Posts may contain affiliate links (see Disclosure). Thank you so much for supporting Artsy-Fartsy Mama!
Saturday, April 29, 2017

Make a Splash with LEGO® Friends Heartlake Summer Pool

Saturday, April 29, 2017

Make a Splash with LEGO® Friends Heartlake Summer Pool

Read more »
Sponsored by LEGO®, you can get ready to make a splash this summer with the LEGO Friends Heartlake Summer Pool set!


Summer is on its way, and we can't wait to spend some time in the sun! For now though, my daughter is a Lego fanatic and has loved playing with this new LEGO® Friends Heartlake Summer Pool set and pretending that the Lego Friends are having their summer vacation.


This last weekend we were able to attend SNAP! Conference in Salt Lake City. One of our favorite areas was the LEGO room. There were tables piled with loose LEGOs to play with and get our creativity going. After a couple of rounds of quick-building activities, we were taught by a REAL Master Builder how to build our own sturdy cupcake stand! Once we had the base built, it was up to us to make the cupcake stand our own.

Because my daughter practically lives "outside the box", she built a house to top her cupcake stand for her LEGO Friends mini-doll figures to have their own cupcake party in! I just love her creativity, and I love that LEGO helps to encourage it.


If you have seen The Lego Movie, you'll know that the "Master Builders" are the superheroes in the Lego world - being able to take simple bricks and create extraordinary things. With only seven in the United States and 40 worldwide, Paul Chrzan is one of the REAL-LIFE Lego Master Builders! One thing he has built that you may have seen is his work in the basement scene in The Lego Movie. He led a team in building that spectacular cityscape! It was so inspiring to talk to him about his career with LEGO and how he got to be where he is today.

Ever since we saw the movie, my daughter has aspired to be a Lego Master Builder herself. She was starstruck getting the opportunity to meet Paul. Once she told him of her dream of becoming a Master Builder, he got a big smile on his face and told her that they need more women on the team and to keep practicing. It made my mama heart soar to see so much encouragement and support from someone my daughter looks up to.

Some of Paul's best Lego Master Builder tips?
• Interlocking - build with Legos like you would build a house for stronger creations!
• Build, build, build. Keep playing with bricks and build something that no one else has built before.
• Just be imaginative!


This year marks the 5th birthday of LEGO® Friends! In 2012, a dynamic shift in building options began. It affected playtime for millions of girls and Lego fans. Lego Friends inspired a whole new world of imagination of building and better independent play. 

In honor of this special year for Lego Friends, Paul built this stunning layered birthday cake built entirely of Legos, topped with a Lego #5 and a banner!! While this cake may look like it is a built solid, it is really hollow on the inside. Almost every brick you see on the inside, you can usually see on the outside. Such an awesome Master Builder trick, right?!


While in the Lego room, we saw this LEGO® Friends Heartlake Summer Pool set on display and my daughter just fell in love with it. We were thrilled when Lego offered to send it to us to review and share with all of you before summer hits!

Recommended for ages 6-12, this 589-piece set offers age-appropriate build and play experience. My daughter was able to read the easy-to-follow instructions all on her own and was so proud of herself once she finished building. For the ultimate leisure experience, you can combine this set with the Heartlake Sports Center!


The Lego Friends Heartlake Summer Pool is the place to be when the sun is shining! Join Andrea and Martina as they slide down a long slide into the water, jump off the springing diving board and go to the swim-up bar for a refreshing drink. There’s also an outdoor shower behind the aquarium as well as a restroom, lifeguard stand, and a hot tub with day bed for a truly relaxing experience!

My daughter bans me from helping build these sets. However, I am asked to watch the entire time because she gives me the job of putting the stickers on. Her independence and apparent lack of sticker skills makes me laugh every time and these are the moments that I will always try to remember.


The swimming pool area features an aquarium, shower, TV screen, two speakers, waterfall/fountain and steps down to the hot tub area. Help Andrea and Martina get into the water via the wavy slide, and a springing diving board! You can also assemble a swim ring and air mattress for them to relax on while in the pool.


My daughter loves bouncing the mini-doll figures into the pool off of the diving board. There is a small rubber piece that is part of the diving board structure that helps give it that realistic "spring"! How fun is that?!


There is a smaller slide at the top of the pool that goes into a mini pool. Then you take the wavy slide down into the main pool. It is sturdy and the mini-doll figures go down faster than you'd think!! It has been so much fun watching my daughter line up all of the Lego Friends and seeing who makes it down into the pool the quickest!


On the backside of the pool, you'll find a tall ladder for the Friends to climb their way up to the slides. Right behind the aquarium, there's two shower spaces on either side so they can wash that chlorine off!

PS: I'm convinced that every pool needs a built-in aquarium...


One thing every swimming pool needs is a lifeguard. This realistic lifeguard stand with a no running or diving sign fits Friends figures perfectly. I love all the little details that make these sets unique!!


If they need a break from the pool, Andrea and Martina can chill in the hot tub and day bed area! There's a ladder and spots for drinks to sit around the heart-shaped hot tub. There's a canopy above the day bed to relax in the shade. There's even a newspaper for them to read - and I love that the front page story is about the Lego Friends Puppy Championship!


Every pool for sure needs a restroom! The restroom area features opening swing doors to find a toilet, sink and stickers for toilet paper, soap, and mirror. On the side of the restroom, there are two lockers with doors that open and close for the mini-doll figures to store their belongings.


The snack bar is a great place for the Friends to take a break from the pool to grab a drink and snack. My daughter kept the snack bar separate from the pool area, but you can also line it up alongside the pool to create a swim-up bar! The set comes with coin and dollar pieces for characters to purchase their goodies. Add another character behind the counter to prepare the drinks and snacks to sell!


Playing with this LEGO® Friends Heartlake Summer Pool set has made us anxious for the summer break to get here. Until then, we are having a ton of fun using our imaginations!

What's your favorite summer activity?

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Must-Have Cricut Explore Tools & Supplies

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Must-Have Cricut Explore Tools & Supplies

Read more »
The Cricut Explore Air 2 machine is my favorite crafting tool, and I really enjoy sharing everything that you can create with it. The most popular question that gets asked after finally getting a Cricut machine of your own is "what tools and accessories do I need, and how much do they cost?" Well, friends, today I'm more than happy to answer that with my must-have list of tools and accessories you'll need to get started.

Must-Have Cricut Explore Tools & Supplies

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Apple Candy Jar Teacher Gift Idea with Free Printable

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Apple Candy Jar Teacher Gift Idea with Free Printable

Read more »
This Apple Candy Jar Teacher Gift Idea with Free Printable is sponsored by As You Wish Pottery.
All opinions are mine alone.

Apple Candy Jar Teacher Gift Idea with Free Printable Gift Tag

Teacher Appreciation Day/Week is coming up, and I am so excited about the gift we are putting together for my daughter's teacher this year! Painting pottery projects at As You Wish has become a new favorite hobby of mine, and I had a ton of fun making this Apple Candy Jar with Free Printable Gift Tag! It's such an unique gift idea that's fun to put together, and is something that every teacher would love to receive!

Apple Candy Jar Teacher Gift Idea with Free Printable Gift Tag

There are a lot of different options to choose from when it comes to making something for your favorite teacher. I decided to paint this super cute apple jar to be filled with treats. If you ever need painting tips or inspiration, the As You Wish staff are there to help you. You also won't need to bring anything to the studio except your creativity! The paints, brushes, and anything else you need to use are included the studio fee.

For those of you near As You Wish locations in Utah and Arizona, don’t forget to check out all the upcoming painting classes and summer classes you can take!

Apple Candy Jar Teacher Gift Idea with Free Printable Gift Tag

After a few days, my apple jar was ready to be picked up. I am so thrilled with how it turned out, and know it will be the perfect jar to keep on a teacher's desk. No matter who paints the project, each jar will come out of the kiln with their own unique look.

Apple Candy Jar Teacher Gift Idea with Free Printable Gift Tag

The top half of the apple is the lid of the jar, so it can be opened to fill with anything you'd like to give with the jar (think small treats, paper clips, and other small objects) and closed to look like an iconic apple on the teachers desk.

Apple Candy Jar Teacher Gift Idea with Free Printable Gift Tag

Once the jar has been painted and filled with goodies, you can print and attach an apple-themed gift tag so your teacher knows who this "sweet" gift is from! I would recommend printing the tags on cardstock for best results.


Some things you should know before downloading:
*Artsy-Fartsy Mama printables are for PERSONAL USE ONLY.
*You may NOT modify, re-sell, redistribute, or claim the design as your own.
*Please do not remove the credits/watermarks.
*If you'd like to share this project, credit must be given to Artsy-Fartsy Mama & linked back to this post.

Apple Candy Jar Teacher Gift Idea with Free Printable Gift Tag

What teacher wouldn't love receiving a painted gift made especially with them in mind?! My daughter can't wait to share our gift with her teacher this May for Teacher Appreciation Day.

What would you put into your teacher's apple jar?

Apple Candy Jar Teacher Gift Idea with Free Printable Gift Tag

Utah and Arizona friends, be sure to visit As You Wish to paint an
apple jar to thank the teachers in your life!

Friday, April 7, 2017

Copycat Disneyland Churro Funnel Cake

Friday, April 7, 2017

Copycat Disneyland Churro Funnel Cake

Read more »
Disneyland has some of the best food! One of my favorites is found at the Hungry Bear Restaurant (Critter Country) in Disneyland: the Churro Funnel Cake! It's a scrumptious funnel cake, sprinkled generously with cinnamon and sugar, drizzled with caramel, and topped with a triple dollop of whipped cream in the shape of Mickey Mouse!

Copycat Disneyland Churro Funnel Cake

Since we can't be in "The Happiest Place on Earth" every single day, we have to make do and try to recreate our favorites at home. This mouthwatering Copycat Disneyland Churro Funnel Cake recipe is easy to make, and is a delightfully sweet treat that will hold you over until you can go grab the original in the park!

Copycat Disneyland Churro Funnel Cake

Disneyland Churro Funnel Cake
Makes 6-8 cakes

Ingredients:
1 large egg
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 quart vegetable oil, as needed
8 oz. whipped cream (store bought or homemade)
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
caramel sauce

Directions:
  1. Fill a pastry bag with whipped cream, using a starred tip (I used #32).
  2. Move in a circular motion to create Mickey Mouse heads out of whipped cream. Place in the freezer to set while you make the funnel cakes.
  3. Pour oil into saucepan so it's 1-2 inches high. Heat on medium heat until it's about 350º.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg and then add the milk and vanilla. Whisk again until well combined. In a separate bowl, stir the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt together.
  5. Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until there are no lumps.
  6. Stir in the melted butter. 
  7. Transfer the batter to a squeeze bottle.
  8. To test that the oil has reached the correct temperature, squeeze a couple drops of batter into the oil. If they immediately bubble and float to the top, the oil is ready.
  9. Squeeze batter in a circular motion (about a 1/2 cup of batter).
  10. Cook until edges appear golden brown. Use tongs to carefully flip and cook for about a minute on the other side.
  11. Gently remove cake to drain on paper towels, then immediately sprinkle about a teaspoon of the cinnamon & sugar mixture on each side.
  12. Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Top with the frozen Mickey Mouse-shaped whipped cream.

Copycat Disneyland Churro Funnel Cake

With all the deliciously sweet toppings, this dessert can get kind of rich. So, invite some friends to share with you, or make the funnel cakes a little smaller than the ones served in Disneyland.

Now that you've seen how I make my favorite Disneyland treat at home check out how a few of my blog buddies make their favorites too!

18 Copy Cat Disney Recipes AND Southern California Vacation Giveaway

Hand Dipped Corndogs from Dessert Now, Dinner Later

Clam Chowder Bread Bowl from Kleinworth & Co.

Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Treats from Tastefully Frugal

Monte Cristo Sandwich from See Lindsay

Churro Funnel Cake from Artsy Fartsy Mama

Pumpkin Mickey Mouse Beignets from Clarks Condensed

BLT Waffle Fries from Old House To New Home

Chocolate Peanut Butter Sandwiches from Love To Be In The Kitchen

Carrot Cake Cookies from Cupcake Diaries

Caramel S'mores from My Latina Table

Mickey Marshmallow Wand from Liz On Call

Dole Whip Popsicles from Bite Of Delight

Dole Whips from Girl Loves Glam

Mint Julep Slush from As The Bunny Hops

Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas from Pretty Providence

Mickey Mouse Cake Pops from Play Party Plan

Mac'n'Cheese Pizza from Over The Big Moon

Mickey Mouse Beignets from Housewife Eclectic

 

AND enter to win a chance to try all of these tasty treats in person at Disneyland yourself! One lucky winner will receive:

  • 4 Day/3 Night Hotel Stay in Anaheim or San Diego (winner's choice)
  • 2 Adult and 2 Kids Tickets to TWO Southern California Parks (winner's choice)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway is sponsored by Get Away Today. Open to US Residents only. Giveaway will run from Friday, April 7th to Friday, April 14th. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Free Printable Earth Day Bingo

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Free Printable Earth Day Bingo

Read more »
Celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd by playing Free Printable Earth Day Bingo!

Playing bingo at holiday parties has become a fun tradition in our family. Earth day is coming up on April 22nd, and this Free Printable Earth Day Bingo will be a fun way to celebrate. Go grab some tiny pebbles and get ready to play!

Celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd by playing Free Printable Earth Day Bingo!

Just like my other printable bingo games, I'm sure this Earth Day version will be a hit to play in the classroom or as a family. We're looking forward to playing this on Earth Day after making some other crafts and treats. Playing bingo is also a great way to practice matching with younger children.

(Set includes 8 bingo cards and calling pieces in a single PDF file)

I've gotten a lot of requests to make more than 8 bingo cards for larger groups. To help solve this problem without having to create a whole bunch of card designs, I've put together a version that will make it easy for everyone to customize their own bingo card.

Celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd by playing Free Printable Earth Day Bingo!

Print out the Blank Earth Bingo Set, which comes with a blank card (with the "free" space already added), 24 bingo pieces, and the calling cards.

Cut the bingo pieces by following the lines. Glue the pieces wherever you want on the card with glue stick until all the spaces (except the "free" space) are covered. This would be a fun activity for older kids to do all on their own. Younger children will need some assistance with the cutting.

Download Free Printable Blank Earth Day Bingo Set
(Set includes one blank bingo card, bingo pieces, and calling pieces in a single PDF file)

Game Instructions
1. Pick some kind of object to mark your squares (candy, glass gems, buttons, etc)
2. Give each player a bingo card and markers (or put your own card together with the blank set).
3. Have each player put a marker over the free space.
4. Have one person choose a calling card and say it out loud. Each player will cover that item on their card with a marker.
5. Once a player has 5 squares covered in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally), call out "BINGO!" and win the game!

Some things you should know before downloading:
*Artsy-Fartsy Mama printables are for PERSONAL USE ONLY.
*You may NOT modify, re-sell, redistribute, or claim the design as your own.
*Please do not remove the credits/watermarks.
*If you'd like to share this printable, credit must be given to Artsy-Fartsy Mama & linked back to this post.

To lengthen the life of the prints, I would recommend printing the bingo cards and calling pieces on cardstock and laminating. All files are 8.5x11 inches and put together in a single PDF format.

Have fun!! Would love to hear from you if you play using my printable!

Monday, April 3, 2017

Add Hair Flair with BunToppers Hair Accessories

Monday, April 3, 2017

Add Hair Flair with BunToppers Hair Accessories

Read more »
Add adorable hair flair to any style with BunToppers hair accessories! All opinions are mine alone.

Add adorable hair flair to any style with the BunToppers hair accessories! #buntoppers #kidshair

Even though she's a fanatic for everything girly, waiting patiently for a fancy hairstyle is not one of my daughter's strong suits. Usually she'll sit still long enough for a basic ponytail, buns, some kind of simple braid, and once in a while, a combination of these. One thing she does have time for, however, is cute bows and hair accessories like BunToppers! BunToppers are an adorable, collectible line of hair pin accessories featuring characters inspired by real girls.