Sweet Makes: DIY Recycled Parking Garage for a Sweet 3 year old

He's three! The little bugger is THREE! How did we make it? I can't even fathom that it has been three years since Giraffe was a newborn.

He is a goofy little thing that loves I mean LOVES to play with tiny matchbox cars. I constantly have to scan the room for them as he tends to leave them about. I am worried one of these days I might trip!

The night before his birthday mommy and daddy were in a panic as the gift we ordered him ( a fabulous set of bongos) hadn't arrived yet. I ran to a certain store that shall remain nameless ( but highly targets their store to consumers by having amazing things that we all really really need on each and every endcap) to find something, anything worthy of his special day. I ended up with nothing but a card and some more matchbox cars. Upon exiting the store I saw an employee pull a nice looking shoe box out of a cart, I ran after him, " Are you going to THROW THAT AWAY?, " I asked. " Yes," he said looking a little scared of my wild n' crazy DIY eyes.  I begged him to have it and away I went.

What does every three year old need? A parking garage for their little cars!  My husband said it couldn't be done in a night- I think he knows I dig a challenge. Away I went glueing and cutting. I searched the house for interesting pieces of cardboard that could be melded into some sort of garage. While I didn't take actual building photos I have a few tips for how to make one for yourself!

Tips & Tricks:

• Select a sturdy bottom such as a piece of foam core or matboard. 
• Leave no piece of cardboard unturned: Toliet paper and paper towel tubes, seed starters, shoe boxes and many other types of cardboard things make GREAT garages. 
• Start building! Once you have selected a few pieces start planning before glueing. Think of places for cars to hideout, travel under/over/ and through. 
• Remember that little ones like to lean on the things they are driving on ( learned from experience! ) If you can, build some supports for your bridges and ramps. 
• Heat up your glue gun and make it happen! Run the glue gun along the edges and press down firmly to the piece you are trying to adhere to. The sky is the limit! 

This is a super creative project that your child could even help you with by coloring on the pieces before they are glued! The best part is it's virtually indestructible, if a piece is removed or broken just glue it back on or make up something else. Here are a few more shots for ideas: 

Did you enjoy this post? Please join the sweet people to the left and or " like" us on facebook for more Sweeter Hours fun! 

A little decorating...

Time is currently moving at a snail's pace in our home as we play the waiting game.  If one more person asks me when the blessed event is supposed happen I might snap.  So, I am putting my aggression towards cleaning and creating! How nice. 

I finally decided to take the time to decorate. The husband has been incredibly helpful through the decorating process. Really, he has. Like shlepping up the bazillion holiday boxes and helping me hang things and generally helping me with my every whim. 

The theme of decor this year is repurpose... 

I am in love with our front door wreath this year. Sweet and simple. The garland is made with felted wool hearts and small wooden discs left over from a project. 

Repurpose all those ornaments you don't use anymore! The gold ones pictured were my grandmothers. Tied with jute they make a nice little wreath! 

Repurpose old stuff: See this nice garland holder? It's a Pier One foot board I have had for years that I got at Goodwill for cheap. 

How is your decorating coming along? 

The best 20 minutes of my life.

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There is little time to post today as two littles are occupying my time. One with growth, the other with tantrums and sweet cuddling. I just wanted to share an epiphany I had yesterday. When I was in the first grade I won an award, ' Most Likely to Be A Teacher.' Not sure why I forgot this very important little piece of paper that Mrs. Doyle a very caring and wonderful teacher had given me.

 Note: Trying not to tear up as I write this.

My husband frequently reminds me that no matter how hard I work I will never make someone else's goals or dreams my own and that I need to find my own path to put my energy and creativity into in order to feel fully fulfilled. He was/ is very right. Last night, finally after 28 years of searching I found it. I cannot wait to be the best teacher I can be. 


I taught my first lesson last night on figurative language to my Principles of Learning and Assessment in a Secondary Classroom class. I walked- moreover waddled- 4 blocks with all my gear and was sweating bullets. I sat through 4 presentations and then it was my turn.

When devising my lesson I wanted it to be current and draw from my favorite things: music and performance. I chose a modern day song that middle school students would know, Katy Perry's Firework ( which looking back is quite fitting) When the song came on I started passing out papers and got goosebumps, this was it, this is what I was supposed to be doing. We worked through the song pulling out metaphors and similes and the class ate it up. I then taught about onomatopoeia and the students broke into groups to work on skits using onomatopoeic words.

My professor sat smiling the whole time ( which wasn't important to me for her approval-but it helped!)
She and the TA even let the lesson go over the 20 minute assigned time to finish the skits and for my assessment. Afterwards she took me aside and said that 'I was a natural and that she would hire me on the spot for such beautiful work.'

It felt amazing to teach in a classroom, simply amazing. While I do have about a year and a half more of teaching I can't wait to keep going. I know there is a ton of politics surrounding education, burnout, low pay and more but isn't there everywhere in every profession? I can't wait to come home from a hard day of work and think- today I did my best work and made a difference in a child's life.
That will be amazing....

On a side note, don't worry the craftiness hasn't stopped, I have a post coming soon about the Busy Bag Event and also a homemade Advent Calendar. Stay tuned and thanks for reading.

Locals: Busy Bag Swap!

Finally! 

yes, I know it's wordy but there are so many great details to share. 

Sweeter Hours Busy Bag Swap  

(2s & 3s)

Important Dates: 

Swap Sign Ups: October 7th-11th 

Busy Bags Due: November 2nd 

*drop off at my home, MoCo or we can meet 

Actual Swap Date:  Saturday, November 5th 

*Holly’s House 

Swap Guidelines: 

1. Please sign up for the swap by emailing sweeterhours@gmail.com BY 10/11. ( Be sure to actually email to be added as a participant. RSVPs on the event wall will NOT be accepted as participants.) Please put “ Sign Up- BBS” in the subject field of the email. 

Feel free to ask questions on the event facebook wall that way everyone can see responses as they may have the same question. 

 In your email be sure to include the following: 

Your Name/ Child’s Name and Age 

Contact Info

 Busy Bag Swap Idea ( please include the link to your project or a brief description ) 

 NOTE: If I receive two of the same idea I will let whoever emailed me first keep the   idea) 

2) After I receive your email you will hear from me on 10/12 as to whether you are accepted and how many bags you will need to make.  We are currently accepting up to 20 swappers ( This is our first time running a swap so please be patient with us!)  

3) Once you sign up please remember that this is a commitment. There are other moms and toddlers counting on you! It would be really sad if everyone worked hard on their bags and then you flaked out a few days before it’s due.  (sorry to be cruel but it’s true!)  Let’s all work hard to make this a great swap :) 

4) Projects should include instructions to the activity printed on paper. 

    The activity should fit into one gallon ziploc bag with a slide top ( please use a slide top as they stay closed)  

Remember bags should not cost more than $1-$1.50 each. If your bag costs less, GREAT! 

NOTE: Please note that due to this age group some activities may contain small manipulative like beads or small rocks. Please keep an eye on your child if you have concerns about them trying to eat the activity.  

1. After I receive all the bags I will organize them all and you are able to attend the swap event to pick up. The due date of bags is mandatory as we need to be sure everyone is able to receive bags at the swap. That way if you have to be absent from the actual swap event you are covered! 

1. SWAP EVENT: Remember the actual swap date is Saturday, November 5th. Let’s make it festive and fun. Have an idea or something you wanna bring? Email me!  Details TBA. 

7) Have fun! This is a great inexpensive way to receive lots of new activities for your child. 

FAQs:

What is a busy bag swap? 

It’s 5 PM and your toddler is literally crawling up your leg to play with him/her. You have to fix dinner, take out the dog(s), the baby is crying, it’s snowing, bathroom needs cleaning, laundry needs folding OR insert your busy item here________ OR you just need a few minutes peace. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a new toy or project for your child to work on? Busy Bags to the rescue! If you participate in the swap you will come home with 20 bags* ( depending on the number of participants ) to stash away for that rainy day. Simply pull one out and your child instantly has something new to play with. It’s that simple. 

How old does my child have to be to participate? 

For this round we are doing 2- 3 years old. If this is successful we will introduce other ages. Feel free to participate to stock up on an older age group if your child is close to 2. ( When designing your activities please keep in mind the current age group.) 

Ok wait- do I have to be crafty?

Can you cut with scissors? Or maybe you can wield a gluestick?

 Then you’re in! Lots of activities involve things like felt, pom poms and ribbon. Remember these aren’t graded, they are fun for kiddos! 

The holidays are coming, is it expensive to take part?

Each bag should cost no more than $1-$1.50 MAX. Think recycled objects, dollar store, dollar spot, etc. You may need to be creative when you brainstorm your activity to make it fit into the budget or into your current stock of stuff around the house. It's OK to deviate from the original instructions.

Where do I find activities for a bag idea? 

Google it! There are so many awesome projects out there on blogs and other websites or maybe you can brainstorm one up yourself. Is there a particular activity that is inexpensive that your toddler enjoys? Think of using recycled items to keep costs down.  Be sure that the activity will hold up for multiple uses. ( i.e. if you are using paper for a color wheel be sure to use a heavier weight card stock) 

Some material ideas: 

Pom Poms, buttons, pennies, milk jug caps, tissue paper, papers, clothes pins, plastic utensils, beads, pipe cleaners, fake flowers, recycled cards, popsicle sticks, chopsticks, snapple caps, wedding favors, yarn and more!  

Check out some of these ideas: 

http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/p/our-busy-bag-swap.html 

http://unsolicitedadvice-n-such.blogspot.com/2011/07/preschool-young-k-adv-2s-young-ks-busy.html 

I can’t attend the actual swap date! What do I do? 

No probelmo, just be sure to provide me with your swap bags by November 2nd 

and you are welcome to come pick up your new bags another time. 

Any further questions please email: sweeterhours@gmail.com 

Thank you so much for your interest! 

Thinking of Hosting a Busy Bag Swap...

Greetings! What a lovely day it was out there. I attended an awesome consignment event called Consign My Closet that is all weekend. See their site for details. Ended up with the following all for $135!
-3 Puzzles, LLBean Snow Pants ( in an awesome blue hue), Kamik Snow boots, a Gymboree sweater, Gap baby socks, a FP dino set, matching game, 3 books, wooden magnetic calender, A scooter, a bouncer and much more. It's a great event if you live locally.

 I am hot on the trail of trying to get our lives ready for a new little one in our lives. So, I am really wanting to host a busy bag swap ( for locals) thinking of keeping it to 15- 30 mommas with kids ages (2-3 years old) Would you be interested ? I think I would start with 15.

Never heard of a busy bag swap? No problem, basically 15 moms each pull together 15 activity bags to be swapped. You pick a project then you pack them all up in ziplock bags. You attend the swap and you receive 15 different new bags for your kiddo! All the projects are about $1 per bag and use simple materials. See some examples below. I was thinking these would be great to pull out this winter on those crummy days when I don't want to set foot outside the house.

If you are interested please comment below or comment on facebook so I can get an idea of whether this is possible. I am sticking to locals only as to not put too much on my plate :)

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