Make Butterfly or Fairy Wings The EASY Way

I have two baby boys and their newborn pictures consisted of a plain, black background, cuddled up in the nude sleeping! that's it! No props, no frills. Don't get me wrong, they are still very precious but with little girls, there are so much more creative things you can do. The ideas are endless. I've made TuTus and headbands for baby girls but wanted to try and make fairy wings also. I don't know why it's not like I have a daughter but I love making girly things. You can use these for photo opportunities or Halloween. This tutorial will show you how to make them but the EASY, lazy way. I'm all about that.

 

Things you will need:

• 2 wire hangers
• Elastic
• Pair of white knee high stockings
• Fabric paint, glitter, jewels, flowers, ribbons etc.
• Masking tape or any type of tape
• Paint brush
• String
• Scissor

 Optional:

• Hot glue gun
• Food coloring 

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Kids PRICELESS Morning Birthday Surprise!

Yesterday was my son's 2nd birthday and I wanted to do something very special for him. We celebrated his 1st birthday with a huge party but this year was pretty low key. We baked a cake and called it a day. I went to PartyCity with a dear friend searching for the perfect baking pan in the shape of a car-his favorite type of toy. While most young kids will hug a teddy bear to sleep, he'll hug this 6" metal toy car to sleep and you DARE not take it away until he is in deep sleep mode. Cute.

Anyway, whilst in PartyCity, I spotted a box of balloons (30 balloons with a disposable helium tank & string) for $29.99. I knew exactly what I wanted to do with this. Since we were not having a party for him, I wanted to at least give him something even more precious and memorable (hopefully he remembers!!) I once saw this in a movie or show,  I cannot remember but I knew when the time came I would try this. This kit came with stickers to create faces on the balloons (which I did not use, didn't want to scare him early in the morning with a bunch of faces looking at him.) There are other kits that are much cheaper like $19.99 for the same amount of balloons and tank minus the stickers.

Things you will need:

• Balloon kit with helium & strings
• Clear wide packaging tape
• Scissor
• Birthday kid

While he was sleeping in another room, we blew up about 15 or 18 of the balloons and placed them around the room. I used clear packaging tape to tape the strings to the floor, carpet, bed post and nightstands. I used long pieces of strings on the balloons but when I placed them all over the room, I cut the extra off after I taped them down. Don't want the kid tripping on the strings right? Also keep in mind that when he/she gets out of bed, that there is a path for him/her to walk around. Vary the heights of the balloons almost creating a forest with them and try to keep some balloons at their eye level.

Thank god we blew up the balloons in another room and not in the same room as the birthday boy sleeping. About 3 or 4 popped really loud and that could have ruined the whole surprise.

After carefully placing all the balloons in his room, I put him in his bed and waited for the morning.

I think I was more excited than he was. Wish I had someone do this for me every birthday- I'd still act surprised every year :)

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Fun Foods for Kids: Octo-Dog!

Okay, so here's the story...I have a pretty picky toddler that refuses to eat anything he hasn't fully examined or approved just by its color or look.  If it looks funny, (even macaroni and cheese) he won't eat it. Only  after I chase him around and dab a tiny taste in his mouth - will he will then realize that it tastes good. He'll then follow me for more. I'm sure most moms go through this often. When I have the time on my days off or on the weekends I like to get a little more creative with his food. One thing that is successful is using cookie cutters to make tiny shapes from his sandwiches. He gets pretty happy and its worth the extra effort. I decided to go even more creative than the sandwiches and came across this idea. A hotdog octopus. He loves hotdogs! I've seen them done before and wanted to try them out for a good laugh. I think I secretly wanted to do this for my own amusement.!

Things you will need:

• Cooked hotdogs (boiled works best rather than grilled-don't want a charred octopus right??)
• Candy eyes from craft stores or baking supply stores
• Sharp pointy knife (be careful!)
• Pan for frying (optional)

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Decorate Your Holiday Dining Table for Free!

I have a fascination with plants, trees, flowers and leaves of all types. Anyone who knows me can attest to that. As a child, my grandmother had me tend to my own little patch in her garden and that's where the love and appreciation of plants and flowers grew. My sister and I share the same interests when it comes to plants and flowers-In the spring and summer we can hardly contain ourselves when shopping at the local garden shops. When driving, it can be a danger, since our eyes are on the flowering yards of everyone in the neighborhood rather than on the road. Not safe I know.

With that said, I can appreciate a good branch or greenery when I see it. I don't really have to look too far to find decorations for my home, especially around the holidays. The yard is filled with an array of treasures.

Now, I know not all of us have backyards with trees or plants but we all know someone who does! Scope out your neighbor, family or friend's yard. They  will be more than happy to have you prune their trees for them. When clipping the trees or plants, try not to clip where it'll be noticeable.  Clip from the back or in a way that a big hole or gap will not be noticeable.

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Make Holiday Throw Pillows out of Placemats!

If you are anything like me, you will definitely use this idea. I get extremely bored of seeing the same pillows on my couch. I often get upset at the thought of paying $40 for a throw pillow. I've done it in the past and can kick myself for not thinking of this sooner. I get giddy at the thought of how affordable and simple this is to do. I purchase table placemats and turn them into pillows. I love going to Pier 1 imports and Crate and Barrel to get inspired. These stores make me want to redecorate my entire home the minute I walk in there. That's not going to happen anytime soon so I started making things that are similar to what they sell.

These are from Crate and Barrel and costs $9.95 each but you can find placemats that are much cheaper elsewhere. 

Things you will need:

• Fabric placemat-look for those that have two sides stitched together
• Seam ripper or X-acto knife
• Needle and thread (5" inch area to sew)
• Batting to fill or use stuffing from an old pillow

These come in silver or gold. Cut open a tiny section of the stitches on the mat (about 5 inches will do) and stuff it with batting.  I made an indication in red ink above to show where to open stitches. After stuffing to the plumpness you want, hand stitch opening closed. The reason I make my stitches in the center of the pillow as opposed to a corner, is to avoid a lopsided or crooked look when sewn. You can also purchase both colors and stitch them together to create a double sided pillow. To get 2 separate double sided pillows out of 2 placemats, you can completely remove stitching all around each pillow and sew the 2 colors together. This requires more work and a sewing machine but its worth the outcome. 2 pillows in one! This works great for those who have little space in their apartments or homes to store seasonal items. You can also make one side for summer and the other side for winter :)

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Make Your Own Party or Holiday String Lights!

 

This is such a fun and EASY craft to do. You pretty much have everything you will need for this project right at home. I love string lights of all kinds. They create such a magical feeling in a garden, home or patio. I'm all about ambiance and I believe that we all love to somehow feel enchanted sometimes. Lighting plays a big role in this. Ever walk into a room with bright, spotlight-like lighting and feel comfortable? I bet not. We all seem to relax to softer lighting and dimmer lights. Candles are also an addiction of mine for the very same reason. I started making my own string lights for holidays and theme parties to cut down the prices I would normally pay for them, especially the pretty and unique ones. Here's how.

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How to make a Lipstick Palette. No more Half Tubes of Lipsticks!

I want to show you an inexpensive way to make a lipstick palette. I used an eyeshadow kit and paid only $2! You can basically get any size that best suits you. You can find them at any cosmetic store.  When I started making this palette, I couldnt believe I didnt do this sooner. It's so easy. I carry this palette on vacation or long weekends away. It saves me so much space for other important things...like shoes :)

This container can hold up to 12 different colors and brands of lipsticks.

Things you will need:

• Eyeshadow kit-any size you wish
• Sharp pointy knife
• Favorite lipsticks 
• Pan or flat bakeware for stovetop - use low heat please

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Say GoodBye to Make-Up Clutter Forever!

 

In this post, I want to show you how to compact your makeup into a tiny carrying case. For years I have been walking around with these evening clutches that barely carried my ID, makeup and phone. I would have to choose whether the makeup comes along for the night or the phone. Both are extremely important- Usually, the phone gets left in the car because god knows, a girl needs her makeup for quick touch-ups during an evening out on the town.

Things you will need:

• Cigarette Case- any size you want
• Sharp pointy knife, {eyebrow tweezer optional}
• Your makeup to De-pot (remove)
• Pan or flat bakeware for stovetop - use low heat please

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How to Make a TUTU for a DOLLAR!

How to Make a TUTU for a dollar?? You heard right, I've made sooo many of these for friends and family that have given birth to a baby girl-it makes a Perfect gift-Homemade and beautiful. It is TUTU cute (couldn't resist) I purchased organza chair ties found in various dollar stores (Jacks 99¢ stores have them).

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How to Make Candle Holders from Baby Food Jars

 

I can NEVER throw away an empty food jar- especially one that is glass and has a sturdy lid. In MOST cases I will reuse them to store food or sauces. In this case I made a candle holder :) In getting to know me a little more- You will find out that I am addicted to anything that can hold a candle or is candle related.

Things you will need:

• Empty baby food jar. I used a 4oz.
• Any round organza fabric-about 9" in diameter
• Rubber band
• Tea light
• Ribbons, trims, flowers etc. (optional)

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