Soap'in You Have a Happy Holiday Season Gift Idea

Wynn's school has a few different teachers throughout the day. I wanted to be sure I gave them all a small token of our appreciation for their hard work. I saw an adorable idea at All Things Thrifty and she even offers a free printable that you could use. I simply just wrote out a little tag for my gift idea.

I cut out some small circles on snowflake cardstock, and wrote "Soap'in you have a happy holiday season". I taped it onto a cute little soap container from Method. I loved the snowmen on the bottle. I actually purchased six bottles in a set one day when Zulily had a sale going on. I am sure you could probably find something similar at Target or the Dollar Store.

I coordinated these soap bottles with some snowmen Target gift cards. This sweet and simple idea is perfect when you have a few people you'd like to give a little something to this holiday season.

Favor Bag and Envelope Banners

The holidays are approaching and you can add a simple piece of decor for your home or even office. I purchased some clearance invitations from Target last year for .25 cents, and I also had purchased some favor bags on clearance as well. You can use any envelopes, and I am sure you could use some from a set of invites from the dollar store.

I took the favor bags, and glued them to the red envelopes from the invitation pack.  Then I had some gold stars and letters in my craft stash. I added them to my favorite pom pom yarn.  I put some hot glue on the poms, and then attached the back of the envelope to them.

I've actually made a few banners now with favor bags. I love using them instead of having to purchase the pre cut banner pieces that tend to be a little more expensive at a craft store.

Here is a close up shot of my JOY banner with the favor bags.

I took the invitations, and cut the trees in half where the lettering was on the front. Then I layered the top over top of the lettering to cover it up for the banner.  Then I glued the invitations on the envelopes to create a second banner. These two banners cost me less than two dollars to make total.  Target always has a great clearance section after holidays of course, and so I'm going to make sure I hit those aisles up this year.

Hope you are enjoying your time prepping for the holidays. Have a great evening!

Bow Tie Birthday Brunch Part 2

If you missed the first part of this birthday party. Please click here Bow Tie Birthday Brunch.

I purchased the invitations from Party Bash Creations on Etsy.

I took an idea that many of my friends have done over the years. I purchased these adorable labels for each picture from InvitasticInvites on Etsy.

I purchased a chalkboard from Hobby Lobby, and used chalkboard markers to write down the information on what guests could do to add to the time capsules for the boys. I bought the ceramic containers on clearance at Michaels at the end of the summer. Guests enjoyed filling out little notes for the boys.

I used another chalkboard from Hobby Lobby along with two wooden letters from there as well to make guest book letters.

I purchased favor bags from Sweet Shop Lulu. The cloth favor bags came from the adorable Etsy shop called Sweet Cadeau.  The cloth favor bags had hair bows for the girls and various little treats for the boys. The paper favor bags had bow tie lollipops my mom made for the party. We used red chocolate melts from Michaels and a bow tie mold.

We put a few decorations on the blinds, and I reused a banner from Wynn's 2nd birthday by adding some vinyl bow tie cutouts I made on my Silhouette machine.

Here are the birthday boys enjoying their cakes. 

I used a store bought banner from Target and added cut outs from scrapbook paper to make the high chair banners. I cut the banner in half and had two perfect sized banners for two high chairs.

The adorable bibs came from PaisleyGrayceBows Etsy shop, and they washed so well afterwards. Even after they were completely caked with icing, and I forgot to immediately wash them.

Here is another shot of the main area of the boys party.

Hope you enjoyed the party! Enjoy your day.

Quick and Easy Christmas Trees

I wanted a little something for my shelves in my living room. Unfortunately, I had burned through my budget already for holiday decorating. I had some cardboard cones already from a previous purchase. I decided I could dress them up a bit with a few items.  I had chevron burlap in holiday colors, jingle bells, and decorative nails all from Jo-Ann Fabrics and Michaels.

 I wrapped the cardboard cones with the burlap. Fastened the burlap on the back with a nail, and then added the nails on the front. Then I simply placed the jingle bells on the top of the cone.  It took less than ten minutes to put together three trees while my boys happily ate in their high chairs. I can get more done now they can feed themselves. :)

My mom actually came in my house the other day and asked where I bought my new Christmas trees. I was so happy to tell her that I made them and thought of them myself for once. I made her a few as well.

Have you made any super simple holiday decorations? I'd love to hear about your latest craft projects. Have a great day!

Bow Tie Brunch 1st Birthday Part 1

This past weekend we celebrated two very special little boys. I picked a pretty simple theme for their party. I wanted the colors to be red and navy blue, and then I thought bow ties would be perfect with it.

The chalkboard prints were ordered from the Etsy shop Kays Custom Boutique, and she was a pleasure to work with. I printed them at staples and bought frames for them from Michaels. 

The burlap covered number 1's came from Hobby Lobby, the cake stands were from World Market, and the red boxes were from Target.  I wrapped foam board from Staples in fabric from Jo-Ann Fabrics. Then I cut out some cardstock to create the large bow ties.  The garland is from Shop Sweet Lulu.  

All of the signs were made by Nico & Lala.  I had make your own yogurt parfaits.

I made two quiches. The one of the left is the Pioneer Woman's Cowboy Quiche, and the other one is a simple spinach quiche I found in a cookbook.

We had waffles in cups with syrup. Ty and Davis loved the waffles without syrup of course.

My mom made beautiful fruit kabobs, and everyone enjoyed them.

My favorite part was the mimosa bar. I printed off mimosa juice labels from the blog Under the Table and Dreaming.

I purchased stemless Libbey champange glasses from Amazon, and added some bow tie stickers from Michaels to them.  The polka dot runner was from Wynn's 2nd birthday party. I was glad I was able to reuse a few items from that event.

We had some delicious doughnuts, and I placed them on a suitcase I purchased from Elizabeth and Co's tag sale.

Little milk jugs were filled with various types of milk, and they are from Shop Sweet Lulu.  I put the mini cereal boxes in some large paper ice cream cups.

All of the printed items were from Nico and Lala. We ordered the delicious cupcakes from a local bakery called Snickerdoodles. 

This was Ty's smash cake. He made it seem like he did not even touch the front of the cake. The bow was still intact with several minutes of shoving the cake into his mouth ticking by.

Davis' smash cake was the opposite color scheme wise. He loved it too. That is until he shoved some of it in his eye.

We also had these beautiful cookies by the Etsy Shop The Green Apron and they were so delicious and so pretty.

Here are Rob and I with our dynamic duo. We love Ty and Davis so much. They seriously are a joy to have and are such fun little guys. They certainly had a great time at their party. I will share some more details from the party sometime this week.

Enjoying "Me Time" During the Holiday Season

“This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Weave Made Media®, PEOPLE® Magazine and The Hershey Company®, but all my opinions are my own. #weavemade #HolidayMeTimeMags http://my-disclosur.es/RgFrEH”

Last year for Thanksgiving our family was getting used to going from a family of three to a family of five just a few weeks prior to the holiday. We were sleep deprived and I was so grateful that my dear parents brought an entire Thanksgiving meal to our home already prepared. It was so sweet, but it was hardly the best opportunity to set aside some time to myself.  I think anyone who has been around an infant or even twin infants for that matter can agree that me time is a rare treasure. This year we have been able to get the kids all on a great afternoon nap time schedule, and this truly allows me to have the me time I have put aside for the past year. I love these kiddos, but I do enjoy having some time to myself.

Last weekend, I headed to Safeway to purchase some ingredients for the the various upcoming holiday festivities.  While I was there I picked up a few rare treats for myself to enjoy while I got to planning out my holiday gift list ideas. I purchased a delicious King Size Reese's Peanut Butter Cup pack and a People Magazine. I considered this combo to be a mid-day reward. I have not bought a magazine or candy item in the Safeway check out line in years, and usually it is Wynn attempting to grab something for herself.

Everyone deserves to have a chance to enjoy me time during the busy holiday season. Head on over to Safeway's Coupon Center to obtain a great $1 off coupon on the  purchase of People or Sunset magazine and one Reese's, Hershey's or other selected King Size candy bars.  You must register with the Safeway Online Portal to obtain the coupon, and the coupon is valid from 11/21/2014 through 12/19/2014 while supplies last. It is easy to do, and you could also print off some other great coupons for your grocery shopping list. You will need to register with the Just4You site.

My favorite part of the me time was that as I was reading the People magazine I came across the crossword puzzle. Years ago I remember I would love completing these puzzles whenever the People would be delivered to my mailbox. I was especially excited because there were several questions related to one of my favorite television shows, The Sopranos. It was so great to be able to enjoy the me time with two treats for myself. I hope you will take some time for yourself soon.

Pottery Barn Inspired Place Card Holders

I saw some very cute place card holders on Pottery Barn's website, and thought it would be a great DIY project.  PB sells them for approximately $5 a piece.  I made them for under $2 a piece. That means I can make enough for our entire table at Christmas for the price of one box of four from PB.

Pottery Barn

I purchased glass bottles with cork tops, some jewelry wire, sisal Christmas trees, and some fake snow. All together it was approximately $25 and were all purchased on Amazon.  This made twelve total place cards instead of only four. I only used about 1/20th of the bag of fake snow, and so I did not include this in the total cost since I will use it for other projects. 

I simply wrapped the jewelry wit\re into a small circle pattern, and then stuck the end of it in the top of the cork. I then added the fake snow and tree to the inside of the bottle. I cut out a small piece of paper to add to the top to indicate the name or intial of the person.

These took only about ten minutes to put together, and they will look great on your Christmas table. I can imagine they can be redone for various occassions too.  

Thanks for stopping by!  Enjoy your holiday season.

Burlap Holiday Wreath

HomeGoods recently opened up in our town and it was a big deal. Generally we have to drive about a half an hour or so to the closest one. I know that does not seem like a lot of time, but it will be nice to have one about five minutes away. I am not sure my wallet will believe that though.  To be honest the only item I purchased was a wooden deer head for $7.  I was not quite sure what I was going to do with it, but I decided it would be incorporated into my holiday mantel.

I have often admired Laura from Top This Top That's beautiful wreaths. Following her amazing tutorial I created this wreath. I am not including the step by step instructions here, so click on the link I just shared for the tips you'll need to create your own.

I used some leftover chevron burlap (4 yards) and approximately 16 yards of plain burlap to create a beautiful wreath.  I used an 18" wire form to make this particular wreath.   The chevron burlap is from Hobby Lobby, and the other materials are from Michaels.

I hung the deer head from the buralp string it came with to attach to the wire frame. This will be headed to my fireplace mantel along with a few other items.

Rob was making a beautiful set of stocking holders today when he unfortunately cut his fingers with his biscuit joiner.  Fortunately, we live close to the hospital and was stitched up quickly.  I told Rob that it may be easier to just purchase the stocking holders I originally shared with him as inspiration.  Thank goodness for great medical attention.  Thanks for stopping by.  

First Birthday Party Inspiration

In two weeks we will be in the midst of the first birthday party for our boys. I thought I would share some great ideas that I have come across while I have been searching for party inspiration.

Craftily Ever After

100 Layer Cakelet

Simple Suburbia

Babble

Simply Radiant

Little Bit Funky

I cannot wait to see the boys at their first birthday party. They did turn one last Thursday. Here is a picture by my friend Michelle Albright who is a Maryland photographer. Check out her site.  

Thanks so much for stopping by! Looking forward to sharing their party details in a few weeks.