Gift Ideas for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is right around the corner and of course you've planned ahead and already have a gift for her right...... Well if not I put together some simple and affordable items that might interest your mom (if not yourself).  Although I love to spoil my mom with gifts I also take the time to handcraft her something or write a heartfelt message.  Here are some items to add to the meaningful gift as well; 

1. Essie nail polish (target or any drugstore for $8.50)  2. White Keurig (Macy's for $130)  3. Alex and Ani Love Wire bangle (www.alexandani.com for $30)  4. white pitcher vase and some fresh flowers (target for $14)  5. P.S I Love You Candle (target for $11)  6. Dear Mom, I Love You tray (Nordstrom for $20)  7. Vince Camuto perfume (Nordstrom Rack for $25)

FALL DECOR

The nights are getting shorter and the air is getting crisper, which means one thing... fall is in a week! Although I started getting things ready a little early, there is still time to do some crafts before you dust off and put out all your decor.  I already have a TON of decorations that I bought last year but still wanted to add some new pieces to my collection.

I decided to buy the cheap looking pumpkins and redo them to add more color to my collection. I applied a little paint and easily created staple pieces for me this season.  

After painting the pumpkins I took a gold paint pen and colored in the stem to add a chic look, and lets be honest who doesn't love a hint of gold.

On a side note, I recently taught myself how to digitize my hand lettering for fun projects in the future.  I decided to share my most recent work for fall with you guys.  If you wish to have this sign as well click the 'hello fall download' link and save the image once it pops up.  Hope you enjoy let me know what you think!

hello fall download

 PLEASE BE NICE, AND GIVE CREDIT IF YOU WISH TO SHARE. THIS SITE IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY. IT IS NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE, RESALE OR DISTRIBUTION. PLEASE NOT DUPLICATE. COPYRIGHT 2015. 

SUCCULENT PUMPKIN - DIY

It's the first of September, which means it's totally acceptable to whip out the fall decorations, boots, and pumpkin spice lattes right?  .. Or is that just me?  Oh well, living in the northwest I live for the fall.  Something about the coldness outside makes for coziness inside.  So thought I'd share another way of carving pumpkins for those who like to celebrate fall before the pumpkin patches are actually open. 

materials used

• Styrofoam pumpkins (pumpkins you can cut out the center of)
• I got mine at Hobby Lobby for $1 or so they were half off
• succulents
• local plant store
• knife
• I used a box cutter and a butter knife (make sure you are careful while cutting!)



This project is fairly simple, I just cut a circle in the center of the pumpkin with my box cutter.  Then took my butter knife and cleaned out all the Styrofoam in the middle of the pumpkin.  Side note, make sure you don't cut all the way through the other side of the pumpkin it won't work as a planter, the dirt and water will spill out.

 

Then I took the dirt and plant and placed them gently into my carved out pumpkin.  I had an excessive amount of dirt so I wasn't able to keep all that was in the previous cup. Be sure you are gentle when placing the succulent in the pumpkin.  You may need to pack the dirt down first at the bottom. Your final step is to clean off the dirt around the pumpkin and succulent.

 
 
What are some fall decorations you do around your house?

PINEAPPLE MAGNETS - DIY

As summer is almost coming to an end I thought a fun DIY project would savor these last few weeks before fall approaches. I found these cute little pineapple clips at Michaels for less than $2. You can either make them with the same clips or similar ones.


utensils for this project:

• old magnet
• pineapple clips
• super glue

So I found an old magnet around the house and cut little strips to fit on the back of the pineapple clip. I then put a little super glue to attach the magnet and allowed a few hours for them to dry.  Boom in five minutes you have yourself some new magnets for your refrigerator!

 
This is such a simple project you can even have your young children help you out and assemble the pieces for you.  Hope you enjoy it and let me know what you use for magnets around your house!

SUMMER GIFT BASKET

Summer is approaching and I wanted to share a quick affordable gift basket that can be used for multiple occasions.  I decided for this basket to be a 'relaxation kit' but you can switch things out for other items if you want to personalize this gift for a certain occasion or person.  

Gift basket, candle, eye pads : TJ maxx

mint, ginger beer, lime juice: local grocery store

mini vodka: total wine

copper cup , straws, glass vial : Target

Using a vial can keep your mint fresh and not dry out as fast as leaving it out.... and lets be honest these little vials are so much cuter than a plastic bag!

Create a simple recipe card to personalize your gift a little more.  Instead of using lime juice like I did you can also put limes in the basket to help fill in more while giving a little color to your basket.

TREE STUMP SIGN - DIY

Everyone could use a little more decorations in their life so here is to add to that!  These wood signs are perfect for any occasion and especially my favorite for a rustic wedding. 

This project is fast and simple with minimal supplies needed.  I picked up the basswood round plaque at joann fabric and craft store (be sure to use your 40 % off coupon) along with the chalkboard paint.  Since I try to do most of my projects low budget I knew I could get the white paint sharpie and foam brushes at walmart for less than I would at Joanns (means more money for shopping!) 

I painted the plaque lightly once then let it dry for an hour or two.  Then I did another coat and let that one cure for 24 hours for best results.  I drew out in pencil what I wanted the sign to say for a visual and traced it onto the plaque.  Next, I took my paint sharpie and went over what I had traced... BAM, with a few more personal touches you have your sign ! 

 

BABY SCRAPBOOK - GIFT IDEAS

It's about that time, where you need to start brainstorming for one of two things.... a baby gift or a wedding present.  It just so happens that I have an addiction of walking the aisles of my local craft store and came across this adorable SN@P studio scrapbook set that includes; the binder, clipboard dividers, and clear pocket pages.  I was also able to pick up at Joann's the baby boy card inserts that make scrapbooking even simpler and less of a hassle.

This is the perfect gift for the expecting mother, all you need to do is add your photos to the pre-designed cards and boom you have a scrapbook for you and your little one!