Tonya Staab

Lady and the Blog: DIY Valentine's Day Pennant Banner

I'm already in Valentine's Day mode over here. The holiday of love. Mike has headed back east and we are looking forward to being reunited again very shortly. This is our year. We have big, BIG, plans for the year that we can't wait to share. 

But for now, we are taking it one holiday, one special occasion, and one checkmark off that list at a time.

If you are already gearing up for Valentine's Day like we are, then head over to Lady and the Blog where I'm sharing the tutorial to make this easy Valentine's Day pennant banner. It's the perfect project for the kids, and the best part, you can hang it up year-round if you like. This one will be hung in the bedroom.

 

DreamWorks 3Below Galaxy Cupcakes

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by DreamWorks Animation Television

Are you looking for a fun activity to do with the kids while they are on winter break? Have you checked out 3Below on Netflix.

Tales of Arcadia: 3Below is a new animated adventure comedy from the team behind Trollhunters, and is now streaming on Netflix. It’s the perfect series for the whole family to watch together over the holiday break.

The series comes from the team at DreamWorks Animation and follows two royal teenage aliens, Aja and Krel, and their bodyguard Vex, as they flee a surprise takeover of their home planet and crash-land on Earth — in Arcadia, the same town where the events of Trollhunters take place. Now on the run from intergalactic bounty hunters, they must blend in and adapt to the bizarre world of high school all while attempting to repair their ship to return to and defend their home planet.

And, what could be better than watching a series together? How about making a delicious treat to enjoy together too. I'm showing you how to make these 3Below galaxy themed cupcakes that everyone will love.

 

Makes and Takes: Knit Coffee Mug Cozy

I'm beginning to wonder if winter is going to arrive in San Diego. Seeing as fall has finally arrived though, I'm guessing winter may arrive just before spring. I did see a friend post on Instagram today something about it going to be 80 degrees here and I refused to read any further. Refused!

It is cool enough now though for sweaters and light jackets ... I say as that bright yellow thing in the sky shines through my office window and into my left eyeball.

The slightly cooler weather means I'm thoroughly enjoying a nightly hot chocolate though, and every now and then lighting the fire while M and I curl up under blankets and watch our nightly television series together.

But, is there anything worse than holding a hot mug? So I made a few mug cozies, so that we can still breathe in the smell of the hot chocolate and hold our mugs without burning our hands.

Want to make your own? This is a really easy pattern, perfect for a beginner, and I'm sharing all the details over at Makes and Takes.

Harper Kids: Book-Inspired Christmas Ornaments

Looking for a last-minute holiday craft project for the kids to do?

I'm so excited to let you know that I'll be working on a series of fun craft projects for Harper Kids, and the first one went live last week. Your kids will LOVE these book-inspired holiday ornaments based on their favorite books including Pete The Cat's 12 Groovy Days of Christmas, Goodnight Moon, and Merry Christmas Mouse!

Visit Harper Kids for the full tutorial.

A Day Trip To Palm Springs With Kids (Including Gluten-Free Dining)

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Palm Springs but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Last Sunday we headed out to Palm Springs for the day. Mike had never been, so it was time to take him out there and explore the area.

I'm a planner by nature though, so we drove out there with a full schedule planned ahead of time right down to where we would be eating. With Flynn being on a gluten-free diet (and a picky eater) I don't like to take any chances when it comes to finding food he's going to love so it's important I go into any day trip with a solid plan.

We also love hitting the road bright and early when we are heading out to explore somewhere new ... just don't ask the kids how much they enjoy being woken up before midday on a weekend. But, if we are going to venture further than about an hour away from home we want to see as much as possible and spend as long as possible at our destination. And, let's face it, no matter how much the kids complain about the early start they always end up having a great day.

It is approximately 1.5 hours to drive from Temecula to Palm Springs, so we decided that our first stop of the day should be an early brunch at Lulu California Bistro. With full bellies, we'd be able to take on the rest of the day.

Lulu California Bistro

Lulu California Bistro offers something for everyone, and their gluten-free options don't disappoint no matter what time of day you are going. So while both Mike and Jay enjoyed different variations of the eggs benedict, I devoured the hazelnut crepes, Marisol ate her breakfast quesadilla, and Flynn was more than happy with hash browns and a gluten-free blueberry muffin.

Lady and the Blog: New Year's Eve Drink Stirrers

It's already the 10th of December, which means, only 21 more days until New Year's Eve. Where has the year gone?

Do you have plans for New Year's Eve yet? We are still trying to work out whether we will be celebrating in California or Kentucky.

If you are planning a party, I'm sharing these fun DIY drink stirrers (that are perfect for ringing in the new year) over at Lady and the Blog.