Fun with Food Friday: Colorful Lunches

Here's a week's worth of lunches that are full or color!

Red: strawberry yogurt with a fresh strawberry, flower fruit strip cut-outs (fruit strip + cookie cutter), red goldfish, a cheese wheel, and tomatoes

Orange: mandarin oranges, cheese crackers, carrots, cheese slices, and peaches 'n cream pretzels for dessert

Yellow: fresh bananas, yogurt melts, crunchy crackers, dried pineapple pieces

Green: green goldfish, dried apples, and broccoli with dressing for dipping

Rainbow: tomatoes, carrots, crunchy crackers, snap peas, dried plums, and yogurt melts

These were great for my preschooler and toddler because they went along with the "mommy school" theme for the week--colors.  These fun lunches helped to reinforce the color skills we were learning and reviewing during the week.

What foods would you include in your own color-themed lunches?

For more great lunch ideas click here, here, and here.

Happy lunch packing!

Tooth Fairy Pillows

Are you familiar with the book Silverlicious  by Victoria Kann?  I recently read it to my four-year-old daughter during one of our bedtime story sessions.  The book goes through the main character’s adventure of losing her sweet tooth and discovering another meaning of sweetness beyond treats, candies, and goodies--the sweetness of being kind.  Prior to beginning the book, I had failed to realize that my daughter didn’t know anything about losing her baby teeth and eventually getting her adult teeth.  Oops.  It had never come up prior to that.  When the main character lost her sweet tooth, my daughter's already "bigger than Texas" eyes got even bigger.  She was a little horrified by the idea until I explained and finished reading the book.  I guess it would be a scary concept hearing about it for the first time.  One of these cute pillows should make loosing her first tooth a little more fun by giving the tooth fairy {wink, wink} a special place to leave her a prize.  I made one for Eli and Caleb too although  it will be awhile before the tooth fairy pays them a visit.  In gleaning inspiration for the design of this pillow, I looked back over the book Silverlicious.  That’s when I was reminded of the envelopes that the main character received under her own pillow.  Aha!  Envelopes!  What a perfect item to incorporate into the design!  And what better way to embellish them than with a tooth?!  Want to make a tooth fairy pillow for your own little one?

Click here for the full tutorial!

Happy sewing!

A Little Bird Told Me Link Party #42

Welcome to...

<center> <a href="http://thelifeofjenniferdawn.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/jenniferdawn84/Blog/linkpartybutton3.jpg"/></a></center>

Thanks for stopping by!  Whew!  You can always tell I've had a jammed packed week when the two most recent posts are back to back link parties.  It's a bit ironic that when things are quiet on the blog, my life is actually screaming into high gear.  Yes, it has been a week since I last posted, and what a busy week it has been.  I have a lot of fun posts in the works...it's just that I haven't had the time to actually sit down and post them.  Oh well...such is the life of a busy work from home momma of three.  

I am delighted to have the down time tonight though to put together the weekly link party and to share with you six of the fabulous posts that were linked up during last week's party...
Milena from Scent of Style shared this lovely bag.  Isn't the bow a perfect addition?!
Natalie of La Gang 'A Nat linked up her lovely DIY Poppy Teapot.  So fun!
The very talented Veronica of SewVery shared this adorable outfit made especially for her sweet daughter.
Aimee from Twigg Studios linked up her Citrus Cake with Pineapple Flowers.
Sarah of The Busy Bug Life showed us this fantastic Puff Quilt.
&
P.J., The Impulsive Crafter, made and shared these cute Fabric Rosette Earrings.


Wonderful posts, ladies!  Feel free to grab a button if you were featured...

<center> <a href="http://thelifeofjenniferdawn.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/jenniferdawn84/BUTTONFEATURED.jpg"/></a></center>   Now it's time for this week's party!  I know my fellow bloggers are doing some fantastic things out there in blogland.  A little bird told me that you are!  I'd love for you to share a recipe, craft, home decor project, or any post you're proud of...

Grab a button, link up, visit others, and be sure to leave some comment love on each other's posts!  That same little birdie told me that we all love comments!
I will feature a few more fabulous links next week.  Remember that you must link back in order to be featured.  If your link does get featured, I have a special Pinterest board to further showcase your tremendous talent!
For my non-blogging readers, feel free to visit the links and glean inspiration!
Here we go!  I can't wait to see the amazing things that you link up this week!

A Little Bird Told Me Link Party #41

Welcome to...

<center> <a href="http://thelifeofjenniferdawn.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/jenniferdawn84/Blog/linkpartybutton3.jpg"/></a></center>

Thanks for stopping by!  A Little Bird Told Me that there were some fantastic posts linked up last week.  Here are a few of that same little birdie's favorites...

Lydia from Huckleberry Love shared this awesome Bookcase Makeover.  I love everything about this project!
Luisa from Living and Learning with Luisa also shared a fantastic makeover--her Back Porch Renewal!
What Southern girl could resist this Southern staple?  Caroline from Stumbling Upon Happiness made and linked up Coca-Cola Cake!
The ever-fabulous Rita of Suburbs Mama recently hosted a Cookie Making Play Date.  So cute!
&
Krysta from Krysta Steen shared her recipe for Lemon Sugar Scrub.  She even has a printable recipe card!

Wonderful posts, ladies!  Feel free to grab a button if you were featured...

<center> <a href="http://thelifeofjenniferdawn.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/jenniferdawn84/BUTTONFEATURED.jpg"/></a></center>   Party time!  I know my fellow bloggers are doing some fantastic things out there in blogland.  A little bird told me that you are!  I'd love for you to share a recipe, craft, home decor project, or any post you're proud of...

Grab a button, link up, visit others, and be sure to leave some comment love on each other's posts!  That same little birdie told me that we all love comments!
I will feature a few more fabulous links next week.  Remember that you must link back in order to be featured.  If your link does get featured, I have a special Pinterest board to further showcase your tremendous talent!
For my non-blogging readers, feel free to visit the links and glean inspiration!
Here we go!  I can't wait to see the amazing things that you link up this week!

Floral Onesie Dresses

What do you get when you add onesies to gorgeous floral fabric and and lace?

Lacy Onesie Dresses...

Onesie Dresses are always fun to make, and I knew this Riley Blake floral fabric would make some cute ones.

Adding to the cuteness are these pinwheel flower brooches that are another one of my favorite things to make.

Click here (original tutorial) or here (updated tutorial) for the tutorial on sewing your own pinwheel flower brooches.  

Happy Sewing!

Happy Sunday

Derby Day

Today is one of my favorite days of the year.  Four things I love--horses, competition, fashion, and Sothern charm--are all combined into one exciting event.  Today marks the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby, and although it has been years since I have attended the event in person, I still enjoy the televised coverage year after year.

Audrey Inspired Derby Look by jenniferdawn84 featuring summer floppy hats

  Maybe Lydia Grace and I will even put on some hats today...even if they are just worn around the house.  {chuckle}  Spending this rainy day at home with my family certainly sounds like a winning combination!

Derby Day Hats by jenniferdawn84 featuring nordstrom collection

Happy Derby Day!

Let's Play Today!

Happy playtime!

More Budget-Friendly Bento Ideas

At some point during the weekend, set out the food you'll need to pack all of the lunches for the upcoming week.  Prepare and pack each lunch.  Get creative with cookie cutters, themes, and designs.  Store the packed lunch containers in tubs labeled for each child.  I put the lunches on the top that may need to be eaten first due to perishable foods inside.  Place the tubs in the refrigerator where you can get out the lunches as your need them during the week.  Packing a week's worth of lunches all at once is a huge time saver!  It also gives you the convenience of having packed lunches anytime you need them--even if you child does not go to school and you just need lunches pre-packed for outings.  Here are some fun ideas for budget-friendly bento boxes...

Fantastically Fruity: Fresh fruit (A cutie and grapes), wafers with a fruit and veggie dip, and fruit tart

Taco Day: Taco shell, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and sour cream

Growing Healthy: Fresh vegetables (carrots, snap peas, celery, and tomato), cheese and ham (preservative free) cut-outs, and Ranch dressing for dipping

Star and Butterfly Meals: Cute cut-outs of cheese and turkey (preservative free), pretzels, fresh cut apples, and 100 calorie chocolate chip cookies

Fruit Fondue: Fresh fruit (grapes, apples, strawberries), granola, and yougurt
Click here for more great ideas!
Happy packing!

Snapshots of My Day

It was a good day...

Happy day!