Prinstagram, Not So Instant

A few weeks ago, I wanted to print out my Instagram photos.  In the meantime, I quickly realized that traditional photo sites would really distort the photos' aspect ratio .  I wanted the charm of a perfectly square photo.  This is when I discovered Printstagram!  I was in photo heaven....  I quickly uploaded my favorite photos, paid for my order, and waited, and waited, and waited.  They said it would take two weeks, but does it really?  Finally, the other day, they arrived from Hong Kong!!  They claim to be a California company, but who knows?  Overall, I am completely thrilled with these prints.  I took a few pictures to share with all of you.

What To Do When There's No Caillou?

Most of us, across the Midwest, have suffered scorching heat this week.  My children have been restless, and stir crazy.  To make matters worse, our internet was out, so that meant no Netflix. My poor children could not watch endless hours of Caillou. Instead, I decided to research some toddler crafts, where I came across this great blog on Pinterest, http://handsonaswegrow.com/2012/06/simple-straw-threaded-shoestring-necklace.html.  Based on this craft, I decided to have the kids create ribbon necklaces with straw beads.

I gathered up some colorful straws, ribbon, a plastic threading needle, and children's scissors.  My son,  obsessed with scissors, intently cut each straw.  

With help, each child easily threaded the straw pieces on their piece of ribbon to make a necklace.  This was a really fun and easy craft, which kept them occupied for over an hour!  

Instagram Pics of the Week

I've decided to grace you with my favorite Instagram Pics I've taken this week or so......

Smock- When Painting and Parties Mix (TM)

Last week, I had the opportunity to get back to my first love... Painting.  So I went painting party.  Smock, run and organized by Yianna Angelopoulos, is a party where you paint, socialize and drink. Smock will come to your home or venue to set up a whole art studio, which includes canvases, paints, brushes, easels, and smocks.  Drinks and food are provided by the host.

Our theme of the night was "50 Shades of Grey" meets Georgia O'Keefe.   Each easel was set up with a small Georgia O'Keefe picture and a quote from "50 Shades of Grey."  Yianna encouraged us to look at the center of the flower and work from there. To begin, we were given one crayon to create a rough sketch.  That's right no pencils or erasers.  The goal was to encourage us to sketch over any perceived mistakes and to problem solve.   Further, we worked with a limited palette of white, black, and yellow focusing on creating shades of gray with mid-tone values. As time progressed, we grew bolder with our choices and we were encouraged to add some color.

In the end, our paintings turned out fabulous!  Each and every painting reflected our unique and individual personalities.  If you would like to host a Smock party or would more information, you can reach Yianna Angelopoulos at smockchicago@gmail.com or her blog www.smockschicago@blogspot.com.

Knock One Out of the Park

I began The Wise Hummingbird 8 months ago to showcase my photography skills, document everyday life, and find some creative inspiration.  Needless to say, I haven't posted since January and I am ashamed.. I am usually the person who follows through.   I realize that most of us are in the same boat.  A wish to accomplish a goal, fulfill a dream, yet somehow life gets in the way.  Well, The Wise Hummingbird is back, and ready to Knock One Out of the Park post by post.

What are your unfulfilled creative dreams??  

Play Nice

     For a two year old, the idea of sharing with little sister (who is 1), is pretty much much a daily struggle.  Every time the kids play unsupervised, there is some amount of crying and hitting involved.  I am sick and tired of putting Mr. S. in the "naughty seat," which in my humble opinion does not work.  When he hits and shoves, he is aware of his negative behavior, but rejects apologizing to his sister.  Though he willingly apologizes to mommy and daddy.
     I recognize that he needs to be in control and assert his independence.  This is fine with me, but it needs to be accomplished in a safe and controlled setting.



 

     So today, Mr. S. made the rules.  The three of us played "legos" in the toy room.  Mr. S. loved to dump, so he was in charge of dumping the legos and building.  Meanwhile, he allowed the baby to put the legos into the bin.  Mommy was in the middle making sure they did not get into trouble.  With my right hand I helped Mr. S. build tall buildings, while with my left hand I made a pile for the baby.  This is how the morning went.  We peacefully played to our hearts content.. I guess mommy needs to supervise more often.

Halloween Time

When I was little, Halloween festivities were frowned upon.  My brothers and I were allowed to dress up for the school Halloween party, but we were not allowed to "trick or treat" in our neighborhood.  Life has come full circle.  Yesterday, we went to my parents neighborhood to "trick or treat."    With my brother, my mom, my husband and my two children in tow, we loaded up the red wagon and skipped up and down the block.  Like every big Greek family, ours lives on the same block.  Literally!  My aunt, my two cousins, etc..  Along with a few other Greek families that we know.  To say the least my children received their Big Fat Greek share of candy for the night..