Project 52: Week 13

It takes a village to raise a child.  That's another one of those sayings that you only truly understand once you have children.  We weren't meant to do this job alone, and luckily, we are surrounded by some pretty awesome villagers!  My kids have two incredible grandmothers who will brave bridge, tunnel and school bus traffic to stay with my kids so I can go to a doctor's appointment or simply run a few errands alone.  They have an aunt and uncle who will let us come over to torment their cat just so we can get out of the house for a little while.  We have cousins and friends with whom we can barter babysitting services, which is so clutch when Grandma and Grandmommy aren't available.  We have teacher friends who give us their access codes to great online educational videos and games.  We have neighbors we can call at 10pm for some Benadryl when one of the kids wakes up with mystery hives.  I love my village!

On this particular day, I realize it apparently takes a village to dress a child as well.  I got Camryn dressed in the morning, but it wasn't until I took this picture of her just before lunch that I realized she wasn't wearing a single article of clothing that was hers from the start.  The tunic and capris are hand-me-downs from Daisy and Hattie, the shoes were from Lia, the denim jacket was Brynn's, and even that was a consignment store find!  I was even able to commission the sewing skills of a new friend when I couldn't find the perfect dresses for my girls to wear for our family photo shoot next month (don't worry...those pics will come as soon as I pick up the dresses tomorrow!).  I am so grateful for the generosity of some awesome mommy friends of mine, and as sad as I am to clean out my baby girl's closet, I love being able to pay it forward and give her precious clothes to someone else who will wear them with love.  From one villager to another.

If you'd like to participate in your own Project 52:  Glimpse Into Motherhood, click on the link below:

Picture this

When I introduced Fancy Fonts' new Marvelous Magnets, a friend of mine asked me if I could make them with photos instead of patterned paper.  The answer appears to be YES!  In tonight's test run, I used the only pictures on my fridge that were small enough to fit on the gem.  Since the gem is only about 1 3/8" wide (or long, depending on whichever orientation works better), these wallet size school pictures were perfect.  While my hot glue gun seemed to do the trick for the regular paper, the air bubbles were a little tougher to get out using the photos.  I'll have to invest in some diamond glaze before I do any more, but I feel like a whole world of marvelous possibilities has just opened up!  And while the photo magnets themselves turned out pretty cute, they were even tougher to photograph than their patterned paper counterparts.  Try to see past the glare to the little studmuffin beneath!

  Here's a sample of a blue and green floral set (still working on backgrounds for photographing these little suckers!):

Large marvelous magnets (~1 3/8") are available for purchase in sets of 6 for $5, while small magnets (~3/4") come in sets of 9 for $6.  Personalization is available for an additional $1 per set.  Contact me at karen.psimas@yahoo.com or message me on Facebook to place an order and for pricing info on larger orders (ie party favors).  Go on, Fancy up your fridge!

Update: Piggies for Parkinson's

Thanks to a few people who spread the word to their friends about the great work done by The Melvin Weinstein Parkinson's Foundation, the MWPF Facebook page surpassed 225 likes at warp speed!  I believe they are having more giveaways, so keep checking their Facebook page for details.  I'm so glad MWPF asked me to be a part of their efforts...here's one of three piggies that were part of the giveaway:

Emma's piggy is the medium size (yes, I was able to find some, complete with the essential plugs on the bottom!) and measures about 4 1/2" in length.  If you're bummed you didn't win one through MWPF, this sweet little swine can be purchased for $15.  Email me at karen.psimas@yahoo.com or message me on Facebook to place your order.  

Next on the docket...the Ms. Hoppy I promised Brynn I'd make for her.  Poor thing...she's always watching Mommy get Fancy for everyone else!  

Piggies for Parkinson's

Want to win a personalized piggy bank from Fancy Fonts, much like the one pictured below? 

 While you're getting Fancy on Facebook, head over to The Melvin Weinstein Parkinson's Foundation's page and click "like."  Then tell your friends to do the same, posting on the wall who referred you to the site.  The 225th person to "like" the MWPF page will win a personalized piggy bank from yours truly, and so will the person who referred the 225th person! 

 Just a little background info...this organization was started by a Virginia Beach native whose grandfather was afflicted with Parkinson's disease (PD).  Until there's a cure for this debilitating neurological disease, MWPF is helping PD patients nationwide cover the extraordinary costs of prescriptions, medical devices, home modifications, and more.  Every penny given to this foundation goes straight to PD patients...kinda hard not to like them, huh?

Mighty minis

As promised, I came up with a few samples of mighty mini magnets.  I made two sets of nine, both of them in various green prints.  I'll work on getting some other color families and some floral prints done this weekend.  The glare makes these little guys tough to photograph, so bear with me while I continue to play around with my camera, lighting, and backgrounds.

Due to the irregularity of the gems and the patterns on the different papers, no two magnets are alike.  Sets of nine mighty minis can be purchased for $6.  Personalization is available for an additional $1.  Initials and monograms are recommended for the mighty minis, while full names and small words will fit on the larger magnets.  Email me at karen.psimas@yahoo.com or message me on Facebook to place an order.  

Stuck on you

I've never thought of myself as a crafty person before, but lately I've been making gifts for people instead of buying them, so maybe I am a little crafty afterall!  It really comes in handy when I need a last minute gift, much like I did this week for one of Brynn's teachers' birthdays.  Since it didn't seem all that appropriate to give a grown woman an piggy bank or plastic plate set, I went with the newest member of the Fancy Fonts family - Marvelous Magnets!  

Pictured above is a set of 6 large magnets of assorted colors and patterns, which are approximately 1 3/8" wide.

I couldn't resist this cute little Chinese take-out box to wrap the magnets in, and I added a coordinating gift tag for an extra splash of spring color.

Large magnets can be purchased in a set of 6 for $5.  Larger orders (such as favors for parties, showers, etc.) can be arranged as well, and pricing will vary by size of the order.  Email me at karen.psimas@yahoo.com or message me on Facebook to place an order.  Hopefully my girls' naps will last well into the later part of this afternoon, allowing me to work on some mighty minis...marvelous magnets' smaller, schnerkier counterpart.  Check back later to see if I had any luck!

Project 52: Week 12

What a fun weekend!  The Psimas family represented well at three different Shamrock races - Ryan set a PR for the 8K because he runs like a gazelle, Brynn ran in her first race ever (the 26.2 yard Children's Marathon), and I completed my first (and quite possibly my last!) half marathon.  Ryan and I both ran faster than the goals we set, and we're so proud of Brynn for being a really good sport.  Hopefully we'll get Camryn in her first race next year!  Couldn't have a fun Shamrock weekend without getting a little Fancy:

 The girls held up a Fancy sign that read "our daddy is FASTER than yours!"

Mommy Fancied up Brynn's race bib and t-shirt (not pictured) 

Proud papa (if you love me, you won't tell him his picture is on here!)

Final mile of the half marathon...nothing fancy about it, just didn't want to be left out of my own blog post!

It's awesome living in such a family-friendly city and being able to do all of these fun things together.  That being said, Happy Spring...time to pump up the tires on the ol' beach cruisers!

If you'd like to participate in your own Project 52:  Glimpse Into Motherhood, click on the link below:

Mahvelous magnets

 In an attempt to regain a bit of sanity after a particularly challenging few days at my day job, I made a bee-line for Michaels when my husband came home from work last night.  It was so nice to wander around somewhat aimlessly, instead of doing the mad-dash-a-la-Supermarket-Sweep-to-get-what-I-need-and-get-out thing I typically do with my "shopping assistants" in tow.  I went in with a particular idea in mind, but when I didn't find exactly what I needed (classic Michaels shopping experience for me), a new idea was born.  I give you Marvelous Magnets:

I didn't think my neighbor would mind having the test round of magnets, so I made some with her family's names on them.  In the test run on the fridge, these little guys held up a piece of paper, but failed to hold up anything heavier like a photo or greeting card.  I'd like to experiment with a stronger magnet, as well as a sealant to coat the back with, before I make these available for purchase.  I plan to offer marvelous magnets in sets of different sizes, making them suitable as gifts and party favors.  Customization options are virtually endless!  Stay tuned...

Speaking of parties, check out my friend's new business called Dipped Sticks.  She makes adorable pops out of cake, marshmallows, oreos, and more.  These virtually mess-free treats are perfect for showers and kids' parties...bet you can't eat just one!

                     

Don't forget that Easter is right around the corner...hopefully the blooming daffodils (and in my case, the sneezing and itchy eyes!) are good reminders!  To place your order for elegant eggs or Mr. Hoppy (pictured below), email me at karen.psimas@yahoo.com or message me on Facebook.  

                          

 Elegant eggs

Mr. Hoppy 

Last but not least, Happy St. Patrick's Day from Fancy Fonts!

Project 52: Week 11

I usually write and publish my Project 52 post a bit earlier on Wednesdays, but my children were driving me crazy today and I wasn't in the mood to write nice things about them.  There, I said it.  They're in bed now, and I've gone for a run, showered, and had some chocolate, so I think I'm ready to carry on with my intended post.  

Since it is St. Patrick's Day and I'm a good bit Irish (my grandmother's name was Mary Margaret Sullivan, and her sister was Margaret Mary, but that's neither here nor there), let's talk about luck.  One of my best friends had her first child a few years before I did, and I vividly remember how it would bother her when people told her things like "you're so lucky your baby sleeps through the night" and "your child is so well behaved...you're so lucky."  Now I'm a mom and it bothers me too!  Luck has had nothing to do with it, we argue.  We work flippin' hard to get our kids to sleep through the night and behave well in public, just to name a few.  There are days (much like today) when I want to replace myself with a recording because it's easier than repeating the same thing to my children over and over again.  And there are days (much like today) when my husband gets home from work and I'm like the Flash running out the door for a breather.  And as insane as they made me today, I know I will go to Brynn's parent/teacher conference tomorrow and be told she is a great kid.  Lucky me.

If you'd like to participate in your own Project 52:  Glimpse Into Motherhood, click on the link below:

Somebunny's smiling!

After a root canal to fix an abscessed tooth while 5 months pregnant and unable to take halfway decent pain meds, my dentist informed me I should seriously consider getting braces if I would like to avoid such dental issues in the future.  A 30-something mother of two with braces???  You've GOT to be kidding me!  It was all I could do to hold back big, pregnant lady tears until I got out of the office.  I was able to get a grip within a few miles...it was braces, not cancer we were talking about afterall!  Nearly two years later, my bite is nearly perfect, my braces are set to come off tomorrow, and I'm even a few pounds lighter than I was before having my kids thanks to what Brynn affectionately calls my "train tracks."  I am so thankful to Dr. Neal and the staff at Klar Voorhees Orthodontics for making something I was dreading a rather pleasant experience.  I will miss their smiling faces, but even more, I will miss lying back in a chair with my feet up for 30 minutes every 4 to 6 weeks!  As a token of thanks (and being that it's almost time for Easter), I made them a little gift:

Mr. Hoppy was a bit of a guinea pig...believe it or not, this was the first time I ever used a hot glue gun!  I think I'm hooked now, and things just may get even fancier around here because of it!  Mr. Hoppy can be purchased for $25 (basket and grass not included), and his female counterpart Ms. Hoppy is also available.  Choose from blue (pictured above), pink, purple, and yellow eggs.  Email me at karen.psimas@yahoo.com or message me on Facebook to place an order.

Project 52: Week 10

When I was pregnant with my first child, just about every woman at my baby shower who had kids of her own told me "They grow up so fast."  Yeah, yeah, yeah.  But really, they do!  My second child is now 19 months old, and all of a sudden, she seems like such a big girl to me.  When she wakes up, I ask, "How are you?"  She replies, "Good!"  When she brushes my hair, she comes around to the front of me to look at her work, smiles and says, "Pretty."  She's the one telling me "BATH!" after dinner, whether I want to give her one or not.  Here are a few other things my wannabe big girl has been caught on film doing:

Here she is telling me "Ready!"  All she's missing is her travel coffee mug, and she has me down to a tee.

Lately, she's been all about wearing Brynn's silver shoes around the house.

I took the trash out, only to come back and find she had climbed up on the kitchen chair (which is counter height, mind you) and was about to help herself to a sip of my coffee.  She says it's "Mmmm, nummy."

She loves saying "Pee pee!" and then parking it on the training potty (which is currently being used as a step stool for brushing teeth and washing hands) before her bath, even if her diaper is still on.  Hopefully this means potty training will be easy?

She likes my hummus...she says that's "nummy" too.  Coffee and hummus?  Quite a sophisticated palette.

She even plays like a big girl now.  And sorry for the red eye...not sure where our photo editing software went.

I think part of her new grown up look is the barrette in her hair...I really feel we've turned a corner with this one and she's now keeping it in her hair for hours at a time.  Great success!  But regardless of her new big girl attitude, Camryn is still my little nugget.  Isn't she the cutest?!

If you'd like to participate in your own Project 52:  Glimpse Into Motherhood, click on the link below:

From spring fever to spring training

I was recently asked to do a piggy bank for a baby boy born last month.  The parents are huge Philly sports fans, so I was instructed to run with that.  Because the customer is always right, I swallowed my Yankee pride and came up with a Phillies-inspired piggy bank for Zachary.  I would have liked to include the Flyers and Eagles too, but after several failed attempts to get the logos right on paper, I decided to stick with just baseball.  Maybe it's just not in my New York blood to draw those hideous challenging logos afterall.

Note the piggy's grass-covered piggies:

It's a high fly ball...

Zachary's birthday was 2/28/11, so I decided to incorporate that on his piggy bank:

Large piggy banks like Zachary's can be purchased for $25.  Email me at karen.psimas@yahoo.com or message me on Facebook to place an order.

Purple piggy

Spring fever has definitely hit Fancy Fonts in a big way this week.  It's so great to look outside my window and see flowers blooming and grass getting greener, and I think this is all reflected in my latest piggy bank creation.  I was given creative freedom with this one, the only instructions being "purple."  I give you Ella:

  

Large piggy banks like Ella's can be purchased for $25.  Email me at karen.psimas@yahoo.com or message me on Facebook to place an order.  

Project 52: Week 9

***WARNING***

This blog post contains pictures of bright sunshine and flowers in bloom.  May not be suitable for readers living in the northeastern United States.

I spent my college years in upstate New York, where winter lasts from October to April.  You could literally have snow on Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.  If nothing else, my years in Ithaca taught me this:  MOVE SOUTH!!!  

The weather in the mid-Atlantic region is fantastic.  All four seasons are present and accounted for, only the crappy ones don't stick around as long.  It is only the beginning of March, yet for the past few weeks, my feet have seen about equal time in flip flops as they have in boots.  My girls have rosy cheeks from the sunshine, grass stained knees, and sand in their shoes.  They're playing hopscotch in the driveway, climbing on the jungle gym, riding bikes, and doing all sorts of things that ensure a good night's sleep...for all of us.  Sure, the temperature is back in the 40s today, but the signs of spring are all around us, pushing us through these last few weeks of winter.  Breathe it in!

If you would like to participate in your own Project 52:  Glimpse Into Motherhood, click on the link below: