We recently came back from the most amazing and magical trip to Disney World! It was our family’s first trip and we had such a wonderful time and learned so much along the way (separate blog post coming soon to share more on all that we learned). One of my top must-dos for the trip was to get a silhouette portrait of our girls done as a souvenir. | This post contains affiliate links |
At the time of writing this post, they currently have Silhouette Artists at Magic Kingdom and at Disney Springs. We tried twice at Magic Kingdom to get them done but the first time we went was towards the end of the day and the line was long and our kids were tuckered out so we had to skip that day. The second time we went to Magic Kingdom during the middle of the day and it was a success - a short line that moved fast and it was so amazing to watch the Silhouette Artist work! The subject sits in a chair across from the artist (many artists can also work from a side view picture if it’s a good one - they can even do pet portraits this way), and then they get to work snipping the paper with sharp little scissors. They cut two sheets of paper at once and you end up with two sets of portraits (mirror imaged). The artist did both our kids within minutes and it’s a perfect likeness to them, I was so impressed!
Afterwards when it's time to pay you have the option to buy the frames there if you would like. I had every intention of buying oval frames there but at the time they were sold out of ovals and only had rectangular frames which I just wasn't interested in. So we got our silhouettes to-go in a little gift bag (tip: it would be a good idea to bring a large ziplock bag to protect the silhouettes a little more).
When it came time to pack up and go home at the end of the week I was actually very thankful we didn't buy the frames in Disney - we traveled with carry-ons only and there was no way we would have had room for the frames in our carry-ons.
I recommend taking out the plexiglass piece and using that as a guide to trace and cut out your silhouette to fit in the frame (I did not use the oval mat that came with the frame - and don’t forget to remove the protective plastic film from both sides of the plexiglass). It worked perfectly for us! We kept one portrait for ourselves and gave the other one to the grandparents as a thank you for house sitting for us. It’s such a special souvenir that we’ll treasure!
Disclaimer: I found that these frames fit the Silhouettes we got this year (Fall, 2024) at Disney World perfectly. I would think they should also fit the Silhouettes from Disneyland and Disney Springs too, but I cannot confirm that because I haven’t tried it yet myself.
KEEP UP WITH BIRCH LANDING HOME
| Etsy | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin' | Hometalk |
Lately our garage has been kind of a mess - my husband has been rebuilding our rotting deck and the power tools he has have multiplied with no good place to store them. I was getting tired of tripping over sanders and planers so I thought I’d come up with a way to get all the small power tools easily accessible and organized for his project. In my search I came across the perfect locker solution! | This post contains affiliate links |
I realized the space between our garage doors was vastly underutilized. It’s a skinny spot but tall - with a lot of potential for easily-accessible storage. I thought about building shelves there but then it would be open and kind of messy. I tried finding a cabinet that would fit but they were all too wide. Then I realized a locker would fit!
I searched for single-width lockers and found many options and considered doing a single tall locker or a double locker. But then I came across this amazing single-width locker with six doors/tiers! It was perfect for my needs - it fit right in between the garage doors and each tool could have it’s own cubby. This locker fit perfectly in our garage but make sure to measure your space first as you may have a narrower (or wider) space to work with. There was assembly required for the locker but it went together easily and then it was ready to use!
One important thing to consider before you put a locker in your garage is how you will contend with wet floors. We live in New England and in the winters especially our garage floors get quite wet when the snow melts off our cars… in order to protect the bottom of your locker from rusting you probably want to raise it up off the floor. For us we used a thick paving stone that fit well under the locker - though we did have to level it some with
composite shims (similar ones linked)
because our garage floors are slightly uneven. (Just slide the shim under the paver and break off when it's the right height - so easy!) You may also want to consider attaching your locker to the wall in some way if you’re concerned about it tipping.
Once we had our locker level and secured I labeled each cubby with what it contained (“Drills & Bits”, “Orbital Sander”, etc). To make the labels I just typed them up on my computer, printed them out on a sheet of cardstock, and cut them out.
This was an awesome and very easy project to do in our garage. We love how organized and accessible the tools are while still keeping them out of sight.
KEEP UP WITH BIRCH LANDING HOME
| Etsy | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin' | Hometalk |
I’ve been working part-time at a school for a few years now. One of my daily tasks (that I love) has been finding a new Live Stream to run in the background on a large Promethean Board in the Library everyday. It’s a lot of fun finding new streams or going back to old favorites - sometimes they have to do with timely current events (like a NASA launch), other times it’s a nature-related live stream, and other times it’s a peek into a different part of the world and their culture. We always mute the streams so they’re not disruptive and just add a fun element running in the background. Here I thought I’d share some favorites and I’ll be sure to add to the list periodically.
DISCLAIMER: Please use your best judgement and double check links before showing. At the time of writing this post, these links point to the topics described but there’s always a chance the streams/channels may change in the future. Also while all of these streams would likely be considered “school safe” for most grades/age groups, they are LIVE and therefore there’s always the chance of something unexpected happening on them. Stream at your own risk.
Nature
- SpaceX Launches - I'm linking to the general SpaceX channel here, since new live stream videos will be made as new things are launched. SpaceX launches happen pretty frequently, and they're always exciting and interesting.
- NASA Launches - Linking to the general NASA channel here. NASA Launches happen less often than SpaceX ones but are still fun to see.
- International Space Station (ISS) Stream - This shows a live view of Earth as seen from the ISS. A very relaxing and neat stream to run in the background.
- Rotating New England Live Streams - we enjoy this stream because it rotates amongst many locations around New England. We often put this stream on when bad or snowy weather is coming in (we're local to New England) to see how the weather is in other areas and how much snow they're getting. (Many of the videos featured have their own stand-alone streaming channels too and you can look them up individually if you choose to.)
- Mount Washington, NH Live Stream - Mt. Washington is known as "Home of the World's Worst Weather" and can be an interesting channel to live stream.
- Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Live Cam - busy stream of traffic coming and going across the Brooklyn Bridge and surrounding area.
- Bank of America Winter Village Skate Cam at Bryant Park, NYC - This is a favorite live cam to run in the library around the holidays/Christmas. The kids love watching the ice skaters and the wide range of skills they have ;)
- Boston Marathon - no link for this one because coverage changes every year. But when "Marathon Monday" (which is the 3rd Monday in April) rolls around every year we put on some kind of live stream or news coverage of the Marathon.
- Everest Base Camp - I can't find the link for it now, but last spring we were able to watch a live stream of Everest Base Camp.
Current Events
I won’t link anything here because these are often temporary or one-time events… but here are some general ideas of things we have streamed or could stream for current events:
Weather coverage of a current weather event somewhere in the US - like an incoming nor’easter snowstorm or hurricane
Presidential election coverage or inauguration
Local election coverage
Royal wedding or coronation abroad
9/11 or Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony
Olympics coverage
SpaceX or NASA Launch
News conference regarding a science discovery
Baby watch of an animal about to give birth (like a giraffe at the zoo)
Livestream of a local event
DISCLAIMER: Please use your best judgement and double check links before showing. At the time of writing this post, these links point to the topics described but there’s always a chance the streams/channels may change in the future. Also while all of these streams would likely be considered “school safe” for most grades/age groups, they are LIVE and therefore there’s always the chance of something unexpected happening on them. Stream at your own risk.
KEEP UP WITH BIRCH LANDING HOME
| Etsy | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin' | Hometalk |
I’ve been working in the school system for a few years now - while I did have a teaching degree at one time (I let it lapse), I’ve been working in a support staff role. Being a school staff member doesn’t pay much so getting discounts at different retailers is a small but appreciated perk of the job. I’ve complied a list of some of the stores and restaurants that give Educator/Teacher/School Staff Discounts. Also if you homeschool some places will honor that and give you a homeschool educator discount too so it’s always worth asking! | This post contains affiliate links |
Disclaimer: Different stores have different offers and rules - and they’re subject to change. Make sure to double check on discounts and read the fine print and before you use them. Some of these discounts are in person and others you can do online with verification. If I’m shopping in-store I always ask if they offer an educator discount - you’d be surprised how many random places do!
A Quick List of Some Educator Discounts:
Many local museums - Always ask when going to a local museum if they offer an Educator Discount - many do for admission or at least for the gift shop
Some local restaurants/coffee shops - You may find a local restaurant or coffee shop may offer an educator discount on a particular item (like coffee) or your whole meal - it’s always worth asking!
L.L. Bean - 10% off (online or retail stores - does not work at L.L. Bean Outlets)
Target - varying offers throughout the year with special coupons/discounts
JoAnn Fabrics - 15% off
Michael’s - 15% off
J.Crew - 15% off
Under Armour - 20% off
Crocs - 15% off (full-priced items only)
Loft - 15% off (full-priced items only)
New Balance - 25% off
Sunglass Hut - 15% off
Canva - may be free if you sign up for an educator account with your school email (not all schools are eligible)
What other places give you a teacher/educator discount? Let me know!
Disclaimer: Different stores have different offers and rules - and they’re subject to change. Make sure to double check on the discounts and read the fine print and before you use them.
KEEP UP WITH BIRCH LANDING HOME
| Etsy | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin' | Hometalk |
Did you know every 4th Grader can get a FREE National Parks Pass? I found out about the program when our not-so-little one went into the 4th Grade and we were able to take advantage of it. Signing up is incredibly easy through the “Every Kid Outdoors” Website - once you’re signed up make sure to bring your printed confirmation with you and your 4th grader to a National Park and the ranger there will finish the sign up process and give you National Parks Pass that’s good for the whole year (Sept 1st-Aug 31st of the school year your child is in 4th grade). If you’re a homeschool family this program also works if your child is homeschooled and in the equivalent of 4th grade.
We personally used it to go to Acadia National Park (our favorite place) in Maine and Saint-Gaudens National Park in New Hampshire. Maybe when our next child is in 4th grade we’ll get a little more adventurous and get to a National Park out west.
If you're planning on checking out several National Parks during the year, you might want to pick up a National Park Journal (affiliate link) so your kids can document the journey and adventures! Happy Exploring!
Note: This is not a sponsored post, I’m just sharing my experience with this program when we did it. Please see Every Kid Outdoors’ website for details as they may change.
KEEP UP WITH BIRCH LANDING HOME
| Etsy | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin' | Hometalk |
I finally did it… I jumped on the Stanley Tumbler bandwagon. The 40oz Stanley Tumbler cups are the “it” accessory at the moment and seen everywhere. But the big question is, are they worth it? In my opinion, yes… and no. Let me explain. | This post is not sponsored but contains affiliate links and an honest opinion of products |
First, I’ll share the reasons why I think you should *not* get one:
You already have a straw tumbler. So many of us already have another brand tumbler and we really don’t need another one just because this style is popular at the moment. If your current tumbler is doing it’s job just fine then don’t bother jumping on this bandwagon and save your money.
It’s HEAVY. Really heavy. At 40oz when this tumbler is full it is super heavy - it’s really not practical to carry around all day like you see those influencers on Instagram doing.
Now why I think you *should* get one:
- You're in need of a straw tumbler. I actually was in need to upgrade my old tumbler. My
old straw tumbler
was 10(!) years old and not insulated... I was tired of it leaving condensation marks on our coffee table and it never kept my water cold for long.
- You like your beverages cold (or hot). While I haven't tried my
new Stanley Tumbler
with hot beverages yet, I'm very impressed how it keeps things cold super long. I'll take a sip of water the next morning and it's still nice and cold from the day before!
- You keep your beverage at your desk or in your car. The large size isn't an issue if you tend to leave your cup in the same place for long periods of time. I typically leave my tumbler on the kitchen counter or on the coffee table and constantly sip it throughout the day so the large size wasn't a problem for me. This cup also fits nicely in our car's cupholders.
- You're trying to increase your water consumption. If you're looking drink more water, this large cup definitely helps get it done.
Overall - I am happy I jumped on the Stanley Tumbler bandwagon. I don't condone buying the "it" thing everytime if you don't need it, but if you are actually in need of a straw tumbler I have been very happy with my Stanley one.
KEEP UP WITH BIRCH LANDING HOME
| Etsy | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin' | Hometalk |
We’ve been long-time fans and customers of Maine Rope Mats - they are rugged, functional, and add some New England nautical flair to your home. Our mats have held up beautifully to years of harsh New England weather - sun, snow, and mud. Maine Rope Mats was kind enough to send us a few of their new products for us to style and share about.
| This post contains an honest review of product provided by Maine Rope Mats |
At Home in the Woods as well as on the Seacoast
Maine Rope Mats definitely have a nautical vibe to them (they are made from lobster-style ropes after all), but nevertheless they fit right in at a cabin in the woods as well as at a cape on the cape.
We love mixing and matching the mats with other accessories too - like their Maine Rope Baskets. These rugged baskets would be perfect for holding a potted plant, gardening tools, or flip flops and towels for a walk down to the lake.
Wipe Your Paws
These mats also hold up well to our four-legged friends too - just make sure to wipe your paws before coming in the cabin! (PS - Maine Rope Mats also makes awesome dog leashes from soft but strong yacht braid rope. Those are definitely next on our wishlist.)
Perfect for Play Too
Maine Rope Mats are also the perfect addition to a child’s play house - or a Hobbit’s house ;)
They add the perfect touch of whimsy and help keep sand and mud from getting tracked inside.
Here’s a pro-tip for all you campers out there: pack a Maine Rope Mat to put in front of your tent door. It really makes a huge difference in reducing the amount of mud and wood chips that get tracked into the tent. It also makes a great spot for the pup to hang out too.
We’re long-time fans of Maine Rope Mats are looking forward to many more years enjoying our rugged and stylish mats!
KEEP UP WITH MAINE ROPE MATS
- I received these items for review from Maine Rope Mats but all opinions expressed are my own. Please see our full Disclosure Policy for more information -
KEEP UP WITH BIRCH LANDING HOME
| Etsy | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin' | Hometalk |
Just wanted to hop on here real quick and share about this book we have been loving for teaching our 4-year-old how to read! | This post isn’t sponsored but does contain affiliate links |
Our 4-year-old has been asking us to learn to read for a little bit now. She sees her older sibling reading and wants to join in too… after researching around I decided to try this book "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons", which came highly rated.
The book and its format took a little getting used to at first, but we quickly caught on and our little one is EXCELLING at it. The program starts small, and builds on letter sounds one-by-one. They start with the predictable sounds and add annotations to help differentiate different letter sounds and minimize letters that are silent. Your little one builds confidence and knowledge and slowly starts to decipher how words, sentences, and paragraphs are made. Our 4-year-old is now sounding out and reading small paragraphs all on her own, and we’re only a little more than 1/3 through the book! Her comprehension/recall still isn’t quite there (she often needs to be reminded about what the beginning of the paragraph was about by the end of the paragraph), but she is honestly enjoying being able to decipher words all on her own. She’s even starting to read and recognize words and sentences in other books that don’t have the sounds broken down like this book does.
I think this is a great jumpstart to reading if your child is ready and willing. I know it will definitely give our child more confidence and a jumpstart on learning to read before starting Kindergarten. We’ve been taking our time doing the lessons (we only do them 2-3x a week), but I’m really looking forward to see how well she reads by the end!
KEEP UP WITH BIRCH LANDING HOME
| Etsy | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin' | Hometalk |
