Magnetic Board

I'm so excited about this easy project that I just finished for Connor's playroom.

I made a magnetic board to hang up his artwork and it turned out better than I thought it would.  The best part is that it cost less than $20.

To make your own magnetic board, you will need the following materials:

• Old frame (I used an old 24 x 36 inch frame I had in the garage)
• 1 yard of fabric
• A sheet of metal (make sure the metal is magnetic).  I found mine in the duct work aisle at my local Home Depot.  It was the exact size that I needed but it could easily be cut to fit any frame.
• Duct tape
• Paint if you want to paint the frame.

The fabric I used was 7.99 a yard but I had a 40% off coupon and the sheet metal was $9.99.  Everything else I already had around the house.

The first step was to paint the frame.  I had a black frame and wanted it white.  Then I wrapped the fabric around the sheet of metal and adhered it with the duct tape.  Then I placed it in the frame and hung it on the wall.

So easy!!  The hardest part was waiting for the paint to dry because I'm so impatient:)

Do you need a magnetic board in your playroom, kitchen, or office?  If so, follow these simple directions to make your own.  Leave a link below if you make your own magnetic board.  I'd love to see it.

Beaded Necklace Winner

I'm so excited to announce the winner of my first giveaway!!

The winner of the beautiful, beaded necklace handmade by Handcrafted by Heather is Shannon.

Shannon said:

I really like the colors on the Leopard Jasper Donut with Amethyst Jade and Czech Necklace. So striking

Thank you everyone for entering the giveaway.  Be sure to check back soon for more giveaways.  I've also created a page of giveaways posted by other bloggers so you can easily enter more.

Have fun and good luck!

I will email everyone who entered the giveaway their coupon code to Handcrafted by Heather's etsy shop.  Please check out all the amazing handmade jewelry Handcrafted by Heather is offering.  She has some amazing pieces of jewelry.

Innobaby Review

I was so excited when I was introduced to Innobaby.  This amazing company offers great food storage solutions, silicon bottles, organic bedding, and more that any parent will love.  

Innobaby LLC is dedicated in bringing innovative solutions for today’s busy parents.  We are founded by two moms with a mission to deliver high quality smart juvenile solutions that can benefit mom and baby (and dads too!). 

Their Packin' SMART Stack N Seal collection offers stackable containers for both liquid and dry contents.  These are perfect for storing breastmilk, formula, snacks and juice.

They also have Keepin' FRESH Storage Solutions that are perfect for storing your child's food.  Whether you are eating at home or on the go, these containers make meal time easy and convenient.  All of these products are microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe.  The best part is they are BPA free and perfect for children of all ages. 

Looking for safe bottles for you baby?  You have to check out the Nursin' SMART silicon bottles Innobaby offers.  You will be amazed at all the benefits there are to using these bottles.  I don't think you will want to use any other bottles.  

Safe, natural, and flexible, Nursin’ SMART™ Grow-with-Me Silicone Nursing System is a SMART alternative to glass or plastic bottles.  

I received the Din Din Smart Stainless Divider Platter to review and it has changed meal time in our house.  When I opened the package and showed Connor he was ready to eat dinner right away.  Before we used this plate, I had to fight with him to eat dinner.  Now, Connor is so excited to eat all the food on his plate. 

I absolutely love all the products Innobaby offers.  I just wish I would have know about these great products when Connor was an infant.  Thankfully, these products are still perfect for toddlers.

Head on over to Innobaby now and read more about their amazing products.  You won't be disappointed.

Do you know someone who is expecting or has small children?  You have to make sure they learn more about Innobaby.  They will thank you.
I received these products for review purposes only.   The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.

Give a Compliment Today!

A compliment is a verbal sunshine!

Robert Orben

Today is National Compliment Day.   A good compliment can make someone's day and it's a great reason for you to say something positive to the people you come in contact with. 

This day is set aside to compliment at least 5 people so make sure you give sincere compliments throughout the day!

There is no effect more disproportionate to its cause than the happiness bestowed by a small compliment. 

- Robert Brault

Printable Super Bowl Games

Are you looking for ways to entertain both men and women at your Super Bowl party?

Python Printable Games offers fun Super Bowl Party Games everyone can enjoy while watching the big game.

I usually only watch the Super Bowl for the commercials, so I’m excited to play these games during our  upcoming Super Bowl party we have every year.

We received the opportunity to review the Super Bowl game pack and my husband was especially thrilled.  He immediately wanted me to print out the trivia questions so he could see if he knew the answers. 

The Super Bowl game pack includes 15 printable games for $19.95.  The best part is you can download them instantly, print as many as you want and you can use them right away.   This great pack includes different trivia games, a few matching games, and a wordsearch.  The pack even includes 4 games specifically for women and other non-football fans that are hilarious.  You can also order individual games for $6.95.

I guarantee these games will make your superbowl party more fun and keep everyone entertained.

Also, Python Printable Games offers other games for different holidays birthdays and events.  You have to check out all the fun games they offer especially if you are currently planning a party.  They even have free games if you want to sample a few games before you place your order.  

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Giveaway - Handcrafted Jewelry by Heather

Im thrilled to introduce you to Heather from Handcrafted by Heather.  She has gorgeous, unique jewelry that is sure to finish off any outfit.  I guarantee that you will get tons of compliments when you wear any piece of jewelry handmade by Heather.

Here are some of my favorite pieces available at Handcrafted by Heather:

I'm loving this Leopard Jasper Donut with Amethyst Jade and Czech Necklace.  

And how about this gorgeous Aqua Marine Swarovski with Dark Blue Pearls?  I love the colors!

Since purple is my favorite color, I absolutely love these Purple Petal Pearl and Vermeil Earrings. 

Handcrafted by Heather has beautiful necklaces, earrings, and bracelets perfect for yourself or to give as a gift.

Heather from Handcrafted by Heather is generously offering one of my readers this beautiful, handmade necklace.  I love the teal and brown color combination.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.

There are three ways to enter to win this beautiful necklace:

(Each entry requires a separate comment)

1.  Visit Heather's shop Handmade by Heather and comment back with your favorite item.

2.  Become a follower of Happy Go Lucky or comment that you are already a follower.

You have until Thursday, January 27th at 11:59 p.m. EST to enter.  The winner will be announced Friday, January 28th.

Please include your email address with each comment so I can let you know if you are the winner.  

But wait there's more!!  Heather is offering anyone that leaves a comment a 15% discount code.  I will email you with the code so make sure you remember to include your email address.

Good Luck and Happy Shopping!!  Heather is new to Etsy so make sure you show her some love!

Happy Birthday Placemat

Since I've been a little obsessed with subway art and I love laminating everything, I thought I would make a Happy Birthday Subway Art Placemat.

 

I wanted something special that we could use for birthday celebrations.  The birthday boy or girl (young and old) will feel special having their own placemat on their special day!  The placemat measures 11x17 and can be used over and over again.

Please print out the placemat HERE and have it laminated at your local office supply store.  Enjoy celebrating the next birthday with this special placemat!

UPDATE:  I've added new Happy Birthday placemats for you to download.  Go HERE to see all of them and download them for free.

 

Coffee Filter Snowflakes

This was a super easy craft my 2 year old had a blast doing!

Materials needed:

• coffee filters
• markers
• scissors
• Spray bottle filled with water

Step 1:  Color the coffee filters with washable markers.

Step 2:  Spray the coffee filters with water using a spray bottle.

Step 3:  Let coffee filters dry completely (it doesn't take long).

Step 5:  Fold and cut.

Step 6:  Hang and admire.  I love the tie dye look of the snowflakes.  We hung ours on the window so we can pretend it's snowing outside.

Have fun making your own coffee filter snowflakes!!

Accessories Swap

I'm so excited to be participating in an Accessories Swap hosted by Teaching in Heels.  If you love accessories, you should join in on the fun.  Check out her blog to get the details.

I'm also happy because it gives me a chance to go to one of my favorite stores, Charming Charlies:)  Have you ever been there before?  They have so many cute things.  All of their jewelry, clothing, purses, scarfs. wallets, etc. are organized by color.  It really is the best store to buy jewelry and accessories for every occasion.  The best part is their prices are very reasonable which means I can buy more!!

So hurry up and head over to Teaching in Heels so you can participate in the accessories swap!  It's going to be so much fun!

January Fun!

Amy at Serving Pink Lemonade shares a fun way to jazz up January by filling 21 envelopes with activities that she can do with her children each weekday of the month. 

I love this idea and created a list of our own January activities.   

I color coded them into two categories: weekday and weekend activities.  I wanted easy activities that can be done in the evening and then more elaborate activities that could be done on the weekends. 

I only chose to do ten this month since I'm starting halfway through.  I wrote the ten activities on notecards and placed them in a wooden square box I found at Michael's for $1.  (I decoupaged the wooden box with scrapbook paper).  I put a magnetic strip on the box and placed it on the side of my refrigerator.  

Now everyday we can choose an activity to do:  The green ones are for the weekend and the blue ones are for weeknights.  Most of the blue ones can be repeated so I can put them back in the box. 

My Activities:

Winter Memory Game 
(Click HERE to get your free printable winter memory game)

Snowman Puzzle  
(Click HERE to get your printable snowman puzzle)

Read Polar Bear, Polar Bear What do you hear? by Bill Martin Jr.

Snowy Hand Print Tree

Hot Chocolate Mug Cakes

Family Movie and Popcorn Night

Chuck-E-Cheese (My husband likes going here just as much as my son)

Coffee Filter Snowflakes
(Click HERE for a tutorial on making coffee filter snowflakes)

Igloo Craft
(Click HERE for directions)

Milk Jug Bird Feeder

I'm so excited to start tonight.  I wonder what our first activity will be?  I will post pictures and directions after we work on these fun activities.

Now I can't wait to come up with our February Activities.  Do you have some fun January or February activities to share?  Leave a comment.  I'd love to hear your ideas.

Creative Guest & New Party Idea

I was thrilled to be a creative guest on Ucreate for Kids this past Friday.  If you get a chance, check out the Grocery Store Activity I created.

I absolutely love this blog so much.  Elizabeth shares some great activities that you can easily create with your children.  Kids of all ages will enjoy ideas shared on this blog!

<a border="0" href="http://happy-go-lucky-harvey.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src=http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m13/harveyusn/Slide3-1.jpg></a>
My friend Melissa at Just the 3 of Us and I have decided to start a Wacky Wednesday blog hop party.  We are hoping you all will share some funny quotes, events, and memories.  Mine will be mostly about my 2 year old son, our crazy dog and klutzy husband.  So start thinking about what you would like to share and be ready to link up on Wednesday.  
I can't wait to laugh at all the funny things people post.  It's going to be so much fun!!

Label Daddy - Stuck on You!

I was first interested in these labels because I wanted to label my son's clothes, toys and cups for daycare.  But, then I realized that my husband and I could benefit from using the labels also.  I was lucky enough to review the School Pack from Label Daddy and I was immediately hooked!

Label Daddy offers a wide variety of labels suitable for your personal needs.  All the labels are microwave, dishwasher, and washing machine safe.  Their website makes it easy to personalize your labels with you choice of name, font, color, and icon.  I had our last name printed on ours so the whole family could use them.

We labeled everything!  My husband immediately put labels on his entire military uniform.  He is getting ready to go out to sea for for a few months and everything he takes with him needs to be labeled with his name.  Every person on the ship has pretty much the same uniform from their shoes to their hat so these labels are especially beneficial for him.  He also used them to label his gym bag and everything he packs when working out.

 

As a teacher, I used them to label my classroom items.  It keeps things from mysteriously disappearing off my desk.  I can easily label pencils. rulers. crayons. and other supplies shared by my students in the classroom.   The school pack also comes with zipper tags so I was able to attach them to Connor's jacket and backpack.  

They also have awesome customer service.  If you have any questions or comments, feel free to send an email.  They will help you with anything.  Label Daddy also works with schools to establish fundraisers the whole community will enjoy.

Thank you Label Daddy for a great product.  I absolutely love these labels.  They really stick and stay on!  I know I won't have to worry about them peeling off.  You definitely have a customer for life!!

There are so many different ways and purposes for these useful labels.  Visit Label Daddy and order your personalized labels today.  You will have so much fun labeling everything!

I received these products for review purposes only.   The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.

Magnetic Dry Erase Board

I was driving home from work the other day trying to think of a way for Connor to learn the letters of his name.  I knew I wanted a dry erase board of some sort and then I happened to be at the Dollar Store.  I saw that they had cookie sheets for $1 and then I saw the contact paper so I knew exactly what I could make.

I made a magnetic dry erase board.  It is so easy and there endless ways that it can be used.

Materials Needed:  ( I was able to get all the supplies at the Dollar Store)

• Cookie sheet
• Contact paper
• Magnet sheets
• Letter magnets
• Flashcards

I started by adhering the contact paper to the cookie sheet so we can write on it with dry erase markers or crayons.

Then I cut out the pictures and shapes from the flashcards.  The flashcards I found were to teach shapes and colors so the pack included pictures of objects that were different colors and shapes.

The last step is to cut the magnetic sheets into smaller pieces and stick on the back of the pictures.

This was super easy, inexpensive and will provide hours of fun while learning at the same time.

I was able to create 4 different activities with the one pack of flashcards I bought.  Now I'm keeping my eye out for more flashcards I like.

Color Sort:

We sorted the different pictures by identifying the color and placing it under the matching color.

Shape Sort:
We sorted the pictures by the shape and placed it under the shape that it matched with.

Letter Sort:
I placed different letter magnets at the top of the board and we matched the different pictures with the letter that the word begins with.

And, for the original purpose that I wanted to create this activity.  I wrote Connor's name at the top of the board and we identified each letter.  Then we sorted through the different pictures and matched them the letters in his name.  I realized I didn't have that many pictures to use so then we went around the house and looked for objects that started with that letter.

So many different ways to use this magnetic dry erase board!  Have fun and let me know if you make one of your own.  I'd love to hear what activities and sorts you come up with.

My First Blog Award!

Jenna at The Mommy Diaries nominated me for the Stylish Blogger Award.  I was so thrilled when she sent me the message.  She brightened my whole week!!  She is super cute.  You have to check out her blog.

There are 4 duties to perform to accept the award:

1.  Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award:

2.  Share 7 things about yourself

3.  Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers

4.  Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award

I'm so excited to award the following bloggers this fun and fabulous award.  I want you all to know that your blogs are awesome.  Keep up the great work!!

Just the 3 of Us

Sunshine and Chaucer

It's a Priceless Life

LaForce Be With You

Giggles, Glitz and Glam

Sandy Toes and Popsicles

Hangin Loose with the Tucci's

Sweets and Treats

Thrifty Decor Mom

Home Sweet Homebodies

Apple Loves Orange

20 Something

Momma Go Round

Etc. Etc. Etc.

Vintage Pollyanna

I want to thank these fabulous bloggers for supporting me during my first 2 months of blogging:)  You all are the best!!  It was really hard to pick only 15 because I think that all my followers are stylish and wonderful!!

Now 7 things about myself???  What a hard thing to think and blog about.

1.  I'm a 6th grade reading teacher.  I've been teaching for 8 years and I love it.  I also love having my summers off.  I really am lucky to have such a great job with an awesome perk!

2.  I love to shop but I also tend to change my mind and return stuff often.  Some of my friends might say I'm an impulse shopper.  I blame it on the mirrors at the store.  Why do the clothes always look worse when I get home and try them on?

3.  I really enjoy making jewelry!  I haven't been doing it a lot lately so my goal for 2011 is to focus more on my jewelry making.  I would especially like to learn about PMC.

4.  I enjoy cooking but I hate grocery shopping so I don't cook elaborate meals.  I try to cook meals with less than 6 items so I don't have to buy very many ingredients.

5.  I have a major sweet tooth.  I try to eat healthy for the most part but I have to have something sweet to eat after every meal.

6.  I'm a pretty organized person.  Pretty much everything in my house and classroom have a specific place and it drives me crazy if things are not in where they belong.  I've spent time organizing my closets, cabinets, and laundry room.  The only thing I can't quite keep clean and organized is my car! I don't know what it is about my car but I can never seem to keep it clean.  I joke that I could probably survive a week in my car if I was stranded somewhere:)

7.  I'm totally addicted to watching HGTV and the DIY Network.  I love all the decorating and remodeling shows.  They've inspired me to do projects around the house I never would've done on my own.

2010 in Words

A friend of mine told me about an awesome website.  It's called tagxedo and it creates word art.  It is similar to wordle, except you can save it to your computer.  It will also put the words into different shapes like a heart, train, four-leaf clover, etc.  It is a really neat website to play around on.  There are so many fonts, colors, and shapes to choose from.

So, as we were having a lazy family movie day, I decided to play around with tagxedo and create one using words, events, and memories of 2010.

This is what I came up with:

If you are looking for a simple way to make subway art or just want to play around with some word art, check it out for yourself.  It makes it super easy.  I do recommend saving it as 1 mp and then I just uploaded it to photobucket.  I think there is a way to get the html code directly from tagxedo but my macbook was acting up.

Have fun creating your own!  Comment with your blog post if you create one.  I'd love to see what you come up with.

Best of 2010!

This past year was full of fun and laughter, mostly because of our two year old.  Connor definitely keeps us on our toes and entertained.  Here are a few of our most exciting events from 2010.

• Tim and I both turned 31.

• We celebrated Connor's 2nd birthday at Ocean Breeze water park.

• We spent a week with family in Rehobeth Beach.

• Tim completed his first half marathon in 2 hours 21 minutes.  Connor and I cheered him on from the sidelines:)

• We celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary.

• Tim reenlisted in the Navy so we will be living in Virginia Beach for another 6 years.

• I finished the last class I needed to take for my Master's degree as a Reading Specialist.  I will graduate in May!!

• Tim received the award of Sailor of the Year at his Christmas party!  I'm so proud of him.

I hope you all have a wonderful New Year.  I'm looking forward to a happy, healthy and exciting 2011 and I wish the very same for you!

Happy New Year!!