I have been looking for something to use for my to-do list and a basic planner. I found a version by artsy fartsy mama that I really liked and changed it a little to fit my needs. I reformatted it to half-pages with room to plan a menu for the week as well as boxes for each day to collect both tasks and events. The other side has room for a few shopping lists and a space to make a weekly goal. Below the line for goal is an area to outline what needs to be done to make it happen.

*A little note on this: One of my goals for this year is to make a weekly focus for little a spiritual or personal growth. This isn’t quite as lofty as it might sound. Just something along the lines of speaking kindly, making time for scripture study, clean my stinking house, etc.

I printed out 52 copies (front to back) and put them into 4 week stacks. Then I bought 2 pocket folder and cut them down to size to use as monthly dividers. (The pockets can be used for coupons, checks to be cashed, a more permanent to-do list, whatever.) Then I took the whole thing to OfficeMax and had it spiral bound. The whole project was around $5 and is exactly what I have been looking for. (Yay!)

Anyway, I have been using this for a couple of weeks and have really liked it. If you think it might work out for you too, feel free to download and print or fiddle with my copy.  : D Keers

Weekly Planner Pages

materials

• 3 1/2-4 cups flour
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1 tablespoon cream of tarter (found with the spices on the baking isle)
• 2 1/2 tablespoons oil
• 2 cups of water
• food coloring (1-2oz. bottle for red batch)
• 1-2oz. peppermint extract

directions

1. Heat water to boiling in a medium saucepan.

2. Measure a generous 3 1/2 cups flour into a medium-large mixing bowl (one that holds at least 8 cups.) Reserve extra to add if the dough is too sticky. Mix in the salt and cream of tartar.

3. Once the water is boiling, whisk in the oil and food coloring. Remove from heat and add peppermint extract. Remember that it will smell strong now, but will be diluted greatly once mixed with the flour.

4. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour the water mixture in. Stir with a spoon until flour is incorporated, then turn it onto the counter or a cutting board and knead until smooth.

5. Layer each color in mason jar, pressing down gently (You don’t want to smash them together too much, so they are easy to separate and play with.)

6. Print tags below and attach with twine, yarn, or ribbon.

Here is a pdf: candy cane tag 2

Merry Christmas you guys! I wish you a quick finish on your projects and to get to bed before midnight on Saturday! Keers

Meg’s masterpiece: full of things that she didn’t really want on there. (She says as she eats them.)

Emily’s house: winner in the heavy- weight division.

Amanda’s decor was a little more spartan. She stopped decorating as soon as she realized she could eat the candy.

Mom and Dad had fun too. Check Mike’s creative roof and frosting trees. Mmmm, delicious Christmas fun.

…you know, just in case you are pining away like me.

Silhouette Cameo on Amazon

(Seriously, easy and on the cheap, ladies!)

If you want to put those kiddos to work, here is a tutorial for making paper turkey place holders.

My little princess. She is so in love with her dress. She requested “special princess hair” Um???? This is what I came up with and she was thrilled with it. I love how she gets all quiet and demure when she is happy about something like that. So cute.

Emily was equally stoked about her flamingo costume. She looked so stinkin’ cute! I wish I had taken more pics. The back was hilarious with it’s little drape of tail feathers by the bum.

…and my little candy corn witch. What can I say? This girl just kills me! Don’t you want to hug her after seeing this?

spider sucker

materials:

round sucker (like a tootise or blow pops)
4 chenille stems
optional:
googly eyes
tag (use the image bellow)

directions:

1. Line up 4 chenille stems so that they are even and tightly grouped.
2. Place sucker in the middle of the stems and firmly wrap around so that the stems have gone all the way around and are pointing up.
3.Bend the stems back down, halfway down the length. then bend the last 1/4 inch or so up a bit.
4. If desired, add googly eyes with white or hot glue.

bat sucker

materials:

round sucker (like a tootise or blow pops)
black construction paper
tape
optional:
googly eyes
tag (use the image bellow)
ribbon

directions:

1. Fold construction paper in half and draw bat wings. (Make sure your wings are about 1 inch thick on the fold.) You can also print out and trace this template.

2. Cut out wings and make 2 small slits on the fold about 1/3 and 2/3 of the way down the paper.
3. Unfold winds and push out the strip in the center (made by the slits.)
4. Slip sucker stem into the slit and secure with tape on the back.
5. If desired, add googly eyes with white or hot glue.
6. Want a little more cuteness? Tie a bow on the sucker stem under the wings.

ghost sucker

materials:

round sucker (like a tootise or blow pops)
white table napkin
black marker

optional:
googly eyes
tag (use the image bellow)
ribbon

directions:

1. Unfold napkin and center it on top of the sucker.
2. Push the edges of the napkin down around the sucker and twist slightly at the stem.
3. Secure the back with a small piece of tape.
4. If desired, add googly eyes with white or hot glue.
5. You can also tie a ribbon at the base of the sucker. This is a great way to attach a tag.