Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty Review Party

Let's be honest. I really didn't know what Crazy Aaron's was about until this party. I knew of their products from previous Tryazon party opportunities. But I thought, who wants to have a bunch of kids playing with slime in their house?? I'm too much of a neat freak for that kind of thing. We aren't the type to play with dough toys unless Mommy puts down a plastic tablecloth first. So let me introduce you to something that showed me there is more to Crazy Aaron's than that.

*Disclaimer: I was sent these products in exchange for hosting a party with friends and sharing them. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions shared are my or from my guests.*

First off, what is Crazy Aaron's? 

So glad you asked! Crazy Aaron started his business of innovative toys in 1998. The product lines they release are non-toxic and made with high quality ingredients, right here in the USA!  I won't get into too many details, but I'll say that his growth and making the products here in the United States has meant that he doesn't have to worry about any future disruptions to supply chains. So gifting with his toys is a great idea. But if you want to know more, there is plenty to learn HERE. 

Crazy Aaron's are not just slime, or even putty, as I knew it. I grew up with the cheap putty from the Dollar Tree (back when everything was still $1!). And the first time I tried out slime, I was grossed out. 

But Crazy Aaron's has surpassed what I knew of those two things. The slime is slick, wet-feeling even. But it doesn't stick like others. So it comes across as cleaner. Now, I have a sensory issue when it comes to how things feel. Slime and I can't ever get along. Ever. But I can say that I honestly do believe this kind is the best one I have ever had dealings with. It was quite popular at the party too! They come with charms you can mix in as well. Though, my girls were more excited about some of those charms becoming doll sized snack items than they were about mixing it into the slime. At the beginning, it would leave some residue behind when I opened the package for the kids.

I think one of the most popular items on the tables were the SCENTsory Putty's. Smooth and comforting to handle, they also had really good scents. My daughter fell in love with the Banana Split one while her friend loved the Popsicle version. They really do smell as they say they will. No residue from this one! And then the packaging even has things to do in them. Activities and such!  

The second item that was highly popular (even with Moms) was the cloud Slime Charmers. Sounds too much like an oxymoron, but it is amazing! No slimy feels on this one. It sorta reminded me of a dough product, but it is softer and airy. When you stretch it out... Well, I don't know how to describe that feeling exactly. It was just highly enjoyable. My son had the Sushi one and has decided to keep it as just his only, which is unusual for him. 

The thinking putty can be rolled into a ball and even bounce! It isn't sticky. It isn't slimy. No mess. I love that the mini tins can actually fit into these little bag clips you can get from Crazy Aaron's. 

So many options! These little ones with the charms have been so popular. What do you think? What was the favorite one in your opinion? Let me know in the comments below!

Doll-Sized Christmas Celebrations!

Christmas is one holiday I don't mind celebrating. Thanksgiving is probably my favorite, but Christmas comes in second. Of course, that means that I want to create doll-sized fun as well.

Creating the tree

My daughters have wanted a Christmas tree. Especially since my husband bought me the Legend of Zelda one that I use for my doll room. But those doll-sized trees can be SO pricey! Thankfully, we found one at Hobby Lobby that was only $3.50 during a half off sale. My first thought was that it was very much a Charlie Brown Christmas tree! But my oldest daughter fell in love with it. 

We had been given these decorations, mostly for Valentine's Day, but there was one with clear stars hanging from it. I pulled one of the stars off and attached it to the top of the tree. My husband fixed it when he saw that it was "crooked" and nearly "upside down".

Included in those decorations were these little foam balls, covered in red glitter. I was able to add little twine hooks so they could hang them, but my daughter also wanted to just shove some in between the branches. Turns out, they only work with the hooks, when they hang from the bottom. 

 

Next, we grabbed this mini string of bulbs from Michaels. Normally priced at $3.99, they had an online coupon for 25% off that brought them to $1.79. It is a yard long and we managed to wrap it around the tree pretty nicely. 

And finally, my daughter created this 'skirt' to go around her tree with a scrap of shiny red material.

Tiny lanterns for the dark winter

I picked up these tiny lanterns that were also half off. They are ornaments, but if you tighten the string, it is the perfect size for the dolls! And to make things better, my engineer husband wants to attempt to make them actually light up. I told him I would be so excited if he can manage that! So we will see. But the pack had 4 lanterns for $4.99 (but they were half off when I bought them). I laughed when I read the warning at the bottom: Decorative use only - Not a toy.

They haven't met Barbie collectors and photographers! These are perfect "toys" for us.

                  What goes under the tree? 

I can't afford to buy a bunch of those Mini Brands Toys capsules. So the idea came to me... why not make some? I had been looking at toy packaging that the kids were ripping open. There was a tiny LEGO logo. So I printed out a box outline that I folded into shape. I painted it blue and cut out LEGO themed things from a magazine that came in the mail. Voila! We have a LEGO set for Christmas. 

But you don't typically put unwrapped gifts under the tree anyhow. So I printed multiple box templates out that were of a variety of sizes. I printed them on recycled paper, but then I cut cardboard from packaging to make it more solid. Then, after they are put together in the box shape, I decorate them. Scraps of wrapping paper can be glued on. 

I found this cute bag template I could print out too. I had some tissue paper that came from the Shadow/Rainbow High Fashion packs that can be stuffed into the top to look like a wrapped gift. Or even wrapped around a tiny jewelry box.

My daughters thought that wreaths were a great thing to have around Christmas. So they made some! You can use pipe cleaners and beads or I found these gift tags that came as miniature wreaths and added some beads with hot glue. I think they came out really well.

I have a few other ideas percolating. Stockings to hang. Maybe a fireplace with a mantle to hang them? And if I'm really adventurous, I might attempt to make them some Christmas hats! But for now, I leave you with some ideas to try on your own. Enjoy!

Christmas Gifts for the Doll Lovers

I have been keeping really busy preparing for Christmas, while maintaining the day-to-day life. It hasn't been easy. And I've walked away from projects more than once.

Everything I have been putting together is while using what I have on hand. Though I'll be glad when I can take a trip to Hobby Lobby and the Dollar Tree again! My mom and little sister have been building a 1/6 scale mall. My mom found a Barbie house at a steal and has been giving it a renovation in her free time. But what to put in it? Each floor represents a different use. When she told me the plan and showed me her progress, I knew exactly what I was going to do for her! 

Mall needs! 

Malls have shops, no? So each store needs items for the customers. This is where I started making boxed products for the shelves. But let us not forget that when a customer makes a purchase, they need to be able to carry it out comfortably. So bags as well! 

 Some are simple Google finds. Or even through Pinterest. 

As I mentioned before, I have walked away from projects repeatedly. Fit them into brief moments of freedom. I feel like most of the time that has been after the kids went to bed. I would work while my husband gamed. 

Nightmare Before Christmas vibes

My little sister likes NBC. So I got the idea to paint these support pieces from a 3D print job and add other things that she could make her own diorama with.

I had a larger piece that came from a chair I printed. It was the perfect shape for Zero's doghouse. Then I printed pages for the floor and background that she can attach to the boards to make a mini 'room' with. I couldn't find the Jack, Sally and Zero figures I wanted in the right size. It is amazing how void stores were of characters that I had thought were a staple between Halloween and Christmas. Apparently not anymore! I also missed my chance to find her some mini pumpkins. But I had the thought that later on down the road, I will find them and send them. And she can create her own room!

Then there are my own doll creations...

But I was also distracted by my own doll decorating. My dolls are prepping their living room with all the fixings for a great (and nerdy) Christmas! 

These gift tags were at our local HEB in the Christmas decorating section. They are the perfect size for the dolls! The first one I did was in pastel colors as my daughter chose those. 

I'm working on a second one, but needed to find my tiny gears as it will be a steampunk version. Still feeling like I might be missing something else for it.

Then of course my husband gave me my gift early. A Legend of Zelda themed Christmas tree!! It even lights up!!! I LOVE this! 

Under the tree, we had to have gifts. Which meant that I needed to wrap small boxes. Mostly tiny boxes that held little things before, but are now the perfect size for the dolls to hold after wrapping them in scraps of paper.

Back to Christmas gifting!

See how easily distracted I can be?? I'd say it has been worth it. I can't wait to see the finished project that my mom and sister will have. And I wish I could see how much my little sister enjoys it. My daughters love when I make things. It makes their play time even more realistic! I plan to keep creating more things and send them as I'm able to. At least play time won't be on pause for now!

Adding Cheer to Our Holidays with a Handmade Advent Calendar

The holiday season is well under way. I have already prepped our Christmas cards. I have finished buying or making gifts for my husband and children. My family is nearly taken care of and plans are in place to get gifts for my husbands family. I love this time of year! 

With so much being completed or planned out, my thoughts were caught on ways I might make the season a little more enjoyable. That is when I noticed all the advent calendar products that were coming out. They can be so much fun! However, at the same time, they are a little hard for a family of 6 to enjoy. They are restricted to just one theme. One item pulled for each day. And each one can range from $15-70 (if not more). At first, I had the thought of just getting the Minecraft figures one.

Aldi had them for $25. But they sold out before we could get there. Which led me to thinking about making my own!

I put together this video to walk you through the idea. Below that, I have photos to show how I pulled it off. 

I chose small things and wrapped them up so that the kids couldn't tell by the packaging what they are.

                       Each one has a number that corresponds with the day it is to be opened.

This is all kept on a master list so that I know who is supposed to open on which day, however, it is also being done in youngest to oldest order.

So I guess you could say my list is just my OCD kicking in. Each of the items I chose are things that someone in our family likes.

You can set up a budget and find things that fit within that budget. Be creative, make something! I'm including some Barbie items for the girls. Stickers are perfect, glow sticks (if your kids are like mine and enjoy playing in the dark). Possibilities are as endless as you choose to make them.

Let me know what you think in the comments below! I can't wait to hear what you make.

Men's Grooming Gift Ideas!

Christmas is around the corner. And with that, comes the stress of shopping. For me, shopping for men can be the most difficult. But fear not! I have some ideas I think you will like. Check them out and let me know what you think! 

*Disclaimer: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for writing the review and sharing it with you guys. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are my own or my husbands.*

Now that you have seen why we love this brand, why don't you look into getting something special for the men in your life? You can save 20% automatically by going to https://www.manscaped.com/gifting. They have quite the variety of products to choose from. 

Like these:

1. The Lawn Mower 4.0 by MANSCAPED
The fourth generation groin and body trimmer features cutting-edge ceramic blades to reduce grooming accidents thanks to their advanced SkinSafe technology.

2. The Weed Whacker by MANSCAPED
Proprietary SkinSafe technology helps reduce nicks, snags, and tugs.

Fits nicely in our bathroom drawers!

Stocking Stuffers by MANSCAPED
1. Refined Cologne by MANSCAPED
A clean and fresh scent designed for the refined gentleman

2. Shears 2.0. by MANSCAPED
Luxury 4-piece nail kit featuring tempered stainless steel tools including:

3. Foot Duster foot deodorant
Say goodbye to stinky foot funk with the Foot Duster deodorant spray

What do you think? Worth a shot? Leave me a comment below! Love hearing from you all! 

We Are Nearly Through 2021!

Fall has arrived. Sounds crazy for someone in Texas! After all, it isn't quite October yet. However, weather in Texas has been unusual this year. It is already starting to cool off again. For me, this means that planning is in full swing. There are some birthdays in October I have to address - one of them being for my son who is turning 13! 

*insert a shudder here* 

I am about to be the mother of a teenager already. Scary thought! We laugh about it though. He's already breaking out with acne. His voices squeaks and breaks, even though he tries to force it to stay deep all the time. He mentions having "changes" that he is embarrassed about and that he needs to talk to his Dad about. When that happens, I immediately tell him that he's right. "Talk to your father, because I can't help you with that." More like I don't want to... unless I have to. I like having his Dad take over that responsibility. I'll handle the girls later on. Oh yeah, and he's growing a mustache. Well, more like the fuzz above his lip is becoming noticeable. So he feels quite proud of himself for that. 

But I'm getting away with myself, aren't I? After October rolls through, I will face November. My youngest is turning 5! Again, reaching a milestone for one of my children. She will be leaving toddler-hood behind in exchange for being a little 'kid'. This girl is something else. She amazes her father and I with her smarts quite often. Some days I think she's already on a head-start path for being smarter than he and I both! Since we started homeschooling this year, she has been on a fast track of learning her shapes, colors, numbers and letters. She can recognize her name. At one point, I would have sworn she knew math already. She can add plus 1 to numbers easily. But this one time in particular, she stumped her father and I by saying something like, "If I'm 60, then after 4 more years, I'll be 64." If she had spun her head around on her shoulders, I don't think we could have been more surprised! She says things like this to us often though! Makes me wonder sometimes just how high her IQ will get. After all, both her parents are triple digits. She is also an accomplished gamer. Can't tell you how proud I am of that! All my kids are gamers of some sort. All of them are accomplished readers. Even Megabits! That girl has her own collection of books that she likes to "read" or have read to her. She has me reading one to her now that is about a place called Dinosaur Cove. My mom had sent it to the kids. She will bring it to me, climb on my lap and sit still until a thrilling moment occurs while I'm reading. Then she will get excited, bring her balled fists to the sides of her mouth as she lets out a squeal. It is adorable! 

After her birthday, I'll be making our family's first only us Thanksgiving! I'm excited. I already have ideas of what we will have on the menu. Sadly, I have to include stuffing. Or dressing, if you prefer that word for it. Personally, I don't like it. Never have. But my husband does. So I'm getting the boxed kind just for him! 

Finally, we come to a great month. I have my moms birthday in that month. I'm making her a gift this year. Something personal for her new home in Florida. A way of showing off to her friends, how blessed she is as a Mom and a Nana. December is also a month that has a gift-giving celebration that will, hopefully, be held with extended family. I've already created my shopping list. Sadly, most of the people on it will have to be happy with gift cards. Seems to be the safe route to take with people who have everything, or are always talking about getting rid of stuff, or that you just don't know enough about to give them something personal. I guess some would argue that that has its own personal touch as you have to know a person well enough to know which one to choose, right? 

For those that are getting something more personal, I'm making some pretty cool things. I just finished my little sisters' gifts. She plays with Barbies and has a house for them that my daughters drool over. But she needed things to add inside. So I made them!

My daughters have even enjoyed some of my creations with their Barbies. I can't wait to see pictures of my sisters dollhouse after Christmas! 

What about you? Do you have your last months of 2021 in the planning stages already? What is your biggest plan so far?? Let me know in the comments below.