12.14.2015

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ turkey pot pies, apple slices
Tuesday ~ chicken tacos, refried beans, chips & salsa
Wednesday ~ leftover tacos
Thursday ~ sausage cups, scrambled eggs, banana
Friday ~ spaghetti, salad, garlic bread

Linking up with Org Junkie...check them out for more recipes.

10.18.2015

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ chicken tacos, rice, chips & salsa
Tuesday ~ paninis, chips, pickles, fruit
Wednesday ~ sloppy joes, tater tots, salad, fruit 
Thursday ~ almond coconut tilapia, green beans, potatoes
Friday ~ manicotti, salad, garlic bread

Linking up with Org Junkie...check them out for more recipes.


9.21.2015

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ fish sticks, mac & cheese, carrots
Tuesday ~ chicken & wild rice soup, bread
Wednesday ~ cheesy pasta w/zucchini, bread
Thursday ~ mickey pancakes, bacon, fruit
Friday ~ pizza night!

Linking up with Org Junkie...check them out for more recipes.

9.14.2015

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ bacon mac & cheese, bread, fruit
Tuesday ~ chicken tacos, guacamole, refried beans
Wednesday ~ dinner date with Little Bit
Thursday ~ egg mcmuffins, tater tots, fruit
Friday ~ almond coconut tilapia, green beans, rice

Linking up with Org Junkie...check them out for more recipes.

9.13.2015

STAINMASTER stain removers at Meijer

Meijer is teaming up with STAINMASTER to offer a brand new stain remover line.  The new line includes carpet, pet, and rug stain removers.  Have you ever wondered why you can clean a stain and sometimes later you can still see that spot again?  Well, some stain removers can leave a sticky residue that can attract dirt over time.  The breakthrough technology of the new STAINMASTER line is designed to remove tough stains and repel dirt to protect against resoiling.  This helps keep your carpet looking its best!  

We have a rug in our mudroom that get all kinds of dirt and grime tracked on it.  There was a spot of ground in mud that was the perfect candidate for me to test out the stain remover.  I sprayed some on the spot and let it sit for 5 minutes.  Then I used a damp paper towel and dry paper towel to soak up the stain and cleaner.  The spot was gone!  One thing I really like is that the smell of the cleaner is fairly mild.  I have used some stain removers before that gave me a headache they were so strong.  The mild smell is a big plus in my book.  


Make sure you stop by your local Meijer and pick up a bottle of your own to try.  Now through October 10 you can clip an mPerks coupon for $.50 off a 22 oz. bottle.  Just sign in to your mPerks account, click on coupons and then type STAINMASTER in the search box.  

STAINMASTER would love to hear what you think too.  So after you pick up a bottle and try the product write your own review here.   
While I received a free sample of the product to try and was compensated for this post, all opinions are my own.   

9.10.2015

After school snacks

My daughter gets home from school and immediately heads to the kitchen looking for a snack.  With dinner right around the corner, I want to give her something that won’t spoil her appetite for a healthy meal.  She is a pretty picky eater but these snack options get her seal of approval! 
Cheese!  Our current favorite is a cheese wedge with pretzels or wheat thins.  Cheese sticks are also a quick and easy option.  

Fruits & veggies…Keep it washed and easily accessible so your kids will be more likely to grab it.  My daughter loves snacking on baby carrots, grapes, bananas and apple slices.  You could even have some fruit kabobs ready and waiting in the fridge!  Or what about frozen bananas rolled in yogurt or chocolate?!  

Muffins…My daughter loves helping me bake.  One of her favorite things to make and snack on are pumpkin muffins.  Just use the cake mix of your choice and a can of pumpkin…so simple!  Her favorites are spice cake and chocolate.   These freeze well also, so make a big batch and get out a few at a time for snacking. 
Nutella…This is great by the spoonful or with fruit.  But we like to make cookie sandwiches.  Using either graham crackers or Nilla wafers, spread on some Nutella add a slice of banana and enjoy! 

Yogurt…We usually have Yogurt tubes on hand most often.  If your kids need a bit of crunch with their yogurt try topping it with a bit of granola.

Popcorn…Either plain or with add-ins!  It is fun to mix it up by creating your own snack mix.  Start with a base of your favorite popcorn, then add pretzels, cheez it’s, goldfish, m&m’s, chocolate chips, raisins or other dried fruit, or fruit snacks/bites.  Have your kids help make this, then put it in individual baggies or containers for a grab and go snack!  

I’ve found that to be the key with after school snacks.  Create portions that your kids can easily grab and enjoy!  This way you have control over the size of their snacks.  Also, make sure your child is involved in the snack planning.  Sit them down and make a shopping list for things to buy or make.  This will ensure you have snacks they will love ready when they come running!  

This article was featured on SpringfieldMoms.org

8.31.2015

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ cheesy pasta w/zucchini, bread, fruit
Tuesday ~  scrambled eggs, english muffins, bacon, fruit
Wednesday ~ BBQ chicken quesadilla, guacamole, refried beans
Thursday ~ hot dogs, chips, pickles, fruit
Friday ~ dinner on the go...

Linking up with Org Junkie...check them out for more recipes.

8.29.2015

Name recognition activities...


Preschool will be starting just around the corner.  I have been working in my classroom decorating and preparing for my new group of 3 year olds.  There are so many things we focus on throughout the year but a major one is name recognition.  A few may come in knowing how to spell their first name but not most of them.  So this is something we work on everyday.  

Each child has a name tag on their cubby.  This helps them see their name each time they hang up their backpack or put work in their cubby.  Hopefully they begin to learn what it looks like.  I have also created these block letter name plates for each child to color the first week of school.  They will hang in the classroom and be another reference point we can use throughout the year. 

 

We start out by focusing on the first letter of their name and lead up to whole name activities later on. One easy thing to do is just draw the letter on a piece of paper.  Then have them place things along the lines of the letter.  We like incorporating this into the themes we do each week.  Here are a variety of examples:
dot markers...dot all along the line of the letter or use dot marker letter worksheets like these.  
stamps...using a small stamp, sponge or spool, follow along the line, stamping one right after another.  We like to use thread spools in paint during the winter to look like snowflakes.  

stickers...place stickers, such as stars or other small object, along the line of the letter.  Peeling off the sticker is great for fine motor also!
small objects...use cotton balls, pompoms, buttons or other small items and place them along the letter lines.
markers...have the child trace the line using a marker or other writing utensil.  You could also place the paper in a page protector and have the child use a dry erase marker.  This enables them to practice several times in a row.

Name reveals are another fun way to learn the letters of their name.  Use tape to create a letter and then have the child paint over it, remove the tape to see the letter.  You could also use a white crayon to write their name on white paper.  Have them water color paint all over the paper to find the letters in their name.  

At circle time we talk about the month and what letter it starts with.  This is a good opportunity to ask if anyone's name starts with that letter.  We also play games using their first letters.  I might say, "if your name starts with an M", then give them a directive to complete.  I use this same technique for lining up to go to recess.  It is fun to see them not only begin to recognize their letters but those of their friends as well!

Another fun game for circle time is to put letters on the floor using tape, then call out a letter and have the child jump on that letter.

Preschoolers LOVE sensory bins!  Fill up a bin with rice, beans, cotton balls, etc. and then hide letters in the bin.  Have the children dig in the bin and pull out a letter.  If it is not the first letter of their name have them put it back and try again. 

Whether it is seeing the letter on a project, hearing the letter or seeing it on a sign or book, there are never too many ways to incorporate letter recognition into your day to day!  Especially if you turn it into a game or a craft, they won't even realize they are learning!!! 

8.24.2015

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ fish tacos, guac & chips, refried beans
Tuesday ~ popcorn shrimp, mac & cheese, sauteed zucchini
Wednesday ~ pork tenderloin, corn on the cob, green beans, bread
Thursday ~ sausage cups, scrambled eggs, fruit
Friday ~ fried chicken, green beans, rice, biscuits

Linking up with Org Junkie...check them out for more recipes.

8.19.2015

12 Days of School

Little Bit was so excited to start school today.  She was so chatty last night, just thinking out loud about everything, that I could hardly get her to settle down for bed.  Luckily she had a wonderful first day and loves her teacher!

Tonight she was telling us all about her day and was still very excited....which I love!  School is definitely on the brain.  She even made up a song about it to the 12 days of Christmas tune.  I just had to share!  ;)

On the first day of first grade my teacher gave to me,
an apple in a tree.
On the second day of 2nd grade my teacher gave to me,
2 homework sheets.
On the third day of 3rd grade my teacher gave to me,
3 books to read.
On the fourth day of 4th grade my teacher gave to me,
4 colored pencils.
On the fifth day of 5th grade my teacher gave to me,
5 highlighters.
On the sixth day of 6th grade my teacher gave to me,
6 erasers.
On the seventh day of 7th grade my teacher gave to me,
7 notebooks.
On the eighth day of 8th grade my teacher gave to me,
8 art pieces.
On the ninth day of 9th grade my teacher gave to me,
9 math problems.
On the tenth day of 10th grade my teacher gave to me,
10 titan tickets.
On the eleventh day of 11th grade my teacher gave to me,
11 stickers.
On the twelfth day of 12th grade my teacher gave to me,
12 recesses. 

Too cute...love my girl!

8.17.2015

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ cheesy pasta w/zucchini, bread, fruit
Tuesday ~  crock pot pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans
Wednesday ~ pizza, salad, fruit
Thursday ~ sloppy joes, tater tots, fruit
Friday ~ leftovers

Linking up with Org Junkie...check them out for more recipes.

8.16.2015

Back to school...drop zone

This is back to school week for us.  Little Bit starts 2nd grade on Wednesday!  School supplies are labeled and the backpack is loaded up.  Do you have a specific place for backpacks in your home?  One thing that helps us function smoothly before and after school is our mudroom drop zone.  This is our entry off the garage that we use almost 100% of the time to enter and exit our house.  I just love this bench.  It is a great catchall area whether we are coming or going.  


Little Bit and the hubs have their bags hanging on the hooks.  We also hang our coats here during cooler weather.  I usually set my purse on the bench and there is still plenty of room to sit and put on shoes.
Speaking of shoes, Little Bit takes hers off as soon as she walks in the door.  They are also the last thing she puts on before we head out the door.  So it makes sense for us to keep her shoes by the door.  They previously were all over the floor and would get lost under the bench.  I recently put them in this basket and so far so good!


We also have a basket for library books.  We keep both public and school library books in the basket.  This way we always know where they are when it's time to return them. 

So when Little Bit gets home from school, she can kick off her shoes, unload her backpack and then go grab a snack.  Having everything right by the door makes our school days run so much more smoothly. 

Do you have any tricks to stay organized during the school year?

8.10.2015

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ teriyaki beef steak, green beans, tater tots
Tuesday ~ fish sticks, mac & cheese, grapes
Wednesday ~biscuits & gravy casserole, scrambled eggs, fruit
Thursday ~ chicken salad lettuce wraps, chips
Friday ~ mickey pancakes, bacon, fruit

Linking up with Org Junkie...check them out for more recipes.

8.06.2015

Back to school books...

Getting ready to start school or even going back to school can stir up all kinds of emotions in children.  Reading books with your kids about beginning school, making friends, and being separated from loved ones is a wonderful opportunity to talk about their feelings.  There are so many books out there that cover these topics but here are a few of our favorites.  From funny, and even ridiculous to quite serious these books are wonderful resources to get your child's year off to a great start!

Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney...The Llama llama books are some of my favorites!  This adorable rhyming story discusses how young children might feel on the first few days of school.

Foxy by Emma Dodd...Dog's Colorful Day is a favorite of ours by Dodd so I was excited to read this cute story about starting school.  A magical fox grants some wishes and helps little Emily get ready for her first day of school.

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate...This book is cute as it shows both sides of getting ready for school; the teacher hurrying to get her room ready and the students as they prepare for their first day.

Kevin Goes to School by Liesbet Slegers..At first Kevin is unsure of school and doesn't want his mom to leave him, but soon he makes a new friend and begins to enjoy himself.

The Wheels on the School Bus by Mary-Alice Moore...Who doesn't love The Wheels on the Bus?!  The teachers get involved in this cute and unique take on the traditional song.

Off to First Grade by Louise Borden...Your child will be sure to find someone to identify with as the students in this story deal with the excitement, nerves and feelings of anticipation that go along with starting first grade.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn...This heartwarming book is a children's classic that helps parents and children at times of separation.  Such a great read before starting school!

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg...Sarah Jane Hartwell is scared and doesn't want to start over at a new school.  She imagines the worst but in the end there is a surprise twist that makes for a delightful ending!

I Am Too Absolutely Small For School by Lauren Child...Charlie is the best big brother to Lola as he helps her realize that maybe she is ready for school after all.

Check out my other articles on back to school...
Getting ready for kindergarten
Dressed and ready
Teacher gifts
Homework area

8.03.2015

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ spaghetti, salad, garlic bread
Tuesday ~ cheesy bacon wrapped chicken, salad, bread
Wednesday ~ steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread
Thursday ~ chicken salad lettuce wraps, chips
Friday ~ beef tacos, refried beans, chips & guac, fruit

Linking up with Org Junkie...check them out for more recipes.

7.26.2015

Back to school shopping...

School supply deals started creeping up in the office stores a couple weeks ago.  Now you can find supplies everywhere.  I have been picking up a few things that Little Bit needs here and there when I see it on sale.  Here is what I picked up this week...

Office Depot
Ticonderoga pencils $1.00...These are the best and recommended on the school supply list.

Staples
Crayola colored pencils .97
cap erasers .25
pencil sharpeners .25

 

I also have my eyes out for things I can put in a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child.  This is a tradition that our family has had for many years now.  So this time of year I always pick up a few extra school supplies to put in our boxes we donate.  I also found a plain red t-shirt at Michael's craft store for $1.29!  

Here are some great options to be on the lookout for to include in boxes...small soccer ball w/pump, plain short sleeved shirts, small flashlight w/batteries, plate, bowl, cup, soap & covered dish, toothbrush & holder, bandaids, comb, hair elastics/headbands, socks, pencils, erasers, colored pencils, sharpener, index cards, pens for older kids, jump rope, marbles, harmonica, cars, truck, airplane, baby doll, hard candy.

7.23.2015

Summer Reads

I don't know about you but I'm always looking for a good book to read.  Now, I'm not the quickest at finishing books because I don't always make time for it but I always like having a good book on hand.  My favorite time to read is summers by the pool!  So what better time to start getting a pile together.  Here are a few books from my 2015 to read list...


The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands by Lysa Terkeurst...I LOVED this book!  Such thought provoking, wise and often funny writing.  My favorite quote from the book is "We must not confuse the command to love with the need to please."  

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty...This is a new to me author and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style.  This story is a murder mystery that intertwines the lives of three women whose children have just started Kindergarten.  Such a page turner!  I loved it so much I couldn't wait to dive into another one of her books.  I'm currently reading...The Hypnotist Love Story by her.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell...I have seen this author on many must read lists.  This particular book is a young adult novel about two misfits finding love in the most unexpected of places.  

Last One Home by Debbie Macomber...I love her Shop on Blossom Street series and have read a few stand alone novels by her.  This story sounds a little different from her normal style so we will see if it lives up to my expectations!  

Bread & Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table by Shauna Niequest... The perfect read for those who love food and connecting with family and friends around the table.  Plus there are recipes included!

I'd love to hear what books you've been loving lately or are on your to read list! 

7.20.2015

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ cheesy pasta w/zucchini, bread, fruit
Tuesday ~ ham, egg & cheese mcmuffins, fruit
Wednesday ~ chicken taco soup, taquitos, fruit
Thursday ~ turkey pot pies, fruit
Friday ~ VBS dinner

Linking up with Org Junkie...check them out for more recipes.

7.15.2015

The Happy Planner

I have always loved a good planner, but more for keeping track of events and memories.   I use the planner as a reference while scrapbooking! When I saw The Happy Planner from Me and My Big Ideas, I knew this was the planner for me.  I get to paper craft on a smaller level while keeping track of appointments and family fun.   It also allows me a place for menu planning,  lists,  and keeping track of exercise and water intake.  I also love that it is easy to personalize your planner, like by adding bible verses and inspirational quotes.   These stickers from Me & My Big Ideas are my favorite!


I also love that the disc bound system makes it easy to remove pages to decorate.  I recently tried adding a decorative card to my planner.  I took a page out, lined the card up where I wanted the holes and made a mark in each slot with a pen.  Then I used a regular hole punch on each dot.  Next I used a rectangle punch to create the slit.  This card easily goes in and out of my planner.  LOVE it...can't wait to add more personal touches like this!

7.13.2015

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ steak bites, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes
Tuesday ~ ham & cheese paninis, chips, pickles, fruit
Wednesday ~ chicken taco soup, taquitos, fruit
Thursday ~ turkey pot pies, fruit
Friday ~ my nieces' birthday dinner!

Linking up with Org Junkie...check them out for more recipes.

7.12.2015

{Crockpot} chicken tacos

I used to use this chicken fajita crock pot recipe all the time but then I got lazy and started doing this instead.  Plus this a a great alternative when fresh veggies aren't in season!

Ingredients:
3-4 chicken breasts (i used frozen)
1 can of rotel
1 packet taco seasoning
1/2 cup chicken broth or water

Directions:
Add all ingredients to crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. About an hour before eating I use a fork and shred up the chicken so it has awhile to marinate in the juices. Then before eating, drain the juices and enjoy with your favorite tortillas and toppings!

7.07.2015

rainy day activities

This has been the rainiest summer ever!  With lots of rainy days comes days at home to fill with activities!  Here are 5 on our to do list...

paperclip jewelry...
We tried this one out today.  All you need are colorful paperclips.  Little Bit had fun making patterns and creating both necklaces and bracelets.

toothpick structures...
This was another hit today.  I'm not sure what Little Bit had more fun doing....building three dimensional structures or eating the marshmallows!  ;)

homemade suckers...
We both love jolly ranchers and when we saw these we knew there were a must try! 

aluminum foil art...
Little Bit is always wanting to use my permanent markers.  This activity looks like a great activity to express her creativity and get to use my markers! 

uno flip...
Little Bit loves math and I think this looks like a fun way to mix up doing math problems.

What fun activities are on your to do list this rainy summer?!

7.06.2015

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ chicken tacos, refried beans, guac & chips
Tuesday ~ hot dogs, brats, mac & cheese, pickles
Wednesday ~ pizza, salad, fruit
Thursday ~ leftover pizza
Friday ~ bbq pork chops, salad, tater tots

Linking up with Org Junkie...check them out for more recipes.

7.05.2015

zucchini noodles

It is garden season and one of my favorite fresh veggies this time of year is zucchini!  But when it comes to fixing it I pretty much either saute it or use it in this pasta dish.  Recently I came across some recipes using zucchini noodles made with a spirooli slicer and peeler.  I was anxious to try it out. 
A major plus is I already had this funky contraption!!!  We bought ours years ago to use with potatoes and then after the newness wore off it got put in a cabinet and forgot about.  I think we might have tried it with apples too. 

Little Bit was excited to try out the spirooli once she saw it!  But of course she didn't want to eat the zucchini...oh well!  We still had fun making it together.  ;)

Once our noodles were cut I just sauteed them in some olive oil with minced garlic and mushrooms.   Such a delicious new side dish!!!  I want to try this shrimp scampi recipe next! 

6.29.2015

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ french toast, bacon, fruit
Tuesday ~ mom's night out...dad's in charge of dinner!
Wednesday ~ pot roast, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread
Thursday ~ cheesy bacon wrapped chicken, salad, bread
Friday ~ chicken tacos, guac & chips, rice, fruit salad

Linking up with Org Junkie...check them out for more recipes.

6.22.2015

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ spaghetti, salad, garlic bread
Tuesday ~ taquitos, refried beans, guac & chips
Wednesday ~ hot dogs, mac & cheese, green beans
Thursday ~ pizza, salad, fruit
Friday ~ mickey pancakes, eggs, bacon

Linking up with Org Junkie...check them out for more recipes.

6.19.2015

Earn money shopping with Ibotta!

Have you tried out this great app yet?  They pay you for grocery shopping!  You simply browse the Ibotta app for offers, unlock the rewards, buy the item and submit a picture of your receipt!  I love that you can earn money for buying fruit, veggies, eggs, bread, milk...items that are normally on my weekly shopping list.  Frozen pizza and bacon are even on the list...any brand even...plus many other items! 

There are over 150 stores that participate.  I usually shop at Wal-mart, Target, and Meijer to redeem offers.  You can also shop online and link loyalty cards.

I also like that sometimes there are items you can pair a coupon with to save extra bucks!  Like the current offer on the Starbucks Iced Coffee, any flavor 11 oz bottle.  I found these for $1.99 at my local Wal-mart.  I used this $1.00 off coupon to save instantly.  Then submitted my receipt for an extra $1.00 back.  So the coffee ends up being FREE!  

Once you reach $10 in savings you can cash out.  You can send it to a Paypal or Venmo account OR get a gift card to places like Starbucks, Wal-mart, Best Buy, Amazon and more.

So check out Ibotta today and start saving!

6.18.2015

art collage....kid room

We were at Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago and Little Bit saw a fun tassel banner.  She wanted it for her room but I told her we could make one.  We picked up a pack of silver tissue paper and had all the other supplies on hand.  Using this tutorial we created our own tassel banner. 

Then the question of where to put it...and we decided to make a little wall collage over her bed.  So we moved the poster and got to work. 

I had printed off the Cinderella image and thought this was the perfect place to incorporate it into the room.  We found the white G and "to the moon & back" hanging piece at Hobby Lobby.  The circle cork board is from Michaels.  I had the metal clips and embroidery hoop with fabric.
We arranged everything on the floor first to get placement, then started hanging.  Yesterday was a rainy afternoon...so perfect time to tackle the project!

The cork circle and metal clips allow Little Bit to keep bits of memorabilia in her space.  We used fun decorative brads as push pins. 

We both LOVE how it turned out.  She is growing up way too fast but I love that we can make small changes in her room along the way to reflect that!
{We made the quick pillow cover using this tutorial.}

6.15.2015

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ pizza, salad, fruit
Tuesday ~ chicken caesar wraps, tater tots, fruit
Wednesday ~ grilled ham & cheese, chips, pickles
Thursday ~ steak bites, potatoes, sauteed zucchini, fruit
Friday ~ dinner on the go...

Linking up with Org Junkie...check them out for more recipes.

6.14.2015

Cinnamon Strawberry Muffins

I recently had some strawberries that needed to be used when I stumbled across this recipe from Everyday Reading.    I just made a few tweaks based on ingredients I had and these muffins came out fabulous! 

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup stevia baking blend
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 eggs
1/3 cup strawberry yogurt
1/3 cup applesauce
1/2 - 1 cup chopped strawberries 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Wisk together dry ingredients in mixing bowl.   Stir in remaining ingredients and mix until just combined.   

Divide batter between 12 greased muffin tins.  

Bake in 350 degree oven for 28 - 30 minutes.  

6.08.2015

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ pasta w/cheese & zucchini, bread, fruit
Tuesday ~ burrito bowls, chips, fruit
Wednesday ~ ham, egg & cheese mcmuffins, fruit
Thursday ~ honey teriyaki salmon, green beans, rice
Friday ~ steak bites, potatoes, sauteed zucchini, bread

Linking up with Org Junkie...check them out for more recipes.

5.29.2015

ready for summer....{duck tape bag}

It was a lazy Saturday afternoon and Little Bit was bored!  She had watched a few YouTube videos on making things with Duct Tape and wanted to try something of her own.  We decided on a small bag/purse.  I found this tutorial on Pinterest and we got started!  
These are the only colors of tape that we had on hand so that's what we went with.  It was super easy to make and she loves how it turned out!  So much so that we have made a few other things since...some of her own creations even...LOL!  {lipstick, tissues, keyfob and wallet}

Instead of a garbage bag for the inside, we used a gallon ziplock bag.  I just cut across the top to remove the zipper part and then cut down the sides to have a long rectangular piece to work with. 
She LOVES it!

I can see more Duct Tape projects in our future.  These would be great to do this summer when the kids are out of school.  Little Bit still has 2 more days of school until her summer official starts, but we have already started making a list of project ideas!  Check out my Kiddos board on Pinterest to see what we might be up too!