J & A and Co.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Halloween Chalkboards

Here is a fun little project, I thought you all might enjoy. BONUS!!! it is cheap.

Do you remember when I made these chore charts?

Remember how I used Dollar store trays?

Well, we are done with those chore charts at our house, so I recycled them.

I took the dollar store trays, a little chalkboard spray paint, and made myself some magnetic chalkboards.

Want to see?

I know I need to change the number. I will get right on that.

I also made this one by adding this owl that I found here.

Once I printed it, I ripped it, and added some ink to age the edges some. I attached it with some watered down glue. I wrote the Boo with some chalk. The other print was also printed at the graphics fairy, and hung using a magnet.

I love being able to write whatever I want on it, and use it as a magnet board also.

And last but not least, this one hangs just outside our front door.

All the witches who visit this Halloween will now know our parking situation. I think that is an important piece of information to share this time of year. Just sayin.

Want to make one yourself? Well, you are in luck, because I made you a printable.

Click here to download the image.

It is a little different from mine, because I forgot to save it. I actually like this one better.

Thanks to the graphic’s fairy for the image of the witch; found here.

BTW, how did your bats turn out?

Ours look great. I cheated and had my friend cut them on her silhouette.

We got so busy watching this movie and this movie for FHE, that there was not time. Enjoy!! They are great lessons for kids. I have to admit they were also good reminders for me.

We also watched this one for the hundredth time because it makes everyone laugh.

And now you know what makes our family smile. We love to watch silly youtube videos.

I hope your day is wonderful. Mine has been busy, but fun.

Happy Halloween crafting.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Hot Springs Arkansas

My parents recently came for a visit. While I was staying with them in Utah, my dad told me that they were coming to Arkansas for the food. The pressure was on to either cook really good, or to find some great restaurants. (I let the restaurants do the cooking.)

I also wanted to do something fun with them while they were here. I remembered that Hot Springs had some interesting history, and attractions. We decided to take the 40 minute drive to Hot Springs.

Before we left, I called my friend Marji to ask her a recommendation to a restaurant. She suggested a couple, and so we decided we would pick one once we got there. Marji grew up in Arkansas, and loves good food as much as my family. I knew she would have some good suggestions, and I totally trusted her.

Once we got to Hot Springs, we were immediately drawn to this hotel. It is so awesome inside. I remembered my friend telling me that she had her reception there for her wedding. She also went on to tell me that they stayed for their Honeymoon night. I replied, “uh-huh.” Thinking to myself, “what is the Arlington, and what is all the hype?” Now I know. It is awesome. I want to stay there one night before we leave Arkansas.

Just down from the Arlington, is what is called bath house row. Hot Springs is known for their Hot Springs. Imagine that. At one time, people believed the water to have healing powers. People came from all over to bath in the healing water. That facilitated the need for bath houses. There are still a few bath houses that operate today, and several that you could tour.

All of the buildings are awesome on the outside.

This one was so cool on the inside.

I can only imagine how important you had to feel to walk in to one of these buildings, and use their healing waters. This was something that the elite did. Including a few well-known Gangsters.

I loved all the beautiful trees that lined the streets. I think I just found my next photo shoot location.

Isaac and Tess enjoyed the tour, and just hanging out with grandma and grandpa. They were shocked when they touched the water, and it was HOT! …and I mean really hot.

After our nice walk, we decided to hit the restaurant that Marji suggested. We picked Cajun Boilers. When we pulled up, I got a little nervous. Then my dad pointed out all the fancy Cadillac's in the parking lot and we decided that it must be ok.

…and it was. It was delicious and so reasonable.

My parents loved it so much, that we decided to go back.

On our second trip, we pulled the kids out of school. We really wanted to take them to ride the duck tour. Duck’s are the old vehicles that the army used. They are land and water vehicles. We were able to hear more about Hot Springs history, and then see some of the beautiful houses on Lake Hamilton up close and personal. The duck took us right down in to the water. The kids thought that was awesome. Of course, I forgot my camera. What was I thinking?

After the duck tour, we went back to Cajun Boilers for lunch. What? When you find something you love you should just stick to it.

We had such a nice time with my parents. It was fun to have an excuse to visit Hot Springs.

I can’t wait to go back.

Scrapbook Pages:

Scrapbook pages made from Shabby Princess-Plentiful pack. This pack is free. Find it here.

Monday, October 3, 2011

A little project for the kids.

Last year, I let the kids make some bats out of scrapbook paper. I used a cereal box to make several bats as a pattern. Once we had a good sturdy pattern, they traced and cut. It was a great activity one October afternoon. Once we were finished, we added some ribbon and hung them from our lattice above the bar. I wish I had a picture, but I don’t.

This year, I took those same bats from last year and helped them fly. I added a straight pin to the center, and let them creep up the wall in our office.

I love how fun it made our office look. I only wish that they were out of black cardstock, and not pattern paper.

So… tonight for our Family Home Evening activity, we are going to make black bats.

Want to do the same?

Here is a bat to print and use as a pattern.

Then all you need is a cereal box to create your sturdy pattern, some scissors, and some willing kids.

Once you have them all cut out, let the kids help you decide where to put them. Use a straight pin in the center of the bat to attach them to the wall. This makes the bat look like it is flying. Once you take the straight pin out, you won’t even see the hole it left in your wall. That is the beauty of using a pin.

Have fun and enjoy the night with your family.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Halloween Wreath

I wanted to share this quick and easy Halloween wreath. I seriously made it in 5 minutes, if you don’t count that I had to make it twice.

The first time I made it, I made it with some friends. We decided to try this idea that we found on pinterest. Don’t do it. It does not work!! Everyone of our wreaths started to sag, and we all made a different wreath.

So… a few days later I started over.

This time I used a straw wreath for the base. They can be found at Hobby Lobby. I got mine for $2.00 because it was 1/2 off.

I wrapped the wreath in 3 black boa’s; also bought from Hobby Lobby. I used a coupon on these. I had to make a couple of trips until I had all that I needed. Yes!! I am cheap that way.

The wooden numbers also came from the Lob. I spray painted them black, and while they were still wet; I sprinkled them with some glitter that I had on hand.

I used a wooden skewer glued to the back of the numbers to stick the numbers in the wreath.

I finished the wreath off with a spider from the dollar tree, and these adorable butterflies that I happened upon at Michaels.

This was the easiest wreath ever, and I love how it looks on my front door.

It is amazing what a little hot glue can do. BTW, I used a low temp glue gun and I am so glad I did. When I had to take the first one apart, it didn’t ruin my boa’s.

Thanks for stopping by.

I hope your weekend is spooktacular.

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