Sheaffer Told Me To

What’s Up Wednesday and KID’S TOYS

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Hey Everybody! 
Today is What’s Up Wednesday with Shay and Mel!
Please join us and let everybody know
 WHAT’S UP with you this fine Wednesday!
WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK
Pie.
Lots and lots of pie.
The end.
WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT
Speaking of pie.
I ate a piece of pie last year that changed my life.
I can’t even being to put into words what this pie tastes like.
Oh wait, yes I can.  It tastes like Christmas.  Seriously.
Let’s dive in a little deeper, shall we?
It tastes like JOY and MERRIMENT.
You might think I’m over-selling this, but I promise I’m not.
Let’s just say it’s a good dang thing it’s only available after Thanksgiving through the beginning of January, because if available all year long, it’s very possible that I would now weigh approximately 937 pounds.

If you are local, go eat this pie at Emporium Pies on the square (there is also a location in the Bishop Arts District in Dallas).  It’s called “Father Christmas” and it’s a peppermint cream pie with a chocolate cookie crust.  I KNOW.
If you’re not local, I’m sorry.
If you go there, tell them Pinterest Told Me To sent you.
You won’t get anything, and they won’t have any idea who you are talking about…
but maybe if enough people mention me , the good people at Emporium Pies would reward me.
With pie.
Here’s hoping.

WHAT I’M LOVING
Having the week off with my little fella!  I love snuggling late and sleeping in!

WHAT I’VE BEEN UP TO
Shay and I have been working hard on the Five Days of Fabulous Week!
GIRLS.
We are so incredibely excited about what we’ve put together for the week.
YOUR MINDS ARE GOING TO BE BLOWN.
WHAT I’M WORKING ON
Well, I’ve been behind the scenes already working on my Black Friday and Cyber Monday posts.
I don’t go out and fight the crowds, but I do shop up a storm from a couch at the ranch!
And I’m doing everything I can to help make your online shopping experience as easy as possible!

So wherever you are, make sure you come back here on Black Friday and Cyber Monday before you do your shopping.  Throw on your pajamas, grab a cup of hot chocolate, plop yourself down on the couch and we will go shopping together!  I have already started working on the post, and I will continue to do so even after it goes live…updating it with new items that I find or that y’all tell me about!  I will be highlighting TONS of retailers in hopes to streamline your online shopping and make it as easy and stress free as possible.


WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT 
It’s almost time to bring out my favorite craft that we have EVER done over here at the Sims casa.
Now, to be fair, we don’t do many crafts around here, but these are ones that I treasure.
They are the first decorations I put up every Christmas and the last decorations I take down.

First step:  just by the canvas sizes you like.  The tree is a 16×20, the Santa is an 8×10, and the snowmen  canvas is 14×14.  The Christmas tree is probably my favorite. 
 I love all of his 3 year old little hands stacked on top of each other.  They really tug on this mama’s heart.  How did we do it?  Easy Peasy.  I just used a pencil to do a rough sketch of about what size I wanted the tree to be.  The two bottom rows are both made up of 5 handprints, I just overlapped them more on the 2nd row. I then had him do 4 handprints, then 3, then 2, then 1.
I painted the tree trunk and the star.
I drew the light string with a sharpie marker, and the colored lights are…wait for it….
fingerprints.
That was my own idea.
I impressed myself with that one.

Click HERE if you want to read how we did the ones below.
And yes, that’s my foot, Carter’s foot, and Chris’s foot.  And all of the accessories are scrapbook paper!


WHAT I’M WATCHING 
I’m not sure if I’ve ever mentioned this on the blog, but I watch General Hospital.
Any other GH fans out there?
I’ve watched it for as long as I can remember, and I can’t get enough of Port Charles and all the crazies that live there.
It’s particularly good right now with the whole Jake Doe is really Jason storyline!
#GHforlife
#stayoffthedocksifyoudon’twanttrouble
WHAT I’M LISTENING TO
A Quiet House because the boys are both asleep.
It’s okay to be jealous.

WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND
I’ll be at the ranch house with my family and Chris’s extended family hanging with all the cousins!

WHAT I’M WEARING 
Since I’ll be at the ranch, and it’s supposed to be cold, it’s a pretty good bet you’ll find me in my leggings and my new UGG boots , and THIS.  There’s nothing better than being all snuggly and warm at the ranch, watching the cousin’s play, with some sort of festive adult beverage in hand.  ðŸ˜‰
And in an effort to extended the legging wearing fun….I think I’m going to wear this outfit on Thanksgiving Day….
But I’m probably going to be wearing my original MUST HAVE leggings  (make sure you are paying attention to if “regular” or “plus size” are marked, because for some reason the link is connecting to the “plus size” first) instead of the LOFT leggings pictured.  Why?  Because the originals are a little bit looser around my waist, and I’m thinking I might need the extra room.
#i’maplanner

Click HERE for details on the next 2 outfits on the 1 CARDIGAN, 4 WAYS POST!

Or I might wear it like this…with jeans and leopard booties…
Because let’s be honest, these leopard booties make everything look good. 😉 Remember, if you buy the booties, go up 1/2 a size.
WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH
That’s easy!
Christmas morning!
Watching Carter open his presents is one of my favorite days of the year.



Speaking of Carter and presents, Nordstrom asked me to review their selection of kid’s toys like I did last year!    I know that some of you are saying “WHAT?  Nordstrom carries toys?

They actually carry AWESOME toys!!!
And remember, Nordstrom has free shipping and returns!
Which means I can stay out of Toys R’ Us.
AND ALL THE MAMAS SAID AMEN!
Click HERE for all toys if you just want to browse around yourself.
toys under $25 HERE
 /boy toys HERE / sports fan gear HERE / girl toys HERE / toys for little ones HERE

I’m  going to start out with one of Carter’s favorites:

Here’s Carter with one of his school friends and our little neighbor friend playing with his Magformers last year.
I’m telling you that on play dates, with a room full of toys, the boys ALWAYS go for the Magnaforms first.  Girls definitely enjoy them too (so do adults, if we’re being honest!), but boys go crazy for them.
They are pricey, but they are SO worth it.
They ignite the imagination and keep the kiddos busy for a long while!

The box says for ages 6+, but Carter has been actively playing with these since he was about 3 years old.  I would say that most kids need to be at least 4 to follow the directions booklets to build certain things (which Carter loves doing), but he also has just as much just using his imagination and building his own creations!  I’m telling you, these blocks are awesome.
They are definitely in Carter’s TOP 5 toys of all times.

Here’s Carter with one of his Magformer rocketship creations.
So yeah, if you have a boy between 3-8 years of age, I can guarantee you that Magformers will make a fantastic gift.  Your kid will love them, and you will too!!!

Whenever we travel (to the ranch, to the grandparent’s house, etc.), we always take the Magformers with us.  We store them in these little $5 containers from Target, and the containers make them very easy to clean up at home as well as super portable and easy throw in the car whenever we need to!

Here are the Magformers available, just click on what you are interested in:

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We got this precious stuffed dog for Carter’s nursery before he was even born!  It stood by his crib and then it moved into his big boy room!

Click HERE for the stuffed dog!
Real dog not for sale. 😉

 I mean, precious.

Here’s a toy I wish we we have bought Carter when he was younger.
Click HERE for the Strider Sport Balance Bike.

When working on this post and going through all of the toys online, the moment I saw this bike I texted my friend Betsy because I thought that her son had one when he was younger, and I was right.
Betsy and her hubby Steven are both cyclists, and here’s what she had to say about it:
“Hands down best purchase of his little life.  He never needed training wheels because of the balance bike and could ride a real bike at 3.  We even let him ride it in the house!  He still rides it  (some) even though he can ride a real bike.”  Now THAT’S a glowing recommendation!
Here is their son Lou at his first bike rice, at just over 2 years old.

And here he is in action!  Look at Lou go!

Click HERE for the balance bike.
Thank you Betsy for sending the video and the pic!

And check out THIS set I bought Carter for Christmas this year, but we went ahead and broke it out the other day after he had been sick.
He had so much fun!  And truth be told, Chris and I kind of got into it as well.
Did any of you ladies have sets like this when you were younger?
I don’t mean to brag, but my sister and I even had sparkly and glittery spin art t-shirts that we made at the mall.  We wore them with leggings and those little plastic things that would tie up one side.
MOM!  FIND A PICTURE OF ME AND CONNER IN THESE OUTFITS!
Click HERE for the spin art set.
We tried different techniques, we mixed colors together to create new colors, and just had a bawl.
Click HERE for all the sets similar to this one!  I love these interactive toys for kids
 that are a bit older!

And did you know that Nordstrom carries Melissa and Doug toys, because they do!
Click HERE for all Melissa and Doug toys!


And Nordstrom even carries LEGOs now!
Click HERE to see the selection for both boys and girls!
And check out these toys from our childhood.
#blastfromthepast
simon memory game HERE / etch a sketch HERE sold out /  lite brite toy HERE
MORE GREAT GIFT IDEAS:

AMAZING play tents HERE (ranging in price from $60-$269).
Costumes HERE
If you have a dinosaur lover, click HERE for all things dinosaur (including stamps, floor puzzles, and figures to play with)!
Educational Toys HERE.
Also, you can click HERE for a grouping of BEST SELLERS!
And if you look down the left-hand side bar, you can see toys divided into the following other groups:  boys, girls, wow-factor toys, and toys under $25.

Thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring the KID’S TOYS portion of this post!

And here’s a parent tip that I’m sure most of you already use…I also like to buy a new pair of shoes, a coat, or something else my kiddo needs to put under the tree.  He needs the item anyway, and it’s another gift to unwrap!  Here are some shoe options:



WHAT ELSE IS NEW
GIRLS!  
Don’t forget that I’m having a Christmas shopping party at Accessory Concierge on Thursday, December 10th from 7:00-9:00.
I think you should make it a fun night with girlfriends.
Go to dinner before, head to Accessory Concierge for wine and shopping, get some Christmas shopping done, and maybe even buy something for yourself.



And please remember to bring clothing donations for The Samaritan Inn.
My dear friend Brennan (who is one of the sweetest and most lovely people you could ever hope to know) is now the new Volunteer Coordinator for The Samaritan Inn.  
I want to encourage all of you who come to the party to do a bit of a closet clean out and bring your gently worn clothes to the party!  I will get them to The Samaritan Inn!



FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TRADITION



This is an easy one.
My favorite Christmas tradition by far is going to church for the Christmas Eve service. 
I love being there with my people and soaking in the reason for the season.
Opening presents on Christmas morning and shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday is fun….
but the birth of our Savior that lived as a man and died for our sins is the most precious gift of all.



See y’all back here on Friday!
I can promise you I will have created a SUPER COMPREHENSIVE guide to help make your Black Friday shopping as easy as possible.
In fact, I will even be highlighting stores I don’t normally shop, just because I know some of you do.
It will be a ONE STOP SHOP!


xoxo,
Sheaffer 🙂









Filed Under: Fashion 28 Comments

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Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    First of all, I wish I was going to the ranch too – sounds awesome.
    2nd thanks for the gift ideas. I'm totally getting the magformers – for my girls! They LOVED playing with these (so did all my kids of varying ages) at a relatives's house last year. Also I'm getting the karaoke machine and the spin art set! Thanks for making it easy for me. P.S. I know I said this last year, but I LOVE your handprint pictures. Just fabulous! What kind of paper did you use? It looks like it didn't crinkle from the paint.

    Reply

  2. DIYbyDesign says

    I'm already a fan of your blog, but now that I know you're a GH fan, I'm even more of a fan. Been watching on and off since Luke and Laura's wedding. You're right it is good right now! Have a happy thanksgiving.

    Reply

  3. Andrea Pepe says

    I can't believe you watch GH!!! I have been watching since High School. Love it right now! I can't wait until Elizabeth is found out. The cat fight between her and Sam and Carly is going to be EPIC. EPIC.

    Reply

    • Amart says

      I too have been watching since high school and can't stop, won't stop!! I love all the action right now!! 🙂 #stayoffthedocksifyoudon'twanttrouble Love that hashtag! So true too!!

      Reply

  5. Mix and Match Mama says

    Um, seriously, when are we meeting for Father Christmas Pie? Monday? Monday and Tuesday? Every day next week? I'll wear my stretchy pants…

    Reply

  6. Susan Maliff says

    Shaeffer…..what you just did there is WRONG on so many levels. As I was reading about that fantastic pie, I was just about drooling on my keyboard and reading as fast as I could (so I could find out how to get my hands on that pie), only to find out that I couldn't get my hands on it, as I am not local! #shameonyou
    🙂

    Reply

  7. dresselfamily.blogspot.com says

    I started watching Gh when I came to Canada ..and had the biggest crush on Jason ( Steve burton)..swoon lol!!!! I was sad he left.
    those are all great toys.. so fun.
    and that pie… oh for the love..yum

    Reply

  8. Leigh (Balancing By Faith) says

    Christmas Eve service is my favorite too!!! The perfect time to stop before the crazy and quiet our hearts for why we celebrate!

    Reply

  10. Megan says

    We have a strider bike too!!! Love it!! Baker started riding it about 2 months before he turned 2 and hasn't stopped since. He rides that bike almost every single day. It's a favorite at our house!!

    Reply

  12. Tonya says

    I love your Christmas canvases! One suggestion on the Christmas tree for anyone who decides to make one this year- add clear glitter to the fingerprint lights when the paint is still wet and the lights on your tree will sparkle. We are all about the bling here, right?!?!
    Happy Thanksgiving!
    Tonya
    Storybook Endings in Second

    Reply

  13. Lee and Anna Hogan says

    We LOVE Strider bikes! My girls both rode them when they were younger and both picked up riding pedal bikes with NO problems! It took them about five minutes to figure the pedals out and they were off! My boys are riding the Striders now and have really gotten the hang of it (ages 2.5 and almost 2). Thanks for all the toy recs!

    Reply

  15. New York Roots to Southern Boots says

    Thank you for the amazing gift ideas!! I have to tell you, that I'm counting down the days for your Bachelor Recaps! They are my absolute favorite!! Happy Thanksgiving!

    PS. I'm sorry if this is the second comment from me. I'm having some MAJOR technical difficulties this morning, which also explains why my link up profile picture is sideways. #linkupfail

    Reply

  16. Cassie Sugarplum says

    Enough about that dang pie….I'm ready for a piece now!!! It's a date next week, yes?? And you don't fool me…you're not sleeping in this week! 😉 Happy happy thanksgiving…so thankful for you and your sweet family!

    Reply

  18. MommyLu says

    I bought my daughters Magformers for Christmas last year after you mentioned them on the blog. They were 6 and 8 at the time and they still play with them. My now 9-year old asked for more for Christmas this year. They like to make little villages for their dolls to play in with them. Good for girls, too! 🙂

    Reply

  21. vanillafrog says

    LOVE GH! I've always watched it, and now that they have the guy who used to play Todd on OLTL, I love it even more! Love Sonny, Jason, and all their stories and was a big fan of Elizabeth and Lucky when he was on!

    Reply

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