Christmas Craft ideas with kids!

Happy Holidays from Pinterest and the Pauper!

Only one week and its Christmas! Here are some fun last minute ideas for Christmas crafting with the kids!

In need of a last minute Christmas Card? Don't worry about perfect hair and outfits! Roll outta bed and snap a photo of everyone in pj's! Smiles are optional for this silly idea! Perfect for a busy family with kids that are not so cooperative with smiles for the camera. You still get a fun card with high impact for the holidays. Can't tell you how many people loved this card idea when we sent ours out!

Would you like to capture your kids hand or foot prints this holiday season? Use a little paint and paper and create some artwork! We have done Christmas Trees, Reindeer, and this year Snowmen!

A second option to the above, use those hand prints on an ornament! Do you like to add new ornaments to your tree? Try this idea...Snowmen Hand prints! Just an ornament, paint, and sharpies!

Here's a few links to my other Christmas posts from years past!

http://pinterestandthepauper.blogspot.com/2013/11/christmas-burlap-wreath.html

http://pinterestandthepauper.blogspot.com/2012/12/christmas-footprints.html



http://pinterestandthepauper.blogspot.com/2012/12/christmas-countdown-calendar.html



Warm wishes from ours to yours! Enjoy your holidays!

-And Happy Pinning!

State Thread Artwork

If you have ever heard of Super Saturday, then you know about a fun filled afternoon full of crafts, food, and friends! I have seen these all over Pinterest, and so when I saw the sign up for this fun idea, I immediately put pen to paper! They also had DIY key chains, pumpkins made from toilet paper, and hand knitted scarves. Wish I could have done them all! I opted for the State artwork and the pumpkins(another post another time.) Below is my final result. I think these are so fun! 

This was a fairly straight forward and easy idea. So fun in fact, I plan to do two other states I've lived in to accompany my current one! All you need is:

1) A wooden plaque from Hobby Lobby or Michael's, (Stain it in your choice of color and let dry prior to placing the state on and hammering. You could also paint it a color too!)

2) The state of your choice printed out on a piece of paper to the size you want it. Then cut it out.

3) Gold or silver nails

4) A hammer.

5) Your choice of thread and stickers or paint.(I chose the color gold for stickers, brads, and the thread was white with gold flecks.)

I forgot to take a photo of the very first step. Oops! You want to print out your state outline and cut it out. Then lightly tape it to your board.

Next, Hammer the nails around the outline and a heart where your city is. Remove the paper when done, like above.

Then use your thread and string from the heart brads to the outline brads. Just loop them around as you go. Also run a line of thread along the outside brads to enforce the outline shape of your state. There's no right or wrong!

Last, use stickers or paint to add your word of choice. I chose "Home" but you could use the dates you moved there etc. 

It only takes an hour or less and is very inexpensive! Its maybe a $5 craft. If you decide you don't want a word you can make your state large enough to fit the whole board. You can make a series and hang them on the wall!

This would make a fun gift for Christmas! Happy Holidays and as always, Happy Pinning!

Girly Girl Room Make-Over: Part 1!

I don't know what it is about planning a surprise, but its always so much fun! Just before school started, my daughter got to go spend a fun week with grandma for some one on one time. While she was away, I secretly updated her room.  Seriously so much fun! When she arrived home she walked in, took a big breath, and declared,"Oh my gosh, Mom!" (I have it on film if you don't believe me. Ha!) So my effort was rewarded by big hugs and kisses. Best payment ever!

I loved her bedding and didn't want to change it, but this room was feeling drab despite its cheery theme. So I used what I already had and turned her room from drab to fab in 4 days!

First, I painted her dresser and head board(I've had it sitting in the garage for over a year!). That was the longest part of this project. I spray painted the headboard using Krylon in Blue Ocean Breeze. Its my favorite spray paint and color! Then I painted the dresser body white. I used the Krylon spray paint for the bottom two drawers and bought acrylic paint from Walmart to mix the next two shades. It was the Apple Barrel brand in Cloudless and Regular White. The middle drawers I mixed the Cloudless with a little white. The top drawers I mixed only a little of the blue into the white. Ta da! Ombre dresser! And of course a coat or two of clear top coat.

For the wall art, I already had a canvas left over from another project and the letters that spelled Emma from her nursery, oh so long ago. So I bought two more canvas and a pack of stickers. No joke, it was a total of $13 at Michael's! The canvas were a 2-pack and on sale for $4.99 (reg 9.99) and the stickers were $7.99. I did not paint the canvas, just left them white. I spray painted the E-M-M-A gold(Krylon Brand that I had on hand) and then hot glued them to the canvas and placed the stickers on the other two. Done in an hour!

Last, I made a silhouette to go above her bed. I found the mirror on sale at Hobby Lobby for $15. I then took the mirror out and replaced it with the striped paper and the cutout of her silhouette. All I did was take a pic of Emma standing with her profile against a bright background. I had it printed up at Walmart in an 8x10 and then cut it out and traced it on a black sheet of construction paper. I then glued it to the pink and white striped paper and placed it in the frame. Ta da!

I am VERY happy with how this room turned out. So much better and lighter and it was so simple!

I believe part of a good transformation is using what you already have. I didn't buy brand new furniture or bedding. I didn't overhaul the paint job or anything drastic. Just worked with what we had. Its one of the best things on a budget!

Stop by again to see Part 2 later! Another post I'm working on is a Piano make-over!

Have a great day and Happy Pinning!

Pirate Room Make-Over: Part 1!

Ahoy Matey! Doesn't it seem that children grow up much too fast? Arrrrgggg!!! (Pardon the puns! hehe) Didn't I just have the fun of putting together my son's Mickey Mouse room? And yet here we are a year and half later with a new baby boy, and so, a new boy room to share. I had seen some very cute space ship bedding and had lots of ideas in mind, but then I went to Target(dang them!) and saw their adorable pirate themed bedding. I was smitten! So I went home and hit up Pinterest for Nautical and Pirate room ideas. Man, there are some very clever people out there! I saw actual boat beds and rod iron wall lamps. I saw painted ceilings and huge sails and pirate flags. I had neither the budget or the time for something that grand, but I had plenty to work with!

So here is Part 1!

Before:

After:

The Bed: I bought the cute bed frame on a local buy/sell FB page for $50. Score! I painted it brown with Spray paint from Lowes. I think the color was called Thorny Brush by Valspar. I found the navy striped comforter online at Target.com for $19! The sham and skirt were separate but total bedding was $35! The Pirate quilt I had been looking at was $79, so that's a savings of almost $50. 

Wall Art: I bought Pirate wall stickers from my local Target where I saw the bedding. They were $12. I then went and bought a set of canvases from Michaels. It was a 4 pack that was on sale for $7.99. Woot! So I made the wall art with the stickers and canvas. I just simply painted the canvas and then applied the stickers. Done. The Yo Ho sign was one of those pieces of foam board that are .99 cents. Painted it and added the words. Its not perfect but it will do! I bought the ship's wheel at Hobby Lobby on clearance and they added an additional amount off due to damage. Hey, if it works, it works, right? I thought it all turned out pretty fun! 

Window: I used a twin sized sheet from Walmart ($4) for the window "sail" and some rope from Michaels($5). All I had to do was create a rod pocket for it to hang. I cheated and used the Witch Stitch stuff that you just iron on instead of actually sew. Then I swooped it over with some twine and tied it with a knot. 

My most expensive splurge was the Pirate Octopus pillow from Target. He was $17.99. 

So far I have come in under budget and have been pleasantly pleased. I am now working on the other half of the room. A lamp, dresser, crib bedding, and book shelf. Then onto Daughter's room! No rest for the weary...

Hope you are having a great summer!

Happy Pinning!

THE BEST EVER CHOCOLATE CAKE!

Grab a glass of milk! This is honestly the best chocolate cake and frosting recipe that I have made to date, and that is saying something because 1) I'm impatient when baking, and 2) I can mess up a box cake mix. So seriously, this cake takes the cake! Pun intended. Ha!

I would describe this cake as velvety smooth with the perfect sweetness. Its not so rich that you are immediately licking your pallet and thirsting for a glass of milk. Instead, you savor the flavor. Its melt in your mouth good, and the side of vanilla ice cream or glass of milk just enhances it. Its not a rescue. Have I mentioned yet that it was easy and fast? Here it is in all its glory!

I'm not a pro decorator or anything, but I did try my hand at a few roses. Next time some colored icing for a fun rose cake!

Here is the original pin and link:

http://addapinch.com/cooking/2013/01/25/the-best-chocolate-cake-recipe-ever/#.Ur2KV6DTXJt

Visit her site for the original recipe tutorial and more fun recipes and ideas! She has more than just chocolate cake!

Here is the recipe:

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

1.  Preheat oven to 350º F. Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by spraying with baking spray or buttering and lightly flouring. I also like to use the wax paper method. Cut out a piece of wax paper to place in the bottom of the pan after you spray. Helps the bottom just pop out!
2.  Add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and espresso powder to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk through to combine, or, using your paddle attachment, stir through flour mixture until combined well.
3.  Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to flour mixture and mix together on medium speed until well combined. Reduce speed and carefully add boiling water to the cake batter. Beat on high speed for about 1 minute to add air to the batter. (If it appears pretty runny, then you are doing it right!)
4.  Distribute cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
5.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes, remove from the pan and cool completely.
6.  Frost cake with chocolate buttercream frosting.

For the Frosting:

• 1½ cups butter (3 sticks), softened
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 5 cups confectioner’s sugar
• ½ cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon espresso powder

1. Add cocoa to a large bowl or bowl of stand mixer. Whisk through to remove any lumps.
2. Cream together butter and cocoa powder until well-combined.
3. Add sugar and milk to cocoa mixture by adding 1 cup of sugar followed by about a tablespoon of milk. After each addition has been combined, turn mixer onto a high speed for about a minute. Repeat until all sugar and milk have been added.
4. Add vanilla extract and espresso powder and combine well.
5. If frosting appears too dry, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency. If it appears too wet and does not hold its form, add more confectioner’s sugar, a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency.

My last little note is this: ESPRESSO POWDER is not generally available at your local store. You can buy it through Amazon or specialty places. I did not have Espresso Powder so I looked up a substitute and found that you can use regular instant coffee crystals instead. You just use twice the amount. 

Get to your kitchen and make this cake now! I guarantee no crumbs left behind!

As always,

Happy Pinning!

Fourth of July Fun!!!

I love the Fourth of July! Its a holiday that no matter how old I get, I always feel like a kid. The fun, the food, the fireworks! Growing up, we always had this big block party that my mom coordinated every year. Neighbors and friends would congregate on our front yard with desserts and fireworks, and the party lasted for hours! Kids ran around with sparklers and poppers, and the dads formed a group in the middle of the street lighting up the main event. My dad always went out of his way to get some of the illegal kind that rocketed into the sky for the finale. I'm not sure it was a picturesque Norman Rockwell painting or anything, but my memories are sure rosy and warm. I appreciate what my family and neighbors did and have a happy fondness of the holiday. Not only that, but they instilled a sense of pride and love for our amazing country!

So to honor America's birthday, here are some fun ideas and links to help kickoff your celebration!

First off, how about some fun Red, White, and Blue sweets!

http://www.craftbyphoto.com/red-white-and-blue-rice-krispies-treats/?crlt.pid=camp.N6hvWXGSLGgY

http://www.reasonstoskipthehousework.com/firecracker-cookies-with-pop-rocks/

How about some food ideas for that BBQ or party!

http://www.psxo.com/inspiration/fourth-of-july-party-ideas/?pp=1

http://www.honeybearlane.com/2014/06/10-fabulous-4th-of-july-recipes.html#_a5y_p=1890211

Its not ALL about the food, how about some fun crafts!

http://www.thejennyevolution.com/patriotic-4th-of-july-kid-crafts-activities/#_a5y_p=1895581

You know how I love a good wreath!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/192696069/patriotic-4th-of-july-burlap-red-faux?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share

http://www.iheartnaptime.net/20-craft-ideas-link-party-features/

How about a fun free printable?!

http://howtonestforless.com/2014/05/20/god-bless-usa-free-printable/

I honestly could go on and on for pages. There are so many fun and creative ideas on Pinterest! We all know how it sucks you in. Admit it, you go to look for a recipe and next thing you know its been over an hour! Ha!

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July! 

-Happy Pinning!

Pinterest and the Pauper feature and update!

My little blog has been featured on a super fun website called homeheaven.com.au! I am so excited! They did a piece on recycling old furniture into something new, and asked to use my popular chevron cabinet make-over. Here is the direct link:  http://homeheaven.com.au/renovations-repairs/diy/gallery/recycled-diy-decorations-your-home/recycled-diy-decorations-your. This site is so much fun, I don't even know where to begin! Go check it out!

As I took a closer look at my blog, I decided it needed a new simpler look. I gave the blog itself a small make-over and spent 3 days going through links and images. If you see anything not working, please let me know! 

Thank you to everyone who has visited Pinterest and the Pauper! You are awesome! Thanks for the love!

-Happy Pinning!

How To Paint Your Front Door!

Painting your front door seems like a pretty straight forward thing, right? Roll on some paint and ta da? What I did not think about when painting my front door was all the dings, dents, dirt, and weather that it has withstood. Not to mention the old "Welcome Home" sticker that was basically glued and faded to the middle of the door. It is most likely the door the house came with and I do not know how many little hands have touched it, but we have been here for over a year now and it was time for some TLC.

I just happened to stumble upon a tutorial on Pinterest about a month before I painted. It must have been meant to be! When I went to paint the front door, I followed the tutorial step by step and ta da! A clean and new found front door!  I couldn't get rid of some of the bigger dents and this is a rental, but you get the idea! Our newly painted blue front door....

Before

After

Painting your front door isn't any harder than painting a wall, but there is a technique that makes it look flawless! Here is the link to the tutorial:

http://www.theidearoom.net/2012/06/how-to-paint-a-door.html

Supplies:

1) Your choice of colored indoor or outdoor paint. I used the color Indigo Clothe by Valspar in a Satin finish from Lowe's. I only used 1 and 1/2 of their sample jars! Total of $6!

2) A roller brush

3) Regular angle brush 2 inches wide or so.

4) Sand paper

5) Painters tape

6) Possibly primer if you need it.(I didn't use it on this project. My door is under a large area of house and porch so it doesn't get a lot of sun or weather, etc.)

How To:

1) Tape off any areas that you don't want paint touching. 

2) Remove what hardware you can. If you can't remove it, cover it well in tape.

3) Remove anything from the door such as old tape or stickers.

4) Sand any rough areas down.

5) Clean the door well with water and soap. Let dry.

6) Now that you have a nice clean and smooth front door, paint! Starting with the indented areas first. Use the angle brush.

7) After the indented areas are painted, paint their raised middles. Now each panel should look painted.

8) Now using the roller brush, paint the very middle strip of door that runs top to bottom. Paint in up and down with vertical strokes.

9) Next, Paint the very middle area that runs horizontal with left to right brush strokes. Now all the panels and middle areas should be painted with only the outer door areas exposed.

10) Starting at the top area of the door, paint all the outside edge areas. The top and bottom areas are left to right strokes, while the sides that run top to bottom are up and down strokes. 

11) Repeat coats in the same manner until the door is nice and even.

(See the original tutorial for more photos)

Side tip: If you are worried about brush strokes you can use this stuff you mix with the paint that makes the paint dry slower. Ask your local hardware store! I didn't use any, but some of you may have really nice flat doors that would look amazing with some extra umph!

This project cost me less than $20. It only took about 2 or 3 hours and most of that was coats of paint drying. It didn't take much effort and really changed the look of the front door! If you just want a simple front door change, grab some paint and switch it up! Have fun with it, but keep your HOA in mind. Ha!

Have a great week and happy Pinning!

Summertime wreath!

Ok, so last week I showed you my front door make-over. I'm really liking it! I am enjoying its simplicity, especially since it didn't break the bank and it adds something fun before you even enter my home. A preview, so to speak....

Today I'm going to show you how to make a pretty Summertime wreath. Woot! Bring on some color! I saw this wreath on Pinterest and it hung on a navy door. I said to myself, "I MUST HAVE THAT!" and so began the make-over. The wreath itself was honestly one of the easiest to put together(no really!) and with very minimal effort. Just the supplies, hot glue, some floral wire, and about an hour of my time. I wish I could say it was under $20 but it was closer to about $25-$30. Still not bad! And its so easy, even those who consider them selves "craftless" can do it!

So here it is...My pretty summertime wreath (on my new blue door)!

Here's the How To:

Supplies:

1) A grapevine or twig/branch type wreath. ($6.99 full price at Hobby Lobby)

2) A green small leaf type garland. (Hobby Lobby on sale 50% off, so it was about $8)

3) A flower spray type garland. (Hobby Lobby on sale 50% off, so $8 as well)

4) Wood letter of your last name or a monogram. Whatever you want to hang in the middle.(Hobby Lobby at about $3)

5) Hot glue gun and glue sticks.

6) Floral wire.

7) Your choice of ribbon. I used burlap ribbon.

8) Small piece of twine.

9) Your choice of paint for your wood letter.

To Make:

1) Paint or even modge podge your wooden letter and let dry. Set aside for later.

2) Using floral wire, secure the green garland to the wood branches of the wreath. Its going to hang somewhere so make sure its on there nice and tight!

3) On top of the green garland, add the floral garland using the floral wire as well. Secure this in several places over and under the other garland. Nice and tight! 

4) Use hot glue gun to add additional security where you think it needs it.

5) Make a bow from your ribbon and chose where you want to fasten it. I used both floral wire and hot glue.

6) Underneath your bow, hang your letter using the twine. Secure the twine to the actual branch part of the wreath for security. 

7) Hang on your front door!

That's it! No wrapping, pinning, flower making, or hot gluing your fingers together. Ha! So easy!

Here is the Pin of inspiration:

http://www.onsuttonplace.com/2014/03/simply-spring-a-diy-wreath/

Her blog is SUPER cute and she has the original tutorial on her site with more photos as well. Hop on over and have a look!

Next week I am showing you how to paint a front door properly. Stay tuned!

As always, Happy Pinning!

~Amanda

Front Porch Makeover!!!

Spring is here FINALLY! Slowly but surely my projects are starting to get finished up. (Holla!) Spring in WA means a few days of sun followed by a week of rain, so I struggle to get things done as fast as I can. I have some fun posts coming up, but this one is going to be one of my favorites this year I think. 

I have a nice wide porch area leading to my front door which has been sitting pathetic for months. Duck tape from Halloween and a dead poinsettia to name a few items gracing my doorstep. It was not very welcoming and quite frankly, boring. Here it is in all its boring glory...

So I decided one of my first spring projects would be to add some colorful curb appeal. I also have one small confession. I am a plant killer. I just cannot grow anything to save my life, so this little make-over had to involve, fake, yes fake, plants. hehe. The perk? I don't have to water and it still looks green. Ha!

So I made a wreath (next post!), painted the front door, bought a rug and plant, and used my daughters rain-boots she wore all of once. Ta Da! A welcoming and colorful doorstep. Much better don't you think?

Here's what I did:

1st) I went to Lowe's and bought one of their $3 sample jars. The color I chose was called Indigo Cloth by Valspar. This one jar painted my whole front door. Can I get a woot? I chose it in semigloss. I wanted to paint over all the dings and nicks. It wasn't perfect, but it is SO much nicer! A different post will be on how to paint your front door, so stay tuned!

2nd) I had a medium/large pot that was an off white color just sitting in my garage so I spray painted it yellow and bought a silk plant to go in it.  I purchased the plant at Michael's for 40% off. Was originally $35 and I got it for $22.

3rd) I used my daughters cute rain-boots and bought silk lavender plants that are fairly realistic if you ask me, and stuck one in each boot. I got those at Michael's as well for 50% off. They cost me about $4 total. Did I mention I don't have to water them? hehe.

4th) I hunted for an outdoor rug, but one that covered a large area, not just the patch by the door. I found the navy and white chevron rug(you know how I feel about chevron!) at Target in the garden section. It was my most expensive item at $29! I love it.

5th) I made a new spring wreath to adorn my new blue door. I went to Hobby Lobby and made the wreath for about $30. A  bit more expensive than my previous wreaths, but its pretty fun! I will be posting the wreath tutorial next! 

This isn't a fancy make-over by any means, but it was affordable, easy, and turned out cute! In the next few posts I will share my how to's and the Pinterest inspirations that helped transform my boring porch. Stay tuned!

And as always, Happy Pinning!

Menu switch up!

I'm hungry but nothing sounds good. Familiar? I get bored with my usual menu sometimes and lately it has felt, well...eh. Not exactly excited to make a meal when I feel this way. So I decided to hit my handy dandy Pinterest boards and switch it up. Spring is here right? (Well the calendar says so. Ha!) Out with the stews and roasts and in with the lighter springy menus! So here are 3 MUST TRY,( like right now) meals that we just love!

#1) Pollo Fundido aka Cheesy Chicken. This is our new favorite. Plate licking good! And thank you for introducing me to Mexican melting cheese! So many uses. This one won't disappoint!

http://theneaglesnest.blogspot.com/2010/07/pollo-fundido.html

#2) Logan's Firehouse Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta. OMG! So cheesy and creamy! Kid tested with second and third helpings!

http://amysnewkitchen.blogspot.com/2010/03/chicken-cordon-bleu-pasta.html

#3) Cheap Korean Beef. This is the easiest meal ever! So fast it can be made in a jiff on a busy week night!

http://elizabethbryant.blogspot.com/2010/05/korean-beef.html

Visit the links for the recipes! These are so worth adding to your menus! And while you visit, check out their other recipes! So many good ideas!

-Happy Pinning!

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Happy St Patrick's Day! May the luck of the Irish find you! I love these little holidays but mostly because I get to do something extra fun with the kids. Usually this involves some sort of sweet treat! Today I decided to make Shepherd's Pie for dinner and green rice Krispy Treats made with Lucky Charm marsh mellows with  green milk for dessert! And we didn't forget to build our trap to try and catch a leprechaun! So here are a few fun ideas for today! Oh, and don't forget to wear your green!

This is just like the trap we made! We used green construction paper to form the hat and we bought shamrock stickers and gold coins to lure the Leprechaun up the pretzel ladder! Have fun and make it your own!

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/83316661828800809/

This is my favorite Shepherd's Pie recipe and I have tried many. Its so simple and delicious! You could make it in individual bowls or just like pictured. Tis an Irish meal that's filling and warm! Also perfect for those kiddos who don't like cabbage and corned beef!

http://www.thecomfortofcooking.com/2013/05/shepherds-pie.html

These treats are just too much fun and you cannot go wrong! Just fancy rice krispy treats with a bit of green food coloring and marshmallows from Lucky Charms cereal. Serve with a cup of green milk! The kids will have a blast!

http://www.classyclutter.net/2014/02/st-patricks-day-rice-krispie-treats-with-lucky-charms-marshmallows.html

You don't have to spend big bucks to have fun on these little holidays. Just take a moment to add a little fun into it and your kids will think you're the coolest mom or dad on the block!

Happy St Patty's Day and Happy Pinning!

Happy Spring Wreath!

My sister Rachel sent me a VERY cruel text message yesterday. It was her weather forecast from Las Vegas, NV of 80 degrees and sunny. Jealous! It's not even close to that here! Its gray, windy, bitterly cold, and feeling far from spring. This is the time of year I long to go back south, but when its 115 degrees in July, I get to return her taunt with our forecast of 90 and gorgeous. Ha!

SO wherever you are, whatever your temps, here is a little bit of spring! I made this wreath for a friend that needed a gift for her Mother-in-Law. She told me that her Mother-in-Law was always giving her crafty gifts and wanted to give her a bit of spring. I tried my best. Some happy colors and some little lady bugs to stomp out that dreary gray and bring in some color and sunshine. The possibilities, color combos, and embellishments could be endless!

It was super easy and I highly recommend updating your porch wreath with some fun colors. My next wreath is going to be a gray chevron wreath for Easter so stay tuned! Here's the how to for our Happy Spring Wreath:

Supplies:

1) Straw or foam wreath form ($5 at Hobby Lobby)
2) Burlap ribbon or regular burlap cut into long strips($4.99 at Hobby Lobby for ribbon or $3 a yard for regular)
3) Red Chevron Burlap Ribbon ($4.99 at Hobby Lobby)
4) Yellow Chevron Burlap Ribbon(I already had on hand but also $4.99 at Hobby Lobby)
5) Pearl pins ($1.89 at Walmart)
6) Lady bugs ($2.99 from Hobby Lobby)
7) Hot glue gun and glue sticks (hand on hand)
8) Twine (had on hand)

Wreath How To:

1) Take the burlap ribbon and wrap it around the wreath form covering it all. Secure with hot glue.
2) Make burlap flowers in the colors or patters of your choice. Secure with pins until you are satisfied with your arrangement. Then glue permanently with hot glue. (Here is a link for a good how to on burlap flowers: http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/burlap-roses-tutorial)
3) Place your lady bugs, or other type of detail, where you desire and hot glue to secure.
3) Make your bow and place in desired location.  Hot glue to secure. You may also use wreath wire if you have some to double secure it if your bow is large or heavy.

Bow How To:

1) Take your ribbon and from end to end (about a 12 to 16 inch strip) and make a circle. Ends slightly overlapping each other.
2) With your hands, grip the center tightly with the end to the back(you should see a bow shape) and wrap twine around the middle. Hot glue the twine at the back of the bow. Ta da!
3) You can add the long ends that poke out from underneath by adding a strip underneath the bow. Cut the ends for the V shape if desired. Super easy!

As always if you have questions, leave a comment!

I hope this happy colored wreath inspires some spring crafts! Lets will in Spring and see green grass and sun again!

Happy Pinning!

Mood boost- Beauty finds!

Its February already?! Goodness! Its been an adventure in my home the last 2 months and things are finally finding their groove again. I don't know about you, but January is always this kind of dreary month. The weather is grey and unyielding, and I get a bit of cabin fever. Somehow this always translates into a trip to the drug store for a few bright new shades of lipstick or nail polish to try to lift my spirits. Now more than ever I need that little mood boost post-pregnancy! Today I want to introduce you to a few of my new favorites!

I am so pleasantly surprised by this stick foundation! It is by Drew Berrymore's new line of Flower make-up. It goes on so smooth and is super easy to blend. It covers perfectly but isn't cakey or thick.  To top it off, no testing on animals! Did I also mention its only $8.98 at Walmart?

http://flowerbeauty.com/face/detail/2

I LOVE bright blush! This is also one of Drew Barrymore's new Flower line. I am using the color called Pure Petunia. Its a bright pretty pink, but it goes on soft and light. Its a cream blush so just a quick dab with your finger and your face is instantly brightened! It retails at $7.98! Quite the bargain!

http://flowerbeauty.com/face/detail/11

I was given a fun new make-up bag for Christmas and inside were these Pencil Lip Gloss sticks. I LOVE them! They are by E.L.F. cosmetics. They go on so smooth with subtle color and not too much shine. I have three colors : Summer Nights, Pink Umbrellas, and Flirty & Girly. Its hard to chose what color is my favorite! These are $2 a piece at Walmart. So affordable and so fun!

(This photo is from makeupfu)       http://flowerbeauty.com/face/detail/11

Lastly, my hair needs some perking up when its so dang dry and cold! I have been using a shampoo and leave in conditioner by Sexy Hair called Healthy Sexy Hair Reinvent Color Care. I dye my hair so it needs tender love and care. :)  I also use their Soy Leave-in conditioner. Smells so good and leaves my hair silky soft! 

http://www.sexyhair.com/p/healthy-sexy-hair

I love dabbling in the world of make-up. It's so easy to change the color of your lips or the tint of your eye-liner for a refreshing change! I follow a make-up blog called Maskcara at www.Maskcara.com. Her name is Cara Brooks and she is adorable! So many fun tutorials and tid bits. She does fun make-overs and give aways. Go check her out! Update your make-up bag with a few new colors and feel a bit of spring on your face, real or not! :)

As always, Happy pinning!

Happy New Year!

I want to give a big THANK YOU to all those who have visited my blog this past year! I have had so much fun and hope to continue to come up with fun ideas to share. As some may know, I have been out on maternity leave. The baby was born in December and I hope to be back up and running in February(I'm not one of those Mom's who have figured out how to do it all!). So please stick with me and I promise some fun spring projects! I built a table and am doing our dining area, I am doing a little boy room make-over, a little girl room make-over, a fun Spring wreath, and some new fun recipes! All on the agenda for the upcoming months!

Thank you again for all your support! I leave you with a photo of my new cutie pie. :)