Read. Write. Mom!

Make Your Own Salt Dough Ornaments for the Holidays

Posted on December 3, 2015November 22, 2016 by Mandy

Just the smell alone of salt dough ornaments takes me right back to my childhood. I think we made these one year at church and it left such an impression on me. Not only are they fun to make, but they are so easy! If you have flour, salt, and water on hand then you already have most of what you need to make them. Just add in some paint and cookie cutters and you are ready to make your own salt dough ornaments for the holidays. These would make great little gifts as well!

Ready to get started? Check out these 6 great salt dough ornament crafts below.

Salt Dough Ornaments – Ribbons and Glue

Salt Dough Crafts – Suburbia Unwrapped

Homemade Christmas Ornaments – In the Kitchen with Jenny

Salt Dough Ornaments – Say Not Sweet Anne

Salt Dough Bear Magnets – Another Cent Saved

Salt Dough Keepsake Ornament – This Simple Home

Christmas cookie cutters would be perfect to make your ornaments with. These two are my personal favorites:

Starpack Christmas Cookie Cutters

Wilton 2308-5076 6-Piece Christmas Oven Mitt Cookie Cutter Set, Mini

You will want to paint your salt dough ornaments using acrylic paints. These will make sure you get really vibrant color that looks great and lasts!

Plaid Promoabi Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set

A final spray with some clear varnish spray will keep your ornaments looking great for years to come!

Aleene’s Spray Acrylic Sealer Gloss Finish 6oz

Minecraft Christmas Gift Ideas for the Gamer

Posted on December 2, 2015December 26, 2016 by Mandy

Are you looking for Christmas gift ideas for the gamer? When my son started playing Minecraft, I just assumed it was a kid’s game and thought nothing more about it. It wasn’t until I mentioned on Facebook that he enjoyed the game that I quickly came to learn that adults are also crazy about Minecraft, too! I guess my mind works in a completely different way because I don’t understand at all how people build these elaborate structures out of blocks. I tried to play once and quickly gave up. If you are wondering what in the world to get your Minecraft- obsessed love one for Christmas, these Minecraft Christmas gifts for the gamer are perfect!

1. Minecraft Chest Storage Block

2. Diary of an Adventurous Creeper (Book 1): Creeper Chronicles (An Unofficial Minecraft Book for Kids Age 9-12)

3. Design Originals Craft Projects for Minecraft

4. Minecraft Figure Set Overworld Saddle Pack

5. Minecraft 7″ Assorted Plush: Set of 9

6. Minecraft 2-in-1 Sword and Pickaxe

7. Minecraft Baby Pig 7″ Plush

8. Minecraft Card Game

9. Minecraft Diamond Pendant Necklace

10. Minecraft Collectible Figure Mystery Blind Box

11. LEGO Minecraft 21115 The First Night

12. Minecraft Papercraft Animal Mobs Set

13. Minecraft Creeper Face Leather Wallet

14. LEGO Minecraft 21116 Crafting Box

16. Minecraft Creeper 7″ Plush

17. Minecraft Diamond Steve Action Figure

18. Minecraft Core Player Survival Pack Action Figure

19. Minecraft Think Geek Wall Torch

20. LEGO Minecraft 21119 the Dungeon Building Kit

21. Minecraft: Blockopedia

22. LEGO Minecraft 21114 The Farm

23. Minecraft Stop-Motion Animation Studio

24. Minecraft Animal Toy (6-Pack)

25. Minecraft Mini Figure Collector Case

26. Minecraft Wallet & Minecraft Bracelet

27. Minecraft Cookie Cutters

28. Minecraft Creeper Backpack

29. Minecraft Creeper Anatomy Vinyl Figure Kit

30. Minecraft Papercraft Shelter Set

31. Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Book 1: A Scare of A Dare

Free Printable Letter to Santa for Kids

Posted on December 1, 2015September 29, 2022 by Mandy

It’s finally December and that means it’s time to let Santa know how good you have been this year and what you want for Christmas! Requests big or small, Santa reads them all! Hopefully your kids are on the “nice list” this year. This free printable letter to Santa for kids makes it super easy for kids of all ages to write a letter and let their wishes be known! There’s a space for them to fill in their name, whether they have been naughty or nice, and the top 5 things they wish for.

I can remember writing letters to Santa as a young child. It was definitely a Christmas tradition! I also remember circling a million things in the Sears Wish Book that I wanted him to bring me. My lists and wants were long, but Santa was patient and always delivered! I have the hardest time getting my own child to tell me one or two things he hopes Santa will bring. I’ll be printing out this list for him to fill in tonight. I’ve warned him that Santa has a tight deadline to meet!

Grab your free printable by clicking on the image below.

37 Christmas Books for Kids to Get Them Excited About the Holidays

Posted on November 30, 2015June 26, 2021 by Mandy

Reading Christmas books during the holiday season is a tradition in our home, and not just because I’m a librarian. My son is 10, but he still loves a good bedtime story. Truth be told, I love that he still loves this. My students always enjoy a break from the norm as well and eat up those Christmas books for kids that feature their favorite characters such a Pete the Cat and Little Critter.

One great tradition to start with your children is opening up and reading a book for each day leading up to Christmas day. We did this one year and it was a big hit! Just wrap up each book individually and let your kids open one each day. My son had a blast discovering his new book for the day and it is a memory I will always treasure.

If this sounds like a plan, I have 37 wonderful Christmas books for kids that are perfect to share during the holiday season! Check out the list below and be on your way to making some precious Christmas memories with your kids!

Christmas Books for Kids

1. Legend of the Christmas Stocking

2. LEGO City: Save This Christmas!

3. Pete the Cat Saves Christmas

4. How to Catch Santa

5. Me and My Dragon: Christmas Spirit

6. The Pups Save Christmas! (Paw Patrol)

7. I Spy Christmas: A Book of Picture Riddles

8. The Berenstain Bears’ Night Before Christmas

9. Christmas in America (Ellis the Elephant)

10. The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving

11. Santa’s Favorite Story: Santa Tells the Story of the First Christmas

12. How Santa Got His Job

13. Little Critter Merry Christmas Mom and Dad

14. The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree

15. Polar Express

16. The Wild Christmas Reindeer

17. Olive, the Other Reindeer

18. Humphrey’s First Christmas

19. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

20. Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree

21. Christmas Farm

22. The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalachian Story

23. The Biggest Christmas Tree Ever

24. Snowmen at Christmas

25. Santa’s Stuck

26. Memoirs of an Elf

27. Auntie Claus

28. A Pirate’s Night Before Christmas

29. An Otis Christmas

30. Splendiferous Christmas (Fancy Nancy)

31. The Christmas Wish

32. The Pajama Elves

33. Turkey Claus

34. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

35. The Littlest Christmas Tree

36. Bear Stays up for Christmas

37. Frozen Olaf’s Night Before Christmas Book & CD

75 Awesome Stocking Stuffers For Kids

Posted on November 29, 2015December 26, 2016 by Mandy

Each Christmas season, I always end up waiting until the very last minute to buy stocking stuffers. Does this happen to you? I get so wrapped up in making sure the food and gifts are bought that this little tradition doesn’t end up getting much attention. I don’t mean for it to happen. It just does. Then, I’m left scrambling to pick over anything that’s left at the stores or wracking my brain to come up with something cool and fun. If you need some stocking stuffers for kids, below are 75 awesomely fun ideas that won’t break the bank. These ideas are terrific for boys or girls and even the grown-up kids you might have on your list!

1. Rock Paper Scissors Card Game

2. Melissa & Doug Rainbow Mini Scratch Art Notes (Box of 125)

3. Wikki Stix Doodler Toy Kit

4. Crayola Bath Dropz 3.59 oz 60 Tablets

5.Pull Back Race Cars – 6 Pc

6. Crayola Bathtub Crayons, 9 Count

7. Knock-Knock Jokes for Kids

8. Flingshot Flying Monkey

9. 4M Kidz Labs Moon Torch Kit

10. Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids

11. Pull and Stretch Bounce Ball

12. Triangles Water Game

13. 10 pcs Velvet Animal Finger Puppets

14. Original Slinky

15. 4M Glow-In-The-Dark Mini Stars (Pack of 60)

16. 12 Pull Back Vehicles Deluxe Combo

17. Toysmith Liquid Motion Bubbler

18. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Memory Match Game

19. Disney Princess Sofia the First Kids Jump Rope

20. Strap On LED Fingers – Set of 4

21. Original Silly Putty Pack, 6 Pack

22. ALEX Toys Artist Studio Modeling Clay with 24 Colors

23. Nesquik Sip ‘R’ Eyes Drinking Straw Glasses

24. Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Memory Match Game

25. Disney Frozen Slap Bands Bracelet Set of 2

26. The Famous Fart Whistle

27. Melissa & Doug Family Dinner Box Of Questions

28. Inflatable Flame Guitar

29. Spokester Bicycle Noise Maker

30. Magic 8 Ball

31. Uno Card Game

32. Schylling Classic Tin Kaleidoscope

33. Pair of Maracitos

34. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Jumbo Playing Cards

35. ALEX Toys Artist Studio 24-Piece Rainbow Modeling Clay Set

36. Backyard Safari 6 in 1 Field Tools

37. ALEX Toys Artist Studio 10 Glitter Gel Pens

38. Backyard Safari Field Binoculars

39. Spot It Junior Animals

40. Math War Addition and Subtraction Game Cards

41. Disney Princess Sofia the First Kids Night Light

42. ALEX Toys Rub a Dub Water Flutes

43. Clearly Colorful Translucent Harmonica (Multiple Colors Available)

44. Dozen Nylon Hair Pieces

45. Disney Princess Jumbo Playing Cards

46. Dazzling Toys Construction Vehicles Pull Back Style – Pack of 12

47. Toysmith Light-Up Rail Twirler

48. ALEX Toys Artist Studio 8 Washable Scented Markers

49. Smethport Wooly Willy Original Toy

50. ALEX Toys POPS Craft Fun Flyers

51. Jurassic World Bouncy Balls, 6ct

52. 12 Fake Mustaches

53. ALEX Toys Spa Hair Chalk Pens

54. Children’s Pretend Play Work Shop Tool Set

55. My Little Pony Temporary Tattoos, 10 sheets

56. 2 Foam Disc Shooters with 10 Foam Discs Each Shooter

57. Scrabble Slam Cards

58. ALEX Toys ALEX Jr. 6 Tots Finger Paints

59. Mini Dinosaur Figures, 36 pc

60. Hello Kitty Christmas Themed Stickers, 180+ Stickers

61. Dozen Plastic Cat Figures, 2″

62. Dinosaur Erasers, 6 Erasers

63. Original Plastic Slinky Jr.

64. Funky Bands

65. Lisa Frank Stickers Collectors Set, Over 400 Stickers

66. Play Visions Super Mondo Inside-Out Ball

67. Shrinky Dinks Minis Mermaids

68. Frozen Hair Clips, 12 Clips

69. Dazzling Toys Zoom Sliding Ball

70. Disney Princess Memory Match Game

71. Numbers 2-in-1 Match Up Memory Game & Floor Puzzle

72. Disney Doc McStuffins Memory Match Game

73. Dinosaur Fossil – Nature Sand Dino Dig Stocking Stuffer – 1pc

74. Memory Game Despicable Me Edition

75. Wild West Roundup: The Fastest Game in the West!

Make Total Body Care a Priority with Massage Envy

Posted on November 25, 2015February 28, 2016 by Mandy

This post was sponsored by Massage Envy as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central.

This time of the school year is always very hectic for me. Along with maintaining my classroom and library, I’m also adding in the extra responsibilities of coordinating our school reading fair, helping judge reading fairs at other schools, and preparing for testing. Add this on top of my usual daily duties at work and home, and I always end up in a stressed-out frenzy. I’m there already.

Because I have to. Because it’s expected of me. Because I can’t slow down or I will lose focus.

If putting the needs of others before your own is something you can relate to, keep reading!

Finding Balance

Life balance is really a struggle for me, and these “because moments” happen to every single one of us. Total Body Care is something we should all make a priority in order for us to keep ourselves mentally and physically able to do all of the things we must do and be all of the things we must be each day. Think about it. If you’ve run yourself into the ground just trying to take care of everything, you’re not going to be very effective for the people who need you most. Massage Envy, a leader in providing accessible massage and skin care services, understands this and is dedicated to helping their members and guests achieve Total Body Care, where we pause during our daily grind and refresh and make adjustments where we need to. Big or small, we all have our different “because moments” each day. Can you relate to any of these in this video?

Taking Care of Self

The older I get, the more I understand that treating my body well shouldn’t be seen as a luxury. It should be a necessity. I want to be at my best for my family and my students. Could you use a little refreshment? Consider visiting a Massage Envy near you to help you manage this thing we call life. Your body will thank you for it.

Connect with Massage Envy here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MassageEnvy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MassageEnvy

Upgrade with Intel Laptop Giveaway #UpgradeWithIntel

Posted on November 10, 2015November 10, 2015 by Mandy

This post is sponsored by Lunchbox but all opinions are my own. Please see below for additional disclosure.

With the holidays right around the corner, you may be thinking about purchasing a laptop for someone on your list, or maybe even for yourself. Right now, it’s more affordable than you might think to upgrade to a new Intel laptop at Walmart. Whether you need a new laptop for work or play, Walmart currently has a great deal on the Dell Inspiron Black 15.6 Laptop. Check out the specs on this great laptop:

Dell Inspiron Black 15.6 Laptop

15.6″ LED-backlit touch screen with HD resolution
720p webcam
3-in-1 memory card reader
Bluetooth 4.0
1 x USB 3.0 ports, 2 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x HDMI port, 1 x headphone/microphone jack, 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet port
4-cell battery for up to 6 hr. 33 min battery life

INTEL LAPTOP GIVEAWAY

If you’re feeling lucky, enter for a chance to win a new laptop! Entering is easy:

Click on the image below to visit the microsite

Select the contest tab and then, in 400 characters or less, share how a Dell Inspiron 15.6” Laptop would make your life more amazing. One entry per email, per person. Complete terms & conditions are found on the site.

This post is for my participation in the “Upgrade With Intel” Program.

Holiday Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Posted on November 8, 2015January 10, 2016 by Mandy

It’s hard to believe the holidays are about to be in full swing! It just seems like yesterday we were preparing for back-to-school, but here we are! I always swear that *this* year I will have it all together by the time the holidays roll around, but it never happens like I plan. There’s always last minute prepping and shopping to take care of. I’ve recently started making our gift list this year and looking around online to get the best deals possible. One store I absolutely love all year round is Amazon. There’s something for everyone there and if you don’t know what a person might want or need, then an Amazon Gift Card can come to your rescue!

As a way to say a heartfelt thank you for being a reader of my blog and to possibly help you out with some of your holiday shopping, I’m offering the chance for one lucky person to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card to be delivered via email! Just click on the entry form below to enter to win! You can choose to do as many entries as you like and each is a chance to win. One winner will be chosen and the giveaway ends on Monday, December 7, 2015 at 11:59 PM CST. 18+ US. ONLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Winner must respond to winner notification email within 72 hours or another winner will be randomly chosen. Good luck and Happy Holidays!

Entry -Form