Audrey

Author: Audrey

Violins with GrandmaSpending Time with Family - One Small Child

Spending Time with Grandparents

For the past several years, my sweet Eighty-something grandmother has volunteered every week to play piano for folks in local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. She has an incredibly large repertoire of songs, all of which she plays by request for her darling audiences, entirely from memory. This summer, my daughters were able to join her in her weekly performances (at three different facilities — she gets around!), and I wanted to share a little bit about that experience.

First, it was seriously fun to see how much Grandma enjoyed having some fiddlers in her show. She was so excited to have them there, to introduce them to her friends, and to play along with them. My girls inherited their musical ear from this great woman, and it was a treat to see her eyes light up when my oldest finally got up the courage to play an unrehearsed tune in front of an audience along with the piano. The girls loved hearing her play old standards like The Tennessee Waltz, Blue Hawaii, Five Foot Two Eyes of Blue, & Springtime in the Rockies.

Violins with Grandma | Spending Time with Family

Spending Time with Grandparents

Here are some of the benefits my girls gain by spending time with grandparents:

1-Character – having the opportunity to see their grandmother’s example of service helps build their own character. They can see the good she is doing, and they are learning from her to do the same.

2-Connection – shared time is the basic building block of relationships. Just being together provides opportunities to connect, to get to know each other better, and to just enjoy.

3-History – Grandma has seen and experienced so many things in her life, I want my girls to learn as much as possible, and to love being with her. It was so fun to listen to the historic music she loves with them, to see them smile and tap their toes, and play along.

4-Skills – in our circumstance, this activity provided the chance to improve their own performance skills. Getting more comfortable in front of a group of people and gaining confidence in their musical ability is a win-win! Whether it’s honing skills they’ve developed on their own, or learning something new from a grandparent, there are many opportunities for growth in spending time with grandparents!

What are your favorite ways to provide your children with Grandma time?

Violins with Grandma | Family

New LogoChristening Gowns & Outfits - One Small Child

The New Face of One Small Child

One Small Child New Logo | Christening Gowns & Outfits
We’ve been busily working on a new look for our web site for the past few months, and are pleased to introduce you to the new ‘face’ of One Small Child! Things are still in the ironing out stage, but it’s coming together beautifully. We hope you enjoy shopping with us and can feel a little of the timeless, magical atmosphere we’ve created for you. Hop on over to our website and let us know what you think! {{smile}}

Win $200 to shop for christening gowns and outfits - One Small Child

Christening Gowns, Outfits, Accessories: Win $200!

November Giveaway | Christening Gowns and Outfits by One Small Child

{Celebrating Our 30th Year}

We’ve been celebrating our 30th year in business with a giveaway each month, and we’re wrapping it up with the biggest prize yet: one lucky winner will receive a $200 shopping spree to One Small Child! To spread the love, we’ll also randomly select two runners-up, who will each receive $50 shopping codes, good toward the purchase of any of our products.

{Shop for Christening Gowns, Outfits, Accessories and More}

We’ve spent the last 30 years becoming experts in creating gorgeous christening gowns, outfits and accessories. It is such fun to create these products, and envision how they’ll look on your sweet little one! So much care and thought goes into each and every item: the styles, fabrics, and trims are carefully chosen to create christening and baptism wear that will honor the importance of the event and enhance the beauty of your baby. We love to be sure you’ll also be able to find the christening accessories you might need to go with that special outfit: you’ll find amazing girl and boy blankets, soft boy and girl bodysuits, personalized bibs, socks, shoes and jewelry to complement Baby’s look.

We don’t stop with products for one event! You might want to grab some of our cute holiday dresses, soft leather baby moccasins, beautiful baby headbands, sweet diaper covers, and gifts for every occasion.

{How to Enter this Giveaway}

It’s EASY to enter! Just comment on this post with a link to your favorite One Small Child product. Giveaway ends Sunday, November 30 at 11:59 pm mountain time. You can earn additional entries by:

-leaving your name and email address in the Google form below
-following @onesmallchild on Instagram: comment on this post with your username
-sharing our giveaway on Instagram: #oscgiveaway
-following us on Pinterest: comment on this post with your username
-liking us on Facebook: comment on this post with your username
-following us on Google+: comment on this post with your username

{Giveaway terms and conditions}

Kids and Technology: Mom Talk

Mom Talk: Kids and Technology | One Small Child

No doubt about it, the relationship between kids and technology is something every mom needs to consider. Here are our thoughts, what are yours?

Samantha | One Small Child Mom TalkSamantha: Mindful Media Use in the Infant Stage

There has been a lot of talk lately about technology, and the effects it has on children. We’ve learned it’s important to limit and monitor children’s usage time. Research suggests technology under 24 months can interfere with social development. So we implemented the policy of no tv/technology until 2 years old. We feel our baby girl’s social development is worth any added effort or inconvenience this may cause.

But what about my own technology use? Especially around my little one? When my baby was a few months old, I began to find myself busy ‘doing nothing’ on my phone or laptop when I should have been engaged as a mom. I was missing out on moments I wanted to cherish.

I don’t want memories of my phone. I want memories of my daughter. More importantly, I want her to have good memories of her mother. I now set aside time after the little one is fast asleep to browse pinterest and other social media. And I’m all the happier for it.

Do you notice a difference when you unplug yourself and focus on you kids? Would you be willing to put away the social media to make a few good memories?

 

Audrey | One Small Child Mom TalkAudrey: Finding the Balance

The subject of kids and technology use is absolutely a part of everyday life, and it’s here to stay. I think we can all agree that the omnipresence of our favorite digital devices is a double-edged sword: the tools we have at our fingertips are invaluable, while creating and maintaining healthy habits around these tools can be tricky. For me, it’s important to accept that figuring it all out is going to be an ongoing process.

On any given day, I’m in love with the fact that I have so many ways to accomplish my job and connect with others…and ten minutes later, I’m frustrated at the intrusive distractions that work their way into my family’s life. Some days we keep things in balance, some days we don’t. Bottom line, we’re working on it as we go, and that’s okay.

Here’s what works for me:
-Take care of personal, family, school, and household responsibilities before plugging in.
-Limiting the amount of time spent in front of a screen makes every one of us more pleasant to be around! (Unlimited screen time has the exact opposite effect)

Here’s what I’m still figuring out:
-The optimal amount of time to allow.
-Consistency…no two days are the same, I need to build more flexibility into the plan so it doesn’t run completely off track when things are crazy busy.

Here are some great resources for considering and creating your own technology game plan:

Rethinking the Screen Time Battle – Power of Moms (I love this one…it’s definitely going to be built into future iterations of my plan)
How to Make A Family Media Use Plan – American Academy of Pediatrics
Friday Q&A: Facebook & Social Media – 71toes
TV Timer BOB for older kids.

Christening Invitations by Biplane Press - One Small Child

Biplane Press Christening Invitations: A Giveaway

Christening Invitations by Biplane Press

We’re huge fans of these elegant letterpress Christening invitations by Biplane Press–in fact, we love them so much we included them in our Vintage Christening Party!

Pia Townsend is the artisan behind this design studio & letterpress shop located in the UK. Her invitations and stationery are individually pressed on a 100-year-old cast iron printing press, using this gorgeously thick textured paper that creates a product you can’t help but run your fingers over. Pia’s design aesthetic is a beautiful mix of vintage and modern that lends itself to the heirloom nature of her offerings, and is sure to set the tone for your baby’s special event.

Christening Invitations by Biplane Press | One Small Child Giveaway

Pia has graciously offered to provide invitations for one of our readers, a $225 value! This prize includes 25 one-sided invitations printed in one color, with recycled fleck kraft envelopes (rounded corners are not included). Keep in mind, you are not limited to Christening invitations–you can tailor any of these styles to suit your needs: birth announcements, baptisms, birthdays, weddings.

In addition, any of our readers choosing to order invitations from Biplane Press can enjoy a free upgrade to rounded corners and colored envelopes through the end of October, all you have to do is mention that you saw this offer at One Small Child when you’re ordering.

Biplane Press Christening Invitations Giveaway

{How to Enter this Giveaway}

To enter to win, hop over to her etsy store to see her offerings, then come back here and share your favorite design in a comment on this post. You can also drop by our Facebook page and share your favorite invitation design on the giveaway post pinned to the top of our timeline to earn an additional entry! This giveaway will end on Wednesday, October 15 at 11:59 p.m. MDST. The winner will be announced on our Facebook page and/or via email.

Painted Feather Tutorial - One Small Child

How to Make a Painted Feather Garland {in 3 Easy Steps}

How to Make a Painted Feather Garland | Christening Party Decorations

We came up with this pretty painted feather garland for our Vintage Christening Party shoot, and love how it turned out! Also: it’s seriously easy to put together, and the options are endless. Here’s how we did it:

Easy Painted Feather Garland Tutorial | Christening Party Decorations

Painted Feather Garland Tutorial

Supplies Needed:

  • Feathers (any size, color will do, it’s all up to you–we used various sizes of white feathers for this garland)
  • Masking Tape
  • Spray Paint
  • String/Rope/Ribbon/Lace to hang your feathers on (we used jute twine & lace)
  • Floral Wire
  • Scissors

Step 1:

Find a surface you can adhere the feathers to, in a well-ventilated space where you can safely spray paint. Grab a feather and place masking tape over the area you want to remain the natural feather color. You can do any pattern: we did some of ours in a chevron shape, others with diagonal or horizontal stripes. Your imagination is the limit!

Step 2:

Spray the feathers with the spray paint. We liked ours with a heavy coat towards the bottom fading to a lighter coat towards the top. Again, it’s all up to your imagination. Just play with it and see what you like best–there’s no right or wrong way! Let the paint dry. It should take just a few minutes (this will depend on how heavily the paint is applied, just be sure it’s dry to the touch) and remove the tape.

Step 3:

Attach the feathers to your string with floral wire by wrapping a bit of wire around the feather and the string. Space the feathers as desired along the string, then hang the garland and ENJOY!

Painted Feather Garland | Christening Party Decorations

Paradise Sugar Cookie Recipes - One Small Child

Paradise Sugar Cookies Recipe

Paradise Sugar Cookie Recipes

We made these delightful cookies for our Vintage Inspired Christening Party, and have to share: they are THAT good. The cookie is more like a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread than a traditional soft sugar cookie, and it is over-the-top delicious with the fluffy frosting. The recipe was found on this cooking blog via Pinterest, it’s touted as a copycat mish-mash of Paradise Bakery’s cookie and Magnolia Bakery’s buttercream frosting. Props to the unknown original creator, as it is downright yummy!

Paradise Sugar Cookies Recipe | Ingredients

Paradise Sugar Cookies Recipe | Make the Dough

Paradise Sugar Cookies Recipe | How to Bake

Paradise Sugar Cookies Recipe | Frosting

Cookie Ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups vegetable shortening
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 3 1/3 cups cake flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 6 to 8 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cookie Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 375°.
2) In a medium bowl, cream together the sugars and shortening using an electric mixer.
3) Mix on slow speed 30 seconds, then scrape down the bowl with a spatula.
4) Increase speed to medium and mix for 3 minutes.
5) Slowly add vanilla and beaten egg while mixing.
6) In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the mixing bowl, mixing on slow speed until just blended. Do not overmix.
7) Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator to chill for a few minutes (if you’re going to roll it out to cut into shapes, chill for at least two hours).
8) Scoop dough with an ice-cream scoop, roll with your hands into uniform balls.
9) Place directly on cookie sheet.
10) Bake at 375° for 9-10 minutes. Cookies are done when small cracks appear and are pale golden. Ideally, the edges do not brown.

Frosting Directions:

1) Place the butter in a large mixing bowl.
2) Add 4 cups of the sugar and then the milk and vanilla.
3) On medium speed of an electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
4) Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition (about 2 minutes), until the icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistency. (You may not need to add all of the sugar.)
5) If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix thoroughly.
6) Use and store the icing at room temperature because it will set if chilled. Icing can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Paradise Sugar Cookies Recipe

Baby Shower Gifts Giveaway - One Small Child

Baby Shower Gifts: Peek a Boo Rainbow Book and Blanket Gift Tote Giveaway {Closed}

Baby Shower Gifts Giveaway

{Perfect Baby Shower Gifts}

Our brand-new book and blanket gift totes make awesome baby shower gifts! Each includes a darling baby book, a beautiful knit blanket, and a personalized gift tote to pull it all together. We love these new products, and we’re excited to send one Peek-a-Boo Rainbow Book and Blanket Gift Tote (a $75 value) to the lucky winner of our September Giveaway!

{How to Enter this Giveaway}

It’s EASY to enter! Just leave your name and email address in the form below. Giveaway ends Tuesday, September 30 at 11:59 pm mountain time. You can earn additional entries by:

-following @onesmallchild on Instagram: comment on this post with your username
-sharing our giveaway on Instagram: #oscsepgiveaway
-following us on Pinterest: comment on this post with your username
-liking us on Facebook: comment on this post with your username
-following us on Google+: comment on this post with your username

{Giveaway terms and conditions}

Vintage Inspired Christening Party - One Small Child

Vintage Inspired Christening Party

Vintage Inspired Christening Party

Join us for a vintage inspired christening party! All you need is a sweet baby girl (dressed in our darling eyelet Everleigh Eyelet Dress), a fun location, and some yummy food. We shopped our homes to pull together this eclectic little event: a unifying color scheme made it easy to create a vintage vibe that really rocked when we added a few modern elements.

Baby Leather Ballet Moccasins

First, we added dainty lace ties to our new baby Leather Ballet Moccasins. We love the options this idea gives you: it’s so easy to change out the lace for ribbon to create a whole new look to go with any outfit!

Everleigh Eyelet Dresses

The moccasins come with this darling little leather headband. LOVE!

Family Christening Photography

Christening Party Ideas

Custom Party Lights

We found this Paper Pyramid Light Garland made by The Society of National Industry on Etsy, and cannot get over how awesome it is! It would be easy to incorporate these sweet lights in any decor setting.

Babies Breath Wreath | Baptism Party Ideas

Baby’s Breath Wreath tutorial coming soon!

After Christening Parties | Decorating Ideas

Bird Muslin Favor Bags

For favors, we filled these precious bird muslin bags (from Yellow Flower Designs on Etsy) with to-die-for sugar cookies (recipe here).

Bird Favor Bags | Baptism Party Ideas

Christening Invitations

Elegant christening invitations by Biplane Press on Etsy.

Christening Food | Cookies

Christening Party Table Setting

Painted Feather Napkin Rings

Check out our painted feathers tutorial…seriously so easy, and adorable!

Baptism Table Setting

Bird Favor Bags

Crepe Cake

Okay, this crepe cake? Was A.MA.ZING. Click here for the recipe. We simplified a little by using prepared Bavarian Cream Pastry Filling instead of homemade…loved every bite!

Baptism Party Food Ideas

Family-Christening-Photos-5983

Everleigh-Eyelet-Dresses

Rose Pearl Bracelet

One last little detail: this Rose Pearl Bracelet is just too pretty, a sweet finishing touch for any baby girl!

{Photography by Heather & Kayla of Paisley Studios}