life-like birdies.

Are your kids always asking for pets? Mine too. :) Recently, my 3 year old daughter has shown an interest in birds. I would never want to own a real bird… sorry Bella! But scoping around Michael's the other day I saw in their garden section they have some bird decorations that look almost real! Also little nests, eggs, bedding, etc. Then I saw a little bird cage decoration for sale. Now Bella has a great little bird toy that keeps her busy. Come on… these look SO REAL!!

toy rack.

Have you noticed that your kids are entertained by simple household items and not the 30$ ones you deliberately go out and buy for them!? At times so frustrating… and yet so encouraging! If you can be thrifty with their play things you will be less stressed because if it breaks.. who cares? Plus, no more feeling guilty about overpriced toys!

I really wish I had taken a before photo of this "toy rack" I made but I forgot! Take my word... it was hideous! It was just wooden and dusty, and I found it for 50c at the Goodwill. After a few coats of acrylic paint, I stenciled some cute designs on the flat bottom part, and let it dry. My daughter sets her toys up on it all the time! Push yourself to be creative when it comes to toys because it can be such a waste of $!! Kids don't care if it cost 50c or 50$!