Paper Source

It always seems that I go into a store with the intention of buying one thing and walk out with something completely different. Such was the case when I set out to buy party favors for my daughter's birthday. Instead of picking out trinkets, I bought tools to make a birthday sign. A fairly simple project, I was pleased with the results and hope it becomes a birthday heirloom that we will hang every year on her birthday.

To see the whole festive sign and how to make it, read more

Do you ever wish you could push a button to make your child stop crying? The folks at Worldwide Co. think they have figured out a way to keep some kids under, no pun intended, control. A few simple batteries and a touch of a button will have your wee one doing dishes, kissing "Granny," tackling homework, and tantrum free. Sounds too good to be true? It can even stop them from smoking and getting inked up or pierced in odd places! When they throw attitude your way, just punch "off" and relax.

Perfect for baby showers or even a teacher gag gift, these uproarious Control a Kid remote controls ($9) are sure to get a chuckle from the recipient and other guests.

If you're on board with the tea party theme, you might want to check out these simple and creative invitations that I crafted with supplies from my favorite paperie, Paper Source.

To see how to make them, read more

One of the best ways to add some flair to a baby shower or a baby's birthday party is to print out some pictures of the guest of honor and display them. For a baby shower, take baby pictures of the expectant couple and make photo copies of the originals. For a kid's birthday party, find the tot's best shots and do the same.

Use a corner cutter ($9) to soften the edges. If you want to make them a little fancier, double–stick tape to the photos to scalloped circle note cards ($7 for 20 cards).

Then decide how you want to show off the pretty pics. If you have a chandelier, you can punch holes near the top of the pictures and dangle them from the light fixture using ribbons. Or, you can use an Umbra fotofalls ($20) photo holder. Clip the snapshots to it and use it as a centerpiece for your party.

Your guests will ohhh and ahhh at the lil Martha Stewart you've become.

Artwork and murals can be perfect in some baby's rooms. But some spaces are too small for murals and art can get pricey. A friend of mine had a great idea that is simple and cost efficient. Find unique and whimsical papers and frame it in basic frames. It looks stunning and professional.

Paper Source and Two Hands Paperie always have a great selection of fabulous printed paper. Once you pick out your papers, find some picture frames like the ones from Target in different or same sizes and place your paper in them. Next you can plot out where you want to hang the framed beauties, put 'em up and you're done!

Teachers work hard to educate our children, stimulate their learning skills, and inspire them to read, write, and be creative. We all know that their salaries often don't reflect all of the effort that goes into their job. Teachers make a difference every day for scores of children — now it's our turn to make a difference for them.

Most teachers have to get up at the crack of dawn to meet and greet our lil angels so a piping hot cup of coffee that isn't from the teacher's lounge is a useful gift. Present them with a Starbucks gift card.

To see the rest of the ideas for teacher's gifts, read more

I'm really not as organized as I'd like to be, but if there's one organizational activity I can get excited about, it's filing papers. I don't know why, but there's just something very satisfying about making my way through a stack of documents and filing them all away in the proper folders.

But I know most of us could use some more motivation to get everything in order, so why not get some fashionable file folders to help you along? This Bob's Your Uncle In/Out/Limbo Set ($6) is adorable, but if that's not your style, I've found a lot more. Check out my favorites below.