit of a facelift, evidenced by the scaffolding which surrounds the exterior.
Note: Wood Items & More is currently celebrating their 22 years in business by offering 20% off store wide and 30% off all floral and ribbon, through April 11. Offer excludes Scouts and classes.
While I tend to save and revere magazines, I have no problem placing the latest round-up of catalogs into the recycling bin. I also have no issues with cutting catalogs apart, which brings us to this very simple project with the complex name.
This project can be done using any colors or combinations you or your child prefer, but assigning the task of seeking out images of only one color (hence the “monochromatic”) seems to kick the interest level up a notch. Note that while I chose green for the project example, selecting a color like apricot, lavender or silver can really bring stunning results.
In the midst of a winter filled with record-breaking amounts of snow that quickly transformed from slopes of glistening beauty to jagged piles of what I refer to as “visible pollution” it’s no wonder I find myself craving color. A wonderful place to find respite from stark surroundings is Kreatelier, a unique shop on Hope [...]
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