Inside my Erin Condren Life Planner

Get Organized 2015 is underway and with the help of a well timed gift certificate I was able to get my hands on a beautiful new Erin Condren planner for this year. I couldn’t wait to show it off.

It comes in a pretty box wrapped in tissue paper. Someone else was excited because boxes are fun. He was not as thrilled once we opened it.Erin Condren Box

I decided to to pick out a ready to ship planner and they sent a coupon to get a custom one later. It’s still lovely! Erin Condren cover

All the goodies in  my box. I got a few extras like the budget planner and extra sticker sheets. They included fun gift labels and some little inspirations.Erin Condren Order

Full year calendar in the front. And each month starts with a monthly calendar too.Erin Condren Full year

The main planner section is a week at a glance with each day split into morning, day and night with little sections for meals, notes, and whatever else you need. I write in my Bible verse for the week too.Erin Condren Week View

There’s a lined notebook section and then sticker sheets to use to decorate and spiffy up your planner for the things you need to remember, like birthdays.Erin Condren Stickers

Bring up the back is a handy folder for stashing things and a zip pouch to hold things like pens and additional stickers etc.
Erin Condren Pouch

I’m so happy with it and it’s nice to have everything at my fingertips again. I’ve always been most productive with a planner in tow and I’ve missed having one.

Posted in household | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Made of Heart Link Up Week 1-12-15

New week, new link up with a few featured favorites:

link up jan 12-15

1. Bird on a Branch Purse by LB Artworks
2. Prince Charming Yarn by Fairy Tales Knits
3. Valentine’s Button Art by Moose Country Crafts
4. Deer Baby Bib by Our Adorable Baby

What should you link? Handmade products or designs you have created. No mass produced items, this is for the handcrafting community.
What not to link: blog posts, Facebook or other media links, promotions, how-tos, etc. This is a way to connect individual crafters and potential shoppers by networking together.

Link up to two [2] handmade listings from your shop using the widget below.
Please no licensed or trademarked character items.
Share at least two [2] items that others have linked here via social media, and use #madeofheart when posting!

*Do not Pin items to Pinterest without getting permission from the creator*

While not required; spread the word and tell other crafters about this link up! The more the merrier and the more exposure we all get.

Leave a comment about your favorite items, where you shared, or other encouraging words about supporting handmade.

Select “add your link” – in the first box paste the URL to your specific product listing, not your home page. In the next box, put a brief title describing your item. In the last box add your email address. Click Submit and then choose a thumbnail for the picture.

 Loading InLinkz ...
Posted in business, etsy, Link up | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Pumpkin Spice Cookie Balls

The rush of the holidays is behind us and we’re looking towards the new year. Resolutions of health and organization fill the lines of fresh notebooks and the possibilities of a clean slate beckon us from the clutter and dust of the previous year. The ornaments have been carefully tucked away, the elf has crept away from his self to plot for 11 months and it’s nearly time to say goodbye to all things Pumpkin Spice. One would think I’d be glad to see it go, but I end up thinking “gah I love this and I’ll miss it so much during the upcoming months I better stock up and enjoy it, new diet be damned!”

I know I’ve said before how Oreos are my weakness and that Oreos are like little balls of crack happiness. Their sunshiney golden counterparts have always left a little something to be desired in my opinion, yet Bean loves them and we often find ourselves with a pack in the cupboard. The kids aren’t prejudice when it comes to their sandwich cookies. As it turns out the Golden Oreos are the perfect partner to the pumpkin spice cream cheese that we love. See where I’m going with this? Enter my super easy 3 ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cookies Balls (or truffles if it makes you feel fancy):

pumpkin spice balls

Gather up the ingredients:

1 8oz tub of Pumpkin spice Cream Cheese

1 Regular sized package of Golden Sandwich cookies

2 cups of white chocolate chips (candy melts or almond bark)

Optional- Sprinkles, 2 TBS Shortening or Coconut Oil

pumpkin spice ball ingredients

Put the cookies and the cream cheese in a food processor and pulse until combined. Attempt to keep your fingers out of it and let it chill for about an hour.

cookies in processor

Use a scoop or spoon to make little balls and place them on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Apparently it’s time to use the Miracle Cleaner on our baking sheet. DSCN1741

After all the little balls are made let them chill again for about 15 minutes. It was freezing outside the day we did this so I just set them on the porch. While they are setting up again melt the chips. I use the microwave and heat about 30 minutes at a time then stir. I also add a bit of coconut oil to keep the shell shiny after dipping.
DSCN1742

Dip the balls then decorate them with sprinkles. I had intended to use our shimmer dust, but couldn’t seem to find it. I’m sure it’s dumped in someone’s closet somewhere.DSCN1744

Enjoy!

pumpkin spice balls

Posted in Cookin it up Friday, how to, recipe, tutorial | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

New CuteZCute Robot Cutters

We got new cutters for Christmas and I couldn’t wait for the kids to go back to school so we could play with them. Well, maybe I couldn’t wait for them to go back to school so I could enjoy a moment of peace, but getting to use our new Robo Bread Sandwich Cutter was a close second.

CuteZCute Robot Cutter

It comes in a little box with lots of fun ideas on the packaging. I love the cube shaped pieces. This is a different design then our previous CuteZCute items and it makes it easy to use the cutter.

Robot Cutter Set

They still open up and lay flat for cleaning. and can be clipped together the opposite way to use the imprinting panels. Robot Cutter

Fits all together for easy storage. Robo Bread Cutter

Turkey helped put together his lunch and was happy to tell me exactly what to do for every step of his “sandwich”. He was extra excited that it had an “R” for his name. I won’t tell him I didn’t do that especially for him. 😉

Yumbox Lunch using Robo Bread Cutter

The rest of his lunch was pretty simple and we put it all together in the Pomodoro Red Panino Yumbox . I’ve come to know that CuteZCute is synonymous with fun and quality lunch products. We’re never disappointed when we add them to our collection.

I’d love to see what you make with yours!

Posted in Bento Lunches, kidspired, Review | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Made of Heart Link Up Week of Jan 5th

Welcoming in the New Year with the features from last week’s link up. I’m so grateful for each and every one of you who comes out and joins in.Made of Heart Link Up 1-5-15

1. Hedgehog Desk Organizer by Miela Siela
2. Lumberjack Soap by Thumbprint Soap
3. Remmy Monster by Lu & Ed
4. Bombay Hoop Earrings by reVetro

What should you link? Handmade products or designs you have created. No mass produced items, this is for the handcrafting community.
What not to link: blog posts, Facebook or other media links, promotions, how-tos, etc. This is a way to connect individual crafters and potential shoppers by networking together.

Link up to two [2] handmade listings from your shop using the widget below.
Please no licensed or trademarked character items.
Share at least two [2] items that others have linked here via social media, and use #madeofheart when posting!

*Do not Pin items to Pinterest without getting permission from the creator*

While not required; spread the word and tell other crafters about this link up! The more the merrier and the more exposure we all get.

Leave a comment about your favorite items, where you shared, or other encouraging words about supporting handmade.

Select “add your link” – in the first box paste the URL to your specific product listing, not your home page. In the next box, put a brief title describing your item. In the last box add your email address. Click Submit and then choose a thumbnail for the picture.

 Loading InLinkz ...
Posted in business, Link up | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Made of Heart Link Up Week of December 29th

This week I decided to share a few links of some of the great handcrafted gifts we got for Christmas.

My not so secret Santa in one of my babywearing groups sent me this fun pair of Doctor Who inspired fingerless mitts. Yay for toasty hands while toiling away in my own workshop! You can find your own pair from Geekier Than Thou on Etsy.

Dr. WHO Fingerless Gloves - TARDIS and 4th DOCTOR (Tom Baker) style

 

My dolly world Elfster went me the most wonderful box of goodies. I am so in love with this print from The Dreamy Giraffe.

Little Red Riding Hood Print. Big Eyed Art. Whimsical Girls Room Art. Pale Pink Children's Décor. Winter Art. Cute Fairy Tale Art For Kids.

 

These little mushroom dolls from Tansy Dolls have been fun too. Ms. Pink Mushie and Baby, Waldorf-inspired all-natural wooden toy

 

We also found Landon’s Toy Box, Nourishingly Natural, and Imagineif Boutique tucked under our tree and in stockings. I love handcreated holidays and am grateful for the businesses and customers who make it possible. What are your favorite handcrafted gifts this year?

Want a shout out next week? Link below.

What should you link? Handmade products or designs you have created. No mass produced items, this is for the handcrafting community.
What not to link: blog posts, Facebook or other media links, promotions, how-tos, etc. This is a way to connect individual crafters and potential shoppers by networking together.

Link up to two [2] handmade listings from your shop using the widget below.
Please no licensed or trademarked character items.
Share at least two [2] items that others have linked here via social media, and use #madeofheart when posting!

*Do not Pin items to Pinterest without getting permission from the creator*

While not required; spread the word and tell other crafters about this link up! The more the merrier and the more exposure we all get.

Leave a comment about your favorite items, where you shared, or other encouraging words about supporting handmade.

Select “add your link” – in the first box paste the URL to your specific product listing, not your home page. In the next box, put a brief title describing your item. In the last box add your email address. Click Submit and then choose a thumbnail for the picture.

 

 Loading InLinkz ...
Posted in business, Link up | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Made of Heart Link Up Week of 11-17

Link Up Nov 17

1. Star Bath Crayons from Sudzy Bums

2. Handpainted Mug from Paintfully Beatiful

3. Mother Bird Necklace from Megus Attic

4. Lollipop Necklace from Little Mizz Kitty

What should you link? Handmade products or designs you have created. No mass produced items, this is for the handcrafting community.
What not to link: blog posts, Facebook or other media links, promotions, how-tos, etc. This is a way to connect individual crafters and potential shoppers by networking together.

Link up to two [2] handmade listings from your shop using the widget below.
Please no licensed or trademarked character items.
Share at least two [2] items that others have linked here via social media, and use #madeofheart when posting!

*Do not Pin items to Pinterest without getting permission from the creator*

While not required; spread the word and tell other crafters about this link up! The more the merrier and the more exposure we all get.

Leave a comment about your favorite items, where you shared, or other encouraging words about supporting handmade.

Select “add your link” – in the first box paste the URL to your specific product listing, not your home page. In the next box, put a brief title describing your item. In the last box add your email address. Click Submit and then choose a thumbnail for the picture.

 Loading InLinkz ...
Posted in business | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Made of Heart Link Up Week of Nov. 10th

Are we gearing up for holiday shopping? Check out some lovelies from this week’s link up.

week11-10

 

1. Joy Block Set from Wood ‘n Stitches

2. Sticky Buns Wax Melts from My Sweet Heat

3. Champagne Bottle Bracelet from reVetro

4. Glitter Pendant Necklace from Kitschy Koo Design

What should you link? Handmade products or designs you have created. No mass produced items, this is for the handcrafting community.
What not to link: blog posts, Facebook or other media links, promotions, how-tos, etc. This is a way to connect individual crafters and potential shoppers by networking together.

Link up to two [2] handmade listings from your shop using the widget below.
Please no licensed or trademarked character items.
Share at least two [2] items that others have linked here via social media, and use #madeofheart when posting!

*Do not Pin items to Pinterest without getting permission from the creator*

While not required; spread the word and tell other crafters about this link up! The more the merrier and the more exposure we all get.

Leave a comment about your favorite items, where you shared, or other encouraging words about supporting handmade.

Select “add your link” – in the first box paste the URL to your specific product listing, not your home page. In the next box, put a brief title describing your item. In the last box add your email address. Click Submit and then choose a thumbnail for the picture.

 Loading InLinkz ...
Posted in business | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Handmade Christmas Wood Toy Gift Guide

I know it feels a bit early to think of the holidays, but with about 50 days till Christmas it’s time to get shopping. I’ve compiled a gift guide listing some great wooden toys to sneak under the tree this year. Wood toys are perfect for imaginative play and last for years compared to their plastic counterparts. Each piece is made with love.

woodtoys

Ranked in no particular order:

1- Miela Siela

These wooden play sets provide a natural canvas for hours of imaginative fun, like this farm set. I love the cute little tails!

Farm Animal Set - Waldorf wooden toys - Farm animals and boy - Toy farm animals set

2- Minnie and the Monster

Adventures in space, a trip to the circus, or a mermaid with her dragon pal; you’ll fall in love with these whimsically painted characters.

Ophelia and Gus

3- Landon’s Toy Box

Holly is the master at turning a simple wooden peg into a work of art. This Nativity set would be amazing for your Christmas decor and you don’t have to worry if little one plays with it. There are story book characters, dragon, fairies and more if you’re looking for something to provide play all year.

4- SS Woodcraft

If you have a little on who wants to be just like mom or dad you will find adorable sewing machines, toasters, and more like this circle saw. Designed for years of pretend play.

5- Keepsake Toys

If you’re looking for something personalized they’ve got you covered. They will happily add a name to most of their unique wood toys. This bowling set is perfect for a rainy day.

Personalized Wooden Bowling Game - 6 Pin Skittles Set - Montessori Wood Toy - Eco-Friendly Gift for a Toddler or Preschooler - Boy or Girl

6- Willow Toys

If you’re thinking of something big this is the shop for you. Their doll houses are adorable and their play kitchens rival the real deal. Just look at the craftsmanship! Plus you won’t have to stay up all night putting it together.

No Assembly Required ON sale today only 199 was 245 Child's Wooden play kitchen, wooden toy kitchen all natural, REAL wood

7- Bannor Toys

For the smallest on your list these animal shaped teethers are just what the elves ordered. They even come with their very own ribbon clip to keep them from getting away.

Organic Wooden Baby Teether - GIRAFFE Teether- Natural Maple Wood Teether

8- Bugaboo Bear Designs

Sprucing up your little one’s room this year? If so this wall art is the perfect gift or find a custom personalized piece to tie it all together.

I'll Eat You Up I Love You So Hand Painted Wood Slice, Chalkboard Art, Wood Painting, Nursery Decor, Where the Wild Things Are

9- Kutuu Blocks

Better than Legos these blocks are sure to bring out the inner architect in your child, but I bet you’ll want to play too.

Heirloom Wood Building Blocks, Eco-Friendly Natural Hardwood Wooden Blocks that Stack, Wood Toy for Kids and Adults, by Kutuu

10- Laughing Crickets

A fun shop full of colorful montessori inspired educational toys like these matching lady bugs.

I hope you found some cute ideas and some new shops. Remember that when you shop handmade this year you support a family not just a CEO. You’re putting gifts under trees in homes besides your own and spreading the joy.

Do you have any wood toys or shops that you love?

Posted in holidays, kidspired | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Made of Heart Link Up Week of Oct 20th

It’s that time of the week and I think this week’s picks are pretty fitting as we near spook day.

week10-20

1. Bat Infinity Scarf from Lina Scarf

2. Hipster Pumpkin Shirt from Vanilla Bean Baby

3. Witch Necklace from Blue Rose Beadery

4. Super Hero Tote from Bally and Lis

RULES:

 

What should you link? Handmade products or designs you have created. No mass produced items, this is for the handcrafting community.
What not to link: blog posts, Facebook or other media links, promotions, how-tos, etc. This is a way to connect individual crafters and potential shoppers by networking together.

Link up to two [2] handmade listings from your shop using the widget below.
Please no licensed or trademarked character items.
Share at least two [2] items that others have linked here via social media, and use #madeofheart when posting!

*Do not Pin items to Pinterest without getting permission from the creator*

While not required; spread the word and tell other crafters about this link up! The more the merrier and the more exposure we all get.

Leave a comment about your favorite items, where you shared, or other encouraging words about supporting handmade.

Select “add your link” – in the first box paste the URL to your specific product listing, not your home page. In the next box, put a brief title describing your item. In the last box add your email address. Click Submit and then choose a thumbnail for the picture.

 Loading InLinkz ...
Posted in business, Link up | Tagged , , | Leave a comment