The Kitchen Sink

The place to throw it all...crafts and hacks, and other messiful knick knacks.

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    Can We Talk About The Giving Tree?

    Last week, I read a few books to my daughter’s 1st grade class; I’m famous like that. I think there might have been one or two students who had never heard it, but I think they were a little too shy to speak up. Most of them have heard it several times. At least 3 shouted out that it was their Favorite book, and I think that’s how a lot of people feel about it. The friend of mine who gave it to my son years ago loved it as well. I, on the other hand, never really follow the crowd and there’s something about that book that has just…

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    How Much Would It Cost To Replace Me

    I’ve been under quite a bit of stress lately. I’m using all my Messiful tools but it seems as though I simply have too much on my plate. Really, it’s on my shoulders, because that’s where I hold my stress. So much so that this past weekend my neck went on strike. Like, “you don’t pay me enough for this shit, I’m out!  I haven’t had a massage or chiropractic in months, and you want to add More to the load?” Literally every muscle in my neck and shoulders seized up to the point where I could not move my head. The only way to find any relief from the…

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    4 Signs You Have A Bed Bullies?

    This post may contain affiliate links “Next time one of my kids starts talking to me about something that’s “Not Fair”, I’m gonna crawl into their bed, in the middle of the night, and pee my pants!” Everyone has Something to say when you tell them you have bed bugs, “Throw everything away”, “Seal everything in plastic”, “Ewww, get away from me”.  Okay, so I’ve never actually had them (aside from a sketchy Comfort Inn experience in New Jersey about 9 years ago) so I don’t really know what people say (knocking on all kinds of wood right now). What I do know is that no one ever has any Helpful “how-tos”…

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    DIY Bouncy Balls

    Make Your Own Bouncy Ball What You Need: ½ Cup Warm Water 1 Tb Borax 1 Tb of Cornstarch 2 Tb White Liquid Glue Food coloring Plastic cups Stir sticks News Paper or disposable tablecloth (Make sure to cover your work space) Disposable rubber gloves unless you’re not afraid to get messy 😉 What To Do: In a cup mix the warm water and the borax. (mix until Borax is dissolved)  In a separate cup mix the glue, cornstarch, and food coloring. (mix until the mixture looks like melted frosting) Pour the glue mixture into the water-borax cup. *LET SIT IN THE WATER FOR 20 SECONDS WITHOUT STIRRING! (the ingredients need to…

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    “Teacher Approved” Holiday Giftbag

    Ever wonder what to get your child’s teacher as a gift? We all want to get something thoughtful, whether it be practical, sentimental or beautiful, but let’s be honest, we all kind of want to be that mom that gives something they really enjoy and don’t just accept with a polite smile. Well here it is, the perfect Holiday Gift Bag for a teacher. How do I know it’s perfect for a teacher? Well, I may be a genius in many ways 😉 but I can’t take credit for this one. I know it’ll hit the spot, because a teacher/mama created it. Here’s what you need. -Canvas lunch bag (One…

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    “Kudos & Kisses” Jar

    Hey mamas, do you ever feel like your mama mojo is running on empty? We give our all to our families and often times we’re left running low. The holiday season can be especially tough as those demands just seem to multiply. I do better when I’m feeling a little love so I created a “Kudos & Kisses” jar. Throughout the day I encourage my kids to add a bead whenever they feel thankful for something I’ve done; filled their belly, braided their hair. The visual of a full jar at the end of the day really helps restore my motivation. I upcycled a basil scented Mrs. Meyers candle, but…

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    How To Spot A Growth Spurt

    It’s 11 o’clock and my baby is still sleeping!!!   14 years ago, as a new mom, I would have woken him up hours ago; worried that “something’s wrong”. I’ve got 4 babies under my belt, though, and I know this is nothing but a growth spurt, he’s growing, that’s all. I’ve come to know that there are 2 sure fire ways to tell your little one is about to bean stalk it up. He or she will begin to eat like a horse! This little guy ate a man’s sized dinner last night and then fully nursed after. “Woah!!” They sleep, a lot! Well, I am here to tell…

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    A Notebook Fit For A Princess

    It’s Day 15 of Picture Book Month and today we’re going Royal! Julie Gribbles, “Bubblegum Princess” is such a cute book. I don’t know about you but bubblegum is one of those things that my kids go absolutely nuts over and between the big bubbles and colorful princess illustrations, it will be a hit with your crew as well, I’m sure! You can find a copy here on Amazon Bubblegum Princess Today’s theme is books so for a craft to go along, I thought I would do something with a bit of a royal twist. I decided on “Royal Cereal Box Notebooks” Here’s what you’ll need: *Empty Cereal Boxes *Paper (printer…

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    This Little Piggie Holds Your Money

    Today’s theme for Picture Book Month is piggies and today’s craft is super simple and super cute; your kiddies will squeal I’m sure. After reading “Hampire”, by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, I was inspired to create a craft that was just as cute as the book; enter Water Bottle Piggie Banks. Here’s what you’ll need: *Empty/Dry mini water bottles (these 12 oz “go size” Poland Spring bottles worked very well) *Printed Duck Tape (Have fun, these little piggies don’t have to just be pink) *Beads (4 for each bank) *Scissors *Black Sharpie *Is it a Pig? Is it a vampire? “Hampire” is a fun little mystery I’m sure your kids will enjoy; you…

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    Hello world! I’m not boring!… Ok, maybe I am

    Ok, here goes; my first blog post ever. It may not be perfect but like I fittingly read on Facebook today, “The start is what stops most people” -Don Shula, so I am throwing my mess on the table and giving it a go. In my search for, “the perfect first post” I gave up and decided to let inspiration find me; I prefer to “stand in allow” rather than chase things. Well, leave it to my kids to not only inspire me but hit me with a one two in the gut all at the same time. I told them I was going out for a little me time,…