We have such a cute and crafty idea for you to show Dad or Grandpa just how much we love them! It’s easy and inexpensive too!

Here is what you will need:

• Picture frame
• Puzzle pieces-I used a puzzle from the Dollar Store that was missing pieces! Hello recycle!
• Acrylic paints
• Craft Glue Dots® Dispenser
• Paint brushes
• Card stock in a light, neutral color
• Sentimental picture of Dad

1. Paint your puzzle pieces. I decided to do two projects using three colors each. Do your own thing! Have fun!



2. Paint the picture frame.



3. While paint is drying, print up a piece of the cardstock with the saying “I love you to Pieces!” along the bottom or the side. Cut to fit frame. We will be doing a reverse mat-meaning the picture sits on top of the mat.



4. Add your picture of Dad and put the frame together.



5. Using the Craft Glue Dots® Dispenser, add Glue Dots® in various locations. You can keep it simple and use a few, or layer them! Use larger puzzle pieces, as I did-or use tiny pieces from one of those crazy 5000 piece puzzles! And there you have an easy, cute, sentimental gift for Dad or Grandpa!



6. Glue Dots® are so easy to use, let your kids help! Grandparents love getting gifts handmade by the sweet, little hands!

>Are you planning any handmade gifts for the Dads and Grandpas in your life? I would love to hear about your ideas!

I wrote this blog post while participating on the Glue Dots® Design Team.

Being a work-at-home mom, I usually work wherever I can since I don’t have a designated workspace. Sometimes that’s the kitchen or living room, but wherever I am, my Diet Coke isn’t too far from me.

Today I’m headed to Atlanta, GA for a blogger event called Conversations with Coca-Cola, an invite-only event for moms in the blogging and social media world. There are about 24 of us and we’ll spend 2 days connecting, learning and drinking some Diet Coke, I hope!

I’m really excited to learn more about Coca-Cola, a brand that I’ve obviously grown up with and has been such a constant in our culture. We’ll also be learning about their Live Positively philosophy and I can’t wait to share everything with you!

Make sure to follow along on Twitter under the hashtag #CCLP (Coca-Cola Live Positively). You can also check out the list of all the other fabulous bloggers who will be attending!

Do you have any questions for the Coca-Cola team?

Disclosure: Coca-Cola is providing travel and accommodations to and from Atlanta. I have not been asked to blog about the event, but want to share this experience with my readers! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

For the young dancers at the Youth America Grand Prix, one of the world’s most prestigious ballet competitions, lifelong dreams are at stake. With hundreds competing for a handful of elite scholarships and contracts, practice and discipline are paramount, and nothing short of perfection is expected.

Bess Kargman’s award-winning documentary, FIRST POSITION, follows six young dancers as they prepare for a chance to enter the world of professional ballet, struggling through bloodied feet, near exhaustion and debilitating injuries all while navigating the drama of adolescence.

A showcase of awe-inspiring talent, tenacity and passion, FIRST POSITION paints a thrilling and moving portrait of the most gifted young ballet stars of tomorrow.

If you’re in Saint Louis, FIRST POSITION opens on May 18th in the Plaza Frontenac Theater. You can see if the movie is playing near you also!

I have an exciting giveaway for you – a prize pack that consists of 4 tickets (Valid Monday-Thursdays) to see FIRST POSITION and a movie poster signed by Director Bess Kargman and Miko Fogarty, a dancer featured in the film.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was not compensated for the giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Have you ever wanted to take an adventure on the high seas and experience a Pirate’s life? Well, now you can! As you read the children’s book Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate’s Life by Carole P. Roman, you experience a thrilling day in the life of Captain No Beard and his trusty crew. The crew is said to be his “hearty bunch of mates” consisting of fun loving Captain No Beard (aka Alexander), First Mate (and cousin) Hallie, and an assortment of stuffed animal friends brought to life.

The story takes you through rocky waters, brewing storms and a meeting with enchanted mermaids. As Captain No Beard and his trusty First Mate learn to overcome the obstacles that come their way, Captain No Beard often comments that “Being a captain is hard work”.

My kids loved shouting “Shiver Me Timbers”  and “Swab the Deck” along with the crew. The story of Captain No Beard and his crew is exciting, engaging and lots of fun! The bold, colorful pictures enhance the experience of the pirate adventure that Roman takes you on from the moment you begin reading until the very end of the story.

About the Author: Carole P. Roman is former teacher turned businesswoman. She has successfully run a business with her husband that employs close to five hundred people. Her most favorite job is being grandmother to her two fairly new grandchildren and her most favorite occupation has always been sitting in that big, cozy armchair next to a bed, reading a great story to someone she loves. Being with her grandchildren has awoken her spirit of the absurd as she goes on daily adventures with them to outer space, fashion shows under the sea, and of course, always back in time for dinner. Roman has two wonderful sons and hit the jackpot in the daughter-in-law department. She currently lives on Long Island with her husband of thirty-four years.

Hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day!

Brave will be released on June 22, 2012, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters!

Make sure to like Brave on Facebook!