Today We Got A Little Crafty

I have this box that holds a lot of stuff. Stuff like maps, used wrapping paper, cool clothing tags, and even some vintage paper. One of my favorite things to do is open it up and get crafty. Sometimes I have an idea, sometimes I just dive in. If you add some music and lovely people, it's a perfect afternoon.

Today we made mini envelopes. They are adorable with paper tape or washi tape added to them. Mini stationery is great to have on hand and is super easy to make. We also didn't have a lot of time to spend but were in a creative mood.

We had a perfectly crafty afternoon and now I have some fun envelopes to add to presents or thank you cards. How do you get crafty?
xo,
 cherish

More Smores

Here is one last shout out to summer and a sweet Halloween welcome. I feel like smores are a total summer dessert, with roasting marshmallows and campfires and all. They are just so good. We made these for a bake sale at a neighborhood pumpkin patch, I think they fit right in.

These are easy to mass produce. Mass production is definitely something you need when making smores! We stuck them in the oven for only a couple minutes. You'll know when they are ready because the mallows puff up.  When the chocolate is shiny and the mallows are toasted pull them out and smash them together. Put the stick in and let them cool for a few hours in the fridge. You may need to try one when you think they are stiff enough to go for a dip, just to make sure they are ready. Then melt the dipping chocolate, dip, sprinkle, and cool again in the fridge. They set up nicely.

Possibilities are endless for toppings. These smore pops are perfect way to kick off Fall festivities while saying farewell to summer. Enjoy!
xo,
Cherish

Wonder How To Make Bread Beads?

 We had so much fun making these little beads. I invited my family over, we all sat down and got a bit messy. I loosely used this recipe.

 We added colors with both tempera and acrylic paint. I didn't notice a difference in the texture of the dried beads.

Then we grabbed some random tools that we found in the junk drawer and started cutting out beads.
We let the cut beads dry for a bit and then made small holes in the middle so we could string them.

Finally we let them dry overnight.

After we strung them I added a layer of Mod Podge to some to make them a bit shiny.
Our little bead making party was so fun! I can't wait for the next crafty party.
xo,
cherish

Our Story

      Once upon a time there was a sweet little daredevil of a second grader. He could leap over huge obstacles without a single thought.

 Although, this brave boy did have a hurdle that seemed impossible to conquer, it would stump him every time. For him, leaving his mama was proving to be quite complicated, which made it difficult to go to school. To solve this issue we had many secret sit down meetings and drew up a plan.

After a few prototypes and trial n error, we developed the perfect answer. Let me introduce our first Cherished Littles Monster to you. She is a mini monster that is "filled up" with love and kisses in the morning and kept in a safe pocket all day. Now when my little daredevil is feeling like he misses his mama, he just gives his monster a little squeeze and is reminded of all his mama's love and kisses that it is filled with.

I am pleased to report that this story has a happy ending.

xo,
Cherish

Wonder What Movie to Watch?

We love to come together as a family and watch movies. We have favorite movies that we watch over and over. Often times we quote the movies and crack each other up. These movies are like classics and will be handed down through the generations. We have found that this a great way for our family to bond. This was a whole evening created around one of our favorite movies, The Sandlot,it was super fun just planning it!

 We started out with a steak bbq. This was inspired by a part in the movie where Smalls used a steak to help ease the pain of a black eye. Then we ....

... had a blast creating new versions of smores! My favorite was the Symphony bar smore. This is a Hershey bar with toffee and almond chips, so decadent. I had a great time creating a theme and watching the movie with my family. We also choose favorite quotes from the movie.

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Brings Me Back

It has been so hot here when I step outside my cheeks start sweating. When summertime is right on top of us we love to have frozen treats. Here is a quick afternoon cool down idea, pull out the Snoopy Snow Cone maker. Today we made some watermelon cubes and sprinkled them with a bit of sugar. We left them in the freezer for a bit and walla! Frozen watermelon cube pops. They were a fancy treat on their own but we decided to shave them down and turn them into snow cones in a cup. A super refreshing afternoon treat.

Makes me wonder what else I can freeze and shave! Any suggestions?
xo,
cherish

Wonderful LA

I feel lucky to live in LA where there is so much available to experience. On the Fourth of July we went to a Dodger game that may soon become a family tradition.

We arrived at the stadium early. When you do this and you have kids, there is a brief time where you are allowed on the field to observe batting practice and if you are lucky talk to the players, catch some balls and get some autographs.

Since we were so early we decided to take in some local culture and get some ice cream.

Here's a great tip - Watch the fireworks from the parking lot, it is just as good of a show out there and you beat the crowds leaving. Our family had a fantastic time and can't wait to go again.  What were your 4th of July adventures? Did you start any new traditions?
xo,
Cherish

Trader Joe's Treasures

Most of what I get at Trader Joes is because someone told me "It's so good, you have to try this". I always get the best tips from my friends and family, otherwise I would never know that these treasures are hiding in the isle's of T.J. It's so fun to share all their hidden gems. Here is one I found not too long ago in the frozen section. This is a perfect match with a cup of coffee or tea! We piled fresh fruit on top of it.

Please pass on any of your Trader Joe's secrets. I love adding to my shopping list!
xo,
cherish


photo template from Pugly Pixel

Tween Time - Jules and Me

   Sometimes capturing the attention of my little girl (who is now 11, OMG) is not so easy, especially with all the different screens in our house. This little activity was fun to do together, even though she was on the ipad while her nails dried.

What is needed:
* red, white, and blue nail polish + clear coat for the top
* paint brushes with various size ends. The ends are perfect for making polka dots.
* palette

Thanks Jules for chillin with me for a bit.
Have a  great 4th of July everyone!
xo,
cherish

Wonderful Watermelon - Food Of the Month

I'm so excited that we are happily jumping into summertime. When I think of summer, watermelon always comes to mind. I don't ever recall a summer that I haven't eaten watermelon poolside or abused a watermelon at the store in order to find which one was the juiciest. Luckily Martha gave me a tip to pick the melons with a white patch on it, this is where it sat and made sugar for the sweetness. So far this season all my melons have been sweet and juicy! Here is a super refreshing treat next time you pick the perfect watermelon.

We made watermelon iced tea. So super thirst quenching.
Here's what you need:
Your favorite iced tea, we used a tropical tea.
Watermelon
Ice

Cut the melon.

Juice the melon, then strain out seeds.

Combine watermelon juice with tea, I used about 3 tablespoons per cup. Totally your preference, I have a sweet tooth so mine is on the sweeter side. Garnish with a slice and enjoy with family and friends.
xo,
cherish

Wonderful Afternoon - Relay for Life

She decided to volunteer for Relay For Life this year.

I am so proud of her.

 We decided to tag along, we did some laps for our booth.

 And ate a yummy cupcake!

 She was in charge of the face painting.

 We had a great afternoon and are excited to participate next year.

xo,

c.f.

Your Killen Me Smalls

"Baseball is my life"

His final words before bed.

xo,

cherish

Sweet Tooth

"Just one picture please. I'll hurry. Promise."

She has a sweet tooth as big as mine! She couldn't wait.

"sorry"

xo, 

cherish

a conversation

As I tucked him in:
me: I kiss your heart.
him: the kiss from you, daddy, Jules and everybody I love will stay there forever.
xo,
cherish

Rad Lab Test

xo,
cherish

Birthdays

We had a wonderful dinner at our favorite restaurant. Then stopped by here to wish everyone a Happy Birthday! It was a perfect day.

Wonderful Day

This Spring break we took a trip to the Natural History Museum.

It was a great time even though it was crowded. We happen to go on Free Tuesday.

 Her favorite room was the rocks and minerals.

 His favorite room was the Dinosaur Hall.

It was so fun to watch all the people (even my people) taking pictures of artifacts that are millions of years old with their iPhone/cell. Has your cell become a daily go to? Mine definitely has.

xo, 

cherish