This Little Project: April 2013

Shabby Apple Giveaway!!

Hi friends, long time no blogging....let's just say that between Baby M arriving and winter bringing sickness here I haven't been around to share the {little} things we've been up to.
But today is a good blogging day! I'm here!
And to celebrate I have a Shabby Apple Giveaway for you!

Shabby Apple is an online dress boutique that specializes in vintage and retro dresses.

Just looking through the Shabby Apple Catalog online I am drooling. I can't get enough of the charming style, the vintage fun, and adventurous photography. Just "window shopping" feels like a vacation!
Have you seen their Ferris Wheel collection?

Seriously fun summer fashion!

The other day I was Skyping with my sister (is skyping a verb? If so, I don't know how to spell it!) And she was wearing this very Shabby Apple dress! She looked fabulous!

It's cute here, but even better on!

Crisp navy and white stripes and red detailing make this frock perfect for a day at the courts or a summer barbeque. A mock turtleneck, cap sleeves and pleating at the waist complete the look. All these details converge with a crisp, woven cotton fabric with a hint of stretch for maximum comfort.

I am a big fan of polka dots, just ask my husband :) So, naturally I love this polka dot dress.

And to celebrate, I'm giving you a code for 10% off any Shabby Apple polka dot dress!

Just use the code: pokadot10off

I also have a $50 Shabby Apple gift card to giveaway to a lucky reader!

Here is how to enter--be sure to leave a comment for each entry:

1. Like Shabby Apple on Facebook

2. Go to the Shabby Apple website and tell me what you would get with a $50 gift card.

3. Follow This Little Project (either via email RSS or box on right)

4. Like This Little Project on Facebook

5. Tell me what your favorite "Collection" is at Shabby Apple

The giveaway will close on May 1st at midnight and the winner will be announced May 2nd.

The 10% code is good for one month :)

Butterfly Learning Fun

Originally shared at abcand123learning.com

We are enjoying a lot of butterfly fun at our house right now. We rescued a monarch from the middle of the road this past week and have been watching a friend raise some monarchs from egg to chrysalis. Today I want to share some ideas that go along with that beautiful transformation from caterpillar to butterfly that will get you MOVING and enjoying MUSIC too!

My kids and I have been hanging out at our local butterfly exhibit. We can't get enough of them...

It's a miracle every time!

This movie shows the transformation of of a butterfly from an egg to a monarch butterfly. It's perfect to watch before learning and singing the songs below.

This movie is a song about the life cycle of a butterfly, with pictures. It's short and easy for young kids to sing. (Note: usually the "house"a butterfly makes is referred to as a chrysalis and the one a moth makes is a cocoon.)

We made some fun Butterfly Finger Puppets to fly around the room.

By using pieces from a glove they are easy to make and slip on little fingers.

For directions to make yours, go here.

Here is another song about the butterfly life cycle-no pictures, but the kids would love coloring this one to go with it. Just cut out each piece and glue to it a popsicle stick and hold it up for each part of the song.

I love this way of acting out the life cycle. You just need a blanket, some butterfly wings, and some "leaves to eat". This is a wonderful way to incorporate movement into learning.

A Snack Craft! is a fun way to do some hands-on learning. This gummy worm is the caterpillar and then the kids turn him into a butterfly. For peanut allergies, substitute marshmallow cream for the peanut butter spread. Directions here.