{Bee-lieve}

I can hardly believe that the school year is finished already.  Today is my son's last day of First Grade!  He had a wonderful teacher this year so I wanted to make sure to get her something special to thank her for all her hard work.  I was searching on Pinterest and came across this idea, it was perfect.  This last quarter Milo's class studied insects and the bee is his favorite.  He did a special little report on them :0) 

 

 

The original post can be found on the Detail-Oriented Diva! blog.  She has a download for the cute little tags as well.  I included Burt's Bees hand lotion, hand salve and lip balm, a thank you note from me and a photo collage of Milo with a special little thank you from him as well.

 

 

I love the little finger print bees.  We had a blast making fingerprint insects of all kinds after finishing the tags.  The bags are tied closed with some yellow and black ribbon.

 

We're looking forward to a fun filled summer break before school starts again in August.  Do you have any extra special activities or trips planned this summer?

{Lizard Shorts}

 

 

I loved the Mermaid Shorts that I made with the Sycamore Shorts pattern so much that I made a boy version for my son.  I used a bright lizard print that I have had in my stash for a while.  The print is so busy that I used a solid black and solid blue for the pockets. The only differences between the boy shorts and the girl shorts is the pocket shape which is more geometric for the boys and the length which is longer for the boys.  These came together really quickly which thrilled my son, he couldn't wait for them to be finished.  I added a little ribbon tag to the back so he has no problem figuring out which side is the front.  I have a feeling they will be the most worn pair of play shorts he has this summer.

 

{Mermaid Shorts}

My youngest niece turns 5 years old next week and I was at a loss about what to get or make for her until I saw the new Sycamore Shorts pattern by Sew Like My Mom on the Riley Blake Designs Blog.  I knew these shorts would be adorable on her.

I found this adorable mermaid print as well as the green and red prints at my local Jo-Ann Fabrics.  Emma just LOVES mermaids so I'm pretty sure she will like these comfy shorts.  These shorts came together like a dream!  The instructions are very clear with lots of pictures.  I added just a few little details.  I really wanted a little red pop on the front of these shorts so I added the faux drawstring on the front waistband.  I also topstitched about 1/8 inch from the top edge on the elastic casing which gives it just a little ruffle, perfect for little girl shorts.

 

The pockets are generously sized, great for carrying around all those summer treasures.  I love the tulip-like shape and the ability to make the pockets with two different fabrics or one fabric.  The pattern also includes an option for boy pockets which are more squared off rather then rounded.

 

The Sycamore Shorts pattern comes in sizes 12 months-8 and the best part of all is that it is FREE!!



{Lunch Bag}

Just the other day I realized my son's store bought lunch bag was coming apart.  Ugh, only 2 more months of school and he needs a new one. Kids lunch bags/boxes is not something that is common to find in the stores this time of year.  My son takes his lunch to school every single day.  He has several food allergies and is a picky eater so it is just safer to send a lunch that I know he will eat.  Because Milo is messy, his lunch bag gets a good washing in the machine at least once a week and I'm sure that is why it is falling apart.

 

I found a pin on Pinterest that was perfect!  A kid sized waterproof, insulated and washable lunch bag.  The next day I ventured down to the fabric store while the kiddo was at school to gather the necessary materials and by the end of the day he had a new lunch bag he was thrilled with.

 

This tutorial by Zaaberry is wonderful and there are instructions for an adult size lunch bag too.  She provides lots of pictures and great instructions.  It took me around an hour to make the lunch bag.  I did add a few details to the original tutorial as well.

 

I added a pocket on one side to tuck a note or special treat into. 

I also added a loop so that it can attach to his backpack.  It also fits just right into his backpack.

The size is perfect too.  Not too small and big enough that it will accommodate a growing apatite.  It holds his drink and food thermos plus an applesauce pouch, and yogurt tube without any problems.

 

For the inside I used a PUL so that it can be wiped clean and will contain small messes and spills.  The middle layer is insulated so that his lunch will stay cold with a small ice pack.

 

The most important thing is that Milo loves his new lunch bag and insisted he use it the very next day!!