the wit and "wisdom" of whirleygirl

Ack! We have had NO rain here in greater chicagoland (aka the burbs) for what seems like an eternity - seriously - take one look at the lawn and you can tell there has been NO rain! (my thoughts are with your guys in Florida that are getting TOO much rain today- be safe!!!) Not that i don't love the beautiful shades of brown that a lawn and all the lovely container plants can turn but i do much prefer the lushness of the color green. Well, i 'm sure it will rain soon enough...until then, we must craft our own garden-ey beauty! Get the kids ready for these crafts and you will have color-full flowers and greenery all around...

*Button Flowers - Who doesn't think a vase of button flowers is cute? These can be as simple or ornate as you'd like - here is a basic how-to.

* Happy Plant - This project makes me smile - it's kinds like a DIY ChiaPet...  Craftown.com calls it a Happy Plant and it looks like it would be an amusing afternoon project.

*Balloon Plants - this one seems a bit bizarre - radishes growing in a balloon ??- here is the how-to. Let me know how this one goes!! :)

(Asian daisy personalized wall hanging  shown above is available here )

ohhh my friend summer, why are you running off so fast? It seems like you just got here!

*sigh* As much as i hate sweating and getting a sunburn while going to get the mail, i do love how many hours of sunlight we get each day, i love that all the neighbors are out and about, and i love the excuse to eat more ice cream.

With all the back-to-school ads all over the place and hearing the question "when does school start? " over and over, i am here to remind the world...SUMMER IS STILL HERE! As of today, there are 17 days till Labor day soooo...there is still time for summer fun (and to wear white pants!)

I know,i know, kids are getting ansy and parents are getting ansy for the kids to get back to school. This is the perfect time to get crafty - the mind gets involved as little picassos focus on their creations and hands are kept busy.

FamilyFun.com has a great list of summer crafts that look fun. Here is the link.

My faves:

Bug Hotel (it just sounds funny)

Colander wind chime (if anyone asks, just say it's a great piece of outsider art you found in Atlanta)

Message in a Bottle (what grandparent wouldn't love to receive that in the mail!!)

Have a creative weekend!

 

Have you been watching the Olympics? I love the fact that there are those that are so stoked that the summer games are going on and then there are those that don't even realize they are going on. I'm a definite fan. Wasn't always but I was sent to work at the 1996 summer games in Atlanta (don't laugh but i was security AND i drove IOC members around....the fact that i was any sort of security is humorous enough - but if you have ever driven in a car with me you know that is a sitcom segment waiting to happen!!) Anywho, after that summer i had a totally new appreciation for the athletes - their determination, their will, their strength - absolutely awestruck. I love the mindset of an individual who puts themselves out there and tries their very best no matter what the outcome may be. What is even cooler to me are the Paralympic games that follow the regular games - these games  don't get the same coverage but I feel these athletes are even more inspiring (if you can imagine that!) Keep your eyes open for whatever t.v. coverage they may get this year - time well spent!

I know i shouldn't be encouraging children to watch more t.v. but i think there is so much to gain by a child understanding all that the Olympics are - from unity to achievement - and everything in between.

Parents magazine has a cute idea for an Olympic themed party for kids  - here is the link.

Or...make your own gold medal..here's a link to a snazzy how-to!

Personally, if i were to have a medal made for my achievements, i think i'd go for one made out of something deliciously edible and sweet - perhaps a chocolate chip cookie...hmmmm...what would your medal be made out of ? :)

Gold medal or not - we are all superstars!