The Left Coast Mama
I purchased the rice very cheap at the local market. They have bulk bins where I can scoop as much as I need and pay per pound.
For the paint, we used the Sargent Art Fluorescent Watercolor Magic Set
The rubbing alcohol helps the paint to dry quickly. It’s fairly inexpensive at Target or Walmart. I didn’t have any at the time, so I used some witch hazel which still worked well.
Divide the rice into how many colors you will be making (so you don’t run out). Mix one color at a time by putting the plain white rice into a mixing bowl, add the liquid water color paint and about 4 Tbsp of rubbing alcohol.
If the color isn’t vibrant enough, just add more paint. Part of the fun is experimenting!
Repeat this process with the other colors in separate bowls to create the rainbow effect.
I would move into an IKEA store if it were possible. I love that place. And what’s even more cool is that they host FREE kids birthday parties on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at my local IKEA in Costa Mes, CA (call your local IKEA to see if they have this program).
Plus, if you have an electric car, you can charge up while you party – the Costa Mesa IKEA has four electric vehicle charging stations operational in the parking lot near the entrance to the store, available to any EV driver with a Blink Incard.
Location: IKEA Orange County Costa Mesa restaurant
Date: The second Wednesday of every month
Time: 4pm-6pm
Mark your calendar! Here’s all of the Second Wednesdays in 2012:
- Jan. 11
- Feb. 8
- March 14
- April 11
- May 9
- June 13
- July 11
- August 8
- Sept.12
- Oct. 10
- Nov. 14
- Dec. 12
Party is for all children turning 10 years old or younger during the selected attended party date. Each birthday child is allowed to invite two of their friends to the party. Event includes entertainment (magician, clown, etc.), soda, and cake. Plus, each birthday child will receive a gift from IKEA.
Please call (714)751-7167, ext#1470 to reserve your place at the party.
is marked down again to only $3.95 per spool, with free shipping for Prime members. If you don’t have Prime membership with Amazon, you can get free shipping if your order totals at least $25. 
1. Shop wisely in the produce section: Put your money towards organic on the fruit and veggies that are highly contaminated with pesticides, and save your money with the “non-organic” produce that is the least contaminated by pesticides. Also, try to shop in season and watch for sales!
2. Become a locavore: Shop at the local farmers market. Not only will you know where your produce came from, but you know it will be fresh. You will also be supporting your local farmers instead of large corporations. Sometimes if you go towards the end of the market hours, you may score some great deals. Most farmers don’t want to drag home the leftovers, so they will be more willing to work a deal with you on some fresh local produce! Go here to search for a local farmers market near you. You may even find a unique vegetable that you’ve never tried before!
3. Grow a garden: Section off a small area in your yard and plant seeds or small plants. You can start simple with tomatoes, peas, and peppers. If you don’t have a yard, consider balcony gardening – just a few veggie producing plants will save you some money on your grocery bill. Try growing some fresh herbs too – basil grows very well. This can be a fun educational project to do with your kids too!
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It’s Friday!
Every Friday I post 5 of my favorite things that I’ve come across. They may be anything from decor ideas to clothes or unique items on etsy or a must-see website. Who knows… maybe it will inspire you!
Here are my 5 favorite finds this week:
source
3. Faded Leopard Print Skinny Jeans – Leopard print is all over the place again, but this is one easy way to wear it in a muted version. Current Elliott makes the pricey pair that is pictured below. Target has a cheaper version however they are currently sold out online. (second picture below)
4. The Panama Hat – It’s cool, casual and has California lifestyle written all over it. Love it!
5. Hotel San Carlos in Phoenix, AZ – This hotel is rated as the 3rd most haunted hotel in America. [cool!] During the first year that the hotel opened in 1928, a young woman commit suicide by jumping off of the rooftop. For an interesting adventure, stay in her room – number 720. If that room is occupied already, ask for room 704, where a murder took place in the 1960s. Aside from the 7th floor activity, the 6th floor has a room with a special painting of a child. Supposedly the eyes seem to watch and follow you, and caused many guests to check out.
If you’re not brave enough for that, go on a ghost tour where you will visit parts of the hotel that are off-limits to the public. The basement is another hot spot where a few young children had drown in the well, when the building used to be a schoolhouse. It is said that guests have complained about children laughing and knocking on their doors, even when there were no children in the hotel at the time. You can read more about the ghostly activity that one paranormal team encountered during their investigation. Sign me up please!
