Father's Day Grillin' Gift Basket Crate

Thanks to Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser for sponsoring today's post. All opinions are mine alone. #KingsfordFlavor #CollectiveBias

 I can’t tell you how many times people have asked for suggestions on unique homemade gifts for  their husbands, boyfriends or fathers. I admit it can be a little tricky.  As much as he might love that brand new chainsaw, wrapped in a big red bow, it may not be the most creative, personal gift you can give.  I think I may have come up with something that the man in your life might really love - a handmade gift that he'll actually enjoy.

  This great gift basket is not only awesome for Father's Day but for any occasion. Plus, I think that I might have squeezed just about everything but the grill, into this  present.  It just might be the perfect gift for anyone who loves to BBQ.

  Keep reading and I'll show exactly what you need to make this great gift.  

Valentine's Day Heart Canvas Tote Bag with Printable Stencil

  Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite times for crafting.  There are so many ways to be inspired and such a huge variety of projects create.  It’s the perfect opportunity for family to gather and celebrate the idea of Valentine’s Day together.

  One of the most common questions I get from moms is how they can spend more time with their children, especially teenagers.  They want fun, creative crafts that can be done by the entire family. Well, this holiday is perfect for just that. Creating Valentine’s inspired gifts is a project children, teens and adults will all enjoy.

  I have a great tutorial for Valentine's inspired tote bags that couldn't be easier. I’ll show you step by step how to create a functional and stylish Valentine’s Day tote.  You'll be able to find nearly everything you need right at Target. So moms, grab your supplies and gather your family, this will be a craft everyone will love! And isn’t that what Valentine’s Day is really all about.

Printable Holiday checklist and calendar

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, INC. and The Coca-Cola Company, all opinions are mine alone. #ServeWithACoke #CollectiveBias

  How many of you get completely stressed out by the holidays? What is normally the most wonderful time of the year can quickly turn into the most trying time of the year. All of the planning, shopping, organizing, preparing, decorating, baking.....and all within a tiny little 25 day window. It can be a little overwhelming.  But I'm here to help with all of that.

  Today we're going to do something fun. We're going to take a break from our holiday stress and take a much-needed mini staycation. I'm totally giving you the okay to take the afternoon off because... YOU deserve it!  

  "But what about all of the planning and preparation and shopping I still need to get done?" You might ask. 

  Don't worry I've got you covered. I have a few things that are totally going to help you get through the holidays nearly stress-free this year. Keep reading and I'll show you how you can tackle the holidays head on and stay cool, calm and collected while doing it.

Creative Gift giving: Clothespin Wreath for Instant Lottery Tickets, family photos or holiday cards

  Every year around this time I go into full stress mode. It seems as if no matter how much I prepare, the holidays always just seem to sneak up on me. It also seems like I have a family that has everything. Trying to find gifts for them feels like it's getting exponentially harder each year. I rack my brain trying to come up with something more creative than my go-to gift card. No matter how much I wrap it, in the most elaborate way possible, the truth is it's still just a gift card in a box. Don't get me wrong, I know that they really appreciate it and usually even requested it but gift cards just don't seem thoughtful or personal. They don't seem like I put in any effort. It can be a little challenging coming up with a way that's creative and unique to present it. 

  This year I think I came up with a solution. I'm taking the gift cards out of the box. I'm taking them out of the box, adding a few goodies, and mixing them up with .... well you'll see! And, not only is this gift fun and unique but it's also totally functional. Don't you love that!? A dual-purpose gift. 

  Keep reading and I'll show you exactly what I'm talking about and what you need to make this holiday gift that everyone is sure to love. 

Adding a pop of spring color with Monrovia plants and easy DIY repurposed hanging basket stand

  Spring is finally here! I always love when the weather starts to get warmer so I can spend more time outside. I literally shift my entire workspace outdoors onto my deck as soon as the temps get above sixty.  There's something about working outside that inspires you to be more productive. Whether it's the fresh air or the bright sunlight it definitely makes you feel good.

  To make my deck feel even more welcoming I like to add a few plants. Since the nighttime temps are a little to low for my usual annuals,  I headed on over to the Monrovia website to find out which plants would be great for early spring.  Once I picked out the perfect plants for adding that much-needed pop of color, I needed to find something to put them in. 

  I really love the light airy look of coconut lined hanging baskets, however, there really isn't anywhere on my deck to hang one.  I decided to create my own stand that would be great for use with one of the MANY old wire baskets I've kept from last year. (I think I may inadvertently be a container and hanging basket hoarder!!) Keep reading for this super simple DIY that turns last years gardening leftovers into this year's new,on-trend hanging basket stand.

Thanks to Monrovia for sponsoring today's post. The content and opinions expressed here are 100% my own.

Stress Free Gift Giving NJ Lottery Holiday Instant Games and DIY monogram pillow gift box

  Every year during the holidays it seems like my list of friends grows larger and larger. Right around this time, every December, I feel like the most popular person on the planet. I never even realized that I knew so many people!! My list of friends is literally growing exponentially before my eyes. How did I meet so many people this past year without even knowing it!?

  Well, I might be exaggerating just a little bit. My assumed overabundance of friends is most likely this amazing holiday gift giving illusion that seems to happen every year. I think I just really like getting people gifts and I definitely don't want to leave anyone out. How many of you can relate?! Buying gifts for every single person you know can be a bit stressful. But before you run out to by whatever Starbucks, Godiva, Body Shop, gift basket is on display, I have the perfect solution for gift giving this year.  I have the absolute best gift to give those co-workers, casual aquintances and people who just seem to have everything. 

  I have discovered people absolutely love NJ Lottery Holiday Scratch Offs. I mean what's not to love? The chance at winning it big is wayyy better that another apple scented Body Shop gift set! And, you can literally buy them at any Wawa, 7-11 or any mini-mart that sells NJ Lottery - which means no fighting for a parking space!

  I'm going to show you how you can gift these  NJ Lottery Holiday Scratch Offs in a fun and trendy pillow box. And to top it off, we'll decorate with the recipient's monogram to add that extra special personal touch. Let's get started....

Easy tips to creating the perfect beverage bar for your holiday entertaining

Thanks to Collective Bias, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company for sponsoring today's post. All opinions are mine alone! #SavorTheMemory #CollectiveBias

  My absolute favorite part of the holidays are the great conversations with family and friends.  It's the perfect time to catch up and share stories of the past year. Let me tell you, sometimes the stories are the real gift of the holidays! They can get quite colorful if you know what I mean. 

  It always seems like everyone congregates in the kitchen for the juicy gossip. That's always where the great conversation really happens. Throw in some finger food and a beverage bar and you've got the start to something good!

  I'm going to show you how you can create a really amazing fully stocked Coca-Cola beverage bar. Many times the simplest of details can get overlooked so I'll provide a complete checklist along with a few great simple tutorials. We'll make cranberry, mint-infused ice cubes and candied lemon/orange peel Christmas tree stirrers. Keep reading for the easy and fun details!

Pet gift basket with personalized all natural DIY air dry clay paw print ornament

  I have a confession to make. I love shopping. I can unapologetically admit that I love it. I'm a guy that loves shopping. It doesn't matter if it's clothes, shoes, appliances, gadgets... if they sell it, I like buying it. There's just something fun and sublimely gratifying about getting anything new. Can any of you guys relate? I mean, I just don't get how anyone doesn't like shopping. How can you not? It just brings happiness. It's ...magical! 

  Ok, so I totally get the fact that it's almost the holiday season and you might be thinking that you wouldn't go anywhere near a store. I can definitely understand people who might not be up for a stroll around the mall right about now. The eight weeks between Halloween and Christmas definitely aren't for the faint of heart. Fighting for a parking space, which is most likely no less than a quarter-mile away, isn't something everyone's up for.

  So for all of you non-shopaholics out there this next craft tutorial is perfect for you. I'm going to make it super easy for you to find all of your supplies. In fact, you're going to be able to purchase everything you need right at your local Stop & Shop or Food Giant. We're going to make two projects that are perfect for all of you pet lovers: a 100% all-natural paw print impression ornament and a completely stocked up gift basket. Keep reading and I'll show you exactly what you'll need to make both projects.

Sunflower Autumn Bouquet wrapped in burlap and twine

  You've probably seen these trendy little arrangements in home goods stores everywhere. Faux sunflower flower bouquets wrapped in burlap that come in a variety of sizes and styles. Of course when  I realized there was a remote possibility that I could make these myself,  I dropped everything and headed to my nearest Michael's craft store. After  closely inspecting most of the arrangements I realized they're  fairly simple.  All you really need are a few good quality faux flowers, some burlap and a  hot glue gun You're really going to be surprised how easy these are.  Keep reading and I'll show you exactly how to create these great seasonal decor bouquets.

Turn Your Favorite Quote Into A Foil Print

  It’s that time of year when wedding and graduation dates start filling up my calendar. There's nothing better than a mailbox filled with big envelopes decorated with fancy calligraphy or bold colorful high school photos turned postcard invites; I love love love them. It's a great time to connect family and friends and an even better excuse to get out and party.

  One of the problems I always face for these special occasions is coming up with a unique and personal gift. I know everyone loves good ole' cash but that just feels so impersonal to me. Well, I've found a great way to solve my gift giving dilemma.

  I've discovered a fast and easy way to take a favorite quote and turn it into a spectacular frameable foil print. I just love this idea. A homemade personalized gift is one of the best you can give. You can choose any quote or phrase that suits the occasion and frame it any way you'd like. It will definitely be something your recipient will love.

  All you need to get started is a few simple supplies. Keep reading and I'll show you exactly what you'll need to create your own custom foil printable.

New Year's Home Decor accents

  Can I just tell you how much I love New Year's. It is without a doubt the single best holiday.  It represents a time for new beginnings and a fresh start for everything. A time for resolutions that, although may not be kept, bring in a little extra optimism. It's the extra motivation to set new goals and accomplish new things. 

  I wanted to come up with  quick and simple holiday decor that was a little more durable then the usual party store decorations you find. You're gonna love how easy and fun this is.  And, since it will blend right into your decor, you can keep it hanging around for a couple of extra weeks.

Easy DIY Gilded Monogram Holiday Decor

  I love being able to recreate the holiday home decor I see in some of those high end department stores. Not only can I usually do it for a lot less but I it's also much more fun. There's just something completely enjoyable about making your own home accents. A  real sense of artistry comes out with each piece you create.  They become completely unique. I especially love this next tutorial because it's so easy that anyone can do it.  I'll show you what you need and the steps to make this easy holiday monogram. You can happily display it on your front door or anywhere around the house.

 

Easy Creative Wine Bottle gift tags and Holiday banners with NJ Lotterytickets

  It seems like every year I have a few friends on my holiday shopping list that seem to be ungiftable.  You know who I mean, those awesome people who seem to have anything and everything. Those friends that seem to own the entire inventory of Macy's and Best Buy combined. I totally feel like my list of "ungiftables" seems to be growing exponentially every year. I'm usually great with shopping from my immediate family and super close friends but when it comes to the rest, I'm clueless. This year I decided to try a new approach. I've come up with a great way to add a little something special to a traditional gift by combining two things that everyone will love.

  Adding Lottery tickets to your gifts in a creative way will take them to the next level. I came up with a easy way to take an old standby and bring it up a notch.  I'll show you a simple way to make a wine tag that you can personalize and attach an array of fun Holiday lottery tickets. Keep reading to see what you'll need to make this fun and creative gift.

 

Autumn Words Decoupaged Frame with Free Download

  Hi Guys. I want to get in a few more fall crafts before the holiday season officially begins. It's the time of year when we get a small break before that hectic few weeks from Thanksgiving to Christmas. This next quick craft will give you pause to really enjoy the beautiful season.
  To me Autumn is the time of year that is comforting and grounding. This next crafting project really takes minimal effort so you'll have plenty of time to sit back, relax and enjoy the remainder of the fall season. What's more is that, providing you have basic supplies, this craft will literally only cost you one dollar! Yup that's right. This wooden frame is $1 at Michaels stores. So let's get started...

Orange chicken from panda express with mandala printable.

 

  This year I'm preparing for Halloween in advance. I am going to make trick-or-treating completely stress free. I totally plan on enjoying Halloween just as much as the kids do! I won't be worried about snacks and dinner this year because I'm leaving all of the cooking up to Panda Express! That's right. I just discovered that Panda express offers party trays. How completely awesome is that!  I'll have more than enough for all of the kids, family and friends that might stop by my house. Plus, I can order  online right on my phone!

It seems like Panda Express is everywhere. They have this cool orange truck roaming around the country. It makes stops in major cities in the US and the best part is... they're giving out free Orange Chicken! I should say, the original orange chicken. You can click here to find out when it will be in a city near you, cause everyone loves free chicken right! Plus you can win... FREE ORANGE CHICKEN FOR A YEAR!

Make personalized Halloween chalkboard treat bags

  Thanks to Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser for sponsoring today's discussion. All opinions are mine alone #Treats4All #CollectiveBias
 

 It's official. I have decided to fully embrace Halloween this year. The costumes, the decorating, the trick-or-treating. I might even attempt to carve a few pumpkins! I a going to be one of the go-to houses that all of the kids love. You know the ones. The houses they race to, pushing and shoving, trying to be the first to ring the bell. Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to go out and put up more lights than the Griswold family on Christmas, but I am determined to at least have the best candy on the block.
  I'll admit, in the past I've usually stuck to a big bowl filled with random generic candy. I think one of the things that has always held me back was that thought that it would cost too much money. Well I found out that it doesn't have to. I'm going to show you how to make great Halloween treat bags that are budget friendly. And, the best part, these candy treats will definitely be the best on the block.

DIY Greeting Card Organizer

  Thanks to Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser for sponsoring today's discussion. All opinions are mine alone.  #SendSmiles  #CollectiveBias

  One of my goals this year has been to become more organized around the house. I wouldn't say that I'm completely disorganized but I can definitely use a little improvement. One project that has been on my mind is creating a way to keep and organize a variety of greeting cards. I'd really like a nice way to keep an assortment of cards on hand. I'd have them ready for any given occasion; no more scrambling at the last minute for that almost-forgotten-birthday card. Well, I think I may have found just the way. Keep reading and I'll show you what you need to make this handy card organizer.

Foam Fortune Cookie Valentines

  One of my favorite times of year are the few months after the Holidays. January is the beginning of a brand new year with brand new possibilities. It's the start of a new time for creativity.  Valentine's Day is such a great holiday for making all sorts of crafts. It gives you the perfect opportunity to use all of those crafting supplies you still have hanging around from Christmas. You can finish up all of that left over bright red paint and gallon of shiny red glitter.
  For this Valentine's Day I wanted to do something other than traditional cards.  I came up with a new take on a recent craft I came across, the felt fortune cookie. I tried a few different materials from soft felt to hard felt - to glittered felt. The one thing I really liked and found looked the best was foam.  The foam I used is sold in sheets, similar to the felt, and comes in nearly every color. These fortune cookies are surprisingly easy to make once you grasp the basic shape. I included a printable strip of fortunes to cut out and fill your cookies with. Read on and I'll show you the easy steps to make these great little valentines.

Candy HEARTS favor box for Bridal / Baby Showers or any special occasion

  Hi friends. It's that time of year again. Valentine's day is almost upon us and I'm so excited to share with you this great new craft you can make for that someone special. Everyone loves gifts, especially ones that are handmade. This one is super easy and very inexpensive to make. You'll just need a few supplies. So while you're on your way to that much anticipated Valentine's day 'fifty shades' movie premiere(and you know who you are ;) *wink, be sure to stop at your local Michael's and pick up a few simple tools.

No melt no mess diy candle making

  Hi friends.  I hope everyone's having a great December. It's been one long crazy year right! The great thing about New Year's approaching is the opportunity for new beginnings. It's  the perfect time to take a chance and try something different. I decided to get a start on the new year by trying a  DIY project I've never done before. I've always wanted to take a shot at candle making. I don't know about you thought of melting wax and carefully pour it into small containers isn't something someone as clumsy as myself should ever be doing. Well, you're not going to believe this but I found a way to make candles without ever melting wax. Keep reading for the list of supplies and instructions for this super easy DIY project......