Unique Birthday Gift Idea: A Gift A Year

40th Birthday Gifts

May is crazy for us. We have four birthdays in about five weeks. Needless to say by the time we complete the run, there's an over abundance of cake around this time of year and perhaps limited supply of birthday ideas. This year I wanted to do something special for Derek's birthday. I don't know about you, but I always have a hard time picking out just the right thing. Guys seem to buy what they want when they want it and what they always really want is so expensive, right?! (Please tell me I am not alone in thinking this...) In the end, I decided to celebrate with a unique birthday gift … [Read more...]

Sizzlin’ Summer BBQ Recipes

Summer BBQ Recipes

One of my most favorite things about summer (and fall and spring and sometimes winter if we're brave enough) is the family barbecue. Outdoor grilling is a win all around—the food is delicious, the house stays cool and Nathan gets a turn at preparing a dinnertime meal. Below you'll find 11 grill-worthy BBQ recipes perfect for your summer get-togethers. ... ... 11 Sizzlin' Summer BBQ Recipes ... Bruschetta Turkey Burger Sliders with Avocado Spread via Barbara Bakes ... Grilled Hot Dog Skewers & Creamy Avocado Dip via Family Fresh Cooking ... Grilled Garlic Naan Pizza via … [Read more...]

DIY Patriotic Partyware

patriotic partyware

I am a bit too practical sometimes. I like to buy party goods that can be used for any event and I like to get them in bulk. I blame Costco for this particular problem. The problem is that I hate having each and every get together look boring and incomplete. I've learned that details are the thing that tie a good event together. In the past, I have added to the plain by creating hand-stamped napkins. I considered pulling something similar together for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, but it just didn't have enough sparkle. Flat and fireworks just don't go together. This was a … [Read more...]

Show & Tell 52: Super Summer Project Ideas

10 Super Summer Projects

Show & Tell Highlights The kids last day of school was Friday and today's temperature reach 100 degrees, so I think it's pretty safe to say summer has arrived around here! If last week's linky is any indication of things in your neck of the woods, you're in the same boat. This week, I am featuring some of my favorite summertime posts! You've got to check out these super summer project ideas. I am completely jealous of Cheryl's (That's What Che Said) fun pergola project. I would love to have one of these in my backyard...not sure if it would be a "weekend project" around here … [Read more...]

Skinny Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

Skinny Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

Those of you who follow me on Facebook and Instagram might now that I recently started on a new journey...I have joined Weight Watchers and I am working to loose some of the weight I gained due to my health issues. I don't know why it was so hard for me to join and share with you. Everyone struggles with weight issues of some sort or another during their lives, right? Having said that, I shared with you before I even shared with my own family. I've since shared, but I have been sneaking lower-fat recipes into our rotation. Guess what? No one has noticed and everything I have tried has … [Read more...]

Easy DIY Chalkboard Banner

DIY Chalkboard Banner Supplies

I like functional. I like dual-purpose. I LOVE a good deal. Today's DIY all-occasion chalkboard banner fills all my needs. On top of all that. I think it would make a cute gift too! When you take a look at the limited supplies required for this project, you'll realize what an easy/inexpensive project this chalkboard banner really is. Supplies Wood. We used a variety of shapes bought at the craft store and handmade markets, but you could use something like this craft plywood on Amazon. Martha Stewart Chalkboard Paint Foam brush. Twine. Chalk. We painted our wood with … [Read more...]

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day Gift Ideas from SNAP

Father's Day is just over a week away; by now you should have narrowed down that ideal gift for Dad. But in case you haven't—and are still vying for "favorite child" status—here are a few Father's Day gift ideas any dad would be proud to receive. ... ... 12 Father's Day Gift Ideas "King of Duct Tape" Treat Crowns via Hostess with the Mostess ... Mini Tool Box for Dad via Gluesticks ... DIY Pillows Made from Daddy's Shirts via Ducklings in a Row ... Father's Day Golf Monogram Pallet Art via Becoming Martha ... Retro Father's Day Printables via Delightfully … [Read more...]

Happy Father’s Day with Cardstore {$100 Giveaway}

Utah Fans

This post is sponsored by Cardstore, but the awesome Dad I am talking about and memories are all mine. I love Father's Day. It's such a great opportunity to honor the men in our lives - father's, brother's and spouses. I am used to celebrating Father's Day with my own Dad, but having someone of my very own to cheer on is still a little bit new to me... I fell in love with Derek because he's a great dad...Okay. It's not the ONLY reason, but being a father is so important to him it certainly has had a big impact on our relationship. Even now, five years after we first met, I catch … [Read more...]

Show & Tell No. 51: Summertime Patriotic Projects

Great Patriotic Projects

Show & Tell Highlights I love this time of year. It's warm outside. It's time for fun. And, red, white and blue becomes a party of daily life as we celebrate the U.S. The bright pop of color stand out in the linky. Check out a few of my favorite summertime patriotic projects. Nothing says America like baseball. You've got to pop over and check out the amazing baseball murals at The Creative Imperative. Look at this fun little framed flag project from A Pumpkin and A Princess. I am not sure I will ever have enough china to decorate an entire hutch for each holiday, but I love … [Read more...]

DIY Hello Sign

DIY Hello Sign

Hello! For months I've wanted a sign for my front entry way that said "hello." I've seen numerous wood cut out styles that I really liked, but I wanted to make something myself. I headed to Home Depot and purchased a piece of wood and got to work. Today I'm showing you the DIY hello sign I made for under $5. Supplies: Pine Board {mine measures 7" x 18"} Vinyl Stencil that says "hello" {I used the pacifico font and created it on my Silhouette} Americana Acrylic Paint in Sea Breeze Foam Brush Sand Paper The first thing I did was create a vinyl stencil on my Silhouette. I removed all the … [Read more...]