Camera Strap Covers......

I just added three Aloha - Hawaiian print camera straps in my Etsy shop! Go check it out! :) I'll be adding some other items soon....thanks for inquiring!

And again...a special thank you to those of you that have been so supportive and encouraging!

Wordless Wednesday - When Summer Vacations Starts....

We'll be doing more of this:

For more Wordless Wednesday visit:

Wordless Wednesday, 5 Minutes for Mom, or Seven Clown Circus.

Lowe's Build and Grow - Free Kid's Clinics!

Did you know that Lowe's hardware stores offers kid's clinics every Saturday? And get this...it's FREE! Their "Build and Grow" clinics offer kids the opportunity to build a different wood project each week. Take a look at some of the things they've already done and what's coming up next:


The kids receive a FREE apron, FREE goggles and a completion patch when they are done with their project! All the supplies are provided including a hammer (which must be returned).

We checked it out two weeks ago and were immediately hooked! Since the projects are recommended for kids in the 1st grade through 5th grade so we didn't sign Momo (3) up for the first one. But after checking out the first clinic we went ahead and signed her up for the next one. I think it really depends on your kid, their maturity level as well as mom or dad's level of patience. :)

Lucky for Momo her big sister is very sweet and let her have a turn. Check out Momo hard at work. Look at the intense concentration (as well as the upside down fogging goggles):


And here is a proud Kailani with her completed planter (which she later painted at home):

On our way out the door Kailani insisted that we sign up for the next one, which we did:

You can see we already sewed Kailani's patch onto her apron.

Here's the link to the clinic: Lowe's Build and Grow You can sign up online (recommended) or sign up at Lowe's if there is space available. Please note that this is a self-directed clinic. Parents (or grandparents, whoever) need to be able to assist their children with the project. There is no instructor walking you through the project step by step.

We give the clinic "two thumbs up!" and are looking forward to the next one (and the next one and the next one.....)

And the winner of the PlasmaCar is.....

#44 - Owen's Mom!

Congratulations! Please check your email for information on how to claim your prize!

Thanks to everyone that entered, blogged, Tweeted, and became new followers! I hope you'll stick around! A special thank you to CSN Stores for the opportunity to host this great giveaway!

Psst....my Etsy Shop is Finally Open!

I'm so excited! It took a long time to get here but it's finally happened! I officially opened my Etsy shop! I was banging my head against the wall today - the weather wasn't cooperating (for nice outdoor pictures) my models (my kids) weren't "into" it, and then when I finally got that part done it took me forever to upload images, input information, etc. (my laptop nearly burned through my leg) but it's finally done! Right now I only have four items listed but they are four VERY. PRECIOUS. ITEMS. ;) I'm hoping to add more items very soon. Here's one of the items...perfect for a little rock star, punk, rebel girl!


I secretly (well, not much of a secret now) call it, "The Stephanie"....after one of my "rock star/rebel" girlfriends. ;)

And in case you're wondering about the name - "hapa" is a Hawaiian word used to describe a person of mixed Asian or Pacific Islander racial/ethnic heritage. That would be me! Happy - that would be me too!

Here's the website: Happy Hapa

Thanks to everyone for your support!

Wordless Wednesday - How to Eat a Cupcake...

....with no shame.


For more Wordless Wednesday visit:

Wordless Wednesday, 5 Minutes for Mom, or Seven Clown Circus.

CSN Stores - Win a PlaSmart PlasmaCar!

CSN Stores has kindly given me the opportunity to host another giveaway! Have you checked them out yet? CSN Stores has over 200 stores that carry everything from toddler beds, home decor, furniture, toys, cookware, etc. all in one place. Just a click of your mouse and you'll definitely find something that will catch your interest!

Like maybe a PlaSmart PlasmaCar ?

If it interests you then keep reading because maybe YOU will win it! That's right!

WIN = FREE!

The PlaSmart PlasmaCar is totally kid-powered and requires no batteries (no need to buy replacement batteries of spend countless, impatient hours waiting for it to recharge!); it is rugged, durable and made of high quality plastics (how all ride-on toys should be!); easy to operate (even adults can figure it out); QUIET (though that doesn't mean that the rider will be!); can be used indoors or outdoors (preferably on a smooth, flat surface); and is even adult friendly!

So how do you win?

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment telling me who you would give the PlaSmart PlasmaCar to. Please be sure to include your email address if it is not easily found on your Blogger profile.

Extra Entries: Once you have completed the mandatory entry you can earn more chances to win! Please leave a separate comment for each:

1) Become a follower of my blog. Already a follower? Just let me know!

2) Follow me on Twitter AND Tweet about this giveaway. You can Tweet once a day. Leave me a link to your Tweet! To make it easier simply click on the "Tweetmeme Retweet" me button at the top of my blog.

3) Earn FIVE extra entries by blogging about this giveaway! Post about it on your blog and link back to this thread. Let me know where to find it on your blog! Be sure to comment five extra times for five extra chances to win!

Contest is open to US & Canada residents only (sorry International friends!) One winner will be chosen at midnight E.S.T. on Sunday, April 25th via Random.org. Winner will be announced here on this blog as well as be sent an email notification. Response is required within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected.

Thank you to CSN Stores for allowing me to host this great giveaway!

GOOD LUCK!

(Disclaimer: CSN Stores contacted me to host this giveaway. I received no compensation in return. Thank you CSN Stores!)

Macaroni and Cheese Cups

We've got the sickies in our house! Fever, coughing, whining.....thank goodness no vomiting! So I feel as if I have been cooped up and unproductive. You would think that by being "stuck" at home I would get a lot of sewing, cleaning, etc. done but when constantly interrupted by two little ones....I give up!

*Sigh*

But I still have to feed the family. I've tried a couple of new recipes over the last couple of days and thought I'd share one with you all...macaroni and cheese cups. The first time I had these was about two years ago - when my fabulous cook of a brother-in-law made some fancy-schmancy ones. I believe he used this recipe or something similar. I'm embarrassed to say that I couldn't stop shoveling them into my mouth. Actually - EVERYONE was. I would've fought for the last one...but that would be rather immature, right? ;) Anyways. I made something similar last night tweaking different recipes I found on the internet:

Here's one on it's own little special plate.
It deserves it's own plate. Trust me.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 1/2 pound uncooked elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
• 1/3 cup toasted bread crumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
   
2. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Grease muffin cups with butter. Alternative - spray muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray. I did this on my second batch and didn't notice a difference in looks or taste. That'll save you a few calories.
   
3. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour; cook 2 minutes. Add milk, salt and pepper; cook and stir 3 minutes or until mixture is thickened. Remove from heat; stir in cheeses. Fold in macaroni.
4. Divide macaroni and cheese among prepared muffin cups. (Note - I used a regular size 12-count cupcake/muffin pan and made 16 macaroni cups.) Top with toasted bread crumbs.
5. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 10 minutes in pans, remove carefully using sharp knife.

They also reheat well. I know. I just ate three of them. ;)

5 Minutes for Mom's Ultimate Blog Party 2010!

I came *this* close to missing it! 5 Minutes for Moms annual blog party! It's a great opportunity to meet fellow bloggers, reconnect with old ones and win fabulous prizes! Check out the list of prizes to be given away!*

You know what else is great about this party? You don't have to get all decked out! Just come (errr....STAY) as you are! ;)

So let's get started! Here's a short introduction about me....

My name is Sharon and I am a stay at home mom of two little girls, Kailani (7) and Momo (3). While my degree is in education this is where I need and want to be - at home with my kids until my youngest starts school However, as many of you know, motherhood/parenting can have it's challenging moments hence the title of my blog. ;)

I turned 40 this year - so yes, I am an "older" mom. But you know what? I'm totally okay with it! Something amazing has happened over the last several months...I've really started to figure out who I am. Sounds so "cliche-ish", I know, but it's true. While I have been healthier, happier, thinner, etc. I am way more confident than I have ever been. Go figure. Go me!


Last year we moved back to our home state of Hawaii after a three year absence. We are thrilled to be back! The weather, the people, the beaches, the food, the culture, the music....need I say more? We try our best to take advantage of living in this beautiful state - but when we are not out and about I enjoy sewing, doing crafts with the kids, cooking and then blogging about it (when I have a free minute!):

Examples:

• Motherhood - when my oldest cut her hair and ALL of her baby sister's hair!
• Cooking - broiled sushi recipe. I have more hits on my blog for this recipe than anything else!
  
• Sewing - roll-up car mat, doll diapers, dresses
  
• Kid's crafts
  
• Living in Hawaii

I am hoping to open my Etsy shop, "Happy Hapa" within the next two weeks - wish me luck!

Now what about YOU? If you've linked up with the UBP2010 hopefully I'll find out! Pass the pillow and let the party begin!

*By the way, here is my wish list: the grand prize (a Toshiba LAPTOP), and numbers 6, 7, 8, 11, 15, 16, 19, 20, 29, 31, 32, 48, 49, 53, 58, 69, 71, 84.....Holy Cow. There are so much more! Hopefully I'll win SOMETHING! :)

4 Crazy * Kings * Hawaiian Bread....

I want to thank Mama King of 4 Crazy Kings for the shout out on her blog! She was the winner last month of my apron giveaway. She really knows how to show her appreciation and make a girl feel good. :) Check out her blog - she is definitely my "go-to-gal" when I need some ideas or inspirations..especially for kid's crafts!

Speaking of Kings......

Another cool thing - remember the "King's Hawaiian Bread - Turkey & Cheese Sandwich" recipe I posted? Well I entered the recipe and picture in a contest that was being held on the King's Hawaiian Bakery Facebook page and won! Now my little avatar picture of me and my girls is on the King's Hawaiian Bakery website (page 2) for a short time. You'll notice that my picture is not posted with my recipe but with a professional photo and recipe of their choice. That's okay! ;)


Are you wondering what I won? I wish I could say that I won a year's worth of King's Hawaiian bread but I wasn't THAT lucky. I did, however win a free King's Hawaiian product of my choice (which I already picked up and ate.) By the way, you can sign up for coupons and great savings from King's Bakery here.

Super cool. :)

Happy Belated Easter!

Happy belated Easter! How was yours? We did the traditional egg hunt Easter morning - the girls were really excited to search our tiny apartment for the three dozen eggs they colored. (Oh yeah - we'll be eating eggs everyday for the next week or so!) They had plenty of practice as we had already attended two egg hunts over the past week or so!

One of the egg hunts was with our local MOM'S Club - the other took place at the Waikiki Aquarium. However, instead of it being called an "egg hunt" it was called a "Sea Hunt." Here's why:


I thought it was a great alternative to looking for plastic eggs! The kids had to find the nine different puzzle pieces then turn them in in exchange for a puzzle. As you can see Momo was more than delighted with her prize!


They also had a fishing pond, craft station, doodle art station, and other fun things for the kids to do. Of course the Easter bunny was there for picture taking and look what he gave each kid! An AWESOME cookie from Hokulani:


I was really impressed with the whole production! Great job Waikiki Aquarium!

And in case you're wondering what to do with your Easter basket until next year:

Hope your Easter was happy!

Pillowcase Dresses....

Recently a friend of mine asked me to make some pillowcase dresses for her daughters. She showed me some examples of prints that she liked and gave me free reign to pick and choose what fabrics I wanted to use. How heavenly is that? (*Thanks "C"!!!*)

It was fun picking out the fabrics and seeing the dresses come together. However, in making them I did learn a few things.

1) Pillowcase dresses are not "one size fits all" as it seems to be. I had to do some tweaking to make them fit just right. Which makes me question how people can sell pillowcase dresses without knowing how wide to make them? While most of the sellers on Etsy provide some kind of sizing chart showing the length of the dresses I couldn't find one that provided the width. So I'm assuming that most of the dresses are being made according to the size of a standard pillowcase (21" x 32"). Easy enough, but again.....they DO NOT FIT EVERYONE! If you have any feedback (as a buyer or a seller) on this please let me know!

2) I now get why some sellers sell their pillowcase dresses for $25-$30. It's not so much the work that is put into but it's the cost of the fabric - especially if it's designer fabric. For me to purchase designer fabrics here locally I have to pay approximately $11.00-$12.00 a yard.
Which brings me to this question: "Where is your favorite place to purchase fabric online?" Leave me a comment telling me your favorite place! I love Etsy so if you have a favorite Etsy seller please tell me who it is! Thanks!

Testing a Pattern.....

Awhile back I had the opportunity to test "Natalie's Dress" a pattern designed by Dawn of Olabelhe. I really liked the design of the dress with a low back, a big beautiful bow and the option of adding crinoline to it (lacy, poofy stuff underneath) so I jumped at the chance. I made it with the crinoline and I have to admit....it wasn't hard at all. Just a bit time consuming!

Now that the pattern is available for purchase I can share the pictures with you!


Funny thing is - I did not make TWO dresses. Only one. But the dress fits both of my girls! ;)

Does the fabric look familiar? If it does it might be because it's the same fabric I used to make the crayon apron for a silent auction. Momo loves the fabric. She saw the little girl on it and said, "It's me! It's Momo!"


There definitely are some similarities! Maybe that's why I love this fabric so much myself!

The pattern is available via Olabelhe's pattern shop or You Can Make This. I give it two thumbs up!