This year is my first year as a stay-at-home working Mom.  Since my daughter is a bit older and the twins are still infants I thought it would be best to make ornaments for the tree.

We made stars, and snowflakes from paper.  Doodle had a great time cutting out different shapes and we talked about each of them.  We cut out diamonds, triangles,squares and circles.   We hung up some plastic icicles and wooden red garland that I had from our Christmas stash.

For years I’ve wanted to make an Avent Calender that we could use every year.  The chocolate ones are yummy and the germany ones are so sweet but the last couple of years we kept forgetting the days.  Plus Doodle would tear the paper.  Oops!  Instead I wanted to make an Avent calendar with my embroidery machine.   The best part is I found an Avent Calender Pockets embroidery file from Hang to Dry Applique.    Check out how perfect they came out as decorations for the tree.  I’ve been trying to make one or two a day.  The best part is we can use these year after year.  They have a pocket that I can put sweets, or treats in.   Or next year I can give these to someone as a gift or use it for another purpose.

Do you like to sew?  Do you like to create crafts?   Have you heard of the Sewing Expo?

If you haven’t read my posts about this before I wanted to share with you that on Thursday, September 29 – Saturday,  October 1, 2011 is the Chantilly Original Sewing and Quilt Expo located at the Chantilly Expo Center.

I just recently signed up for my classes and I can’t wait to go this year.  Last year I attended the expo feeling bad due to my pregnancy but got a super gift from my hubby a new embroidery machine!  Saving does pay off!  I plan to share some of my creative pieces soon.

If you are interested in attending to see the merchants or to take classes I highly recommend signing up now before September 20, 2011 because that is the deadline for pre-registration.  Click HERE for more information.

Have you attended before?  Will you be attending?  What crafts do you like to do?

I’m just sharing my knowledge and opinions there are no affiliate links in this post.

 Subscribe to RedBerrydeals.com in a reader

I love reusing items especially old T-shirts! What a creative way to go trick or treating.  Create a trick or treat bag out of an old t-shirt.   If you have a solid color you can have your little one color on it or help you glue different things related to their costume on it.  The possibilities are endless.

Click HERE for the full set of instructions that takes minutes to do.

What other creative Halloween ideas are you up to this year? Please share.

 Subscribe to RedBerrydeals.com in a reader

I just came across this and thought I should share it since we are heading into August and you might want to find a “cool” place to take your kids.   The cost is normally $12.95 for kids and adults it is $19.95.  Children 6 and under are always FREE.

The Newseum is located at Pennsylvania Avenue and Sixth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.

Hours of Operation
The Newseum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Beginning July 1 through Labor Day, the Newseum will waive its admission price for all youth visitors age 18 and younger. (Up to 10 free kids with each paid adult admission.)

“Family Fun Deal” tickets, like all Newseum tickets, are valid for two consecutive days.

More information can be found HERE.

 Subscribe to RedBerrydeals.com in a reader

This year the Join Service Open House at Andrews Air Force Base is 05/15/10-05/16/10 and is open to the public – FREE admission.  May 14 will have a show only for DOD personal.

More information about the event is HERE and printable schedule HERE.

Saturday Flying Schedule

0800
Gates Open

John Klatt –ANG
Sean Tucker – Team Oracle
Greg Poe – Fagen Inc.
Dragon & Red Star

1000
Opening Ceremony
E-Team Jump
F-16 Falcon Demo
P-51 Mustang Demo
F-22 Raptor Demo
USAF Heritage Flight
Sky Soldiers
AV-8B Harrier Demo

1200
John Klatt – ANG
USO Jet Car
GEICO Skytypers
C-17 Globemaster Demo
F/A-18 Tac Demo
Sean Tucker – Team Oracle
Golden Knights
Greg Poe – Fagen Inc.

1500
Blue Angels
1700
Gates Close

Sunday Flying Schedule (Notional)

1500
Blue Angels
1700
Gates Close

0800
Gates Open

0930
John Klatt –ANG
Greg Poe – Fagen Inc.
Sean Tucker –Team Oracle
Dragon & Red Star
E-Team Jump
Sky Soldiers
C-17 Globemaster Demo
F/A-18 Tac Demo

1200
GEICOSkytypers
F-16 Falcon Demo
P-51 Mustang Demo
F-22 Raptor Demo
USAF Heritage Flight
John Klatt – ANG
USO Jet Car
Golden Knights
Greg Poe – Fagen Inc.
AV-8B Harrier Demo
Sean Tucker – Team Oracle

Security Information

We are committed to ensuring visitors have a fun and safe experience during this year’s Joint Service Open House. In order to ensure everyone’s safety, we ask that you observe the following guidelines.

Weapons are prohibited. All persons, vehicles and hand carried items are subject to search at anytime while on the installation. There is a no tolerance standard for fighting or protesting at anytime. Failure to follow the rules will result in prosecution and removal from the installation. Narcotics and paraphernalia are strictly prohibited. Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas that are clearly marked. Smoking around any aircraft is strictly prohibited at anytime. All patrons are highly encouraged to wear sunscreen.

The following items are acceptable to bring with you to the show.

Allowed Articles/Items
Small Coolers (Medical Purposes Only)
Fanny Packs
Purses
Camera Bags (Smaller then 1 cubic foot)
Diaper Bags
Portable Lawn Chairs
Collapsible strollers. In order to expedite passenger loading onto shuttles, please collapse strollers and carry on board with you.
Umbrellas

Prohibited Articles/Items
All other Coolers (Hard or Soft, unless medically required)
Backpacks
Camelpacks
Narcotics and Paraphernalia
Camera Bags (Larger than 1 cubic foot)
Roller Blades, Skates, and Skateboards
Weapons
(including, but not limited to knives, firearms, explosives, bio/radiological substances)
Bikes
Pets
All Food
Beverages, Open or Closed (except baby formula)
No Political Activity