Children's Book "BOO" by Jeanna Ganas

This school year has been such a whirlwind for this mama. My oldest is now in second grade (how did that happen so quickly?) and my youngest is now in full-day Pre-K! It feels like yesterday I was feeding them bottles and rocking them to sleep in the middle of the night. They have shown me how fast time flies and to take time to relish all the small moments in their little bitty lives.

This morning at school was one of those moments that I couldn't help but be so proud and excited for them. Both of their classes attended a book reading from our town's very own Published Author, Jeanna Ganas. Her new children's book, "BOO" is a TRUE story about her pre-k class hamster named "BOO" who escaped in the middle of the night. The story takes readers on the sweetest journey on finding his way back home with a wonderful take-away message to "Never Give Up!" The kids eyes were in awe as they watched and listened to Jeanna's story telling. I don't think the teachers have ever seen an entire Pre-K group sit as still as they did. At the end of the reading Mrs. Jeanna brought a very special guest for the kiddos to pet. They were so excited to get to meet BOO (in plush form) making this book reading even more special.

When we arrived home, the kids couldn't wait to read their very own signed copy of "BOO" and it made this mama's heart smile. Boy how wonderful it is that there are so many authors with such huge hearts for children that they dedicate their time and talent to encourage, inspire and imprint beautiful messages that they are able to take and use in their own every day lives. If you are looking to add  to your child's book collection, "BOO" has the most beautiful illustrations that bring the pages to life and the sweetest message for the children to take with them on the forever growing-up journey.

Wall Decal Tree Product Review & Discount Code + DIY:Framed Chalkboard

Hello Friends!! I hope you all had a wonderful Father's Day weekend! I have to say this weekend was a slow paced one for us, which is nice since we've spent our last few On-The-Go! With us just hanging around the house, a fun little product from the wonderful online shop Wall Decal Tree came in the mail just in time for our family fun at home. 

Before I get into our exciting new playtime gem, I want to tell you a little bit about the shop from which it came, called Wall Decal Tree. This charming online store offers a massive assortment of home decor decals that will liven up any space in your home or office. They are known for their fanciful Tree as well as Nursery & Kids Wall Stickers. You will also find an array of modern graphic wall art that will meet anyone's style or taste. For those customers that like the word "custom", Wall decal Tree has a "create your own quote or text"option allowing for custom decor solutions that can easily be changed out or removed later.

Here is a little sample of what you will find!

Since my little McKenzie's Nursery is pretty much complete, I am know focusing my attention on her "temporary" playroom. These days Kenzie is obsessed with chalk and drawing on anything in her path (i've had to invest in A LOT of magic erasers), so when Wall Decal Tree kindly allowed me to choose our decal of choice, it was a no brainer - Chalkboard Wall Sticker! My thinking is that maybe this will give McKenzie an actual chalkboard to practice her beautiful chalk art on, instead of everywhere else in our house. If you are big chalkboard fan like me, you will love these adorable Chalkboard Silhouettes that Wall Decal Tree offers as well!

When we received our decal, it came neatly rolled up with a little packet of chalk in several colors. Chalk was such a nice surprise as our collection consists of broken little pieces or worn down pieces from so much use. 

My first order of business was deciding which wall to display this lovely blackboard on. At first I planned on adhering it to her playroom closet door, however I had to come up with a different location as our doors have trim inlays which wouldn't provide the smooth surface these decals require. My second idea was to frame it out and hang it up on the wall. After struggling to find a frame the size and length that I wanted and not really wanting to assemble my own, I came up with the idea to just purchase a full length mirror and apply the chalkboard decal to the mirror giving it the framed look that I wanted! So after a quick trip to Walmart to pick up my mirror (only $11), a peel and stick party during nap time, and a little bit of conditioning to prepare it for chalk (just rub side of chalk all over board, then wipe clean), Kenzie's new framed out chalboard was ready for scribbles!

Here is my little Before & After:

I am so happy with how it turned out and I have to say the Chalkboard Wall Decal was so easy to apply and you wouldn't even know that it is a peel and stick as the quality is superb!

After conditioning or "slating" the chalkboard I couldn't help by write a little love message to greet her when she walked in :) As you can see she went straight for the chalk that I had resting on top. 

McKenzie absolutely loves her new chalkboard. She kept saying "chalk!" "chalk!" "chalk!"

This is Kenzie showing concern over her chalk that snapped in half - much like all the other pieces in her collection ;)

Broken chalk did not stop my little artist though, she continued on until her chalkboard masterpiece was complete!

I give you….."Chalkboard Scribble" by McKenzie H (with a little help from mommy)

We absolutely love our Wall Decal Tree decal and I know you will too! If your wall space is in need of a little TLC, these wall stickers are a "fun, easy and removable decor solution"! 

PROMOTION TIME!

To help get you started and to Welcome You to their fantastic online shop, Wall Decal Tree is offering all Fawn Over Baby Readers  15% OFF your total purchase!! Just use code "15OFF" at checkout to receive your generous discount!  

ENJOY!!

DIY Chalk Paint Recipe: Toddler Play Table For Two

Yey, It's Friday! Just in case you don't have any exciting plans this weekend and you are looking for a fun and easy way to feel positively productive,  I have the perfect project that will hopefully brighten your day and your little one's play space! 

Since we moved into our new home here in Georgia, McKenzie's nursery/room has been a tiny bit neglected (break - is it ok, that I still call my 15month old's room a nursery? - I digress).  Well moving from a townhome to a single family house has wonderfully given us double the space, however, that means more time and money is spent attempting to fill that extra space. One of the rooms that has had to wait a little bit, is McKenzie's room. While I plan on keeping everything from her old nursery, I wanted to tweak it a bit and add a few fun elements. So this week I've decided to focus on adding touches to her room that will help livin' it up a bit and provide her with an exciting space to wake up to and play in every day. 

First on my "McKenzie's Room" to-do list is painting an adorable toddler table and chairs my mom picked up at an estate sale last summer.  When I found this little cutie in her garage, I thought it was the sweetest thing ever and I knew Kenzie would think so too! Though the brown wood was in great shape and gorgeous, I knew I would eventually paint it white to help girly it up a bit for our little girl.

When it came time to paint, my mom suggested I try this new paint called, "Chalk Paint".  She has a few DIY blogs that she religiously visits daily, so it didn't surprise me that she knew all about this amazing new way of painting! "Chalk Paint" is a fun decorative paint that is being used to give furniture (or accent pieces) a worn and washed-out look.  Not to be confused with "Chalk-Board" Paint.  "Chalk Paint" does not turn your surface into a chalkboard. It gives it a "chalk-like" finish, allowing for easy distressing and can be given any type of finish with a wax or glaze. The great thing about "Chalk Paint" is you are able to apply it without sanding or priming! Yes, you heard me correctly. Go ahead, scream..."YEY!!" No matter if your surface has been previously painted or stained, all you have to do is paint a few coats on, let dry then wax (or glaze). That's IT!!

There are a few "chalk paint" brands on the market that you can purchase, however, I decided to make my own. After going through several wonderful recipes at Mommy Is Coo Coo Blog, I went with the un-sanded grout method. 

How To Create Your Own "Chalk Paint" & Update A Play Table Set

Supplies:

Unsanded Grout - I purchased at Lowes

Paint Color - I just bought a sample size at Lowes

Wax Sealer or Glaze

A small bucket or pail to mix

A paint stick

Paint Brush

Instructions:

Mix 1 Tbsp of un-sanded grout with a 1/2 cup of water in your pail. Stir until smooth

Add 1 cup of paint -your color of choice. I used my entire sample

Stir until you get a thick consistency

Brush onto your surface in the same direction. Immediately apply your second coat.

Once all surfaces are dry - You may start distressing as much as you like (rubbing with a wet cloth)

Apply your wax until smooth, then wax off!

That's It! Your Chalk Paint Project Is Complete!

I hope you have equal success at creating your own "Chalk Paint"! I would love to hear your feedback on your attempt! If you tried a different recipe, I would love to hear all about it!

Have Fun DIYing This Weekend!