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Craftista: 8 Incredible DIY Cardboard Box Projects

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:20:00 -0700

We're excited to bring you another great article from POPSUGAR Moms, a fantastic source for mamas who want advice and news about everything from packing healthy lunches to mastering the art of stroller chic. This week, we're featuring their picks for amazing DIY cardboard box projects.

8 Incredible DIY Cardboard Box Projects

Pretty much every kid loves playing with cardboard boxes, but you can take that fun up a notch by building an amazing cardboard creation sure to “wow” kids and adults alike. From pirate ships and airplanes to lemonade stands and play cities, the following eight projects just take a few key items to re-create, the greatest being imagination!

Pirate Ship

The awesomely creative mom behind Kate’s Creative Space made this incredible pirate ship using a square cardboard box as the base. She then “stapled long pieces of cardboard on either side to form a boat shape…and covered those in leftover wood-effect wallpaper for a nautical touch.” We only have one word: wow!

Box House

Nessadee Art + Life created this incredible box house using a ton of boxes in different shapes and sizes, a hot glue gun, packing tape, scissors, and markers. Feel free to let your kids add as many embellishments (string, felt, moss, and more) as they’d like.

Box Cars

Not Just a Housewife made these box cars for a “drive-in movie” night, but we’re betting your kids will find lots of other uses for them, too!

DIY Playhouses

Elsie of A Beautiful Mess created these DIY playhouses for her daughter’s second birthday party using large cardboard boxes, a box knife, wallpaper and wrapping paper, paint, masking tape, hot glue, and double-sided tape. So cute!

Summer Pregnancy Survival Tips

Cardboard Doll Bed

Ambrosia Creative’s cardboard doll bed is a DIY project that any little girl would love! The coolest part: all the pieces interlock with tape or glue.

Airplane

Small Fry has step-by-step instructions on how to make your own cardboard airplane.

Box Town

Perfect for not-yet-walking babies, The Imagination Tree’s cardboard box town is simple enough to recreate. Draw a city scene, including roads, parks, train tracks, and more at the bottom of a huge cardboard box, add some wooden building blocks, and voilá, you have a build-your-own city!

Lemonade Stand 

You only need one side of a cardboard box, along with some markers and tape, to create your very own lemonade stand sign like this one from See Jane Blog.

Which of these awesome cardboard box projects would you and your kids like to try?

More articles from PopSugar Moms:
5 Hobbies to Share with Your Kids
8 Pool Party Pastas the Kids Will Love!
41 Outdoor Activities to Get Kids Out of the House this Summer  
Cherry on Top! 11 Adorable Ice Cream Finds

picTORIal: This is 40 (Part 1)

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:00:00 -0700

You only turn 40 once. So for my 40th birthday last month I figured I better go big or go home. And what better way to celebrate than spending a few days in paradise with my favorite people? So in honor of the big 4-0 I headed to the St. Regis, Punta Mita for a week with the whole fam and my gusband, Mehran. It was under a three-hour flight from L.A., which makes it the perfect getaway with four young babes.

I think it’s safe to say that this was my most memorable birthday to date. We all had the time of our lives swimming, eating delicious food, laying out, and dancing the night away. So throughout this week I will be sharing pictures (and a very special family dance video!) from my big birthday celebration. Check out Part 1 below! Here's to you, Mexico...

A Bloody Mary in flight to kick off my b-day celebration week and to ease my flying fears...

Finn’s first flight (out of belly). Mexico here we come!

We arrived at St. Regis, Punta Mita. Since my husband was filming his new show Chopped Canada and couldn’t meet us in Mexico for a couple days, my gusband Mehran came to celebrate!

A toast to Punta Mita!

Time to kick back! Tomorrow is my b-day…

The kids caught me bright and early. First pic as a 40 year old! It's my birthday...

My gusband ordered me my fave breakfast for my b-day, eggs Benedict...

Our family b-day breakfast on the patio of our suite. Amazing!

Here's to Four (babes) at Forty!

My b-day cards from my three oldest babes...

Next it was time to hit the beach. Stay tuned for more pictures tomorrow!

Did you celebrate a big birthday recently?

Tell me about it below.

Love,
T

invenTORI: A Tour of my Store

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:00:00 -0700

My crafty vintage boutique InvenTORI is one of my very favorite projects. It’s a place where all things I love mingle together, from treasured antiques to fabulously designed pieces that will make any house into a home. So when one of my favorite new décor sites Domaine Home asked me about InvenTori, I was excited to give a little tour of our Los Angeles shop, along with some background on how it all began…

We talked about my unstoppable obsession with antiquing and my hubby’s perfect solution—why not open a shop?!—that way I could still collect, and more importantly, share my modage collection with others without stockpiling every must-have in our own home (just a few lucky finds). Win-win.

Since then we have worked to make the shop what it is now: a reflection of my favorite designs, the antique and vintage that inspired them, and what (for me) makes a dream home. Hint: it involves a rustic tea set. Here are a few pictures:

What is your favorite piece in the pictures?

Hop on over to Domaine's website for even more photos!

Love,
T

Happy Father’s Day!

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:42:00 -0700

Not a day goes by that I don’t think about what a wonderful dad Dean is to our four babes. But since it's Father's Day I wanted to take a minute to let the world know just how grateful I am to have a man like Dean in my life.

People always want to know how having four young babes and a teenage stepson affects our marriage. It’s true that you don’t get a ton of alone time in our house, but seeing what a great dad Dean is makes me fall even deeper in love with him every single day. I could not ask for a better partner to raise children with. He is kind and patient and a true role model to our kids. He is our Gourmet Dad who does most of the cooking and isn’t afraid to share the parenting 50/50. I never thought it possible that I would find a partner who loved being a dad as much as I love being a mom, but Dean is that man.

So I want to wish a very happy Father’s Day to our amazing Daddy Dean and to all the other proud papas out there. Have fun!

Love,
T

P.S. Here are few pictures I posted last year of Dean with our babes. Since this is our first Father’s Day with Finn, I’m sure we’ll be taking lots more!

Giveaway: Father’s Day in a Box

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:35:00 -0700

Father’s Day is a couple days away and I wanted to do something special to celebrate here on ediTORIal…

Father’s Day in our house is about spending time together as a family. But with four babes it’s not always easy to find an activity that will keep everyone’s attention. We recently discovered something new called the Cooper Kit that totally solves that problem. The Cooper Kit is a box full of activities for dad and his kids to do together. It’s Father’s Day… in a box! Each Cooper Kit is limited edition, and the theme of the first one is “How Things Fly.” We played with the Cooper Kit the other day and all four kids got a big kick out of it. Even Finn loved watching the toy airplanes.

In honor of Father’s Day, the amazing company behind the Cooper Kit has offered to give three lucky ediTORIal readers the “How Things Fly” box.

Here’s how it works…

To enter, leave a comment below telling me about the dad in your life who deserves a Cooper Kit.

I’ll pick the winners at random and announce them on the site next Thursday, June 20th.

Good luck!

Love,
T

Terms & Conditions
• You must be a registered ToriSpelling.com member to enter. Sign up by clicking here.
• This contest is open to US residents only. Sorry international fans!
• Winners will be contacted via private message to their ToriSpelling.com inbox and by email. If our team does not hear back within 24 hours, a new winner will be selected in your place.
• Limit one comment per entry. Multiple comment entries will not be considered.
• This giveaway ends at midnight PST on June 19th 2013.
• Cooper & Kid was kind enough to provide the prize. This is not a sponsored giveaway in any way.

Gift Guide: Father’s Day

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:01:00 -0700

Father’s day is this Sunday and since I love an excuse to spoil my handsome hubby I thought I’d put together a gift guide to share with everyone. I could not ask for a better father for my four babes than Dean. And to show him how grateful I am, I always try to come up with a thoughtful and creative gift. So if you’re still stumped on what to get your own hubby or dad for Father’s Day, you’re in luck. Set down that “World’s Best Dad” mug (come on mamas, you can do better than that…) and check out these eight gift ideas for the fathers in your life.

1. Car Play Mat T-Shirt
This Etsy find would be a perfect gift my hubby @DeanRacer. It’s fun for the kids and a back massage for dad. Ha ha.

2. Musgo Real Shaving and Grooming Set
Whether or not he’ll admit it, every man loves a little pampering. Musgo Reals’s line of shaving products is perfect for the debonair daddy in your life. I keep them stocked year round at invenTORI, but they make an especially fitting Father’s Day gift.

3. DIY Stenciled Pillow
I did a whole DIY Father’s Day gift guide last year but I had to include at least one crafty pick in this year’s roundup. I love the idea of putting his favorite song lyrics or all the kids’ names on it.

4. Grill Accessories
If your man is a grill-master like mine is, treat him to some gourmet grill accessories that the whole family will enjoy. This year, I’m sticking with the theme burgers gone gourmet. A stuffed hamburger press or a sliders grilling set would be a huge hit in the McDermott household. And then for dessert, have your mini chefs help you whip up a batch of these super cute cupcakes.

5. Duct Tape Wallet
I love the duct tape wallet for dad. Whether you stick to a strictly duct tape design or opt for a photo decoupage, he’ll use this handmade billfold long after Father’s Day.

6. Race Car Ride-Along
This gift is for the thrill-seeker dads like my hubby Dean aka @DeanRacer. He’ll get to ride shotgun in a genuine NASCAR at speeds over to 150 MPH.

7. Pizza Making Essentials
Pizza night is a favorite in almost every house with little ones—ours included. A pizza stone is the best way for your #GourmetDad to take his pie to the next level.

8. Stylish Socks
I love this chic twist on a normally cliché Father’s Day gift. Socks are the new It accessory and great way for dads to add a pop of color or flavor to their wardrobe.

What are you getting the dads on your list?

Love,
T

P.S. I have a great Father’s Day giveaway coming up later today week, so stay tuned!

Ask Tori: Me Time and Reality TV

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:00:00 -0700

Here it is! The fourth and final installment of my Ask Tori series with my toddlerista clothing line, Little Maven. We've covered school lunches, time-outs, me and Dean, and so much more.

Today I'm discussing a topic that every mom deals with at some point or another: mommy guilt. As a busy working mom-of-four I can't help but get that gnawing feeling once in a while. Watch Part 4 to see my tactics for minimizing mommy guilt, plus, some exciting news on my next possible fashion project...

I absolutely love designing baby and toddler clothes for Little Maven, so it would be amazing to design for other moms too. Thanks again for submitting so many great questions! I can't wait for our next Ask Tori series. Don't forget to catch Parts 1, 2, and 3 for more tidbits on life in the McDermott house.

Is there anything you'd like to know?

Love,
T

tuTORIal: DIY Vintage Pop Silhouettes

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 12:08:00 -0700

Crafting is more than a hobby in our house. It’s a way of life! As you might recall, I even carry twine around in my purse. Ha ha. We love to craft together as a family. The kids and I usually craft together at least 2-3 times a week. I find it very therapeutic and the kids love it.

Today I have some exciting news to share with my fellow craftistas… I recently launched my very own {styled} by Tori Spelling line of jewelry making supplies with Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft Stores. I am so excited to partner with Jo-Ann and even more excited about the special sweepstakes they are running to go along with it. One of you can win a trip for two to L.A. to craft with yours truly. It’s going to be a ton of fun and I can’t wait to get crafting. So make sure you enter.

But first, I wanted to share my Vintage Pop Silhouettes project that Jo-Ann Fabrics recently featured as a part of their Creativity Made Simple campaign. Check out this super cute (and easy!) project and then enter to win the trip to L.A. to craft with me at a Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft store.

What You Will Need:

Wood Plaque
Medium Stock Print Paper
Mod Podge Gloss
Foam Paint Brushes
Paint and Scissors

Directions:

Take a profile photograph of your child and print it out on medium stock print paper
Cut out the silhouette with scissors. Make sure to keep some nice details like wisps of hair or lashes to further personalize.
Place the cutout on a piece of cardboard (or something you can paint on) and then paint black with a foam brush. Set aside to dry.
Now paint your wood plaque in the color of your choice. 2-3 coats will be necessary for full coverage. Let dry. I took my kids to our local Jo-Ann store and they each chose the color they wanted for their silhouettes.
Next apply mod podge to the back of your cut out and place it in the center of your wood plaque, making sure to flatten it out evenly. Make sure all edges are glued down.
Once dry, apply mod podge in even vertical strokes over entire plaque. This will dry clear. Once dry, add more coats as needed.
Mount on your wall and let your stylish DIY memories begin!

Voila! The finished product…

Are you going to try this tuTORIal? What color backgrounds would you choose?

Love,
T

Happy (Early) Birthday Stella

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 08:58:00 -0700

Five years ago this Sunday my beautiful Ladybug was brought into the world. The moment Stella Doreen McDermott arrived it was love at first sight. I always dreamed of being a mommy to a little girl who would share my loves of crafting, fashion, and food. Stella is truly a girl after my own heart. Her first three words in this order were Mama, shoes, and cheese. She is my little stylista, my budding foodie, and my mini crafting maven. She has so much fire in her and I love at five how much sass she has. Her confidence and personality is infectious! But even more importantly, she is such a kind soul with the biggest heart. Plus, she is such an amazing sister to Liam, Finn, and Hattie. We call her the little mommy in our house. She takes care of everyone. I am filled with so much pride at the person my little lady is growing up to be. Just promise me Bugs that you will never be too big to hold my hand! Happy birthday to my best girlfriend... I love you Buggy! Xoxo

To celebrate, here are a few of my favorite pictures of Miss Stella…

In a tutu and cowboy boots getup of her own choosing…

On her 4th birthday, last year…

Robery Palmer girl, watch out!

Buggy gets her first pair of toddler heels...

My little ladybug all grown up!

Have a birthday wish for Stella?

Leave it in the comments below.

Love,
T

Ask Tori: Juggling Marriage and Mommyhood

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:41:00 -0700

Have you been watching all the videos in my Ask Tori series with Little Maven? I still can't believe how many fantastic questions you all submitted!

I love this segment because I get to talk about my soul mate, my hubby, Dean. You all know by now that we're crazy about each other, but how do we keep up the romance with four babes and two busy careers? See how we create special T&D moments every day. Then, I'm diving into the biggest lesson I've learned being a mom...

The lessons keep coming as our kids get older, but luckily, I have an amazing partner in Dean to lean on as we go.

Don't miss the final chapter of Ask Tori next week. Catch it on the Little Maven Facebook page and don't forget to check out our partner cupcakeMAG for your daily dose of momista fashion.

What's been your most important lesson learned in motherhood?

Love,
T

9 Ways to Have Fun With Popsicles Without a Single Drip

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 04:00:00 -0700

9 Ways to Have Fun With Popsicles Without a Single Drip

School is wrapping up (have you picked up your teacher appreciation gift yet?), Summer is unofficially starting, and the time for cool popsicles is near! Whether you're set to stock your freezer with store-bought pops or want to make your own, you can prep for popsicle season with the following nine printables, party extras, and kid-friendly goods, all featuring summer's favorite frozen treat!

Summer Party Printable

This Nicole's Classes summer party printable is a sweet way to invite friends over for a warm-weather bash—Popsicles included, of course.

Kate Spade Change Purse

Every little lady needs a place to keep her ice cream truck money, and this Kate Spade coin purse ($78) seems like the perfect summer spot. Available in three candy-esque colors.

Popsicle Memory Game

Eat Drink Chic's DIY popsicle memory game would be the perfect kid activity at a summer party.

Tovolo Bug Pops

Tovolo's awesome Bug Pops ($16) let you freeze popsicles into three unique designs (a ladybug, caterpillar, and beetle). Thick sleeves keep popsicles cold longer once outside of the freezer, unique handles allow for a better grip, and a drip guard keeps the mess to a minimum.

9 Ways to Personalize Your Child’s Room

Popsicle Tag and Garland Printables

You'll be all set for a pop party with Creature Comforts' free printables, including popsicle-shaped gift tags, garland, and iron-on transfers for you to create your own popsicle totes or tees.

No-Melt Pop Invitations

Martha Stewart's No-Melt Pop Invitations feature retro-looking ice pops that are sure to set the tone for a summer party.

Gap Tulle Popsicle Tee

Available in sizes for girls 1 to 5, Gap's tulle-embellished Popsicle tee ($20) is sure to become her summer favorite.

Rocket Pop Molds

Williams-Sonoma's Rocket Pop Molds ($12) let you freeze your favorite ingredients into rockets! Just fill with your favorite liquid, snap on the stick handles, and freeze. The shape is designed for the pops to slide out easily. The set of six pop molds and the stand are dishwasher-safe.

Popsicle Favors

Etsy seller AmpersandInk's glassine popsicle favor bags ($8 for 12) feature a pop-appropriate message, "Keep calm and melt with me."

Which one of these popsicle-themed picks is your favorite?

More articles from PopSugar Moms:
10 Great Finger Foods for Babies
34 Popsicle Recipes to Keep Your Kiddos Cool
Kid-Friendly Chicken and Broccoli Cheddar Caserole
10 Safest Sunscreens for Kids

Craftista: My DIY Doily Accent Wall

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 04:00:00 -0700

You might recall that Redbook magazine recently enlisted me as their resident home/DIY expert. I’ve been sharing my latest home décor and craft ideas in every issue of Redbook, and today I wanted to share my very latest creation. Fellow craftistas, take note…

Believe it or not I made this uber chic accent wall using nothing but spray paint, 12-inch doilies, and some Mod Podge. It’s an easy project that makes a bold statement in your home. People will walk into your house and say, “Wow!” Here’s the how-to that I shared with Redbook:

The foyer is the first thing people see when they enter your home, yet we often forget to do anything with it. I used bright paper doilies to make mine over, and it only took an afternoon because it's such a small area. Doilies are a staple of mine; I always spray-paint them for the dessert table at my kids' birthday parties. Fixing them to the wall is even easier than stenciling, and it adds some great texture. I chose this coral color because it's bold but calming—so I'll still like it months from now.

It's really this simple:

Pick a neutral color for your wall—I painted mine light gray.
Spray-paint 12-inch doilies in a color that pops. (Spray paint is fast and won't tear at the fragile doilies.)
Once both are dry, use a high-gloss Mod Podge to paint the area on the wall where you're going to place a doily. Secure the doily to the wall, and repeat. Since the doilies are big, it's easy to eyeball your rows (I did), but you could mark the wall with painter's tape as you go to ensure straight lines.
Coat the entire wall with Mod Podge for a shiny finish. So easy!

And if you loved this tutorial, you should also check out the pretty pots I shared last month. Head over to Redbook’s website to hear how I made these chic chevron planters and see three more creative ideas for sprucing up your pots…

Are you going to try my doily accent wall tutorial? Which room in your house could use a chic accent wall?

Love,
T

Ask Tori: Quality Time and Time-Outs

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 15:38:00 -0700

I hope you all enjoyed Part 1 of my Ask Tori Mother's Day series with Little Maven. It's so much fun seeing what you momistas want to know about me, Dean, and our little crew. In Part 2, I'm answering more of your questions about balancing four little ones.

At four very distinct ages, Dean and I work hard to ensure that Liam, Stella, Hattie, and Finn all feel they're getting special Mommy and Daddy attention every day. Lots of hugs and kisses are a must, but I have a few other strategies up my sleeve for keeping all four babes happy...

So that's how we enjoy family time at the McDermott house, but each family is different. I'd love to hear your strategies too. And don't forget, I still have Ask Tori Parts 3 and 4 to share. Stay tuned on the Little Maven Facebook page, as well as our partner, cupcakeMAG's.

Do you have kids close in age? How do you ensure they get special attention?

Love,
T

ediTOR’s Letter: Summer Lovin’

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 08:48:00 -0700

Summer. When you’re a kid, there’s nothing that compares to this time of the year. And even though it’s been a while since I’ve personally heard that final school bell of the year ring, there’s still something about this season that puts a big smile on my face. For one thing, the onset of outdoor playtime is always a relief for the busy momista. And along with warmer weather and longer days, summer also means beaches, barbecues, and backyard soirees. (And hello, caftan season!)

So this month on ediTORIal, we’ll be celebrating summer in all its glory. June’s theme is Summer Lovin’ and I have a lot of fabulous content planned. I’ll be rounding up some fun warm weather activities to do with the kiddos; sharing my 5 Under $50 guides for sunglasses, sandals, and swimwear; and also celebrating Miss Stella’s fifth birthday! So stay tuned…

What’s your favorite thing about summer? Let me know in the comments.

And if you have any June blog requests, you can also leave them in the comments section or tweet them at me with the hashtag #ToriSummerLovin.

Love,
T

Giveaway: Orbit Baby Stroller

Fri, 31 May 2013 04:00:00 -0700

I hope that everyone enjoyed this month’s Mommyhood 101 theme on ediTORIal. I had a great time sharing some of my stories and chatting with my fellow momistas about everything from the myths that new mommies encounter to my Mother’s Day. But since today is the last day of May, I wanted to end things in a BIG way.

A good stroller is one of the most important products for a mommy to have. When I was first preggers with Liam, I did a lot of research to find a stroller that combined all the best safety, comfort, and convenience features for both moms and babies. What I found was Orbit Baby—and after four kiddos, Orbit is still our stroller. The Orbit stroller really is state-of-the-art. It’s easy to maneuver and makes for a really smooth ride. It folds down easily and has the best built-in cupholder and key tray. I really can’t say enough good things about this stroller.

Well today I am giving away an Orbit Baby Stroller G2 and Orbit’s new Baby Gear Spa cleaning kit to one lucky mommy here on ediTORIal. I am so excited about this giveaway and I hope you are too.

Here’s how it works…

To enter, leave a comment below telling me what your favorite post was this month on ediTORIal.

I’ll pick a winner at random and announce it on the site next Friday, June 7th. Good luck!

UPDATE: We have a winner! Congratulations to Jessmorfclark!

And if you enjoyed reading all of my Mommyhood 101 blogs this month, stay tuned to hear what the June theme will be on Monday.

Love,
T

Terms & Conditions
• You must be a registered ToriSpelling.com member to enter. Sign up by clicking here.
• This contest is open to US residents only. Sorry international fans!
• Winners will be contacted via private message to their ToriSpelling.com inbox and by email. If our team does not hear back within 24 hours, a new winner will be selected in your place.
• Limit one comment per entry. Multiple comment entries will not be considered.
• This giveaway ends at midnight PST on June 6th 2013.
• Orbit Baby was kind enough to provide the stroller. This is not a sponsored giveaway in any way.

Ask Tori: Bedtime and School Lunches

Thu, 30 May 2013 12:06:00 -0700

You all blew me away with your response to our Ask Tori Mother's Day series. I received so many questions about our life at home and how I juggle the kids, time with Dean, and my career. The best part was that you guys voted for the top questions. I'm so excited to share my answers with you.

In Part 1 (yes, there's plenty more to come!), I'm sharing some details on how bedtime works at the McDermott house. Plus, I have a few tips on keeping lunchtime creative for Liam and Stella. Miss Stella loves her sushi and Liam can't get enough peanut butter...

Well, I hope you enjoyed this little peek into our routine. I have many more answers to come, so stay tuned for Ask Tori Parts 2, 3, and 4 on the Little Maven Facebook page. And don't forget to check out our partner, CupcakeMAG for amazing momista fashion tips.

Do you have any creative ideas for school lunches?

Love,
T

Winning Captions: Lifeguard on Duty

Thu, 30 May 2013 08:20:00 -0700

I am super excited to share the winners of my latest Caption This contest. You guys really brought your A game! For those of you who missed it, I shared this photo of my chicken Coco playing the role of feathered lifeguard, and asked you to leave the funniest and most creative descriptions you could think of.

Since Coco was the star of this round, I even had her help me pick the winning captions. Here are the five captions that earned the most clucks from Miss Coco…

by Kelley Virag

by Darren Martin

by Tricia Hagerty

by Dani

And last but not least, here is my top favorite and the winner of the three OPI nail polishes…

by Nana4

Congratulations to all five winners!

Which winning caption was your favorite?

Be sure to share your favorite caption on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Love,
T

7 Creative Ways to Capture the Bump

Wed, 29 May 2013 10:31:00 -0700

When I was pregnant with for the first time, I had Elizabeth Messina of Kiss The Groom capture the most stunning bump photos. Starting with Liam, Elizabeth’s photos became a family tradition, and I am so grateful to have her gorgeous belly shots for all four babes. These photos hold so many precious memories for me. It was a great way to document our growing family and the extraordinary experience of being preggers.

Here's the shot I did with Liam and Stella with Hattie in my belly. To include them I let them make my belly bump their canvas. They loved it! And the finished abstract artwork was priceless. When I was pregnant with Finn, my three older babes left their handprints on my bump.

Lately, mamas are coming up with all sorts of cute and creative ways to capture the bump. So today I wanted to share a few ideas that I really love. I can’t say whether there will be another bump shoot in my own future, but these photos certainly provide some fun inspiration. Check them out and tell me which one is your favorite…

1. Air pump bump:

2. The before, during, and after shot:

3. Curves ahead:

4. Telephone with your toddler:

5. Baby, apple juice, beer bellies:

6. Bump smooch:

7. Big-brother-to-be:

Did you do a maternity photoshoot when you were preggers?

Let me know below.

Love,
T

Photos: Patrice Laroche, Baby Space, Flickr/Kristen Michelle, Noel Small Photography, Stein Photography, Brooke Kelly Photography, Mom*tog

documenTORI: My Message to Moms Everywhere

Tue, 28 May 2013 04:00:00 -0700

Earlier this month I shared a documenTORI video of one of the proudest moments in my life. Right before Mother’s Day, I had the honor of accepting the Mother of the Year award from Cedars-Sinai, the hospital where all four of my babes were born. It was such a special day for me, and I am so glad that I got to share it with everyone here on ediTORIal.

Today I wanted to share some parts of my acceptance speech that you didn’t get to hear in the first video. As soon as I was told that I would be receiving the honor, I made the decision to accept my award on behalf of mommies everywhere. And since my speech was really dedicated to you guys—all the mommies here in my online community and all over the world—I wanted you to hear it in its entirety.

My hope with my speech was to inspire my fellow momistas, and let you all know what a special group we are. There is no other group in the world like mothers. We are truly Mom Warriors—always there to support one another. So without further ado, here is my speech…

I hope you found some inspiration and meaning in my speech. Being a mom is the best job I could ever ask for and my favorite role to play. And especially with four babes like mine, I am one lucky lady!

What did you think of my speech?

I’d love it if you shared your thoughts in the comments.

Love,
T

Happy Memorial Day

Mon, 27 May 2013 04:00:00 -0700

Happy Memorial Day! I’m savoring the long weekend with our four babes. I hope that your Memorial Day is filled with great weather, finger-linking good barbecue, and quality time with your loved ones. If you’re in need of some last minute barbecue inspiration, here is my guide to grilling tools and a few of my favorite recipes. But since Dean is the real grill master, you have to check out his tasty Salmon Pizza on the Grill and Spuds on the Lamb recipes too. Fun, fun, fun…

Who does the grilling in your home?

Share your plans for today in the comments below.

Love,
T

Photo: Glamour

tuTORIal: DIY Temporary Tattoos

Fri, 24 May 2013 04:00:00 -0700

I am pleased to share another guest blog from my fellow momista and craftista Jenny Dixon of Craft That Party. You might remember Jenny from her latest post about using vintage china as a vase for your bouquets. This time, Jenny is sharing cute and creative way to take your kids’ playtime to the next level. Take it away, Jenny…

If you are looking for a fun party favor or activity to do with the kids, try DIY temporary tattoos. You can easily personalize them like this (just make sure to reverse the image before printing if you make your own graphics) or you can download these chic nautical tattoo designs for free for a limited time by visiting Spaceships and Laser Beams. They have graciously offered ediTORIal readers a chance to download these tattoos from their Nautical Printable Party Collection so you can try this tutorial at home!

Materials Needed:

Printable Tattoo Paper (I use Silhouette Printable Tattoo Paper, but must mention that you do NOT need a Silhouette machine for this tutorial)
Tattoo graphics (you can download the free nautical tattoo graphics here)
Printer
Ruler
Scissors
Wet Washcloth

Directions:

Print the tattoo graphics on the white tattoo paper, note that the graphics will be reversed.
Let ink dry and adhere the adhesive sheet on top of the printed tattoo paper.
Use ruler or scraper to rub the adhesive sheet to the tattoo paper.
Cut out tattoos.
Peel away the plastic layer
Apply tattoo on skin. Place wet cloth over the tattoo for 15-20 seconds, then peel the white paper away.
Enjoy your temporary tattoos, they will last about 1-3 days and can be easily wiped off with a washcloth.

My boys played pirates outside for 2 hours straight after putting these tattoos on! Such a fun way to inspire creative play!

Thanks again to Spaceships and Laser Beams for contributing the tattoo graphics for this post! For more information, please visit their shop and website.

Such an easy yet fun idea—thanks for sharing Jenny! I have a feeling that all four of my babes are going to go wild for this one.

What DIY temporary tattoo would your little ones love to wear?

Let me know in the comments.

And for more from Jenny, be sure to check out her blog Craft That Party.

Love,
T

Photos: Jenny Dixon

Caption This: Lifeguard on Duty

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 -0700

It’s been a little while since we’ve had a Caption This contest on ediTORIal, so I figured it was high time to revive the series. Luckily, I have the perfect picture for the job…

Coco is no ordinary chicken. This glamorous girl loves lounging around the pool and sunbathing with the best of them. The other day I put Coco to work as my little feathered lifeguard while Liam and Stella enjoyed a dip in the pool. (Don’t worry, I was on duty, too.) She’s got to earn her keep somehow, right?

Leave your funniest or most creative caption in the comments below. I will feature a few of my favorites in a later blog post and there’s also a fabulous prize in store for my top caption pick: three OPI nail polishes in ‘OPI…Eurso Euro,’ ‘Oy-Another Nail Polish Joke,’ and ‘My Paprika is Hotter Than Yours.’

How would you caption this picture of Coco?

You have until next Wednesday, May 29th.

Love,
T

You’re Invited: Party With Me on Pinterest

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:00:00 -0700

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again; I have a major love affair with Pinterest. As you know by now, Pinterest is my favorite way to discover new crafts, recipes, fashion inspiration… and pretty much everything else there is to discover on the Internet. Even Miss Stella—the mini craftista that she is—has gotten into Pinterest lately. She’ll sit with me while I’m on the computer or on my iPhone, and go, “Mommy, I think you should pin that one.”

That’s why I am particularly excited about the Chillin’ and Grillin’ Pinterest party that I’ll be attending tonight. So what’s a Pinterest party you ask? At 6 p.m. PST tonight, I’ll be joining a slew of other amazing craftistas and foodistas to pin to a joint Chillin’ and Grillin’ board. My friend and ediTORIal guest blogger Jenny Dixon is co-hosting this gathering of major Pinterest players, and I am thrilled at the chance to mix and mingle with this special group of pinners.

I’d love for you to join the party tonight and re-pin some of our picks. It will be a great place to gather inspiration for your next beach barbecue or summer soiree. Here’s the invitation:

Are you going to join the Chillin’ and Grillin’ Pinterest party?

Leave me a link to your own Chillin’ and Grillin’ inspiration in the comments, and I might just pin some of the pictures tonight.

Love,
T

P.S. Jenny wrote the sweetest open letter to me on my birthday last week. You have to check it out.

Foodista: 6 Homemade Versions of Kids' Favorite Snacks

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:00:00 -0700

6 Homemade Versions of Kid’s Favorite Snacks

Whether you're sick of spending too much money on your kids' snacks or worry about what all of those unidentifiable ingredients are doing to their little bodies, we have the solution for you! Make your own homemade versions of your child's favorite snack. Whether they're crazy for Goldfish, sweet on Nutter Butters or Oreos, or wild for Pop-Tarts, we have a recipe that will make you feel better about serving up those snacks on a daily basis. Keep clicking to find your favorite snack substitute. 

Oreos

Ambrosia Bakery's homemade Oreos are shockingly easy to make and taste just like the real thing!

Pop-Tarts

Back to the Cutting Board's maple-cinnamon oat Pop-Tarts substitute healthier coconut oil for shortening, but the maple-cinnamon filling and maple frosting ensures that they will be a hit with your kids.

Granola Bars

Lemon Sugar's homemade granola bars are chewy, soft, and full of chocolate and peanut butter chips. Use your favorite homemade granola recipe or go for store-bought to save time.

A Sneak Peek at The Land of Nod's Fall 2013 Collection

Nutter Butters

Nutter Butters are pretty delicious straight from the package, but Cookies and Cups's homemade version are even better, especially because they're soft and chewy!

Goldfish

She Wears Many Hats' homemade cheese crackers via Tasty Kitchen use DIY cookie cutters and only five ingredients!

Fruit Rolls

Try making your own fruit rolls using this easy recipe from Against All Grain. They roll out snack fun by the foot!

Which one of these snacks are you most excited to make?

More articles from PopSugar Moms:
10 Under $10: Great Drugstore Finds for Kids
Up, Up, and Hooray! A Cool Airplane Birthday Party
10 Easy Toys to Make With Your Kids
Cute as a Button: 10 Cool Crafts You Can Make With Buttons

Video Recap: My Life in 36 Seconds

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:30:00 -0700

From the minutes following Finn’s birth to Hattie Cat’s first steps, I always make a point of capturing our family’s milestone moments on film. But I also believe that the moments and memories in between are just as important to preserve. Which brings me to my latest iPhone obsession…

Lately I’ve been using this amazing app called Vine. It’s a little bit like Twitter only you’re limited to 6 seconds of video instead of 140 characters. It’s super fun and perfect for busy mamas or kiddos with short attention spans. And hey, if a picture is worth 1,000 words, a six second video must be worth at least an essay!

So today I wanted to share my first few Vine videos with everyone here on ediTORIal. From our crowded bed to beach day with the kids, here’s my life lately in 36 seconds:

This is how we sleep… Kids, dogs, and chicken

A girl just needs her coffee in the morning!

My model in the making Stella practicing her poses…

Mother’s Day beach-capades…

Stella making sand cakes…

And happy 40th birthday to me! #Paradise

Did you enjoy these mini documenTORI videos?

Let me know which one was your favorite.

Love,
T