'Tis the Season - Gift Ideas

Last year, I was on the search for the perfect present for my mom and grandma. Based on their reactions, I think I did alright! You can read that post here.

In addition to their reactions, that post and both of those projects have actually gotten a ton of Pinterest traffic. Especially now that the Holidays are around the corner. And with that, my friends and strangers, I want to offer you a steal of a deal.

For $5.00, I offer you your choice of size, colors, and theme (traditional, casual, modern, etc). All you need to do is send me an email with all of the details, including the names, words, saying or poem, and I will get right to work to deliver you a JPEG that you can print off at home, or send to your local Costco or Walgreens to have it printed there.

For my gifts, I had them printed 16x20 at Costco for $5.99 each. I then put them in sleek, black frames from Hobby Lobby (where I, of course, used my 40% off coupon). With that said, the thought behind the gift is priceless; however, the cost won't kill your pocket book.

If you want to take a stab at making your own, and just need ideas, feel free to email me and I would be happy to help!

'Tis the Season, after all.

What candy?

Don't want to turn your light off, but still need a way to let Trick-or-Treaters know that the candy bowl is sans the sweet stuff?

Download this nifty (and free) printable by clicking here.

This printable was original shared on Eighteen25. So so cool.

You Twisted my Arm {More Halloween Printables]

I have another Halloween printable to add to the collection. This one is a favorite of mine. I love the poem! It really takes me back to all of the great Halloween books I read as a kid.

Little lesser-known fact, my husband('s family) does not celebrate Holidays. Whereas, my family does. I've always loved Halloween, but put it on the back-burner so not as to cause issues (big girl under-roos, compromise, whatever you want to call it).

Alex understood the rule. We celebrated Christmas, his birthday and 4th of July. He was a Halloween baby, but he knew we didn't really dress-up or go Trick or Treating.

Isabel semi-understood it, but she still wanted to dress-up in costumes (usually a princess and once Madonna). She pushed the limits a little.

Nic? Forgettaboutit. His FAVORITE store is the Spirit store. He doesn't understand that it's only in existence for 2 months out of each year. I am not even remotely stretching the truth when I say that we have to go look at the store, anytime we are in the area, EVEN WHILE IT'S AN EMPTY SHELL from December - August. Nic even made me take this pic to show his dad as if when we told him, he wouldn't believe us:

So, now with Nic totally into all things Grim Reaper, I am having a blast putting Halloween into our family routines and memories. We all know that my hot boyfriend has a hard time saying "no" to his third child. Que sera, sera. It also helps that we are now homeowners, it's FUN to decorate your own home. Here is my Halloween post from 2010 and from 2011.

But back to the free print...[the fun stuff!]

You can download a 5x7 below:

Speaking of Mustaches...

Oh, you don't remember us speaking about them?! Okay, I may have mentioned them briefly when I did the post on Nico's morning. 

Here's another Halloween printable for you. Go on. Love it. Pin it. Print it. =)
Who doesn't love polka dots, ghosts and staches?!

And maybe Pringles? He does kinda look like the guy on the can. Oh well... this is my little Halloween Costume Contest buddy! You can download him from here.

Something Wicked

In a Halloween kind of way. =)

I am trying so hard to hold back, slow down and enjoy September. But it's hard. Halloween is so much fun. I decided to start working on some Halloween printables to help fight the urge to decorate my house!

I will have at least a dozen to share over the next month or so; even some exciting news later in in Sept. But for now, to help YOU get in the mood, I have two free printables!!

You right click and save as OR download them below:

As I mentioned, I've got a ton of printables in the works, so please feel free to check out my Halloween Printables folder on Box throughout the next month or so for new {free} printables.

Back 2 School: Organization & Study Habits

Call me crazy?! I am a little excited about this post. In fact, I've been planning and gathering for it for over a month. There is nothing I like more than Organization & Study Habits (well, except for the purchasing of school supplies!!)

With three kids in consistently different stages in their lives, we've been through so many homework phases. I can tell you that one thing I learned that I did wrong - and wish I had done differently - is that I did not train my older kids. Do you think 'train' is a little harsh? I don't. Let me tell you why.

I can tell my kids to do their homework. Which is what I did for many, many years. I can yell, kick, scream and threaten. But it's been PROVEN - that doesn't work. So what's my alternative? To train them. SHOW them what I expect each day. Show them how to prep for a test. Give them the tools to succeed.

I've learned, over the years, that studying and organizing does not come easy to my children. It came easy to me, so I assumed they got it. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Fail.

1. Provide a quiet place to study and complete homework assignments.
• Alex can work alone in his room or sit at the dining table to complete his assignments. However, I know Alex... and if I allow him to work in his room, more than likely, the TV will get turned on, and his homework plan tuned out. I intend on keeping Alex CLOSE. ;)
• No TV or Radio on.
• All iPods, Pads, and MP3 players are put AWAY.
• No cell phones. At all. 
• Computers are necessary, but I will walk by and check their web pages several times, if necessary. 
2. Create a schedule/plan. 
• Alex's school has a program called Jupiter Grades. The teachers use it to enter in assignments, tests, notes in advance. That means I always know what is assigned, if it's been completed and what the grade is. I created an alert so that I get a daily email and text message letting me know Alex's current grades, if he has any missing assignments, or if he's missed any classes. I love me some Jupiter Grades! 
• Because I am able to see all of this, I can help Alex create a plan. For example, if we know he has a Geometry test on Friday, we will add studying to his calendar for Wednesday and Thursday.
3. Set expectations.
• The first step in creating expectations is to talk to your significant other. Of course, I will have this particular conversation with MY significant other (not yours).  The husband and I need to be on the same page, so that we can share our expectations with Alex and then hold him accountable.
• We will work with Alex to create the expectations... he's almost 17, I am sure he's got an opinion. In the end, we will work together to come up with what we expect him to do, what he expects (would like) from us, and any consequences (good or bad). 
• Type up this information and keep it handy! You will be referring back to it often!
4. Provide supplies and tools (keep extras on hand).
• Remember this post: School Supplies? 
5. Be available to answer questions, encourage, and keep them on task.
• The biggest complaint from years passed is that I was not available to answer questions. What?! I am ALWAYS home, of course I am available! Yep, not the case. Yes, I am always home... but what was I doing?! More often than night, when it came time for the kids to do their homework, I was in my office working, blogging or crafting.  To my offspring, that meant I wasn't available. And their perception is 100% reality (to them). 
• In order to be available for the kids, I must keep my day fairly organized. More on that later!
• Bottom line, be REALLY available! Be their cheerleader! Be there.
6. Have additional resources available.
• I have two degrees, post high school; a Bachelors of Science in Business/Management and a Masters in Business Administration, but that does not make me qualified to answer every single question that comes my way from a high schooler. For example, I've never taken Geometry. Thankfully, I have an uncle who teaches College Math and who giggles at and adores all things mathematical.  If the kid is stumped and I am stumped, we call in the Uncle.
• We also use YouTube. It can actually be a GREAT resource - with videos on almost EVERY subject. 
• Another resource? The teacher! Alex's teachers have always been open to tutoring before or after school. They are also available via email to help answer questions.
• Check what your school has available.
• See if your children's school book has an online resource.
• We teach the kids about plagiarizing and where not to get info from (hello, Wiki!).

1. Provide a quiet place to study and complete homework assignments.
• Isabel has her phases, and more often than not, I can trust her to get her work done with zero issues. But this isn't ALWAYS the case. Because 8th grade is a big deal - and we are so close to High School, by having her create a work space, we are setting a precedence. 
• No TV or Radio on.
• All iPods, Pads, and MP3 players are put AWAY.
• No cell phones. At all.
• Computers are necessary, but I will walk by and check their web pages several times, if necessary. 
2. Create a schedule/plan. 
• Isa's school also has a program where teachers are able to enter in assignments, tests, notes in advance. That means I always know what is assigned, if it's been completed and what the grade is. I created an alert so that I get a daily email and text message letting me know Isabel's academic status.
• Because I am able to see all of this, I can help Isabel create a plan. She is my kid who LOVES calendars and lists! So, we can create a pretty, yet functional, plan that I know she will follow.
3. Set expectations.
• The first step in creating expectations is to talk to your significant other. The husband and I need to be on the same page, so that we can share our expectations with Isabel and then hold her accountable.
• We will work with Isa to create the expectations, allow her to provide input. In the end, we will work together to come up with what we expect her to do, what she expects (would like) from us, and any consequences (good or bad). 
• Type up this information and keep it handy! You will be referring back to it often!
4. Provide supplies and tools (keep extras on hand).
• Remember this post: School Supplies? 
5. Be available to answer questions, encourage, and keep them on task.
• Same as what I listed for Alex...the biggest complaint from years passed is that I was not available to answer questions. 
• In order to be available for the kids, I must keep my day fairly organized. Again, more on that later!
• Bottom line, be REALLY available! Be their cheerleader! Be there.
  
6. Have additional resources available.
• Isabel is a bit more disciplined than Alex, I know that she will reach out on her own for assistance. For her age group, I think the following resources are acceptable:
• Library
• Google
• YouTube
• Teachers
• School
• See if your children's school book has an online resource.
  
• We teach the kids about plagiarizing and where not to get info from (hello, Wiki!).

1. Provide a quiet place to study and complete homework assignments.
• This is ALL new for Nic. We are setting the precedence EARLY.He will never know how Alex and Isabel performed before, I will make sure of it (don't you love your second chance children?!)
• No TV or Radio on.
2. Create a schedule/plan. 
• We will set a timer so that we can show Nic how long we expect him to work on his homework. If he goes over, then he needs to work with more focus. If he works under, then he needs to take his time or work on other skills. 
• Based on Nic's level, he should have no more than 30 minutes of homework each night.
3. Set expectations.
• The husband and I will create easy-to-understand expectations for Nic.
• We will focus on the skill level of a Kindergartner, but also work to encourage a love of learning.
• Type up this information and keep it handy! You will be referring back to it often!
4. Provide supplies and tools (keep extras on hand).
• Remember this post: School Supplies? 
5. Be available to answer questions, encourage, and keep them on task.
• Again, at this level, I will need to sit side-by-side with Nic. There's no way I can expect him to know what he's supposed to do, while staying on task.
6. Have additional resources available.
• I HOPE I can manage Kindergarten level work, but for some reason I don't understand something, we will reach out to the teacher. I recommend a communication notebook; a place where I can write a note, send it in with Nic, and the teacher can respond back. This will serve as a year-long log of our commitment to Nic's success. 

All three kids are home before 4, with Nic being the last. That means I can spend about an hour with Alex and Isabel - Nic FREE! I will spend that time going over their calendar, their expectations and helping to answer questions. Once Nic gets home, I will have to balance all three kids (Monday - Wednesday), but will have my partner in crime available on Thursday's and Friday's to assist with homework time.

I know this has been a long post... but stick around for a few more moments, because I want to share something I found on Pinterest. Here is the original pin.

After I read through Math-N-Spire's blog post, I knew this was something I HAD to do with my kids this year! It's sad to say, but I don't believe Alex was at all ready for his final exams the last two years, despite my poking and prodding. Hopefully using this method, we will be ready and roaring to go!

Because I plan for the kids to use one notebook for each class, I purchased these Composition Notebooks when they were on sale. I think I bought about 50. Crazy, I know. But I wanted to be sure I had them on for replacements or subsequent notes.

I set up each of the notebooks very similar to the inspiration piece, although I wasn't able to add the page numbers in, etc. I figured that I could work with the kids each day to read through their notes and then add the section and page number to the table of contents. I feel like the table of contents is going to be one of the most important parts of the book.

And because school and organization and studying should be fun, I've created some cute labels that I plan on sticking on the front of each notebook. And because I like you... I have them as a free download! You can either modge-podge them on, or... print them on shipping labels!

You can download them below:

My Goals for Today [Free Printable]

The word "goals" is much better than the command "do"... right?
Can I get an "Amen"...?

I admit - the end of summer is near and I, your royal highness, is feeling a tad bit whelmed. (Is that even a word? Name that movie?!)

In two short weeks, I am sending my kiddos off to school. All THREE kiddos. Which means, I will be home alone. Well, just me and the pups.

Don't mind them.

Of course, I do have a full time job, so I won't exactly be sitting on the couch, watching 90210 re-runs, sipping on Dr. Pepper and eating Chips Ahoy during the entire 6.5 hours of bliss.

Nope. I still have things to do, places to go, and food to make, bake, or microwave.

I decided to ease my mind a little and created a sweet sheet - a place to document my goals for the day. Of course, if I am unable to complete one of the goals, I can always move it to the next day.

Here's what I recommend:

• If you print using Picasa, change it so that it fits onto the screen and remove the borders. It will print nicely. 
• Use the back of scrap paper. It's pretty, but it doesn't have to be THAT pretty.
• Use a clip board and keep it handy! You know, so that you can easily check off an item when you've completed it!
• For even more fun?! Keep each of the sheets and add them to a memory book so that for years to come, you can marvel at your awesomeness. :) Be sure to add the date to your page! I add mine above the bunting swag (top right hand corner).

Here's a glimpse of what I've jotted down for today...

There is nothing more I love than a list and a clean desk. Well... at least I got the list part taken care of. Here's to tackling the cleaning of my desk...tomorrow?!

Click here to download this super sweet sheet:

Dinnertime Chores [Free Printable]

As you may have heard, my dear niece, Abby, has left the coop. This means that we are down one helper in the kitchen. [Actually, with the help that Abby provided, we are down more like 2 helpers! /sigh]

I found the cutest dinnertime chores chart on ARMOMMY. I thought the idea was darling... but the page not really my style. It was soft and perfect. I am loud and imperfect. On this we can agree, right? So, I decided to make my own version.

I have plans to print it off and either put it in a 8x10 frame and set it on the kitchen counter... or laminate (ooo! aahhh!) and hang it on the fridge. Either way, dry erase markers will help me fill in the names.

I was thinking about the ways my littlest dude can help out in the kitchen. I started to think - not so much. But then, I remembered he IS five and I HAVE caught him making his own PB&Js a few times. He can totally help a madre out.

The husband helps out with the cooking on Thursdays and Fridays (his days off), so I created a space for who the hefe will be and will update it accordingly.

If all goes as planned, my plan for total house domination is well under way! One printable at a time.

P.S. I love sharing! You can download the file from here. If you'd like it customized...consider visiting Blueprints by QOTC.



P.S.S. Go visit ARMOMMY's site. It's super cute with a ton of great products and even a meal planning service!

I Pledge...

Another free printable. I am having this one printed off and will hang it on my 4th of July mantel. But really, it could be used several times throughout the year.

Download below:

Now THAT'S a lot of Places!

I had fun making a printable for my OWN house this week. I thought it would be cute to list the street names that Marcos and I have lived on since we've been together.

I had to keep remembering to add one.
And then another one.
And then another.

We moved A LOT.

In fact, I am not sure we've ever lived anywhere longer than two years. Present location included. Of course, now that we are homeowners, that will change! Next month will be our two year anniversary of signing the contract on the house. Crazy.

And just so you know... that street name near the top - Calle Vauo Nawi - we lived there a few different times. My poor mother-in-law. lol...

I think I want the blue color a little brighter... but other than that, I have a place all picked out for this print. I am going to have it printed at Costco... it's a 16x20... for like $8. Can't beat that.

Oh - this would be a great time to plug Prints by QOTC. :) Like what you see up there? Then I'd be happy to create you your own version! Click here for details!!

Prints by QOTC

I am stepping out on a limb here, people.
I've decided to offer up my services in the printables department! The ones I've been providing for free have been pin and repinned and downloaded by the 10s of tens. =)

I love spending time creating these prints, but I also think that YOU would like them customized with YOUR details. (Nothing like having the wrong kids' names hanging in your house)...

Allow me to introduce...myself (name that movie?!)

I hate rejection, so I will end here and say - please go visit the link at the top of the page, or in the far right column, or anything that says "Prints by QOTC." Read all about it - and then order something already, will ya?!

Thank you very much! =)

Off to go dream about sending the oldest one off to college.
(I kid, I kid! I would never pressure you. Ever.)

Some Amore Printables [and a Giveaway!]

This set of free printables is called Summer Love.

Get it? Some Amore.
Some more.

Okay, enough chatter. I forgot that I had these saved up (I tend to get to the seasons too early).
Without further ado (or bad jokes), here you go!







Now, in the past I've mentioned that I was starting to get the hang of Photoshop... and I believe I am still going strong. However, I was recently introduced to a creative memories suite.

Because I do a lot of work on my husband's computer, our main desktop, etc, I've been looking for various programs to house on certain computers. My husband refuses to let me put Picasa on his laptop because it then stores and categorizes HIS pictures. He no likey.


When I was contact by Liz from My Memories, I was ecstatic. I couldn't wait to download the digital scrapbooking software and try it out for myself. After the quick and easy download, I opened up my memories suite and was pleased to learn that, at first glance, I could do this.

I LOVED the simple icons... I know what I am clicking on! =)

And the grid lines; us OCD-ish people want things straight!

After playing with my memories suite for just a few minutes, I was able to pull some old photos off of my Photobucket account, save them to my desktop and then load them right onto the page I was working on.

I made quite a few pages in a short amount of time. But what I really want to focus on is that this creative suite allows me to be creative in other ways. You all know I have a love for making free printables.
The Summer Love collection was made using the My Memories program. No lie. And I bet you couldn't tell the difference between which software I used.

Here's another cute sign I made in a matter of minutes:

A motivational poster for my royal workout series, set to the parameters I like (8x10). Feel free to right click and save!

I love that you can set your own dimensions! That you can use their free papers & elements, purchase papers and elements from them or UPLOAD YOUR OWN!

What's that?! 

When Liz contacted me about trying out My Memories, she also gave me another copy of the digital scrapbooking software for one of my LUCKY readers!!

Here's how to enter:

1. Like Queen of the Creek on Facebook for one entry. Come on, I need more fans! =)
2. Leave a comment on this post, letting me know what digital kits you like best from mymemories.com.
3. Like My Memories on Facebook for a third and final entry!

That's it! Each person has THREE chances to win this digital memories suite!
This giveaway will close on Sunday night (June 3 - my half birthday) and the winner will be selected by Random.org and announced on Monday morning. Leave your email in the comments section so that I can email you, if you are the chosen one!

It gets better... My Memories has offered ALL of my readers a discount!! To get a $10 discount off of the price of the My Memories creative suite, you can use discount code STMMMS193 at checkout.

Bottom line... if you are new to digital scrapbooking or want to learn how to make fun printables, this design suite is for you! Happy Scrapping! And good luck!!

Love Love Love the 4th [Free Printables]

Memorial Day has come and gone, but Independence day is right around the corner. One of my FAVORITE holidays for sure. Which is why I had such a great time making FREE printables for YOU (and me, because of course I will be printing them off to showcase around the house)!

You can view and download them below. Easy, I pinky promise.










You can also click here to see the rest of the printables I've created. Sharing is caring!

P.S. See who I am partying it up with --->

The Marvelous World of Marvel Comics

We took the kids to see The Avengers last week.

Now, I only have seen a few of the movies; I think all of the Ironman movies. But I think that's it.
I loved the Avengers movies and look forward to a sequel. I am so glad that they used the same actors for it, as they used in the individual movies.

We saw the movie at the Cine Capri - the largest screen in Arizona. It was amazing.

Poor Nico fell asleep halfway in. But he loves the Hulk, Ironman and Captain America. So I decided to make him a few "posters" to hang in the loft.

I borrowed the superhero images from Google, and then added a background and text using Photoshop. I have them printed out and put in an 8x10 frame. They turned out super cute. Er. Adventurous? All that matters is that Nico loves them.

And that Marcos is taking Nico back to the 3D version of the movie tomorrow, to make up for him falling asleep (thank gosh for gift cards!).

Definitely go see the movie; it's action packed and fun!

UPDATE: Added them below! If you have any issues download, email me at QOTC at COX.NET

Can't Forget the Mommas...

I know... I was kind of putting my cart before the horse with my Summer printables post, yesterday. It's just that when the inspiration strikes, I go with it! =)

After several conversations on the phone with my mom yesterday, I woke up inspired to create some Mother's Day printables. Lucky for you, huh?!

They are both in 5x7 and can be downloaded for free by clicking on the Box documents below. Super easy.

I am having my mom (and my dad) along with my grandma, my aunt, uncle and cousin over to celebrate Mother's Day this Sunday. Unfortunately, Marcos has to work... :(  But I do look forward to spending some precious time with the "moms" in my life.

What are your big plans for Mother's Day?!

See who I am linking to: --->

Summer Printables

Can you believe that May is way underway? And that before long, summer will be here?
Crazy...
I decided to celebrate the fact that in only a few short days, my kiddos will hanging out with me for two whole months (can't decide if I am happy or sad about that!)...
Here are a few free summer printables for you! You know, to get you in the spirit of all things summer! :)

Download them below...






Enjoy!


P.S. I know that teacher's aren't really giving dirty looks, right?! It's the song lyrics. I had to stay true to Alice Cooper! :)

See who I am linking to: ---> 

Free Printables (as requested!)

As per a simple request, I've uploaded copies of my menu planning documents for you to download... for free! And for a limited time, if you'd like to see yours customized (with your last name, or a different color scheme), feel free to send me an email at qotc at cox dot net, and I would be happy to fulfill your request!

You can download the docs below!








I have my major shopping trip today... and I've got everything ready to go, including my canvas bags. Did you know that most stores will pay you anywhere from $0.05 to $0.10 per bag?! It adds up, I am telling you! Enjoy... and happy organizing!