Pint-sized Picasso



The Original. "Bee Street"

 So how often is it that you see a refrigerator completely covered in papers with children's artwork or accomplishments? I'd say it is a pretty common image. I know I've done it, only for a drawing to fade or get wet or disappear altogether.

Well, recently my 3 yr. old has been creating digital artwork with the coloring apps on my phone and maybe I'm biased, but I think they're great. And like so many parents, I want to display them! But not on the fridge. In my home, on the walls. Maybe it'll be the playroom, the living room, or even the kitchen. Framing anything of your child's makes your home that much more personal and special.

 

 

My baby's latest creation! "Splatt"

 (The extra "T" is for flare LOL)

So here's the idea. If it's a hand drawing, make a color copy or scan of the original, file it away (in a box, folder, etc.), *have it printed in different sizes (some 8x10, some 4x6, etc.- as long as the composition still works), and frame them collage style in your home. A nice exercise might be to have the child write a blurb on the back of the copy before hanging to describe it or the story behind it. And there you have it! A clear refrigerator and inexpensive, yet meaningful, artwork.

*If Artwork is already in digital format like mine, just print at different sizes to fit your frames.

 

 

 

 

 

Calm: The Gentle Giant

 

 

My recent self-examination of my own child rearing style has opened me up to so many possibilities as a parent. I had to change my thinking. In all my self-assessing, and reading, and researching I found one consistent theme, calmness. Any act of discipline or correction or simple communication requires calmness. It seems like such a simple idea, which it is. It's executing this constant calm that becomes complicated. There is always some situation that comes up that causes me to almost lose it. One child hits another, someone shoves paperclips in a USB port, someone puts their hands in their diaper and uses whatever is in there as finger paint (all real incidents by the way), and sometimes in rapid succession. But my belief is, if I am going to handle this effectively, I must be calm. Definitely easier said than done.
 

 

Recently I came across this blog post from another mom who wrote "Calm equals power". Wow! That was so profound to me. You see, for me, yelling is a reactionary response and completely ineffective. But to address negative behaviors with calm, reason, thoughtfulness, and intention requires a lot more from me. But I find that when I handle any given situation with calm and reason, the outcome is much better. My position as the authority is secured when I am calm (not passive, calm). If I jump up and down and scream like they do, we all look like children. But as far as I know, I am the adult and you should be able to tell the difference between the two.  As much as I would like to end on that note, I had another "Aha" moment. Being calm works with unreasonable adults as well! I recently found myself in a situation with an unreasonable vendor who not only provided an inconsistent product but had an attitude about me challenging it. Well everything in me wanted to curse her out! But I didn't because I knew that wouldn't be right and wouldn't fix my problem either. So I prayed. What I ultimately ended up doing was CALMLY stating my problem, suggesting what I thought was a fair reasonable solution, and CALMLY expressing my displeasure of the way it was handled. And you know what? After all was said and done, we reached a reasonable solution. So there you have it. Calmness equals Power!! What a gentle giant.

Spreading Some Love!

 

Hello Readers! Design Etc. in conjunction with GreatDateDeals.com, Rachel Russo's Status Makeover, and Toy Closet NYC is sponsoring a Valentine's Day Giveaway!!


 

 

The lucky winner will win a DATE NIGHT OUT and a DATE NIGHT IN! The winner will receive two tickets to the "Accomplice" Experience. Bring your sense of fun, adventure and mystery to this 2.5 hour whodunnit. Channel your inner private eye with this totally interactive experience.

 

Additionally, the winner will receive an "In-home" Date Night Kit comprised of romantic offerings from Bath and Body Works, Redenvelope.com, See's Candies, Toy Closet NYC and more... Take some time to relax with     eachother, send the kids to the G-rents, whatever your situation, cuddle up for some "US" time. 

Here’s how to enter: Make sure you’re a follower of this blog, and then simply click on the link below. Next, register and leave a comment (50 max.) sharing why you and your special someone should win!  Entries must be posted by Wednesday, February 6th 5pm EST. The winner will be drawn at random and announced the following Wednesday. (Make sure to fill out your email when commenting so I can contact you if you win).
  

To ENTER CONTEST Click Here!! 

 

*Because we want the winner to be able to utilize all prizes, this contest is for New York residents ONLY. We hope to have future contests that everyone can participate in and benefit from. Stay tuned...

 

 

Off The Beaten Path...

 



Silhouettes courtesy of 2FriendsStuff on Etsy

 

This post is a little more personal but I'd like to share it with you readers in case you can relate, and I'm sure some of you will :)

Yesterday was a typical Sunday at my house. You see I have three kids and the oldest is three! 3, almost 2, and almost 1 (two boys and a baby girl). Now it's fair to say that on any day there is a good amount of refereeing that I have to do. There are terrible twos and threes, for that matter, to deal with, arguing, fighting etc.

Recently I've realized that in my role as mom/referee, I often end up yelling (gasp). And not only do I not like it, the kids don't like it and it isn't effective. So I've been on a  mission to find out what

form of discipline works without me coming unglued.

I come from a background of " Spare the rod, spoil the child", and while I was spanked all of three times growing up, I still challenge this method. If I don't want my kids to yell or hit, shouldn't I lead by example? What I do is more effective than what I say, right?

I focused on my own behavior one day after some incident in which my three yr. old was misbehaving (likely a tantrum), I said," You have to behave", to which he replied," You have to behave Mama," and he was RIGHT! So I sat my eldest down and we had a chat. I said,"Listen, you're right. Mommy has to behave and you have to behave. We don't yell at each other. So you can hold me accountable when Mommy is yelling and say "Mama you're yelling" and I'll do the same for you." So he nodded his head in agreement and I don't think for a second that any of it was over his head.

Kids are very smart. And while all kids are different I think some things can generally apply. They seem to be more receptive to calmness. And consistent correction combined with calmness is my goal. I am certainly a "work in progress" but I know it is do-able.

My new approach to correction is this: 1) I count to three to give them a chance to listen or correct their behavior. 2) If they continue, we have quiet time. I shut down the TV, and all toys and gadgets are off limits for a set time. Typically 5-10 minutes depending on the offense. I let them know that I will restore whatever in said time frame. During the 5-10 minutes we discuss the behavior. I tell them why it's quiet time, and what is and is not acceptable. And I give them 2-3 examples of how to handle it differently next time. I specifically use the word "options", and I end with stating whatever the misbehavior was as NOT being an option. At which point quiet time is most likely over. I say," I love you", ask for a kiss and send them on their way. *Note: 2) is for joint offenses. They tend to work in teams. (LOL) For individual offenses they get a personal timeout, sit in a specific spot and then we discuss options etc. as previously described.

And I guess that is really what it's all about, options! We all have them and we all try to choose the best ones. Only time will tell how effective this approach is but if it doesn't work, there are always other options that are Off The BEATEN Path.

 

 

 

 

References:

There is a great blog called "Intentionally Katie". She's totally relatable and I identified with her myself. Check out her articles if you're interested. Specifically "I'm Done Yelling. Seriously".

 

As for the silhouettes of my three gifts pictured above, they were done by two great ladies named Lisa and Jennifer, on Etsy. They're very enthusiastic and a joy to work with. Silhouettes are handcut, not digital images like most. Visit their shop 2FriendsStuff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contents: Discipline, Children, Custom Silhouettes, Blog, Etsy

Sweet, Lovely, and Charming

Retail Therapy!

 

Hello Shoppers!! How often is it that you are finally ready to pay for that cart full of stuff online, and as you're entering your payment details, you see a field for a COUPON CODE? Coupon code? Huh. On too many ocassions, I've either checked out without any discounts OR checked out only to realize there was a code available that I didn't know about (Now of course I call up wherever and have them adjust my order, but how inconvenient).

 

Well, one day, while I was paying entirely too much for things I wanted at a cheaper price, I decided to search for coupon codes. Then a miracle (Ok, a little dramatic) happened, I found a coupon code for the retailer I was purchasing from. Where did I find it you ask? At www.RetailMeNot.com!!

 

Why had I never heard of this website before?! How much could I have saved? Not that I expect you to still be reading this as you've probably all run off to find your own coupon codes, but for those still reading, this website offers coupons from many major retail brands, online offers and otherwise. Including some of our favorites here at DE, like Crate&Barrel and Pier 1.  Did I mention there was an App as well? I'll say no more. Go, visit, and SAVE, SAVE, SAVE!!! Happy Shopping!

Sound advice...

Artfully Yours...

There's nothing like the creative energy or interpretation of a child. As a parent myself, I try to nurture their interests if they have any amount of staying power. Whether it's trains, science, or butterflies a child's space should be practical of course, but it should also incorporate their interests.

Take a look at the space below. Apparently we have two Picasso's that share this space. The room is whimsical and allows space for creativity a well as displaying new masterpieces!