Summer Adventures & Creative Arts in Waxhaw

Summer is here........ Yeaaaaaaaa

If you are looking for an adventurous, creative, engaging and hands on summer camp for your child this check out the following summer camp/class available in the Waxhaw area..

Let's Be Creative ByNickiG

1 Day Sessions: 1-3pm

 $35 per Class    *    5 Class package $125    *    3 class package $90

June 19, 2012 - Designer Dolls No Sew Fashions

~ Students will make a complete outfit for their doll all No Sew.

June 26, 2012 - Sewing 101

~ 18” Doll Clothes  Basic sewing instruction using  patterns to create simple doll clothes and accessories. Students must have a sewing machine & basic sewing notions

July 17 2012 -  Fab Furniture  

~ Students will create and design a table and chair perfect for their 18” Dolls

July 24, 2012 -  Recycled & Repurposed Crafts

 ~ Students will use common household items to create wearable and usable items from items we typically throw away.

July 31, 2012 -   Designer Dolls Accessories

~ Students will create various accessories for their dolls

(Food, jewelry, Headbands, Purses, Etc.)

3 Day Sessions: 9am-12pm

June 26- June 28, 2012 - Doll Room Creation (Kitchen Area) $90

~ Students will create an entire kitchen area for their dolls including room structure, appliances and accessories.

July 17- July 19, 2012 -  Creative Expression $75

~This camp is for those students who want to explore their imagination and create wonderful works of art. Students will create various projects in art and fashion;

.ATCs Artistic Trading Cards, Fabric Embellished Flip Flops and Magazine Mosaic Art.

For more information and to register contact

Nikita Gibbs @ bynickig@gmail.com or www.bynickig.vpweb.com

Summer Camp Adventures at Little Engine Academy

Details about us and about each of the camp weeks offered are available on the website at www.littleengineacademy.vpweb  but here is a sneak preview of the weeks and topics: 

Exploring Marine Biology June 4 - 8, 2012

Young Writers June 11 - 15, 2012

Young Dancers June 18 - 22, 2012

Young Actors June 25 - 29, 2012

Exploring Shakespeare July 2 - 6, 2012

Young Film Makers July 9 - 13, 2012

Young Photographers July 16 - 20, 2012

Exploring The Great Artists July 23 - 27

Veggie Cooking July 30 - August 3

Young Musician's Guitar August 6 - 10

Young Musician's Piano August 13 - 17

Young Archaeologists Visit the Vikings August 20 - 24

Camps will run 8:30-12:30 Monday through Friday (each camp is 5 days long).  You may sign your student up for one week or several!

For more information and to register contact;

Jen Caddell, Homeschooling Mom and Teacher/ Administrator

Little Engine Academy for 5-6 year olds

Young Explorers Enrichment for 7-11 year olds

 Please visit us online at 

www.littleengineacademy.vpweb.com

jencaddell@carolina.rr.com

Make Today Fabulous!

Embrace the Diva in you!

 

NY Style Hot Dog Casserole

I am from New York and there is nothing like an Italian Hot dog. Something I have to get every time I visit NY. This is a little twist on the famous delicatestant staple. without the Italian bread. It is very tasty. you can use lite, veggie or turkey hot dogs for less calories. Try it...

Ingredients:

 1 lbs small red potatoes
1 sm onion shopped
1 pack of hot dogs chopped in small pieces (beef, veggie, turkey, fat free, etc.)
1 can 14.5-16oz sauerkraut (Do Not Drain)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup NY style sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup deli style brown mustard

Directions:
1. Chop potatoes in small pieces, place in glass bowl and Cook potatoes in microwave on high for 5-6 minutes - just until tender but still firm.
2. Saute onions in a large skillet until brown.
3. Add hot dogs, sauerkraut,1/2 cup water and mustard.
4. Bring to a boil and add potatoes cook for 5 minutes or so
5. Transfer to large serving dish, add more mustard if desired and top with cheese and serve.

Enjoy!

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Simple Graduation Party Treats & Favors

Graduation is just around the corner. Are you looking for unique party ideas for your grad? Something personalized and sweet?  Here are a few ideas to make your grad feel special.

Email me NOW to place your orders bynickig@gmail.com

Making every occasion Sweet & Personal!!!

These will definitely be the hit of the party!

Grad Caps
Miniature peanut butter cups
Frosting or peanut butter
Chocolate-covered graham crackers
Fruit roll up
Mini M&M's in school color

Step 1
Place a miniature peanut butter cup, bottom up, on a plate. Top with a small dollop of frosting or peanut butter, then press on a chocolate-covered graham cracker.
Step 2
For a tassel, tightly roll up a small square of fruit leather. Cut fringe on one end and attach the other end to the center of the graham cracker with another dab of frosting or peanut butter. Top with a M&M
The idea comes from FamilyFun.com

Make your Grad the Star of the Bar!
Personalized Candy Bar Wrappers

Personalized Goody Bag Toppers and Gift Bags

Personalized Candy Bouquet

Embroidered Gifts

Personalized Water Bottle Labels

Personalized Bookmarks

Quick and Elegant Centerpieces

Personalized Lollipops

We can wrap and personalize most any candy like Life Savers, Tic Tacs, M&M's, Kit Kats and much more.

Prices starting $2.50 & up.

48 hour notice and 50% deposit required at time of order.

Call Me...

Let me make it Sweet & Personal!

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Embrace the Diva in you!



End of year Teacher Gifts

It is almost that time of year... End of the school year...yeaaaah!!! Don't forget gifts for the teacher, bus driver, cafeteria staff, administration, after school staff and specialty teachers. If you are looking for personalized, unique, cute and reasonable gifts

Give Me A Call!!!

Items available......

Personalized Apple Teacher Frames

Personalized Apple Paper Holders

Personalized Apple Trinket Dish

Red Teacher Bells

Personalized Teacher Theme Candy Bars

Personalized Teacher Theme Bag Toppers w/Goody Bag

Personalized Candy Bouquets

Personalized Teacher Theme Candy Cup

Personalized Tile/Plaques

Personalized Post-it Note Set

Personalized Gift Cans (Gallon or Quart size)

Personalized Initial Water Bottle

Personalized Initial Koozie

Initial Pencil/Pen/Candy Jar

Vinyl Lettering for Car (3 initials)

Summer Themed Gift Basket

Spa Theme Gift Basket

Movie Theme Gift Basket

Altered Notebook and Pen Set

                                        

Prices starting at $3.50 and up

24 Hour Turn-Around!! CALL Me NOW....

(704)989-2417 or email me at bynickig@gmail.com

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Embrace the Diva in you!!

Quick Ways to Earn Extra $$$ This Summer

We've all had it happen at one time or another "More Month Than Money". Especially if you are in education like me and there is NO pay in the summer. I LOVE SHOPPING, So I have to get very creative to earn some extra cash to support my habit. Here are a few of my tips;
 

1.      SELL It On Ebay - If you are like me you are always shopping and sometimes you buy a few of the same thing or you have some things laying around that you don't use or want any more. SELL it on ebay. It is very easy to sell on ebay and could be very lucrative for you. Check it out.

2.      SELL it On Etsy - If you are crafty SELL it on etsy. The difference between ebay and etsy is it has to be handmade. It is very easy to set up a free store on etsy.

3.      SELL it On Craigs List - Craigs list is pretty much like ebay but it's free and local.

4.      SELL it at a YARD SALE - Don't have time to SELL it online, organize a yard sale. Community yard sales usually draw a big crowd just make sure you advertise it well.

5.      SELL it at a FLEA MARKET - Renting a booth at a flea market on weekends is another creative way to earn extra money. You can sell unwanted items from home or new items.

6.      PROVIDE A Service - Babysit, Elderly Care, Pet Sit, House Sit, Run Errands, Handy Work, Yard Work, etc. etc. 

7.      CREATE A Blog - "Pay Per Click" Advertiser will pay you per click on your blog page.

Write and post new posts often on your blog. When visitors click on the Google Ads, Google pays you a share of the advertiser revenue.

8.      DELIVER Newspapers or Telephone Books

9.      RECYCLE - Recycle aluminum, steel and/or copper- Let neighbors and friends know that you are recycling cans and set up a weekly pick up to collect cans and other recyclable items.

10.  GIVE Your Opinion - Research companies pay people to do surveys, taste test and participate in forums. They pay CASH and very WELL!!! Check out the local research companies in your area and register as an interested participant. Stay away from companies that ask you to pay a fee when you sign up as a legitimate survey companies don't ask you to pay money.

11.  SECRET SHOPPERS - There are a lot of companies out there that will pay you to shop. Top businesses will pay you to evaluate your shopping experience. Mystery shopping is an activity that you can do while you are out and about completing your errands for the day. Mystery shoppers are secret shoppers who shop on behalf of a company that wants someone with an objective opinion to evaluate their customer service or perhaps the cleanliness and quality of their facilities or employees. Mystery shopping assignments can be found through various websites, but you should avoid websites that ask you to pay a fee in order to be provided with information about specific mystery shopping.

12.  FIND A SIDE GIG - Sell Avon, Mary Kay, Herbal Life, Organo Gold are just a few of the many companies out there you can become affiliated with and earn extra income and help people at the same time.

13.  TAKE PICTURES- If you enjoy Photography try SELLING your pictures online as stock photos. Anyone can submit their photos to stock photo agencies like Shutterstock.com. If your images are accepted, they will be available for download by subscribers. Each time someone downloads your photos, you get 25 cents. You get paid every time someone uploads your photo.

14.  TEACHER-Many suburban communities and churches have monthly and seasonal (SUMMER) calendars with many activities and classes offered. If you have talents in crafts, computer skills, exercise, dancing or anything else you can teach, speak with your local community center or church staff for more information. Your pay will often depend upon how many students you can sign up.

15.  TURN YOUR HOBBY INTO A BUSINESS - Turn your hobby, skills or expertise into a part-time business. Marketing is KEY.

I am no expert on making money but I am a HUSTLER lol!!! All it takes is some imagination, effort, consistency and action!!! Give it a try... What do you have to lose? You never know, it just might be more lucrative than you thought. Just make sure you do your research first and go for it. I would love to hear what's working for you.... email me at bynickig@gmail.com.

Make Today Fabulous!!!

Embrace the Diva in You!

Pigs in a Pancake

With EOG's and EOC's coming up this week, it is very important that your child have a filling breakfast.  This is the easiest breakfast ever and your child will just love them.

Ingredients
6-8 frozen type pancakes (Plain, buttermilk, blueberry, etc)
6-8 precooked sausage links
6-8 tooth pics
Syrup

Directions
~Cook pancakes according to instructions on box and set aside
~Cook sausage in microwave or on stove top grill and set aside
~ Wrap 1 pancake around 1 sausage and secure with tooth pic
~Repeat steps for remaining ingredients
~Serve with your favorite flavor syrup

Diva Style!!!

Super easy and delish!!!!

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Embrace the Diva in You!!

Bacon Broccoli Slaw

As the summer get closer and it gets hotter I like to make some lighter dishes. I first tasted this slaw at Walmart from the deli. It was surprisingly very good. Unfortunately they didn't know how they made it because it came prepackaged ready to mix. So I got to thinking hummmm how can I duplicate this..... Well, this is my rendition of their Broccoli Slaw.

Ingredients:

8-10 slices of bacon

1 large head of broccoli

1/2 cup red onion chopped fine

1/3 cup golden raisins

1/3 cup sunflower seed kernels

1/3 cup mayo

3 tbsp balsamic vinegar (white)

2 tbsp honey

salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook and crumble bacon
2. Cut and chop broccoli
3. Mix broccoli, raisins and onions in medium bowl
4. In small bowl mix mayo, vinegar, honey and salt/pepper
5. Pour dressing over broccoli, toss to coat evenly
6. Add bacon and serve

This is a great side dish for any summer meal. It is also a perfect dish for cookouts and entertaining. Enjoy!!

Make Today Fabulous!

Embrace the Diva in you!!

Swap-bot

I have a new fascination....... Swapping on Swap-bot. Swap-bot is a community of people who enjoy snail mail, I call "Happy Mail"  where swappers can connect, share, and have fun.

Swap-bot was originally created to be a tool used by blog owners to facilitate mail swaps with their readers. The site has grown from a simple utility to a meeting place where at any given time there are over 500 public swaps being hosted. Swap-bot is completely free. There are various themes, groups and requirements for each swaps. It's just a fun place to share your talents and learn new crafts.I have met some great people on swap-bot and have received some pretty amazing stuff as well. I am also a founder of a Swap group called "Creative Christian D.I.V.A.S" We swap a lot of encouraging handmade christian themed items. I belong to more than 20 groups... A few of my favorite favorites are Adventures in American Girl Doll Group, Tutorial Group, Bible Study, Christian Swappers, Free Pattern Creation, Sew Random, Cuppa and Letter Group, Nuts For Sewing, ATC Freaks, Tote Bag Lovers..... I could go on and on.... Just like there is an App for that there is a Swap Group For That as well LOL!!!


Swap-bot is certainly not for everyone but if you enjoy snail mail, crafting, letter writing and are looking for a safe place to swap check it out. I must warn you it is very addicting. (in a good way) ^_^

Happy Swapping as we say on Swap-bot!!!!

Make Today Fabulous!

Embrace the Diva in you!

Cherri-licious Bellini

Feeling a little Spring Fever? Cheers to Cherry!

Cherri-licious Bellini

Makes 6 servings

1 cup orange jucie with lots of pulp

1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained

1 bottle champagne (750ml)

In a blender puree juice and cherries. In a large pitcher combine all ingredients and serve over ice.

Just Cherri-licious!!!

Please Drink Responsible & Don't Drink and Drive!

Make Today Fabulous!

Embrace the Diva in You!

Happy Birthday Alana

Alana

Happy Birthday to the World's Best 11 Year Old!!!

Happy Birthday My Love!!!

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Embrace the Diva in You!

SpaghettiDogs

This is a kid favorite great for sleepovers, a quick kids meal or if you like spaghetti and hot dogs. I saw a picture of this on Pinterest and thought what a great kids meal I gotta try it and tweak it some for our pleasure. It is super easy and very kid friendly, they can even make it themselves with your supervision of course.

 

Here's what you need;

Hot Dogs (whatever variety you prefer beef, turkey, chicken, etc.)

Dry Spaghetti (not thin or angel hair)

Spaghetti Sauce (4 Cheese flavor)

Parmesan cheese (Grated)

Here's what you do;

Cut a hot dog into sections

Spear the hot dog pieces with dry spaghetti 

*Diva Tip-I like to break the spaghetti in half so it's not to long and easier to spear the hot dog.

Boil the spaghetti dogs until the pasta is tender

Serve with sauce on top or in small condiment cup for dipping

Sprinkle with cheese.

  There you have it, Simple, Tasty and Kid Approved!

Make Today Fabulous!

Embrace the Diva in You!

ATC-Artistic Trading Cards

Recently I have been intrigued with an old phenomenon called Artistic Trading Cards or more commonly referred to as ATCs. I was introduced to these little works of art on a swapping site called SwapBot. SwapBot is a network of people who have come together to share their talents and swap goods through snail mail. The swaps range from finding pen pals, reading buddies, exchanging theme items to crafting, scrap booking, sewing, quilting, painting and more. I must say I was hooked from day one, I love challenges and learning new crafts. I have met some very sweet and talented people through SwapBot. 

A little history about ATCs, ATCs are miniature works of art about the same size of a baseball card

(2 ½ x 3 ½ inches). The ATC movement developed out of the mail art movement and has its origins in Switzerland.ATCs are made in various media, including dry media (pencils, pens, markers, etc.), wet media (watercolor, acrylic paints, etc.), paper media (in the form of collage, paper cuts, found objects, etc.) or even metals or cloth. The cards are usually traded or exchanged.

This is my new fascination "ATCs". I love making them and trading them in the different themed swaps. I find it challenging and exciting to create these little masterpieces and trade them with other artist around the world. Although my collection is very small I am eagerly joining more ATC swaps, I have even created a few. My favorite themes are Christian or Fashion, they seem to be a very popular one on SwapBot as well.

Let me warn you before you join SwapBot... It is very addicting and time consuming LOL in a good way if that's your thing. Of course if you join look me up "ByNickiG", I'd love to swap with you.

Here are some pictures of some ATCs I have created;

Christian Theme "Take it to the cross"

Fashion Theme "Hat Lady"

Angel Theme "Heaven's Angel"

Angel Theme "Heaven's Angel"

Fashion Theme "Simple Beautiful" **This was my first ATC**

10 Commandments ATC "God's Law"

Black History Theme "The Greats"

I Love You Theme "Share Love"

I Love you Theme "Love Endures"

"God's Love"

Egg Shaped ATC Theme "Happy Easter"

"Easter Blessings"

Christian Theme "He Lives"

Make Today Fabulous!

Embrace the Diva in You!