DIY Wreath...

Every year, each child wants a different themed birthday.. 

or maybe it's just my party-throwing self 

that likes having different themes.. 

Regardless...

It means different decorations for each party.. 

which can get a bit pricey.. 

so I love a good, cheap DIY 

to get the party started.. 

I saw an idea of using a pool noodle for a wreath..

I just happen to have some left over from the summer

from the dollar store.. 

So it was fate.. 

I cut the noodle to the size I wanted and taped it together.. 

I wrapped the wreath with some crepe paper 

in our construction theme colors.. 

and then I added some tools from the dollar store

with twine.. 

And there you go.. 

a wreath for just under $ 4 

and the kids get the toys after the party.. 

everyone's happy!

Thanks for looking!

Fall Cravings...

I was just beginning to feel ready for fall... 

the sweet breezes.. 

and leafs crunching..

and spices everywhere..

But Southern California has declared war

and has finally delivered the warm... 

(rather hot!)

summer that I had been waiting for 

and decided wasn't coming about..
bleh!

But Alas!... 

at night when it's a bit cooler 

I can still dream.. 

Some fall inspiration...

since I just can't shake it.. 

A chevron Pumpkin from lovesome

(image from Lovesome)

From World Market..

I have been drinking this almost every night.. 

with a splash of vanilla soy or coconut milk.. 

Tonight I made Spaghetti with Butternut Leek Parmesan Sauce..

by SkinnyTaste.com.. 

one of my favorite sites for recipes.. 

It was so yummy.. 

(image from skinnytaste.com)

And this song has been haunting me..

Teacher's Gift...

My older son will be starting preschool next week.. 

So this week we were saying good bye to our 

wonderful daycare family.

I put together a little "thank you" gift..

for the teacher's there.. 

I found the cute cup with the writing at the dollar store.. 

and the plastic mason jar at target.. 

and then I filled them with some goodies.

A quick and easy gift idea!

Favorite Things Friday...

Here are a few of my favorites lately... 

Pumpkin Nut Muffins from SkinnyTaste.. 

I kinda am in love with this website.. 

great recipes!

I might have added chocolate chips to my muffins though.. 

I blame it on the kids ;)

(image and recipe from SkinnyTaste.com)

Summer reading is.. 

Wait for it.. 

Harry Potter.. 

I had never read them.. 

I'm on the third book so far.. 

I can't wait to read them to my boys.. 

I just got a sample of Soy Renewal Beach Spray 

in my IPSY bag.. 

and I love this product.. 

Love it!

Happy Weekending!

DIY...Elastic Hair Ties..

I have been eyeing those elastic hair ties from afar.. 

I saw them at Anthropologie.. 

and almost bought them.. 

when they were on sale.. 

even then.. 

I couldn't stomach the $8 for three hair ties.. 

So I saw a few tutorials on Pinterest.. 

too easy!

And there are some great shops selling the 

fold-over elastic.. 

I got mine from.. 

Headbands Etc and More.. 

and she offers free shipping on orders of $20 or more.. 

great deal!

She had quick shipping and offered great colors, 

even a few glitter ombre colors.. 

I used my Silhouette machine to cut 

the notecards out.. 

and then stamped them festively.. 

perfect little gifts!

I was able to make six sets of the red, white, and blue ties...

for approximately $3.20.

Here are some other sets I made up:

So much fun!

DIY... Simple Fourth of July Tags..

Here's a quick and easy DIY

to fancy up your Fourth of July givings

or tablescapes.. 

First punch out tags in red, white, and blue.. 

and then punch out tags to layer on top of them..

I am going to layer the tags with the festive colors underneath.. 

so I liked the neutral kraft on top.. 

but any color would be fine.. 

Next punch a star in the top tag.. 

Layer the tags on top of each other.. 

and then punch the hole for the string at the top.. 

I used eyelets to keep my tags together.. 

but you could just glue them together.. 

and then I laced them with red twine.. 

There you go, 

cute tags for the Fourth!

Fourth of July Crafts...

With two little boys at home

I try and think of some fun and easy activities that we

can do together... 

and this week I have been pin crazy

for Fourth of July crafts.. 

here are a few that I think I will be doing.. 

The first is a rolling ball paint craft 

from My Shae Noel

(image from My Shae Noel)

A fun paper plate activity.. 

(Source and image unknown)

This one looks like fun.. 

as long as they don't spit in the straws instead of blow...

(image and idea from Mama's little Muse)

Blueberry star dyeing... 

(source says from Stylist.com)

I can't wait!