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how to find the original source for every image

When I teach blogging courses, one of the first things I mention is being able to find original sources for images online. If you are going to post images that someone else has the right to, then it is imperative to make sure you are sourcing the image correctly. Firstly, because it is just good blogging, and […] More

Birthday Party Appetizers – A Guide

Organizing the appetizers  When organizing appetizers for a birthday party, the first thing to consider is how many guests you’re expecting. The next consideration is the sort of occasion you’re plannng. Will it be a casual gathering in the evening, with snacks and drinks, or will the appetizers be the first course of a sit-down […] More

The Easiest Unicorn Toast Recipe

Inside: The easiest unicorn toast recipe! Making food that is filled with revelry is my favorite kind of treat! It doesn’t have to be cake to be awesome! This unicorn toast takes the prize as the most magical, easy and fun way to gussy up an otherwise normal piece of bread. Whether I am are serving after-school snacks or […] More

Flair Pin Pies

There’s nothing I love more than a good tasting pie that speaks to me! It’s been a long standing tradition to create pies with words every November (see typography pie, stamped pie crust, and 4 Thanksgiving party tips) and this year is no different. Taking inspiration from our favorite flair pins these pie pins have an […] More

Throw the Perfect Mickey Mouse Birthday Party!

Throw the perfect Mickey Mouse birthday party with decorations, food and drinks, activities, invitations and thank you notes. Get all the tips you need to make it a magical day! More

Flowchart for a party

I had the greatest time at the Altitude Design Summit last week! It was amazing to be surrounded by a hotel full of others who are crazy and passionate about good design and blogging. I presented on the event design and social media panel, which was absolutely the the most fun topic to discuss! See […] More

Citrus Frose Recipe! The Only Summer Drink Required

Making summer Frose had become something of an annual opening of the summer season in our house. It is the most refreshing option I find for a balmy summer day & easy as cake to whip up for a crowd. We updated the frozen rose idea by adding our own variation of citrus sweet to […] More

A DIY Reading Nook for the Whole Family to Use

There is nothing our family loves more than curling up with a good book in our DIY reading nook and reading as a family a few times a week as a substitute for television. This room has gone through many changes, including the one that made this corner one of our absolute favorites! So, we […] More

Pretty printed ribbons, a tutorial

I designed a wedding inspiration earlier this month. I hate having to wait to share it with you! One of the projects from the shoot has become a tad of an addiction for me, so I thought I would give you a quick peek… Printing on ribbon! You can do it & it is super […] More

The Party Podcast: How to throw a dance party with Alison Faulkner

[smart_track_player url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/thepartypodcast/03_How_to_host_a_dance_party_with_Alison_Faulkner.mp3″ title=”Throw a dance party” artist=”Victoria Hudgins & Alison Faulkner” color=”#F20982″ social=”true” social_twitter=”true” social_facebook=”true” social_pinterest=”true” ] I am thrilled to be sharing our latest episode of The Party Podcast today. Alison Faulkner is a dancing queen. Possibly the gal who has the least amount of fear of anyone I know when she gets on […] More

reason to celebrate | an organized spread

There is something about having a spread laid out and organized that makes my heart beat a little faster. I love the look of perfectly square boxes and neatly designed food. A gorgeous and fresh way to lay out party food this spring. Photography by Bethany Belle, styled by Collette Budd, spotted at On to […] More

creative washi tape projects

I think Washi tape is one of the best crafting inventions yet. With such a small investment you can completely transform the look of just about anything. We are even trying it on a ceiling fan this week! Add the genius tape to a small length of wire to make super easy favor ties. I […] More

Make A Sour Patch Kids Cake To Win With The Monopoly App

We are still working our game board for the SHOP, PLAY, WIN!® Collect & Win Game featuring MONOPOLY at Safeway. Have you started playing yet? If not, there is still time! One tip we’ve found is to combine new products we hadn’t thought of before for extra chances to win on your next shopping trip to Safeway. That’s how we came up with this Sour Patch Kids Cake. It is a huge win for both my kids & my board. :) More

Food Expiration: Vacuum Sealed Food Shelf Life Chart

Lucky for you, this vacuum sealed food shelf life chart and other useful sealing information can help you along the way. Read on to learn more. More

plaster flower seating cards

Creating seating cards for a party or wedding that look like mini-pieces of art is easy with a stash of faux flowers (you can find great ones at the dollar store) and air dry plaster. Be warned this project is a bit messy, but simple to do and its pretty design completely makes up for […] More

Twinkie and Ho-Ho Trees

Do you make gingerbread houses or have some sort of fun and edible family tradition? We were looking for a new one this year and Hostess challenged us to create our own tradition using their yummy goodies. The kids were thrilled to work with a favorite treat and we spent the afternoon together to make […] More

The Perfect DIY Outdoor Reading Corner

This post on how to make a DIY outdoor reading corner is sponsored by Disney Book Group. Now that summer is here, we are all feeling wild about reading and fun, but with the kids at home all day it can sometimes be hard to find a quiet corner. We were inspired to create this […] More

25 cocktails to make this fall

While enjoying the porch last night I noticed how quickly it is beginning to get darker in the evenings. Although summer is a favorite season for many reasons. Fall is even better! The chill, the busyness, the general excitement of fall can’t be beat. In this busy season we quickly move from entertaining with long […] More

School chairs & ribbons

Designing a celebration filled with girlie touches can bring great joy. This wonderland theme birthday sent in by Tabitha is so pretty and the details are just the perfect shade of gorgeous to make any little girl’s heart glad. From printed favor tags to streamers hanging down in the forest, every aspect of this birthday […] More

Pizza Slice Boxes

I had high hopes that I would have a working kitchen before we moved into the new house. I was wrong. The kitchen is getting close, but we are going to have a week or two of ordering pizzas, which is fine by me – I figure we will just make a pizza party out of […] More

Throw a Memorable Stranger Things Birthday Party!

Throw a Stranger Things themed birthday party that your guests won’t forget! Get creative with decorations, food, activities, and more for the perfect celebration. More

Wine guest log

I’m excited to share with you my latest post for project wedding. A guest book made of your favorite wine bottles that would perfect for any upcoming holiday- because blessings like wine, get better with time! Although originally produced for a wedding guest book, I’ve left a few labels blank for you to download that […] More

50 DIY Christmas Gifts

The holidays get busy, and fast. Giving handmade gifts is an easy way to slow down and put meaning into the season. Here is list of 50 favorite gifts that are simple to make and pretty to give, for anyone on your list. 1. neon christmas crackers | 2. wind-up paper butterflies | 3. chocolate bark | 4. chevron leather cuff | 5. gold-dipped notebooks  | 6. let […] More

eight ways to find creative inspiration

I am often asked how I come up with the various projects on this site, and how I manage to stay inspired with all that I do. The fall is an especially busy time, and for whatever reason, it’s the time of year I find myself most inspired. I laughed last week when talking with a […] More

Best Vacuum Sealer for Fish: Which One Is Best for You?

Fish is healthy and one of the prime sources of protein. If you want your fish to last longer and stay fresh, use the best vacuum sealer for fishes. Here are top options! More

collaborations & the book I will not write

Over the past year I have, at times, failed at producing what I desired because of a sheer lack of time and resources. I am good at some things, great at a few, and terrible at others. Recently, I received advice about hiring help in the form of contributors to this site. It seemed to make […] More

A Fun and Festive Jelly Bean Cake

Inside: A fun and colorful jelly bean cake! Jelly beans are at the front of my mind this time of year. They are little, sweet, and can really pack a punch when showcased in a substantial way. Covering a cake with them brings a huge burst of color onto the table.   In a simple […] More

Bright floral bouquets

Valentine’s Day is coming quickly. Nothing beats a bright colorful bouquet of flowers. Finding a quirky vase and gifting a beautiful bunch can be the perfect way to say I love you this year. I’ve never had flowers delivered to as a gift because it often seems too complicated. The few times I’ve looked the […] More

Pom Pom & Garland Gift Wrapping

We’ve been kicking off the year with birthdays, anniversaries and even more celebrations. I love having fun parties to look forward to as we put away the Christmas gear. Since the holidays are over, I like a fresh update for my wrapping choices for these parties – because using the left over Christmas paper until May […] More

Organizing the Perfect Western Party: Tips, Tricks and Ideas

When it comes to party planning, sometimes it can feel like you’ve done everything and seen everything. If you’re looking for a way to add some excitement to your next event, why not try out a western party? Western parties are the perfect way to liven up any gathering – and with our tips, tricks […] More

Molded Clay Antlers

Antlers are such a pretty detail this time of year. These molded clay antlers are an easy afternoon project and they require no animals to be harmed in their making! With bright glitter on the end, the antlers make for a pretty packaged present. With a ribbon tied to the end, they lend an instant […] More

Cactus as a Gift (10 Great Types of Cactus to Gift)

Let’s talk about how awesome it is to gift different types of cactus… Instead of gifting the traditional flowers for Mother’s Day, teacher appreciation week, or as a wedding, housewarming, or graduation gift, give a cactus. I love gifting cacti because they are hard to kill, they look gorgeous in any home (or classroom), and […] More

Jello mold recipes – pink clouds and raindrops

When skies are grey outside, brighten up with a colorful treat! Get creative with jello mold recipes. These pink jello clouds and little blue rain drops are a fun way to turn winter into spring (at least on your plate). Making homemade jello mold recipes is a cinch. Create any shape you can draw up […] More

Ymiko Black Vacuum Sealer Review

Ymiko Vacuum Sealer offers both automatic and manual sealing modes that make it incredibly convenient for anyone looking to seal anything. More

VacMaster VP210 Chamber Vacuum Sealer Review

Vacuum sealers make things easier for you in the kitchen, but only if you have best product. Here is a detailed review of VacMaster VP210 Chamber Vacuum Sealer. More

Revelry in New York

Right after our trip to Washington D.C. (which was amazing!) we took the train up to New York and spent nearly a week exploring the state from NYC to Buffalo. I’m excited to share a few great things we did with the kids, way too many photos, and my new favorite place in the entire world… […] More

DIY Bench With Piled Velvet & Wood

One of the things that I have gotten so many questions about in our bedroom reading nook, is this bench. And good news! It’s a DIY bench, so you can make one too. Whoohoo! I knew I wanted something to sit on and put a bag down if needed and a simple DIY bench seemed […] More

The Cutest Polymer Clay House Mobile

Inside: The polymer clay house tutorial that doubles as a cute DIY fairy house. We are full swing in baby shower season this month. Many of our dear friends are expecting and I have been making the clay house mobiles for them all. They are way easier to make then you would think, and the […] More

83 Creative Valentines Day Gifts for Boyfriends

Conversation hearts, chocolates, and teddy bears…I mean sure, you can give all those things to your boyfriend, but I’ve got some awesome ideas that will really knock his socks off this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re a savvy shopper, DIY diva, culinary champion, or sentimental sweetheart, there’s something for everyone on this list of 83 Creative Valentine’s Day Gifts for Boyfriends. More

Gussied up balloons

If you are in need of a midweek pick me up, staring at pretty balloons is bound to help. The metallic ribbon above is a genius idea to gussy up a basic bag of latex for a birthday party (festive, right!?!). I am excited to be sharing this idea along with a collection of other […] More

plastic animal stir sticks

Cups filled with ice and yummy drinks are a staple this time of year. To gussy ours up, I added swizzle sticks and ponies! The playful summer combo is quite refreshing. The animal stir sticks are great for parties; a cowboy cookout, a western bonfire, or an afternoon princess party. The pony sticks adapt easy […] More

Best Kitchen Vacuum Sealers You Should Have

Vacuum sealers are now the most trending kitchen products. Here is the list of three of the best kitchen vacuum sealers you should consider. More

Post-it® Notes planning encouragement

Last week, I shared our fun office trick for motivation during the gloomy winter. The idea actually sprang from something I’ve been doing for myself for the past few months. With Materially Crafted soon to launch, the business to attend to daily, family responsibilities… It’s been a little crazy to say the least. I was […] More

My production process

Our first book, Materially Crafted, is coming out in one week! I thought it would be fun today to share a bit about the process I go through to produce the posts you see here, and the process we went through for so many of the book projects as well. These steps make up a […] More

pineapple honeycomb wreath

I am so happy to welcome March this week, with its bright burst of spring it is ALWAYS a sight for sore eyes. I am dreaming of all things warm, and there’s no reason not to revel in the new season quickly approaching; even though our weather might be still catching up. Brighten up the […] More

18 Blogging Tips

Today marks one year since we launched the Business of Blogging course! It has been such a joy teaching in the class monthly – I just love helping people turn their passion into a business. To celebrate today, I’ve compiled a list of what I think are the 18 most important tips to building a […] More

Sugar fun printable candy labels

Tis the season of sugar fun, treats and candy. There is something about the store aisles filling up with bags of goodies that gives me a sweet tooth this time of year. Whether packaging sweets for a Halloween party, the classroom, or the office using personalized packages for them makes everything seem brighter and more fun. […] More

reason to celebrate | free lemons

I happened upon Jane’s blog via Simplesong and I was captured by this sweetest of summer gestures. With an overflowing lemon tree to manage Jane set out a large bucket with a pretty free sign, for all her neighbors to take what they’d like. What a lovely way to celebrate summer! We are still getting […] More

office supply pumpkins

Creating pretty pumpkins without a carving knife isn’t hard with a few office supplies at hand. We used paper brads and pushpins to create these kid friendly, office ready pumpkins at a moments notice. They are festive,  and can be made in five minutes flat – for a very confetti filled Hallow’s Eve. Make the […] More

Dining with Article for the holidays

We host a lot of gatherings around the holidays and having a table that can seat all our guests is a #1 priority! In our last home it was easy to feel cramped in the dinning room, but here we can expand and host the entire crew, which is exactly what we like to do. More

succulent garden table runner

In the new house we have aquired something that I am over the moon excited about – a 10 foot dining table! It is HUGE, and gorgeous, and will be the setting of so much fun this coming year. Although this feature was one of the things that actually sold me on our new home, I quickly noticed that my current […] More

Hi Five Valentine

I’ve had so much fun dreaming up simple Valentines this year (here are 5 super easy printable Valentine ideas). Printing Valentines at home can often end up feeling overwhelming, but these Hi Five Valentines will be a classroom favorite and are a cinch to put together. And what could be better then a Hi Five […] More

The Sweetest Candy Birthday Cake

Inside: The sweetest candy bar birthday cake I am all about the cakes whether they are This candy bar birthday cake is a total showstopper at any party. Just in time for my Halloween sweet tooth to come to life. I mean… candy stacked as high as imaginable! I’m not sure I’ve ever seen something […] More

What’s in Your Purse Game – Guaranteeing Lots of Smiles in 2022

A bridal shower rarely sees dry eyes, but it can also be a reminder for those still single that they haven’t yet gotten the ring. It’s okay, you can lift everyone’s spirits with a quick What’s in Your Purse game that’s fun, guaranteed to liven up the atmosphere, and even offer prizes for the winners […] More

April Fools Balloon Explosion

I am still astonished at how quickly April 1st is coming! With little kids, celebrating April Fool’s day is always great fun, but getting the older kids and husbands by surprise takes a bit more creativity. Surprise your favorite jokester next week with this simple balloon trick set-up. They are sure to get a startle […] More

Celebrating fall trends

Today I am styling a rustic, fall inspired engagement party- wearing suede boots and all:) The design has been prompted by the lovely fall trends popping up around us. Vintage crates abounding, I am using glass in new ways and nodding the coming season with gorgeous textures and warmth inducing treats. Hoping for a very […] More

The Best Chocolate Chip Recipe with Melanie Blodgett

I have a season of fun party-loving guests lined up and a weekly plan to bring you the best ideas for your parties, baking, crafting, and general life revelry. Let’s jump into episode #1: an interview with Melanie Blodgett. Melanie is the creator of You Are My Fave and she has some of the most creative […] More

Tackling a Smelly Dishwasher: Causes, Cleaning Tips, and Prevention

Eliminate odors from your dishwasher with these easy tips! Learn the causes of a smelly dishwasher, how to clean it, and prevent future odors. More

summer dinner on the lawn

We hosted a dinner party on the front lawn last week and I am hooked! It was such a fun night and wonderful to greet our neighbors in this relaxed and festive way. We brought out every chair we owned and set up tables throughout the lawn with linen draped in a completely relaxed way. Everyone brought sides […] More

Set Your Weekly Goals and Achieve Them in 2022! – Tips that Work!

Large and ambitious goals such as buying your own house or opening your own business are great, but can sometimes have the opposite effect of your intentions. Big goals can sometimes seem insurmountable and unattainable, which can demotivate you and sometimes even be depressing. The key to fixing this negative impression is to break down […] More

Trimmed party hats

If you’ve been around for a while you will know that I am a big fan of party hats. A good party hat can take even the most unexcited guest and put them in a party state of mind. Adding a bit fabric and trim to plain Jane paper party hats and you’ve got a […] More

17 DIY Couples Costumes Your Mom Would Be Proud Of

Grab your boo and gear up for a Halloween celebration to remember! Whether you think crafting is more trick than treat, or you couldn’t think of any other way you’d like to spend your time this Halloween season, we’ve got a fun list of DIY Couples Costumes that your momma would be proud of. ;) […] More

43 of the Best DIY for Teens

Inside: DIY Projects for Teens. We have come up with 43 of the best DIY projects for teens. From fashion, style, decor and everything in between, this list is our top picks for all things creative for your unique teen! I love seeing my kids express themselves through creativity, but sometimes they need a little […] More

feather shoe clips

I designed these feather shoe clips that would be great to pull together a line of bridesmaids or to wear alone for a fancy summer soiree. They are a cinch to make and get any heel party ready. See the full tutorial at Project Wedding. More

curly cue confetti

I always love finding new ways to interpret a beloved party concept and was so pleased to find out that floral wire, when spray painted and curled up makes the most adorable confetti. You could cut the wire in pieces for a smaller version or use the entire pre-packaged length to create these whimsically large […] More

adored revelries

Three pretty revelries to brighten your weekend. A handcrafted party book via Melanie. A 5 step easy photo party plan. And a perfect bunting topped porch. This weekend I will be reveling with Elmo (yes, you heard that correctly) and losing all my indie street cred! He is having a local bookstore birthday party and […] More

“Punny” Candy Bars For Halloween

It’s time to up our Halloween candy game. I love a big bag of generic candy bars, but how much more fun to hand out candy covered in colorful puns? Especially for hosting Halloween parties this idea is colorful, fun and super easy. The “punny” wrappers will instantly better your candy game without the need to slave over creating a treat […] More

two-tone balloons

A bouquet of balloons is quite possibly the easiest way to make any space feel like a party. S?ince they’ve become ever so commonplace, I wanted to bring a bit of a subtle artistic touch to our store bought balloons. Inspired by the painted polkadot balloons, I wanted to try out painting the balloons a bright second […] More

custom soap carvings

* Welcome to the winter celebration challenge, so fresh and so clean! This DIY project belongs to Brittni’s winter craft party. Brittni designed this modern (clean) project for her guests to create together. You can use it to carve words, initials, shapes, and anything else you can dream up. The finished soap carvings can be […] More

DIY Natural Easter Wrapping Paper

Inside: The cutest DIY Easter wrapping paper! I can’t begin to explain how much I’ve been looking forward to stamping with vegetables this spring. When I decided to try it first on a long roll of white butcher paper to make my own Easter wrapping paper and I am thrilled with the results! I love how easy […] More

merry birthday Christmas tree

Do you celebrate any birthdays this month? We have four family birthdays in the weeks leading up to Christmas. They make the season more fun and definitely more full. This year I decided to embrace the crazy birthday/Christmas combo and used confetti filled ornaments, velvet ribbon and bright candles to make a birthday Christmas tree. […] More

Pucker Up Marshmallow Lips

Get ready to pucker up for Valentine’s Day with these super cute Marshmallow Lips!!! This recipe is absolutely one of my favorites. The marshmallows are light and fluffy and taste delicious! They make great Valentine treats for your best gal pals, for the classroom, and as a fun twist to homemade pink hot chocolate. We […] More

8 Online Organization Apps That Beat Unicorn Magic

It is hard to beat unicorn magic, but having the right online organization apps will beat that magic for me every day! Life is crazy sometimes. Between work, school, extra-curricular activities, managing a business and managing a home, plus all the things in between, there’s really not a whole lot of time left. Do you […] More

Fringed fabric cake top

My absolute favorite piece from our game night was this fringed fabric cake topper. It was one of those ideas that hits me late at night and makes me want to jump right up and create, sans sleep. The topper would be a whimsical addition to any party and comes together in only a few […] More

Cactus Coloring Page

As we all know, children concentrate better and learn more when they are doing something that involves movement, touch, and creativity. Coloring can be a great way to keep kids entertained and focused on a particular subject, whether at home or at school.  The pictures are rather self-explanatory, so the children can tell you all […] More

Fiesta party ideas

This post is sponsored by ConAgra RO*TEL. This coming season is my favorite time of the year for throwing a party. I know I might say that every season, but you know how much I love to celebrate — and I truly mean it each time I say it! Between my birthday, Matt’s birthday, about […] More

How to Make a Unicorn Horn – Simple Hat Anyone Can Make!

One of the most popular parties I’ve posted was Carly’s adorable unicorn party. Unsurprisingly, unicorn horn was the center of attention.  All the kids adorned these simple and pretty unicorn hats that were a huge hit! I’ve gotten so many requests for a tutorial on how to make them and here it is. Your little […] More

25 of Our Favorite Handmade Valentines

Inside: My favorite DIY handmade Valentines  It’s that time of year where everywhere you turn you see those cheesy puns and the overload of love. It seems like Valentine’s Day has been a day to cheese out on love. But there is still something sweet about stepping back and remembering the people in our lives […] More

Recreate | fire starter kit

I am completely in love with this idea for a cold winter night party or a February wedding favor! To recreate for your next party simply wrap a few pieces of wood with fabric, attach matches, and a bit of kindle (or make your own fire starter like she did). Set out as favors for […] More

100 Powerful Affirmations for Self Love in 2022 That Work!

Know that there is no one in this world without self-doubt at one time or another. We all need the occasional encouragement and recognition from others or from ourselves. Instead of relying on others for confirmation all the time, being able fall back on your own affirmations of self-love and being able to empower yourself […] More

Dance Party Games for the Whole Family

Inside: The best dance party games for the whole family! Pretty often when my kids get home from school they ask to turn on the music. Dance parties are a part of our family DNA and it’s something I hope we keep for always. Turning on the music and just letting loose together is so […] More

Unlock the Benefits of a Chore Chart for Teens!

Discover how to create an effective chore chart for teens and unlock the benefits of having a structured system in place. Learn tips for making it more engaging and troubleshooting common challenges. More

The Easiest St. Patricks Day Garland

Inside: The cutest St. Patricks day garland St. Patrick’s Day is coming up! I am not Irish, or very lucky, but any chance to celebrate I tend to love. I made this felt Shamrock St. Patricks day garland to decorate our house in about two minutes – it is the easiest garland I’ve ever made. […] More

5 tips for setting a tabletop feast

When hosting serious feasts, table setup is often a challenge for me. Between the large plates of food and quick moving hands I sometimes get nervous about putting anything pretty out at all! My friend Giulia has a great solution. Here are her tips for setting a table for a feast: More

Raffia Flower Tutorial

A quick sneak peak at what is in-store for next week… Raffia flowers. A frugal and lovely addition to a spring time party, or dinner table, or a fun bouquet for someone who has been particularly kind to you this week! These are super quick to put together and the project costs under $1 for […] More

why I teach

We just finished our Summer Business of Blogging Classes, and they were incredible! Due to the great responses we’ve received, we’ve opened up three fall classes in September, October and November. You can read more about the classes here. Like many of you, blogging has brought such joy to my life as I’ve developed a wonderful […] More

Miniature paper ball ornaments

The trees are up… all 6 of them! Yes, between the family tree, the kid’s trees, the table top tree, the 2 real trees we planted in the front yard we have 6 Christmas trees this year. Which means we’ve been on ornament crafting overload. These miniature paper balls are great for the mini-trees. They […] More

a very merry unbirthday

So many of us are moving away from our families these days. The distance can really be felt on birthdays. For us, that moving has really made us aware of the time and space that is lost between ourselves and those we love so much. As the years began to pass and more and more […] More

Summer Treat Bags

It’s summer and I am ready for the beach! Before we get out and do all the fun summer things though, I want to share with you a little secret we use with the kids and how easy it is to make sure your summer outings go smooth. When the kids start to get a little tired from all the summer fun, we bust out our easy to create summer treat bags filled with their favorite More

polkadot painted easter eggs

Continuing my obsession with creative no-dye Easter egg ideas, I painted a dozen eggs using my favorite painting technique – eraser painting. Which I love because it is just the easiest! Adding colorful polkadots to our eggs in a sporadic confetti like design makes for a festive way to decorate the eggs, and shows off […] More

Crazy Peep Milkshakes

I’m a big fan of sweets for Easter. In the past, we’ve done cakes, pies, ice cream and cinnamon rolls. This year I’m jumping into the fun and totally ridiculous milkshake craze. Did you see these amazing ones or this animal cracker version? I anticipate that crazy milkshakes are destined to be the newest sweet […] More

accordion paper wreath

You may well know that accordion folded paper is one of my favorite things. The simple folds provide a crazy affordable and easy way to create pretty art. This wreath was crafted with about 50 sheets of white printer paper and it makes a gorgeous statement for a home or a party that is well beyond its […] More

Handcrafted parties- In the rustic woods

I fell in love with this sweet rustic afternoon party the moment it entered my inbox. Combine a slew of garage sale finds & craigslist purchased chairs that are actually from a cafe in Paris & a girl named Rory and you can bet my little heart was aflutter! Thanks so much, Jana for sharing […] More

50 Cooking Quotes To Inspire You to Make Wonders the Kitchen

Cooking is an activity that’s natural to people. It is absolutely vital and one of the essential skills that we need for our survival. There’s millions of ways to cook, but in its essence, cooking is all about making food that’s healthy and tasty. Whether you’re enjoying it, or other people are, food is something […] More

Reason to celebrate | fairy ring

A ring of white capped mushrooms in a large open field. The English used to blame this phenomena on fairies coming out to dance at night. How fun!?! In the dead of winter when flowers are scarce it would be a fabulous way to surround an outdoor dinner party. Fairies not included. Photo by Darrell […] More

How to craft for a living

I spoke on a panel at Alt Summit last week about freelance, and being a contributor for websites. The room was packed – it’s fun to see how many people are interested in freelancing online. Freelance craft design is one of the major parts of my job. Being a contributor has allowed me to make the […] More

Churro Ice Cream Recipe 3 Ways With Mix-Ins

It’s getting hot outside, spring was fleeting and summer feels like it’s already here on the West Coast! What’s the best way to stay cool? Ice cream!!! You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream. But let’s celebrate and make this ice cream a fiesta, with Churro Ice Cream! We’ve created a churro […] More

25 Amazing Creative Pumpkin Ideas

Inside: 25 Creative Pumpkin Carving Ideas. Pumpkins are my favorite decorative accessories around the house this time of year! Decorating them in different ways! Decorating them has gotten so much more fun with the slew of inspiration online. Here are 25 of my favorite creative pumpkin ideas… Which will you be making this year?   25 […] More

5 Minute Colorful DIY Desk Organizer

I don’t know about you, but my heart does a little flutter when I get my hands on a set of new office supplies. No sense in stashing them away in drawers when you can make this DIY desk organizer in under 5 minutes to showcase all the new office things. Although getting new office […] More

75+ of the Best 2021 Christmas Quotes to Put You in the Holiday Spirit

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. It’s when we get to cozy up, listen to festive music while sipping hot cocoa and spend time with those we love. There are many ways to get in the Christmas spirit, and one of those is through quotes. We’ve compiled a list of the best Christmas […] More

How to do a Whiskey Tasting Party

Inside: How to do a whiskey tasting We recently had a blind whiskey tasting party and it was one of my favorite parties we’ve ever hosted. Matt runs a local whiskey club where friends get together to taste and try out new bottles every month. So these guys and gals know a thing or two about […] More

recreate | berry box flowers

Summertime weekends scream farmers markets, fresh bright flowers and scrumptious berries to me. The perfect trio for this sweet and low summer table centerpiece. To recreate this look: Use an emptied berry box, string thread through the sides and crisscross over the top to make a grid for your flowers to rest within. Use a […] More

All the Best: Fun Pumpkin Carving Ideas

Halloween is incomplete without some beautifully carved pumpkins to spruce up your surroundings. If you’re anything like us, you’re tired of carving the same jack o lantern designs year after year. This time, you can mix things up a bit and challenge yourself to go beyond! After the success of our creative pumpkin ideas, we’re […] More

a merry hostess throws confetti

dot cookies | polka dot dress | tablesetting | confetti art | dotted favors | napkins More

Colorful Tassel Necklace DIY

Valentines is right around the corner, and although I will be spending it with my hubby. I cannot forget about my gals. So for this years Galentine’s bash I have come up with the perfect gifts for all my beloved friends. This tassel necklace DIY is my favorite personal gift when it comes to showing my gals just how much love I have for them! More

Summer Reading Plan Kickoff With French Fry Nachos

Inside: French Fry Nachos. This post is done in partnership with Disney-Hyperion. If you were to describe our family – readers would be at the top of the list. We love reading together, separate… somedays I can hardly get my kids to put down the books they are engrossed in. With summer coming quickly we […] More

Firecracker Balloons

Celebrating the 4th of July doesn’t have to be all read, white and blue. Taking cues from our favorite colors we’ve decided to recreate the look of a fun firework show… with balloons! The long bursts of color will be a welcome addition to any Independence Day party. The firecracker balloons can be hung from […] More

Printable Summer Happiness Bucket List

It’s easy to jump into summer based on the ideals we find in our friend’s Facebook feeds or in the styled shoots shared on Pinterest – but really summer means something different to us all. After blogging, reading blogs, and perusing Pinterest for so many years I’ve found it is crazy important to spend a bit […] More

How to Treat Your Dog to Their Best Party Ever

Pets are part of the family, so why not celebrate a special day for them each year too? It could be their actual birthday if you know it, or perhaps the date you adopted them or brought them home. Don’t worry, your dog won’t know if you don’t quite remember the exact date! You might […] More

Styrofoam balls party crafts

These bright styrofoam balls are my happiest project of the season. They hang effortlessly over a simple grey chair. They brighten up a white wall. They look adorable piled in a bunch in the corner. There is not much that a bright strand of styrofoam balls made into garland can not do for me, (except […] More

moss trim cake and bunny heads

With all the sweet colors of Easter, sometimes a bold bunny head is just what’s needed to offset the pastel storm of the season. This moss trim Easter cake with moss bunny head cake toppers will quickly become a conversation worthy centerpiece at any spring gathering. The graphic shape of the bunnies popping up give […] More

13 bright candle ideas

Something about the end of January makes me long for more light in my life. Pretty candles in the house always make me feel better this time of year – even if there is no specific reason for lighting them. These bright pink candles by Julia Hoersch would definitely do the trick. Aren’t they pretty? Here […] More

Weston PRO 2300 Vacuum Sealer Review

Food saving has always been a popular subject amongst culinary enthusiasts, home chefs, and food professionals. Food generally has a perishable nature, but there are some food items that perish too quickly and become unusable if not preserved appropriately. Now, there may have been hundreds of ways food was being preserved earlier in the households but that is before the invention of smart kitchen appliances.  More

How to Make A Baby Diaper Cake

A practical, easy, and favorite baby shower gift idea that will be appreciated and remembered is a DIY Diaper Cake. They are not hard to make and you don’t have to be a crafts expert with a degree in design. Many new moms forget that diapers are going to be an essential item in their […] More

hello summer stargazing party

Inspired by the late night sky, I am excitingly planning our first party of the summer – a stargazing party! Dinner outdoors, drinks by the fire, hanging out with the stars, and blankets laid on the grass. Basically my dream party. I’ve been busy printing star guides for everyone to use, and plan to have […] More

Beach Scene Craft Party For Kids

This post has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions and ideas are mine. #BringTheTropicsHome #CollectiveBias Now that it’s summertime and the kids are home we’ve made a short list of things they’d really love to do. On the top of my daughter’s list was crafting with friends – so we […] More

Cakes with bows

How desperately do I love a crazy easy cake that also look amazing! Slaving over something for hours just isn’t my jive. But putting gumballs, paper stars, (or today bows!) on a cake and calling it a day – now that’s a baking style I can get behind. No need for anything else on these […] More

Garlic harvest party invites

We are hosting a garlic harvest party and the idea of stashing fresh from the farm bulbs in a paper bag to deliver for the invites has been on my mind for months. I was pleased to find our local farmer’s market had stashes to spare. Each bag has been filled and and clipped onto […] More

a merry hostess shares her treats

sweet preserves | packaged goodies | treat buffet | cookies | sparkly attire | invite notes More

pom-pom pendant tutorial

I am thrilled to be kicking off our light series today with a whimsical take on a plain white paper lantern. This pom-pom pendant is so fun and it is sure to garner smiles every time you flip the switch. Make the pom-pom pendant by starting with a white lantern lamp base and a couple […] More

Easy DIY Thanksgiving Garland

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and with it, many things to be thankful for. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday to display an Easy DIY Thanksgiving Garland to help impart words of thanks to our celebration. Sometimes, communicating what we are thankful for deserves more than just a few words after dinner. During Thanksgiving time there are […] More

25 Leftover Pumpkin Ideas

Inside: 25 leftover pumpkin ideas. Some would say pumpkin season is coming to a close next week…but, we completely disagree! We can think of lots Halloween pumpkin ideas for all of those leftover pumpkins, from recipes to decor, that’ll keep them around long after fall has turned to winter. So cheer up, buttercup! Even though […] More

Easy DIY Plates for the Holidays

These easy DIY plates are the perfect way to celebrate family during the holidays! We used fun family photos and bright pops of color for our plates. My family loved to see all our fun family memories! Add a little more personal flair to your festive table with these colorful decorations. We love hosting and […] More

How to Make Your Own Wallpaper – Simple Steps!

I’ve learned a new home decor DIY trick, how to make your own wallpaper! It is crazy easy and so much fun to do. It’s obvious I’m a big fan of hanging wallpaper of all types in our home. But this version of creating our own is an all-time favorite for creating a space that […] More

The Entertainer Gift Guide 2024 – 10 Festive Ideas

Inside: The Entertainer Gift Guide 2020 There is something so special about a gracious host or hostess, you know what I am talking about. We all have that one friend that always has their door open for any group of guests, and they usually serve up a pretty mean cocktail and an incredible cheese spread […] More

Orange marmalade cookies + ice cream sandwiches

We don’t go to see very many movies… between tickets, popcorn and potty breaks it just rarely seems worth it to our family. But, with holiday break coming up I often look for something good to see this time of year. Have you heard that they’re bringing a childhood favorite Paddington Bear to the big […] More

make an organized craft area for kids

Making an organized and fun area for your kids to craft in is really easy with a few simple projects. In this last series of Pledge videos one of the projects I worked on was making a simple corner of the living room fun and functional for the kids budding work of art. We used […] More

25 Spring Party Dresses

Happy March! After having an exceptionally crazy winter, I am so excited for the month of spring to finally begin. With all the baby showers, birthdays & weddings our spring calendar is brimming with celebration – so I’ve been looking for the right dresses to wear for each occasion. Fun and colorful without being too formal. That […] More

Celebrate August Birthdays With Fun Ideas!

Celebrate August birthdays with fun ideas! From decorations to food and drinks, activities, gifts and favors, find the perfect august birthday ideas for your special day. More

artistic bookmark escort cards

My new sister in law has many great traits, number one being how creative she is! She dreamt up these artistic bookmark escort cards for her wedding and I instantly fell in love with them. They are simple and beautiful. The concept would be good to use for holiday gift tags or party favors as […] More

Abstract painted pumpkins

Colorful pumpkins > than orange ones An equation that is just a fact of life. These abstract painted pumpkins make me so happy! They are bold, beautiful and a great way to make this Halloween the brightest one yet. Whether pumpkins are stacked on the porch, set as an arrangement on the table, or given out as […] More

Styled. Magazine Spring Issue

I am all knotted up with excitement to share this issue of Styled. magazine with you today! It has been a great joy to put this magazine together. On every page you will find beautiful photos and spring celebration inspiration. The magazine is truly a testament to how amazing our design community is and I am […] More

How to Vacuum Seal Soup

Soups offer a light and nutritious way to refuel and can also help to build up an appetite. Soups are especially desireable on days when you may be feeling a bit under the weather and long for warmth and comfort. But opening a can of soup isn’t appetizing at all and making a fresh batch can seem like a long and tiring process that you just don’t have the strength for. More

Pool Float Halloween Costume

When I say Halloween. You say Easy! I am so excited about this year’s first Halloween costume because it is absolutely the easiest costume there ever was. You may know by now that I am not a fan of difficult to create, sewing involved types of costumes. October is a crazy month for all families, […] More

Typography Pie

After realizing earlier this year how fabulously fun it was to make our dessert talk – al’a a typography cake. We figure the holidays are a great time to relive the concept but even better, because now it’s typography in a pie! A talking pie that can be made in any flavor with any word you […] More

DIY Crown Made with Sequins, Wire, and Spray Glue

Fashioning a crown out of confetti sequins is a fun way to make a party tiara that will be loved by every birthday girl. This DIY crown is always a hit at our birthday parties and the birthday girl never wants to take it off. The combination of colorful sequins and a minimal wild wire design […] More

50 Christmas Crafts for Kids to Try in 2021

Christmas holidays are an incredible opportunity for you to reconnect with your kids. One of the best ways to do that is through activities like crafting. With some cute and simple DIY crafts, you and your kids can create some much-needed magic this Christmas. From decking the Christmas tree with ornaments to sending out thoughtful […] More

Painted Walmart Disco Balls

There is nothing I like better than a good disco ball. And I know I’ve shared before that you can grab Walmart disco balls for $10! They are the perfect size for hanging in windows and catching the pretty afternoon sun. I’ve seen so many of you guys jump onto this trend lately and it […] More

My favorite Cosmopolitan Drink

Inside: A delicious cosmopolitan drink recipe Before New Year’s Eve parties were all the rage, New Year’s Day used to get much more play. I love the thought of gathering with friends (enjoying a cosmopolitan drink) on the first day of the year to celebrate all that is new and start off the year right. But […] More

Checkerboard Cake Recipe

Checkerboard cake is a fun, easy recipe that only requires a few simple ingredients. The cake displays a checkerboard pattern of chocolate and vanilla cake layers inside— a fun surprise for birthday party guests. Jump to recipe The ingredients in this recipe are common to most grocery stores, and finding a checkerboard cake pan in […] More

Beautiful DIY Colored Easter Baskets

Inside: We turned these beautiful colored baskets into a beautiful DIY Easter basket! Now that the twins are getting older, holidays are becoming much more fun. In my attempt to create celebrations they will remember and traditions that will last, the idea of crafting an heirloom Easter basket is perfect. I love taking time to […] More

Easter Basket – 35 Creative Ideas

Inside: Fun and unique Easter basket ideas for adults! Easter is just one month away! Which seems crazy in the middle of our snow storm this last week, but totally true. Easter just wouldn’t be the same without a cute and colorful giant Easter basket filled with all sorts of goodies. We’re branching out from […] More

Flower Frisbee Summer Outdoor Game

All of our games move outdoors this time of year and I love creating pretty takes on my favorite nostalgic outdoor summer games, like this extra large jigsaw puzzle or a colorful ring toss game. Lately though, we’ve been playing A LOT of frisbee. I love a good frisbee game since it can fit in our beach bag […] More

The Old Granite Street Eatery

We recently photographed a few Thanksgiving ideas (Can you believe it will be November tomorrow?) at my favorite restaurant in Reno, the Old Granite Street Eatery. Last year’s move to Reno was not an easy one for me, but the minute I walked into this place I breathed a sigh of relief. The restaurant reminds me that every city has […] More

10 subtle ways to thank a teacher

This week is teacher appreciation week and I cannot remember ever wanting to thank a teacher as much as I do right now. The twins first year of preschool has been a raving success – in large part due to the awesomeness of our teachers! Here are ten easy projects we’ve previously crafted that would send a simple and subtle “Thank You” to the teachers […] More

Festive Home 2024! The Project List

Since we purchased our home, we’ve been sharing a beginning of the year project plan here on the blog. This is the 3rd year we are doing it and it’s the year I think we will finally be able to check off that initial list we made when we moved into the house nearly 2 […] More

esquire party book

The moment I saw photos from this Esquire Party Book, circa 1965, I immediately snagged one. Vintage party books, especially ones with illustration, always hold great inspiration for me. Esquire does not disappoint. Filled with ideas like a memory game (on page 275) straight from the second world war and gem quotes like: “The prefect party host spots bordem before it happens; […] More

Host A Hot Air Balloon Festival Party

One of the best things about Reno that I look forward to year after year is the Great Reno Hot Air Balloon Festival! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I really do love my hometown. Reno isn’t where most people would think of as the ideal place to purchase a home and […] More

Pink Christmas Mantel & DIY Balloon Hanging

We’ve been using our pink fireplace as a jumping off place for holiday decorating this year. I think the pink Halloween mantel has been my favorite so far, until this! Christmas is coming in all it’s pink sparkly shimmer. We created a festive tied balloon ceiling hanging that is very fun and it brings a […] More

Colorful Frozen Easter Eggs Ice Cubes

Inside: A fun and festive frozen Easter eggs treat! I’ve always had a soft spot for a good ice cube and these frozen Easter eggs are just about the most fun festive ice cubes imaginable! In the past, we’ve made everything from hearts to balloon ice cubes, even glitter ones just for kicks. This year, […] More

bright cat garland

Nothing says Halloween like a strand of spooky cats. Since I much prefer bright and fun to spooky and creepy, this cat garland is a whole new take on the spooky black feral idea. It adds a festive vibe to any fall party or mantel display. Bright is the new black… Colorful is the new cat! […] More

15 ways to wrap a present

Over the last couple years I’ve shared so many wrapping projects here (almost 80!). I can’t seem to help myself – I just LOVE giving a gift that has been thoughtfully wrapped. A great wrapping job makes whatever is inside the box seem so much better! Here are 15 of my favorite ideas for wrapping […] More

Fall Party Foods to Savor the Season with all Your Friends

Fall brings with it so much fun and activity, so I complied a list of my favorite 18 Savory Fall Party Foods to help us all savor the season a little more! It seems like we’re rushing off to a party or get-together every time we turn around. Between Halloween, tailgating, birthdays and Thanksgiving there […] More

Valentines Hearts Milk Ice Cubes

Inside: Make these sweet Valentine milk ice cubes for your Valentine bash with the cutest heart ice cube trays! With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, I am excited to share a couple Valentines hearts projects to celebrate the holiday with subtly and style. These Valentine’s hearts milk ice cubes are a sweet surprise for your man’s morning coffee […] More

2 Back To School Lunch Ideas

We are headed back to school this week, which means back to lunch making for us! Instead of getting stuck in the same old routine this year, we are injecting a dose of fun and ease to our school lunch prep. Here are 2 easy lunch ideas for crafting your own lunches that are filled with back-to-school fun. More

Discover the Best Commercial Vacuum Sealer for Your Needs

Find the best commercial vacuum sealer for your needs and learn about the benefits, features, and brands to consider. Get tips on maintenance too! More

Ice Cream Sundae Tacos

What’s better than a taco this time of year? A taco made with ice cream. Always! This ice cream sundae taco is such a fun sweet treat for spring. Layering a waffle as the taco shell, with ice cream as the filling and topping the dessert taco with whip cream as a stand in for sour cream […] More

Why don’t we… infuse a lemon drop cocktail

Have you ever tried a lemon drop cocktail? I had one last week with an added touch of floral water. It was fabulous! My favorite new drink, for sure, and a great option to serve at a party. The lemon drop cocktail is refreshing in itself, and it tastes even better when mixed with floral […] More

A Cootie Catcher Perfect for St. Patricks Day

Inside: How to make a cootie catcher You may be asking, “What is a cootie catcher?” Well, let me throw back to grammar school days, we use to love playing with these during recess. We loved feeling like we could predict our future husbands, careers and if the cute new boy would have a crush on us! So to spread that playful luck, I’m going to show you […] More

Recreate project, dollie vases

thesI am completely smitten with dollies this season. I used them to make a hand stitched runner HERE and an adorable cake topper you will see soon. (photos by Jonas Peterson via 100layercake) This may be the simplest idea to incorporate them I have seen yet- wrap a few around clear bottles & tie with […] More

3D Bright Paper Stars

These 3D paper stars are my absolute favorite! They look amazing hanging as a garland (the backdrop to our party). They make sweets shine when bunched together and stuck into a cake. The stars are a great way to give any outdoor space a festive punch of color this season. There is something about colorful […] More

Tinsel Weave Wall Hanging

The yarn weave wall hanging trend has become one of my favorite ways to liven up a room. The texture and designs are subtle and gorgeous at the same time. I thought the concept would look wildly fun done in tinsel for a holiday celebration! Enter in the tinsel weave wall hanging. To replace our […] More

Fun Shadow Box Wall Art

Inside: How to fill a shadow box to make shadow box art! It’s a party! Nah. It’s just my house:) What can I say? I like a bright space filled with fun. I saw this lego display and thought… oh that is awesome. That needs sprinkles, confetti, and balloons! And my front room needed art – […] More

Styled. downloads

A quick thank you for being so fabulous! Download the thank you cards and make your next party guests feel quite loved. Also the rest of the Styled. downloads below… More

Organic Mattress Review + Surprise Balloons

Inside: Surprise balloons and how to make balloon surprise box Matt and I going away for our yearly anniversary trip this weekend. I’m a little sad to be leaving or new organic mattress behind. We like to celebrate marriage by sneaking away kid free for a weekend every year. We are headed back to Big […] More

(kids) Party Bingo

A project from the recent princess party that I am ecstatic to share with you today. There are a million stereotypes of what you will see at kids birthday parties. If you have not been to a one year olds’ shindig yet, be warned- lost shoes, food stains and twirling little girls await you. For […] More

how to set a bistro table

My friends Aleah and Nick sent over this great video on how to create a bistro table setting. They always do such gorgeous work and this table would be pretty for a shower or wedding with a nautical summer twist to it. Watch the video below for their list of supplies and hints like, how to […] More

Celebrate October Birthdays With Fun Ideas!

Celebrate October birthdays with fun decorations, food & drinks, activities & games, gifts & favors, and invitations & thank you notes! Get creative with these unique october birthday ideas. More

Throwing the Perfect Redneck Party: Ideas & Tips

Throw the perfect redneck party with our tips and ideas! From decorations to food, we’ve got you covered for your next redneck party. More

chalkboard birthday cake & candy chalk

The end of August has always made me feel like school should be starting again (no matter how old I get). I begin to feel nostalgic about all those years of backpack carrying I had. This chalkboard cake is a perfect solution for my classroom desire. A fun way to start the “school year,” whether […] More

clay stamped escort cards

My latest DIY for Project Wedding includes brightly colored clay transformed into escort cards. I have been wanting to work with the medium of clay and found these colorful varieties that look perfect for a spring wedding! The clay was easy to mold and quite simple to bake. You could use this project also for […] More

making balloon dresses

I happened upon the work of Daisy Balloon this weekend and was immediately taken. She is a Japenesse artist who makes dresses out of balloons! They are gorgeous, festive and great inspiration for Halloween. See her portfolio here, including a new balloon font (so rad). PS. The coolest Musee des possibles More

Free Habit Tracker Printable – Stay On Top of Things!

A lot of us try to adopt new habits every year in the form of New Year’s resolutions, but how many people are still keeping to their goals by February? Sometimes it’s really not a lack of will, but it’s more disorganization. It’s easy to forget about a new endeavor because it hasn’t received a […] More

Sherbert & Spice, part one

Sherbert & Spice and everything nice… This ice cream birthday was pure joy for me to produce. From the inspiration found here to the invitations found here– it was girlie, summer, old-fashioned fun at its best and I am just giddy to share a bit of it with you today. Let’s talk about circles! A […] More

Why don’t we… celebrate Mayday

Happy Mayday! Do you celebrate May first as a holiday? In many countries today is a public holiday to welcome in the month of May (and the summer season) with dancing, singing, flowers, and cake! Sounds like a perfect Friday to me. Although we have our own summer kick off holiday coming up, we can […] More

Great DIY Summer Beauty Ideas

Summer is nearly here, and with it will hopefully come lots of lovely sunshine. The sun can be great for our skin, and everyone wants to get out in the sun for a while to get a nice, natural color. But you can have too much of a good thing. We have some great summertime […] More

Make In A Day: Modern Wreaths Book Release

Our third book hit the stands today and I’m thrilled to share a little more about the book today! It is the same series as our second book and was equally fun to create. Make In A Day: Modern Wreaths is filled with page after page of easy & fun wreath ideas. Here’s what I […] More

Brightly colored funnel cakes

I there is one treat I cannot have enough of – it is the funnel cake. The sweet, sugared and fried combination makes a wonderful indulgence for any celebration. We’ve put a twist on the original version by using bright colorful hues for the batter and miniaturizing the portion sizes. Creating a new dessert for everyday parties, large and […] More

my Mr. Handsome

Danni is running a series entitled Mr. Handsome where she interviews the husbands of bloggers. I love that she has each guy share about both the pros and cons to having a wife who blogs. Here is Matt’s interview if you’d like to read it. PS. The photo is from our 30th birthday. More

Fun and festive kabuki streamers

Inside: The most fun DIY Kabuki Streamers perfect to use as throw streamers!  I am still smiling from yesterday, you guys. Thank you so much for the incredible support and encouragement for the new magazine. I am thrilled about the magazine launch and even more happy that you love it so much. Thanks for being awesome… To […] More

Big Star Kids Birthday Hat

Treat your little birthday girl like the star she is with this simple and bright felt star party hat. We are continuing the creative party hat series today with a hat that includes pint size pom-poms and a big dose of whimsy! A hat that will definitely be the shinning top to any child’s birthday. To make […] More

The Yummiest Chocolate Marshmallow Candy Treat

Inside: A yummy chocolate marshmallow candy treat! The coming few weeks will give us ample reason to indulge. Try these sweet and easy chocolate marshmallow cups for a homemade twist during treat season (you don’t even need an oven). The recipe makes just enough to bring for a classroom party and is rich enough to keep your closest […] More

Melting Marshmallow Snowman That Are Sweeter Than Christmas Morning

Tis the season of chilly nights and cocoa fun. I can’t say I’m sad about it, especially when we have these adorable marshmallow snowmen to fill our coffee mugs, because who says the kids and their cocoa get to have all the fun?! More

Animal Cookie Birthday Cake

To continue the summer mini-series on topping cakes with the easiest things ever (I’m still loving these faux flowers), this week I used animal cookies for a cake that is great fun for any kid’s birthday party. I hosted a sweet friends 1st birthday this weekend and we whipped up this cake to celebrate. Using a bag of […] More

vintage fabric party hat

I am excited to introduce you today to the spring party hat series! Over the coming weeks I am going to share tips and ideas for creating party hats for any celebration from birthdays to Easter brunches. A pretty vintage fabric party hat being the easiest project of them all! To make this hat simply […] More

Black & White Party Ideas: Fun Ideas To Bring Class & Elegance To Your Party

Are you thinking about hosting a party, but bored with the same run-of-the-mill party themes? Are you tired of the same recycled party ideas? You might want to consider a black and white party theme. There are so many excellent black and white party ideas to bring class, elegance, and creativity to your event.  Consider […] More

7 Thanksgiving Party Ideas for 2022

This Thanksgiving, why not do something a bit more exciting than football and turkey? There’s nothing wrong with the traditions we have for giving thanks but there is also a lot of opportunities to experiment with some new thanksgiving party themes and fun ideas to share with all the family. Thanksgiving Party Ideas to Try […] More

Cool Reading Games to Play this Summer

Schools out for the SUMMER! Woo Hoo! Who is excited?! I know we are, we can’t wait for a family vacation, long days at the pool and no more running to catch the school bus. We have so many fun plans this summer to really enjoy our time together. But just because there is no school doesn’t mean I want my kids’ growing brains to stop creating and learning new amazing things. More

accordion tissue bursts

Bursts of bright color and layers of texture make for a serious party statement in a pinch. I love the idea of throwing a couple bright pieces on the table for an instant festive vibe. Whether its a playdate, a birthday or an impromptu cocktail night – nothing makes our old brick house shine more […] More

Send THANKS Today

When we launched our email list I mentioned there would be free goodies coming if you sign up for the email. You can still sign up right here! One of the goodies we’ve sent out is a colorful set of email cards. In honor of Thanksgiving I’m giving away this email Thank You card today. This is […] More

Handcrafted parties- A very pretty tea

I have seen many well done Alice in Wonderland themes this year. Vibrant colors and striking pieces fit to make a child giggle with glee. This afternoon tea was different than the others… and I love it! It may be the first truly simple and very pretty take on the popular Alice theme. I am […] More

merrymaking 6.29.2012

We took off early this morning for a much needed family vacation. I will be gone through next week and am looking forward to playing with our cousins, eating at my favorite local spots and laying by the pool. We even rented a hotel cabana for one afternoon! Are you doing anything fun for the holiday? I […] More

Emoji party cake

Does your cake speak emoji? It definitely should. This emoji party cake is an explosion of digital expressions brought to life. It has ALL THE FEELINGS and would be a hoot for a birthday or any type of party. Whether you are throwing a full on emoji party (wouldn't that be a blast!?!), or just [...]

25 ways to make a pie

Now that it’s November, I have pie on the mind. Last year we stamped words into our pies and braided a perfect crust, but I was looking for a bit more creative inspiration to end this month’s epic feast. Here are 25 amazing ways to make a pie. A great pie. The kind of pie […] More

Apple Holiday Garland

Decorating with natural fruits has become more and more appealing to me this holiday season. Although I love cranberries, they are not the only fruit that will male a pretty impression. Adding the red texture of apples, along with greenery is a gorgeous and easy way to decorate a holiday brunch table. Simple gather apples […] More

Paint By Numbers For Adults With Printable Templates

Just in case you thought paint by numbers was something set aside only for kids. That is no longer true! Did you know that we can create gorgeous large scale artwork for the house using a simple and nostalgic technique? Harness your inner 8 years old and let’s get a painting by the number because […] More

8 weeks until Christmas

There are 8 weeks until Christmas! Can you even believe that? I’ve already started dreaming, planning, and yes even wrapping for the quickly coming holiday season. I am thrilled about the holiday content being created and can’t wait to start sharing it soon. I wonder how you are feeling about the upcoming holiday season. Are […] More

20 Kids Games for a Birthday Party – Transform a Regular Birthday Party Into a Big Hit in 2022

Kids can lose interest in something really quickly, so keeping them engaged is a challenge in itself. Sometimes it’s about quality over quantity, but with some kids, it’s all about quantity and variety. We have many kids games for a birthday party, some of which you may have seen or played before, and others that […] More

conversation heart candy boxes

You know those heart-shaped boxes of chocolate that start filling the shelves this time of year? You know how you love them, and hate them, all at the same time? I mean they are so bad… but also really good. And for whatever reason, they all come with the WORST designs on them. Something about […] More

office confetti + letterpress giveaway

Update: Happenstance has been randomly chosen as our winner. Thanks for commenting everyone! I was looking for a way to spruce up our birthday labels and was just giddy when I stumbled upon these colorful brads in the office section at Target. Punch through paper in a random pattern and they look just like confetti. […] More

Printable Christmas Gift Tags (With Free PDF!)

Let the wrapping begin! This year’s printable Christmas gift tags are a great way to finish off all those holiday packages. After grabbing all the great gifts we shared last week, it is now time to get them wrapped up. I don’t know about you but I love making my Christmas gift wrapping fun and personalized, that’s why […] More

best week ever | chicken wire

I’ve had a blast playing with chicken wire this week and I am not the only one. It’s becoming quite the trend. I love this pumpkin made from chicken wire and twine. It would look awesome painted in bright colors and stuffed with candy for Halloween. Click through the pages for more of my favorites, […] More

Wear It & Share It: Hearts

Introducing a new post series for the year… Wear it & Share it! I’ve been thinking about how to bring more revelry into the real life of living daily, running errands and blessing others. The easiest way to do this is to just share it with the people around us. Each month we will be taking a […] More

A modern princess party

Last weekend I styled a party for a 3 year old princess- It was lovely and magical with shades of pink popping out everywhere. Here is a very tiny sneak peak… Party photos HERE & the first of the party’s DIY projects, which might be my favorite kids DIY of all time HERE! Girls are […] More

Shiplap Bathroom Shower Renovation

 shipInside: Our newly renovated shiplap bathroom shower wall. Today I’m giving a little tour of a very small guest bathroom we’ve renovated. The house has three bathrooms in it – this one was the worst and therefore the first one to tackle. It was REALLY gross! Since the bathroom is only used by guests and […] More

Creating Unique Halloween Tags for Your Party

Make your Halloween party stand out with these creative and unique DIY Halloween tags. Get tips on crafting, recipes, and safety for trick-or-treating! More

12 DIY Cupcake Toppers You Can Make In 5 Minutes

Inside: 12 of the cutest DIY cupcake toppers to add a little festive flair to your dessert! We all love a good cupcake, am I right? I know I do! They are the perfect treat for birthdays, celebrations or just as a little pick me up. I find that adding a little something special top these […] More

Bullet Journal Motivational Balloons

Like the rest of the world, I started a bullet journal a few months ago. I’ve always loved a paper journal and getting to add creative spunk to it has been fun. I’ve been keeping lists of everything from photo shoot ideas to fictional books that I want to read. But my favorite part of […] More

Painted canvas baskets

My office was screaming at me for a dose of bright organization this spring. Instead of buying expensive (and never very cute) bins for storing our party supplies. I decided to make my own canvas baskets for corralling all of our random stuff. Plain canvas is crazy affordable to purchase and can be easily brightened up […] More

Printable Journal Pages – Customize Your Own Templates in 2022!

What is a bullet journal anyway? Why does it have a fancy name? When you Google “bullet journal” online, you will be met with an assortment of beautifully decorated printable journal pages. While it’s definitely fun to make your bullet journal template easy on the eyes, it’s not the main purpose of a bullet journal. […] More

Everything You Need to Know About Using An Instant Pot

Since its creation back in 2011, the Instant Pot has taken over the multicooker market, even selling over 215,000 units during the Black Friday sales in 2016.  It’s not surprising. This appliance has the potential to erase half your utensils in the kitchen, reduce your cooking time drastically, and allow you to cook healthy and […] More

28 April Fools Pranks for Kids To Create

Inside: 28 April fools pranks for kids April Fools Day is a holiday that’s sometimes overlooked, but certainly not in my house! Matt and I always have such a great time playing silly pranks on each other and this April Fools I’m dragging the kids into the fun…whether they like it or not ;) Although, […] More

Ginger cake frosting

Cupcakes with a ginger frosting make me weak in the knees. The flavor would be an unexpected treat for a summer party or a very sweet midweek pick me up. Find the recipe here, pretty yellow pom toppers from here and the beautiful photo plus inspiration to eat these lovelies out on the deck from […] More

a honeycomb baby shower

I threw a baby shower this last weekend and it was such joy! We themed the celebration around welcoming Erin’s new hunny and filled the space with honeycomb inspired decor and honey infused food. I happened upon the thought of using chicken wire as honeycomb and bought a big package of it. After the shower […] More

handmade gifts for the house

Gifts for the home are great to give since they always fit everyone perfectly. When gifts for the home are both handmade and well designed… well, my Christmas list is basically done. :) I am happy to be partnering with one of my favorite shops Baba Souk to share a few gift picks that are […] More

ice cream birthday squares

v Looking for a sweet way to celebrate an ice cream lovers birthday? These ice cream birthday squares are so festive and fun! They’ll be an instant hit and can freeze in a couple hours. Claire made them for us, using an ice cube tray as the mold (we’ve done the heart milk cubes before!). […] More

Fun Sharpie Pillowcase Crafts

Inside: The cutest sharpie pillowcase DIY crafts. Sleep tight and rest your eyes on a love note with these simple sharpie pillowcase DIY. They are a pretty way to celebrate love, home and those special moments of rest we all treasure. The pillows are currently adorning our bed and make me smile every time I […] More

Scary Good Fun: Adult Halloween Games to Get You in the Mood

Flooring is an important aspect in every home. It can either make or break the overall look of the house. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right flooring for your home. The type of flooring you choose will depend on the activities that will be done in the room, the […] More

Baby Shower Brunch Menu: A Perfect Brunch for Mama-to-Be & the Girls!

There’s nothing sweeter than celebrating the coming arrival of a tiny little bundle of joy! And since spring is most certainly baby shower season, I’m sharing some of my tried and true brunch recipes that’ll be perfect for a morning with the mama-to-be and her girls. I love brunch because it gives me the freedom […] More

5 Tips for Staying Motivated: Crafters, Makers, & DIY’ers

Inside: Tips for Staying Motivated: Crafters, Makers, & DIY’ers Have you ever had that one project (or series of projects) that you just can’t seem to finish? Maybe, because of time, motivation, or lack of energy? I can’t even count the times that my DIY to-do list remains unfished because I cannot find the motivation […] More

Stamped Pie Crust

This pie idea is the simplest yet. Stamp words onto any cooled pie crust! It works for store bought or homemade pies and gives a presentation that is both creative and pretty. I’d love see it done on miniature pies with each guest’s name stamped on top. To recreate this idea; use a new or thoroughly washed stamp […] More

the antlers live on…

This winter woodland table is inspired by seasonal elements found in nature such as faux fur, deer antlers, custom plaid fabric napkins and pine cones. I love seeing traditionally holiday elements, like these, taken into the rest of the winter season. Something about it makes me want to sit down and continue on the celebration. […] More

Two Party Costume Hats

The easiest way to dress up for Halloween might be to use our heads! Party costume hats will quickly turn an everyday outfit into a trick-or-treat worthy costume. And a girl with balloons or fruit on her head is bound to get a great haul of Halloween candy. A fruit inspired hat will make this year’s Halloween […] More

what is your reason to celebrate?

While in San Diego last week I enjoyed a small side project. I walked around and asked quite a few women (mostly strangers) what their reason for celebrating was. I have high hopes of compiling this together for you because their answers are so sweet, and moving, and some are just really fun. In the […] More

Pouty lips garland

Today is National Kissing Day! Did you know there was such a thing? To celebrate, a bright set of pouty lips is exactly what we need. This printable garland will brighten up every space today. It makes me smile thinking of all the bright lipstick and kissing to be had. The pouty lip garland is great […] More

honeycombs for spring

I just received a huge shipment of honeycomb paper that I will be busy making beautiful today. Hoping the result will end up half as gorgeous as this vintage honeycomb! Did you know that you can buy honeycomb in sheets to cut up for projects? I am finding it a fresh medium for spring party […] More

handmade wedding

I am thrilled today to give you a small sneak peak into the book Handmade Wedding that I am a contributing author to. I just received it in the mail and LOVE seeing my designs in pretty paper print (so fun!). For the book, I prepared a handful of easy handcrafted wedding projects and am […] More

Halloween Invitations – Bright and Fun

Inside: Halloween Invitations Print At Home. Hosting a Halloween gathering has become a bit of a tradition to our family over the past few years (we happen to live in a killer trick-or-treat neighborhood). When you live in a good trick-or-treat neighborhood. And you have an awesome chili recipe, it makes for an easy reason […] More

DIY Holiday Party Games

Holiday parties are in full swing around here! Between the office, the classroom and friends we seem to be shimming the season away. To ensure our parties are filled with fun and not too much of that awkward lingering around, we always like to throw a holiday party game or two in the mix. The […] More

Confetti popper valentines

Although paper Valentine’s are nice, especially when written with just the right romantic font. I tend to prefer ones of the more 3D nature (see love shower pináta valentine and you’re taa-riffic). I’m always smitten by something with a bit of extra substance and flair. These push poppers filled with confetti, treats and wishes of love will […] More

5 Fall party tips

We recently refreshed our brunch-all-day patio for fall parties in partnership with Article and have started hosting fall parties outside! It’s been fun. Today I’m sharing 5 fall party tips to make any outdoor gatherings come together with style & ease. Why it’s important to start with a good foundation Before we get into the […] More

Recreate project, paper bag Advent

I am busy at work this weekend preparing oddles of holiday goodies that will be here to inspire you soon, including an advent calendar I have been dreaming about for months! I’ve even enlisted the help of Sufjan to get me in the Christmas mood. In the meantime here is an Advent Calendar that you […] More

dip dyed ice cream cones

The kids and I spent this last week visiting family in Las Vegas and laying out in the sun. It certainly feels like summer around here. As a welcome to this beautiful season sticky, drippy ice cream seems the only appropriate “hello”. I dip dyed these cones to give a bit of celebration to our […] More

HI-CHEW Holiday Garland Gift

This week is filled with classroom parties and holiday fun for us. It is the week of grabbing presents for everyone as I walk out the door each day and trying hard to remember everyone who needs a little celebrating and whole lot of thanks. To help with the last minute gifts for teachers, office […] More

6 Simple Routines to Help You Feel More Well in 2022

The exaggerated pace of modern-day life often leaves us feeling tired, sleepy, and stressed. And while we certainly can’t expect the world to slow down, we are still able to control our own response to the hectic and overwhelming to-do lists we often burden ourselves with. Today we’ll look at six simple but effective routines […] More

The Sweetest Christmas Brunch With Sara Lee Desserts

Christmas season is here and our schedule is chock full of dinners, evening parties and the like. We wanted to get some of the girls together, so instead of competing with the crazy evening schedules we decided to throw a brunch! I love brunches for a lot of reasons. They are wonderfully low-key compared to […] More

recreate | posies

A tutorial for beautiful posies by Ruth, author of Gracelaced and mom to (FOUR!) boys. She designed these posies as headbands. I think they would look splendid atop favor boxes or complied together for a mother’s day corsage. Full instructions here. blessings. More

Make A DIY Advent Wreath With Wine Bottles In Under An Hour

I am excited to be kicking off my favorite holiday season of the year, and there is no better way to kick off the season than a one-of-a-kind DIY Advent Wreath! There are so many ways to celebrate advent with the family and I am a firm believer that the anticipation up till Christmas is just as fun […] More

Foodsaver V4400 Vacuum Sealer Review

The perishable nature of most food items we consume regularly makes food an expensive commodity and also an item of high maintenance. But it is an essential need, one that can’t be substituted with anything else in the world. So the preservation of food becomes a high priority in every household. Whether you like it or not, ensuring a proper mode of food preservation falls inevitably in your monthly budget. No one wants to buy expensive food of perishable nature and watch their money go down the drain when it becomes rotten due to environmental factors. More

20 Super Bowl Party Drinking Games Your Friends Will LOVE

Inside: The best Super Bowl drinking games for this year’s Super Bowl party. Super Bowl Sunday is upon us and while I’m admittedly not an avid football fan, I love any reason to throw a party! Besides the big game, Super Bowl parties are all about getting together with friends for an afternoon full of […] More

Watercolor Ikea Chair Hack

Inside: Watercolor Ikea chair hack.  I’ve been excitedly working on our outdoor spaces this month and I can’t wait to show you what we’ve been up to soon. It’s been fun to take a break from the inside & look outdoors this season. Sometimes we build out new things and sometimes it’s just as fun to […] More

What to Wear for Chinese New Year: Outfit, Accessories, Makeup & More!

Celebrate Chinese New Year in style! Get outfit ideas, accessories, makeup tips, hairstyle ideas and nail art designs to make sure you look your best for the festivities. What to wear to Chinese New Year? We’ve got you covered! More

Fruit Candles

A cake is only as pretty as what is inside (or on top in this case!). Adorn any type of cake with these simple fruit candles for a simply festive birthday cake. These candles give a natural and classy look, for a memorable birthday touch. To make the assorted fruit candles you will need – fruit […] More

The Holiday Issue

I am so happy to share the Holiday issue of A Subtle Revelry magazine with you today. It is filled with subtle ideas, creative DIY projects, and the most wonderful cast of inspiring thoughts! It is my hope that the magazine will inspire you to amazingly crafted revelries this holiday season. This issue looks starkly […] More

Birthday Party Food Ideas for Adults – A Guide

When you plan a birthday party for adults, consider first the tastes of the person whose birthday you’re celebrating.  For example, do they love a big barbeque with a variety of grilled meats, or does the idea of meat make them shudder? A vegetarian would prefer a spread of quiches, vegetable-based casseroles and salads. Make […] More

All About That Bling Ice Cubes

Tis’ the season of love & bling! The perfect time to be kicking off a new Wedding Wednesday series. I have been so excited to share more ideas relating to weddings, engagements, bridal showers, and anniversaries here on the blog, so we’ve developed an entire series that will run most of the year. Every Wednesday we […] More

garlic dinner party inspiration

I shared my garlic party plans and the easy-to-craft fresh garlic harvest party invites last month. Now that October is actually here, it will be a blast to put all the ideas to work. A garlic party is the perfect compromise for an October gathering that is festive, but not at all spooky. Here are a few more gems of garlic inspiration I’ve gathered along the way. roasted garlic | knit […] More

paper pumpkins

We had a gathering of friends over this weekend to carve pumpkins. There are more photos to come but I couldn’t wait to show you these little paper mache pumpkins. They were easy to make and looked sweet strung up as bunting for our afternoon. We stuffed each one with pumpkin seeds which allowed them […] More

2024 Glow Stick Cake Topper

With under a week left until Christmas, we’ve started planning our annual New Years Eve party. It’s one of my favorite nights of the year. Every year we invite our friends over and try to keep things simple, but very festive, as we ring in the new year together (East Coast style at 9pm, since […] More

The Sweetest Apple Juice Favors

Inside: The sweetest apple juice favors. These sweet little apple juice favors are the cutest handmade DIY for any of your friends! I love the idea of creating fun favors for a festive fall party or as a sweet little treat to your closest friends. There is something so special about creating a gift for […] More

5 Blogging Apps I Use Daily

We did a post about our favorite 10 blogging apps a few years ago and I’m still getting comments and emails from it. Sometimes it is the simplest tools that make our lives so much easier online. It seems like every year, every week, EVERY DAY there are more great tools and blogging apps coming out to […] More

Best Food Vacuum Sealer of 2024: Complete Reviews With Comparisons

Vacuum sealers have evolved greatly in the years since they were first introduced onto the market. Today, you can preserve your food with a fast, quiet, and easy-to-use vacuum sealer that takes up very little space, and doesn’t break the bank. Vacuum sealing can keep food fresh for up to 4 times as long as […] More

Peachy & polkadot cocktail invitations

The welcoming of early summer has me planning wine tastings and cocktail parties out on the deck every free moment I have. There’s not much I love more than gathering with friends over good drinks while enjoying the cool evening dusk. This cute peach and polka dot printable is a great way to invite friends […] More

My Skillshare Review for an Awesome Program for Bloggers

You guys, I am so excited for this Skillshare review! I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to find out about Skillshare. Have you heard of it? It’s an amazing online learning center for creators, just like you and me! I’m excited to share the reasons why I love it, review a couple great […] More

why don’t we – have a fruit party

It’s the season for celebrating fruit! Our garden harvest is ready and having a fruit themed party to celebrate the end of summer sounds like a great idea. Why don’t we? There are hundreds of fruity tutorials to help in the process, although these peelable fruit invitations might be my favorite ever. What a fun […] More

parrot balloons

Although I am a DIY fanatic at heart. Every once in awhile, I come across a product that I instantly buy in mass. While popping into our local dollar store, I noticed these parrot balloons. They are just the right touch for our dinners out on the deck. I was so smitten by their festive […] More

honeycomb pumpkins + a fall countdown

In decorating for Halloween this year I wanted to add in bright pops of color. I love this bunch of bright pumpkins, and the festive touch they bring to our normally dark fall decor. After cutting out the pumpkins, I wrote on the inside of each a fun fall family activity. We are using them […] More

reason to celebrate | Sunday brunch

I am quite excited for this weekend because my mom is coming to town! We will be spending our days brunching on the deck catching up. I am hoping it will look something like Nikaela’s photo above, just dreamy. I am excited to show her my new favorite shop and enjoy a date night out […] More

THE BEST GIFTS FOR EVERYONE – THE 2024 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

This year we are focusing on revelry and fun in our gift giving. Because everyone should bust out a HUGE smile when they open your presents this year. And let me tell you, these gifts are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. This first list is the perfect list for white elephant, stocking stuffers and all the important people, More

The Ultimate Guide to Baking Birthday Cakes!

I am so excited to share this Ultimate Guide to Baking Birthday Cakes! Over the last 7 years of blogging we have shared so many different ideas, tips and tricks for baking birthday cakes. I’ve learned a ton along the way and one of the things I’m excited about incorporating this year on the blog […] More

A Fool Proof Home Cocktail Bar

Spring is finally here! After a long winter of chilly temperatures, gray skies, and being stuck inside, I am dreaming of warm weather, sunny days, and leisurely evenings spent sipping a fresh cocktail. I love to try out new cocktail recipes right at home, and having my very own cocktail bar gives me the perfect […] More

Ready To Party Appliances

When designing our kitchen I spent hours upon hours researching appliances. They are one of the most important aspects of a kitchen and something that I knew would either make or break my love of the space. While searching I really struggled with the difference between form and function of my appliance options. I found […] More

3 Ways to Be More Organized as a Family

Sometimes, just running a family and ensuring that everyone has what they need, they are picked up and dropped off on time, and they are all fed, can be a mammoth task in itself. It can often be stressful being a mom or a dad and feeling like you have many other lives and schedules […] More

Triplet Honeycomb Halloween Costume

There’s nothing like Halloween to encourage dressing up! Like most kids, these girlfriends love to dress up and match! Making this triplet honeycomb Halloween costume is a fun way to create a look that is as adorable for all. The honeycomb is quickly becoming the iconic mark of modern birthday parties and these life-size ones […] More

food color painted paper plates

With the weather warming up (and our kitchen packed up) we are eating more meals out on the deck. I’ve been wracking my brain for a way to make our paper plates more creative and fun, since the store bought versions never seem all that appealing. Then it dawned on me – food coloring! It is non-toxic, so your guests […] More

Fun Paper Bag Costume Ideas

Inside: How to make a fun paper bag costume! Buying a pre-made costume for your little monster this Halloween sounds easy, but so are these fun paper bag costumes! The best part? You already have the materials in your kitchen. Grab a paper grocery bag, some scissors and ask your trick-or-treater to help out. Before […] More

9 DIY Teen Room Decor Ideas With Funky Energy

Being a teen is all about fun, energy, and style! Now that it is turning chilly outside we are getting ready to update our favorite tween/teen rooms with these colorful and bright DIY teen room decor ideas. Since teens spend a lot of time in their rooms doing homework, chatting on the phone, and hanging […] More

Photo Scavenger Hunt

Looking for a fun family-friendly activity to do with your friends and family? Tired of the regular old treasure and scavenger hunts? Why not modernize it with a photo scavenger hunt!  The idea is beautifully simple, take as many pictures according to the specifications that the quest list asks, and whoever gets the most points […] More

Say Thanks

November is a great time of year to stop and say thanks. In the past I’ve dropped off flowers or soup to say a sweet thank you to important people in my life. This year I am going to use pumpkins! We have a pretty large collection of pumpkins left over from Halloween that need […] More

Printable Holiday Labels

This post is my last sponsored post of the season. I’ve had a few more than normal this month and am so thankful for your support of my site and sponsors. Thanks. xoxo Last week I shared a group of easy party printable labels from HP, and today I have one more to share with you. I […] More

what’s your definition of pretty?

One thing I’ve noticed being engrossed online for the last couple years is that everyone has their own definition of pretty. Often times I will come across an item I just don’t get, but everyone else seems to love. I’ve also noticed over time my own definition of pretty has changed in many ways (I […] More

Flower party poppers

These flower party poppers can be used at weddings, garden parties, anniversaries… Pretty much any spring celebration! Make them all to look a like, or spice it up with a variety of colors and petal shapes. Your guests will love wearing these fun and festive poppers as brooches & boutonnières. Make them by cutting tissue […] More

3 great spring bread recipes

If you are being hosted, or hosting a brunch this coming weekend, we have a special treat today. Three really great spring bread recipes! They are each amazing to eat + simple to make at home. With sweet touches like a grated orange peel topping, jelly thumbprints and simple braiding – the homemade breads are […] More

Animal Pool Float Pumpkins

I love dreaming up creative ways to decorate our pumpkins (like abstract painted pumpkins or these birthday cake pumpkins). For this year’s bright and colorful pumpkin decorating, I decided to stick with our favorite pool float Halloween theme and turn the concept into some crazy fun pumpkins. These guys are so great because they are filled with colorful […] More

A printable party guest book

Happy Monday morning, I finally feel like we are coming out of the haze of being sick around here. This will be a fun week, I have DIY’s to show and one more party theme from last month to share. One of my favorite touches to the Sherbert & Spice Party was our printable guest […] More

The Best Gifts For The Guys – Christmas 2024 Gift Guide

We’ve picked out the best of the best gifts for them all, from bros, to beaus, even dads will love these gift ideas. And just like the guys you love, there’s a good mix of fancy and fun showcased here. Plus, what guy doesn’t need a More

negative print garland

Making lettered garland is one of the simplest ways to decorate for a party. I decided to turn the trend inside out and make an alphabet’s worth of negative print garland. The impact is more substantial then regular lettered garland alone and I love the bright burst it brings to a simple white space. Just […] More

6 Ideas for a Fun Girls Night In

It’s important to make time for a night with just the girls. It’s easy for all of us to get caught up in the stress of our everyday lives with work, significant others and much-needed me-time. But dedicating one night every week or every month to just hang with the girls will keep your friendship […] More

how to make balloon animals

I’ve been meaning to post about making balloon animals for some time. Originally I thought I would have a balloon artist over to share how to make them (but quickly realized the difficulty in finding a balloon artist in my area who looked safe – eek!). Thankfully Tenney, one of our craft assistants, was willing […] More

whoopie pie favors

I made these whoopie pies last year for Christmas and thought they would make adorable thank you favors. The whoopie pies taste amazing and are easy to make with marshmallow fluff and baking glitter. The ingredients look festive packaged together with ribbon in a pretty box. They would be a sweet addition to a party […] More

fancy churros and 13 cinco de mayo treats

Cinco De Mayo is coming up quick! I always love a reason to brighten up my treats and drinks, and the holiday is perfect for doing that. A few years ago we made our own churro bar – it would be so fun to host another to celebrate this year. Everyone loved making their own […] More

47 Funny Halloween Costumes for 2022

When you go to a Halloween party, you can be sure that there are going to be plenty of witches, jokers, and other spooky clichés. There’s nothing wrong with that, but you might want to stand out and raise a smile rather than blurring into a crowd of scary clowns and skeleton makeup. This is […] More

wooden and gold candles

I love the graphic touch these candle bring into a room. They are easy to make and will quickly help not just the warmth, but also the romance in your home. A perfect use for old candles you might have stored away! Don’t you think a package of four small ones would make the perfect […] More

Festive Friday – 5 Fun Things

Happy Friday! I’m excited to share that our new book, Make in a Day: Pompom Crafts is available for pre-sale this week! I’m looking forward to sharing more about the book in the coming weeks. It is set to release Oct 19th, so if you buy a copy now it will mail that day. The book […] More

How To Make Balloon Monkey Party Favors

Inside: We are showing you how to make a balloon monkey animal. Hey little monkey, we have the cutest birthday fun for you! These colorful and fun balloon monkeys are perfect for your next birthday bash. We created a bunch of bright and festive monkey balloon animals that make great party favors, headbands or party decor. […] More

a French wedding

The feelings of warmth and togetherness permeate right off the photos from this small French wedding. I wanted to share a couple photos with you as they evoke much excitement for the coming holiday festivities this week. Photos by Les Zigouis blessings. More

Christmas Minute to Win It Games for All Ages

Christmas is a time for all to come together with their loved ones, to eat, drink and BE MERRY! Minute to win it games are probably the funniest games of all. When you’re watching anyone manoeuvre a cookie from their forehead into their mouth, sans hands, it’s always going to be hilarious, but if that […] More

escape for brunch on the beach

Sitting at the beach on vacation last week was incredibly refreshing for me. I realize how much we each need an escape every now and then. This brunch at the beach was designed to encourage us to celebrate summer escapes; whether this means a grand vacation, or just a couple quiet minutes to make homemade muffins and […] More

A Donut Cake So Good Your Boxed Cakes Will Be Jealous

A donut cake that will make all those box cakes in your cabinets green with envy. This cake is so good. And, it is a donut! I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am about combining my two favorite birthday treats. A donut + A cake. I mean, who needs anything else […] More

raspberry and ice-cream oreo sandwich

While sweating in the Vegas sun last week, my mom whipped up a treat to cool us down. The coconut, berry and chocolate mixture in this raspberry ice-cream sandwich was incredibly refreshing. The recipe calls for brownies, but I immediately decided they must be done with oreos for summer ease (you don’t need to turn on an oven!). Plus, in mini […] More

fabric transfer tablecloth

Something about the summer months makes me want to revamp everything in my house, making each piece lighter and more beautiful. Especially when I know there is a party coming up. Yet, in mid-July the back to school section is filling up, so the change must not be too permanent. To give my tables an air […] More

Pumpkin Polishing Technique

Just as cakes don’t always need to be chocolate, pumpkins don’t always need to be orange… especially if your home style is not, ahem, welcoming to a harvest color palette. ;) Lucky for you (and me), acrylic paint and nail polish can save the day! Give your nails a break this season and use that […] More

Best Baked ABC Cookies

Inside: The Best Baked ABC Cookies Send the sweetest of messages or celebrate the guest of honor and sweet style with these yummy baked ABC Cookies! They are so easy to make and add a super fun pop of color to your baking rotation! What We Love About ABC Cookies There are so many different […] More

coil rope party coasters

I like my summer gatherings to be as relaxed as I feel this season. These rope coil coasters quickly set the vibe for a laid back soiree filled with good drinks and great treats. The use of jute rope in this project is nostalgic. It reminds me of boating and all the bliss that has […] More

How Long Does Vacuum-Sealed Food Last?

Have you ever wondered how long does vacuum-sealed food last? Vacuum sealing protects and preserves food for longer, keeping it fresh and safe to eat for extended periods of time. This is because vacuum sealers perform several important functions in preventing food spoilage: Prevents Oxidation While oxygen is essential to life and health when breathed, […] More

waterproof drink labels

Since many of the iced tea combinations looked similar I needed to label each bottle. While searching for something different than flags for this project, I stumbled upon an extra piece of laminated paper lying around. A bright (cartoonist) light went off in my head. Waterproof labels… of course! Making your own waterproof labels is […] More

road trip party

For my thirtieth birthday my best friend planned a girls getaway. We jumped in the car and a group of us drove through wine country drinking, laughing and picnicking. I will never forget that weekend and how great it felt to drive and celebrate with my dearest friends. Whether you are planning a birthday, shower or bachelorette […] More

What’s In My Soccer-Mom Bag

This post is sponsored by Allegra and SheKnows Media. With school starting back up and our sports seasons picking up again, I am sadly turning in my beach bag and my travel bag to pick up my soccer mom bag again. The change from summer season to back to school season has the starkest contrast […] More

watercolor favor tags

I am excited to share with you these festive watercolor labels, my latest DIY for Project Wedding. First a confession; I have completely jumped on the watercolor bandwagon this spring. After styling the watercolor ice cream bar, I realized how much fun it was to paint this way. My favorite thing about watercolor projects is […] More

Foodsaver vs Ziploc Vacuum Sealers: Which Brand is Better?

The thing about food is that it’s never the loyal friend you think it is. You can basically do whatever you possibly can to make it last longer in your kitchen, but ​without exception ​it will eventually perish. So what can be done to ​extend the shelf-life of food to its maximum? Well, the answer […] More

Throw a Star-Studded Hollywood Theme Birthday Party!

Throw a star-studded Hollywood theme birthday party with these tips on food, drinks, entertainment, outfits, and favors! Make your celebration unforgettable! More

french baby shower

A few weeks ago my sweet friend and business mentor Jackie Wonders welcomed her new little girl into the world. Karrie and Elizabeth of Posh Paperie threw this french baby shower. It was great fun to celebrate with them and the paper products were some of the most adorable I have ever seen! Congrats to […] More

Our Moody Master Bedroom

The first thing I picked out for our new home was this gorgeous floral mural, by Anewalldecor. The moment I saw it I absolutely knew it belonged behind my head in our bedroom. The large scale florals and moody features are so wonderfully calming. It’s exactly the type of stage I longed to set for our […] More

reason to celebrate | metal confetti

It looks light enough to be paper quickly cut out for a party and strewn about the room, but it is actually metal confetti. I would have liked to set up a dinner party table right in the middle of the art piece… Could you imagine!?! Temporary instillation by Swiss artist Beat Zoderer, photo by […] More

new year’s eve party hacks

Every year I’ve wanted to throw a Christmas party, but my ideals always get lost in the midst of the twins birthday, cookie making, and present buying – so this year we’ve decided to throw a New Year’s Eve Party. We will be celebrating East Coast style – since all our friends have little ones […] More

March Madness Basketball Party Ideas

Inside: The best March Madness basketball party ideas. We are not much of a sports family… with the exception of college basketball. March is a very big month for us and it’s the only time of the year you’ll see the TV blaring a sports game. Living in the city of our Alma Maters rival […] More

Holiday Fringe Sugar Cookie Gift Tags

I love a theme during the holidays, and this year, we’re doing fringe!!! We’ll be decorating our house with fun holiday fringe and our gifts will obviously be included. Fun and unique ways to wrap our presents is totally my jam and one of the best things about Christmas is dessert, right? I thought it […] More

lemon cake baked in a lemon

A piece from the Styled. lemonade stand that I love but have yet to share; lavender lemonade cakes baked in lemons! They were a festive addition to the stand and would make the perfect sweet note for an afternoon brunch or shower. Download the lemon favor, “open for cake” labels by clicking here. To make […] More

Celebrate July Birthdays With Fun Ideas!

Celebrate July birthdays with fun decorations, delicious recipes, exciting activities, and thoughtful gifts! Get creative with your july birthday ideas and make it a special day. More

How to make clouds for decoration –

Inside: How to make DIY clouds for decoration These last few weeks have been filled with fun and adventure for me – I was flying home from L.A. on Tuesday and had the most wonderful thoughts while soaring through the clouds at dusk. The experience made all the little details of this job seem to disappear for […] More

veggie thread cake toppers

Fall is my favorite time of the year to cook vegetables. It is finally cool enough to turn on the oven, and our summer planted harvest is at its peak. There’s no reason why dinner should have all the veggie fun. Top a sweet cake with these whimsical thread veggie toppers and be prepared for […] More

Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe For Birthdays

Nothing says good morning on a special day like a cinnamon roll cake. We have a solid family tradition of using cinnamon rolls to celebrate the most important days of the year. First day of school, yes! Cinnamon roll campfires, Christmas every year and even Easter with cinnamon roll bunnies. And now here is an […] More

17 brilliant crafts for teens

With our first craft book just weeks from launching – I thought it would be fun to share my favorite crafts for teens (and for us young at heart). My love affair with crafting started while I was a teenager. As a part of our high school student council, I was thrown into a 4 year cycle […] More

merrymaking 6.8.2012

I’ve been on a vintage design kick this week. The fresh inspiration of the past just blows me away. Isn’t this photo circa 1940 so much fun!?! This retro kid party is fabulous as well, I love the simple, festive details included. It has been a great week for me getting distracted by the generations […] More

How to Tie Tinsel in Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to tie tinsel in your hair with this step-by-step guide! Get creative and find inspiration for different types of tinsel hairstyles. More

Festive Confetti Filled Paper Mache Easter Eggs

Inside: The cutest confetti filled paper mache Easter eggs! With spring in full force around here, I am excitedly planning our Easter brunch! I made these paper mache eggs in a large batch to showcase around the house. They are easy to make with the help of bright plastic eggs, and much prettier to look […] More

10 party hacks for an awesome 2024

One of my favorite series from last year (and one of the most popular), was our party hack series. I am excited to be continuing the series sharing easy and simple tricks to make your life, party, drinks and food more merry – every Friday this year. The best thing about these hacks is that […] More

Christmas Pictionary: Words List 2022 [Free Printable]

We can’t wait for Christmas. The tree is up, the gifts are wrapped and ready (most of them anyway!), and now is the time to plan the family fun. People – especially kids – aren’t going to remember the food or even most of the gifts they were given, in years to come, but they […] More

How To Play Safeway Monopoly

Inside: How to play Safeway Monopoly game. This post has been sponsored by Safeway. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Making the everyday moments into fun spurts of revelry is exactly what I need when grocery shopping in the middle of winter. Safeway’s MONOPOLY Collect & Win game – collect tickets for the win […] More

stuffed animal birthday invitations

Sending birthday invitations for a kids party can feel a bit like putting on lipstick before the gym, because really the interested party won’t even notice. That is until you send these adorable stuffed animal birthday invites that will get the attention of any kid and ensure their excitement for the big party day. They […] More

4 Awesome Party Photo Shoot Ideas

What is the point of a party unless you can have so much fun that you’ll be talking about it for years to come? This year, no matter what the occasion, why not plan a party photo shoot to make it even more fun remembering that special day? From birthdays, to graduations, weddings and even […] More

reason to celebrate | an SNL pancake party

A hilarious satire on our field from Saturday Night Live for your Monday. Happy long weekend! blessings. More

5 Things I Learned {about blogging} This Year

As we take some time this week to step back, rest and plan for the new year, I thought it would be fun to share a few of the major things I learned about blogging last year. It was a really great year for me as a blogger and I can’t wait to share more […] More

father’s day pendant flags

Father’s Day is coming up so soon! Every year I like to think of a new and fun idea to show Matt how much we appreciate him. Flowers don’t work (except rosemary on steak) and ties get old quick. This year we’ve been crafting a bouquet of Father’s Day pendant flags. They are a fun […] More

Reason to celebrate | a cupcake table

My friend Amanda featured a romantic shoot last week where the table was set atop pretty lines of cupcakes!!! The photos are delicious and I can not imagine a more beautiful way to cover a table then with these perfect color coordinated sweets. Photography by Trent Bailey styled by Desiree Spinner Events blessings. More

marbled paper garland

Everywhere I look I see marbling! Countertops, prints, scarves, leather pouches, bags, and pillowcases have all joined the trend. If I could marble my entire house from floor to ceiling, I might just do it! However, I don’t have the budget (or a willing husband) that would allow those changes. So, a pretty garland will […] More

6 Last Minute Gift Ideas

Christmas is in one week! Which means the last minute gift frenzy is in full effect. Are you done shopping yet? With the kids birthdays being in December, I tend to be on the slower side of buying Christmas gifts every year. Although shipping deadlines from our some of our favorite spots have passed there […] More

my favorite things (family photos!)

With the current trend towards natural family photos, I knew I wanted to do something special with our latest. Something that captured not just smiles, but snippets of our life. We definitely aren’t the “Leave it to Beaver” kind of family. So I came up with a different concept of using our favorite things. Each of us picked two […] More

reason to celebrate | edible mushrooms

This wild mushroom candy is just perfect for fall! blessings. More

Make Your Own Ginger Beer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Make your own ginger beer with this easy step-by-step guide! Learn the ingredients, preparation, fermentation process, flavoring and bottling tips to create a delicious homemade ginger beer. More

mod and merry christmas decor

Bright and modern Christmas decor has definitely been a favorite in our house this year. When Blush and Whim sent over this colorful Christmas table, I was immediately drawn to it – and not just because they used my favorite word “merrymaking.” The theme of mod and merry together is vibrant, festive, and hits a […] More

Fall Party Decorations You’ll Want To Buy Today

Our Fall party decorations are always up because this is the season when we love to host parties. We tend to gather often this season with friends for celebrations big and small. Since these decorations are always up, we set aside some time to decorate in a way that is more natural and in tune […] More

Photo Gifts For Family

There’s something special about getting a custom photo gift for the holidays. We are constantly looking for new and interesting ways to gift photos of the kids to the grandparents, to out of town family, and even to ourselves! Since making and creating memories is what we really love to do together – it is […] More

Hot Cocoa ornaments

To start off this final countdown before Christmas my latest DIY for Project Wedding which will fit in perfectly with your holiday parties this week. Hot cocoa ornaments that are easy to make, pretty to look at and yummy to drink. Basically, the perfect holiday drink mix. Filled with your favorite cocoa, smashed candy canes, […] More

Rock ball garland

uni Making long strands of garland out of fabric and rocks is such a pretty way to adorn a tree. See the full tutorial I designed today on Julep. More

Sand art party cake

Have you jumped into the latest sand art party craze yet? I’ve really enjoyed seeing fun projects like manicures and chairs pop up online. For one of my favorite sand art party styles we turned a gorgeous set of locks into pastel sand art last week. A couple years ago after coloring our own sand I decided it […] More

merrymaking 5.11.2012

Mother’s Day is such a special time for me. Not only to celebrate our wonderful mothers, but also because I struggled for so long desperately wanting to be a mother myself. Something about the battle I went through and the joy of finally holding my babies makes the day so incredibly sweet to me. I […] More

reason to celebrate | duct tape bow

The kids and I are off this week to spend a few days in San Fransisco, which is super close now (hooray!). While I am gone I have a few goodies to share with you including our moving party photos. Although throwing a party the day you move might not be the most productive way […] More

Gigantic Paper Flags

And just like that… It’s Thanksgiving week! Crazy. Right? Whatever you are doing this week – I sincerely hope the celebrations leave you feeling full and happy. In case you’re (just now!) thinking about decorating – this is a perfect last minute project. Paper flags in pretty colors, with stick on letters. Stick them on […] More

How to Play 21 Questions: Tips for a Successful Game

Learn how to play 21 questions and make your game night a success! Get tips on how to ask the right questions and maximize the fun. More

painted candles + small details

This week has been filled with major projects at home. We’ve been renovating what will become my office/studio (here’s the before shot), and putting together the rest of the heavier pieces in our new home. It feels good to make large scale progress, but all the work has made me long for the simple little details that […] More

go-to girlfriend gifts to always keep on hand

Whether it’s baby showers, bachelorette parties, birthdays, or teacher appreciation days – I am often looking to grab gifts for the grown-up women in my life. My requirements for girlfriend gifts are affordability (I’m often in the $20 and under range) and that they’d be loved and used. In honor of a week around here […] More

DIY Bouquet Holder With Printable

With Valentines Day upon us, spring right around the corner, and then Mothers Day. Well, I see a lot of flowers in all of our futures. Usually, store-bought flowers come in that ugly, clear, cellophane wrapping. By simply discarding that not so eye pleasing plastic, and adding this super cute (FREE!) DIY bouquet holders.
You can take store-bought flowers from nay to yay! More

baby shower firsts

A sweet idea to start your week (happy Monday!). This baby shower print is a collection of each guest’s hopes of firsts for the baby boy. Everyone was asked to jot down what they were most excited for baby to experience in this life- a first baseball game, a McDonald’s french fry, a ride on […] More

why don’t we… get the right tree

I can’t believe Christmas is in less than a week. It is time to trim the tree! I shared yesterday that we have put up 6 Christmas trees, some real and a couple artificial. I’m not saying I am an expert, but I have learned a thing or two about Christmas trees this year. I’m partnering […] More

folded felt wreath

A felt circle is one of my favorite craft pieces to work with. I cut up yards and yards of it for the princess in pink party last year and knew it would come around again. Threaded together in wreath form, the folded felt takes on a very pretty and grown up vibe. In pink and shaped […] More

14 Of The Greatest Cotton Candy Treats

Toast the weekend with cotton candy! We all deserve something sweet for making it through another week. I’m planning to pull out one of our all time favorite treats to savor a few sweet moments this weekend. Topping our champagne glasses… filling the s’mores… really it is nearly magical to me. Cotton candy is basically unicorn […] More

We Are Hiring

We are hiring! The last number of positions I’ve needed to hire locally, but these two options you can live anywhere for. Which is awesome. YAY! Our team is quickly growing and we are excited to add in a few new team members who love revelry and fun. If you fit the description  for one of […] More

create your own wonderland…

This shoot was a crazy mix of emotions for me. I had been dreaming of a gorgeous winter wonderland since we moved to Reno last summer. I planned and prepped… then we canceled (twice!) because it has yet to snow this winter in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I envisioned a snowy field and sadly there […] More

4 thanksgiving party tips

With Thanksgiving coming in just a couple days, we are in last minute prep mode around here! As much as I adore large, organized parties… sometimes it’s the little details that really take a gathering from everyday to amazing. During a busy week like this one, there isn’t enough time to do everything from scratch. […] More

caramel sea salt ornaments

I am happy to welcome in holiday season 2011 by kicking off our week long DIY holiday gift guide! Giving handcrafted can allow your Christmas season be more meaningful, peaceful and affordable. It leaves extra time and money to celebrate the people and purpose of the season. I’ve crafted up projects for everyone on ours […] More

Article Furniture Review – Our Bedroom Reading Nook

I shared last week the progress of the small bathroom in our master. Today I’m excited to show you what’s on the other side of that wall, along with my honest Article furniture review. Our master bedroom, which you’ve seen a piece of before right here, is undergoing a pretty significant transformation as well and I’m […] More

Create Your Own DIY Wood Wall Art

Inside: Create Your Own DIY Wood Wall Art I don’t know about you but I LOVE filling my walls with colorful fun art that brings life to my space. From DIY frames to hold photos of you and all your BFF’s to an inspiring piece that creates a conversation for you and all your guests, […] More

The cutest Matchbox Templates ever!

Inside: We have come up with the perfect matchbox template perfect for matchbox party favors! A girl’s party is always a good idea for celebrating weddings, babies, birthdays and all the important days. Creating a personalized DIY matchbox wedding favors, matchbox party favors out of matchbox adds a fun twist to a brunch or girl’s […] More

Gift Basket Ideas For Women

When you are trying to think of the perfect gift for a lady in your life whether it is your mom or a work colleague, a gift basket is a safe and thoughtful option to go with. Knowing what to include in a gift basket can be a challenge. We have a great list of […] More

spice up your tailgating this fall

It’s officially tailgate season. We love to spice our tailgates up – from our table decor, to the condiments, to the Hebrew National hot dogs we serve, tailgating is a hosting challenge I am always happy to accept. This year, I turned a set of everyday party napkins into a fun team spirit tailgate supply […] More

Painted Party Clothespin Crafts

Sometimes the most basic household items can do double duty, and transform themselves into festive party props… I love clothespins crafts, and inviting them to the party! ;) Not only are they really pretty when painted, but it’s nice to skip a trip to the party store every once in awhile… am I right? A […] More

Cotton Candy Halloween costume

I’ve never been big on Halloween spook… but party costumes!?! Bright and colorful dress up. That is fun I am always on board for. Continuing our colorful Halloween tradition of the past few years – here is the latest idea in our party costume series. A Cotton Candy Costume! Because adorning a huge poof of […] More

Hell Yes! Diamond Shower

With every wedding comes diamonds. From the moment you say… Hell Yes! diamonds become a fun part of the process and a great jumping off point for showering the bride with something she’ll remember forever. I am excited to share this Hell YES! party pack from Makr. It’s a bridal shower in a box – perfect […] More

DIY confetti system

The sparkly and metallic confetti system made a fabulous impact this year, even taking over J.Crew’s winter window display. Loving how pretty they looked hanging in the windows, I imagine them to be the perfect dose of shimmer at an upcoming celebration! I created this DIY version of the gorgeous hanging confetti streamers for Project […] More

The Rule Of 12 Minutes

The end of last year and beginning of this year have been wild for me. With business growth and family things happening behind the scenes – I sometimes feel like there are always more things to do than I have the time for. To hold the current feeling of crazy at bay, I developed a […] More

Pretty party lighting

This post is sponsored by Target. Now that dusk is setting in earlier, we are moving our evening gatherings indoors, which means one thing: WE NEED LIGHTING! Hosting a party in a dimly lit room can destroy an otherwise awesome party plan. Unless the party in the dark is done on purpose, like a spooky […] More

Color Popping String Easter Eggs

Inside: Easy string Easter Eggs DIY! Easter is in just a couple days! If you are short on time to decorate your eggs, or not in the egg dying mood this year – I love the idea of using embroidery thread to add bright touches. These string wrapped eggs are a great last-minute egg decorating […] More

challenge | key to my heart

*Welcome to the winter celebration challenge, so fresh and so clean. Where four designers have styled handcrafted party scenes to compete for a readers choice award + one incredible grand prize. This is stylist number four, do you think she should win? Vote and tell me why (you can vote for as many parties as […] More

Fresh Style magazine

We are beginning to feel the first breezes of fall around here and it has me thrilled for the upcoming season. I love the fall, the holidays and everything that happens in the next 4 months. I have pages and pages of projects, parties and ideas sketched out to share. Fresh Style Magazine hit the stands last […] More

reason to celebrate amidst a tragedy

I, like many of you, have been burdened this week by the ongoing tragedy in Japan. It is difficult to see trials so great in our world. It has been encouraging over the past few days to hear survivor stories begin to trickle in. To hear of restaurant owners opening up shop to freely feed […] More

Party Garland & Cute Shoes

This post is sponsored by Zappos. With our busy schedules running full steam ahead this season, having party decorations that make a BIG impact for a little work are exactly what I am craving. In a world that is pushing for everything to be perfect – throwing parties should feel fun, colorful and effortless. When […] More

Tropical Slushie Bar

We are in Vegas for the 4th of July this week, which is basically like celebrating on the face of the sun. It is so hot here! To cool off and make an easy way to toast, we whipped up a bar full of fun tropical summer slushies. The tropical slushies are easy to whip […] More

crafting with color

The summer sun brings with it a bright color that shades everything around us. Why not take a cue from it and bring bright bold color into our projects and parties this summer!?! Using the color wheel is the easiest way to do this. Simply pick your hue, find your project, and instantly add vibrancy […] More

Turkey Balloons

Thanksgiving is normally surrounded by earthy textures and warm colors (which I sometimes love), but injecting a bright dose of festive fun and color is something I love even more! These turkey balloons can be made in any color scheme and are great for decorating a thanksgiving feast with spunk. Tie a turkey balloon onto […] More

festive folded leaf garland

You guys… today it is officially fall! I am celebrating by planning and plotting for a fun season of pumpkins, costumes and spooky sweets! But first, one of my favorite fall elements. The iconic leaf. Folded leaf garland makes an awesome welcome to the season. Liven up a party, or brighten a corner at home with […] More

Frozen Chocolate Banana Birthday Treats

Inside: The perfect banana birthday treats, chocolate covered frozen bananas! I’ve always loved a good frozen banana. Something about the update to a normally plain fruit makes the sweet treat feel wonderfully special and unique. Covered in chocolate and rolled in a few favorite birthday cake toppings these festive frozen bananas are worthy of any […] More

Beef Jerky Bouquet DIY & Donut Bouquet Edible Valentine For Guys

When it comes Valentines and gifts for him life can get a little tricky. I feel like all the men out there get off a little easy with their diamonds, teddy bears, roses, and chocolate. Am I right? I mean I don’t know about you, but I don’t think my husband would be super thrilled with a fluffy teddy bear and a dozen roses. Ha. More

Colorfully Fun Tie Dye Icing To Try

Inside: How to make colorful tie dye icing.  Anyone else love icing as much as me? I’m that girl that is like “give me the corner piece!” when it comes to cake or picks the donut with the most icing. I am a firm believer that icing is what makes a good dessert great, see […] More

10 creative ways to use a sharpie

Although these little pens pack a distinct smell, their magical powers keep us coming back for more. Not only are they permanent, but they are extremely versatile. And have you seen the colors they come in? They are available in every color of the rainbow. Whether you are embellishing a bowl, outlining a poster or […] More

Custom Print Soda Bar

Serving drinks at a wedding or summer party can be easy and filled with personality. For large group gatherings, I’ve gotten into the habit of purchasing bottled sodas and replacing the labels with something pretty of my own. It creates a table of party drinks that looks planned and coordinated, but is also wonderfully simple […] More

25 crafting apps you definitely need

Apps make every part of our lives easier. These 25 crafting apps are the perfect craft assistants you can use to help create any project for home, parties, or everyday life. Each one is simple to download (just follow the links below). No matter your skill level, they’ll increase the likelihood of your next Pinterest […] More

The Cutest DIY Bunny Head Masks

Inside: The perfect Easter bunny craft for preschoolers, including the cutest bunny head mask ever! In no time Easter will be here. Adding in pretty and colorful handcrafted elements can make the day more festive. These Easter paper bunny heads are perfect for the special brunches coming our way. Set a kid’s table with them […] More

49 Crazy Minute to Win It Games for Kids & Adults

Minute to win it games are quick, easy, and fun games for kids and adults to play at home using cheap everyday household items. This article provides fun and holiday-themed ideas for minute to win it games for kids. Easy Minute to Win It Games for Kids at Home These games are all easy for […] More

DIY Kids Fort

Playing in a kids fort is such a sweet memory for the little ones. Often the forts can be expensive or hard to make. But our easy as crazy DIY kids fort instructions will have an entire room filled with this fun distraction in very little time. We used yarn and a simple step by […] More

How to make a deco mesh wreath step by step

Inside: The cutest deco mesh Easter wreaths, and we are showing you how to make a deco mesh wreath step by step. You may know that I literally wrote the book on wreaths. I’ve always had a soft spot for wreaths crafted from creative supplies, but just recently learned about the awesomeness of making a […] More

cupake liner flowers

* Welcome to the winter celebration challenge, so fresh and so clean! This DIY project belongs to Cyd’s night of glitzy gold design. The cupcake liners featured throughout Cyd’s party were such a fun detail. Used as placeholders at each of her guests seats and also on top of a fabulous looking cake. They are […] More

a flag football party

I am excited to share about our flag football party game this week! We met at the park and played it out late one afternoon – the winner even brought home a trophy (I think it is now an official family tradition). A perfect fall diversion for the cool evenings and long halftimes over the […] More

What Is Your Pot-of-Gold

Happy Friday & Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want in life these days and how it can be so different than what anyone else might want. My gold at the end of the rainbow looks suspiciously like a clean house, rested kids and good friends to toast with. […] More

the best pinata cakes

Every once in a while we get to see a post really inspire others to celebrate well. The original piñata cake recipe is one of these kinds of posts. After so many comments and hundreds of thousands of pins, the emails started coming in from everyone who made their own piñata cakes. And loved them! People […] More

10 simple ways to use tassels in your life

Tassels are a popular item and it’s no wonder why. They are simple and can be made from a variety of materials that glitter or sway. We love these sweet embellishments because they turn any item into the life of the party. Boring necklace? Add some tassels. Sad-looking bag? Add some tassels. Blank wall? Tassels […] More

25 Free Romantic Fonts For Different Occasions

Writing a letter, a card, or a note for someone you love is one of the most beautiful ways to express your feelings. And although what you say in your letter matters the most, using proper romantic fonts to convey your message can be equality important. However, finding the right font can be a tedious […] More

beermosa with fennel clove syrup

The urban dictionary suggests that beermosa’s have been made popular by the post-punk hipsters, which is why it’s been on the menu at the hippest restaurant in town. Their version, infused with fennel, was so good! When it was removed from the menu I was inspired to try to make it at home. It’s an […] More

reason to celebrate | cardboard

Sabrina recently threw an adorable birthday party for her twins centered around reused cardboard boxes. I was so pleased when she shared the party with me, it’s the perfect Earth Day salute and a really fun idea for any kids birthday. Oh my… BYOB plus a cardboard dog! They also made cardboard cars and planes […] More

Berry flavored milk

This post is sponsored by fairlife ultra-filtered milk. As much as I love pies, cakes and sweets of all kinds for a party… in everyday life, I try to ensure my kids are eating somewhat healthy. To ward off the desire they seem to have developed for enjoying chocolate milk every night of the week, […] More

DIY Fuzzy Sandals + Me Time

To combat this I’ve started taking little moments to create just for myself and to enjoy something sweet without feeling overwhelmed by all the things. Creating just for the fun of it can also get lost in the midst of a business like this and one of my goals this year was to bring crafting […] More

a summer circus party

We had a blast attending a good friend’s circus party last weekend. It’s a theme I’ve seen done often and it is one of my favorites! Besides our recent trolls birthday party of course. For three year olds, there is not much in life that beats bright colorful tents, balloon animals and fairesque treats for an afternoon. Erin […] More

octopus dinner party

Fall is the season for dinner parties! We love the daily revelry that comes from inviting friends in from the chill to enjoy dinner together. There is something about sharing a meal that always leaves me filled with joy. Since it is almost October, I’m planning on hosting a grown-up Halloween dinner party. While looking […] More

colorful pizelle cake

One of my favorite things about the holidays growing up was making the trek back to New York every year to visit our very large, very Italian family. No matter what else was happening, my grandma would always have a plate of pizelle cookies on the table. More than any other sweet, they optimize the […] More

Unique Gift Basket Ideas for Women to Show Your Appreciation

Show your appreciation with these unique gift basket ideas for women. From personalized gifts to home decor and DIY ideas, find the perfect gift for her! More

Styled. magazine issue three | the art of merrymaking

We just launched Styled. magazine issue three and I am really excited to share the updates it includes. The most exciting update, this first issue that is integrated completely into the blog! This means, you can click on any title in the magazine and be taken directly to a blog link that will have the […] More

paper cone garland

Making a huge impact wherever it is placed, this paper cone garland is definitely my new favorite way to turn any room into a celebration of epic proportions. One of the things I look for in an awesome centerpiece is a project that comes together in under an hour, is affordable, and brings a huge […] More

Fifth Anniversary Gift Ideas: Traditional and Modern Gifts

The date of your fifth anniversary is fast approaching, and you want to make it extra special. After all, five years is a big deal! But what do you do to make it even more memorable? There are many ways to show your spouse how much you care on your fifth anniversary. You can cook […] More

Coconut Snowy Chocolate Cake

With winter fast approaching and the holidays here – a snowy cake that is rich tasting hits the spot perfectly. We made these “snowy” chocolate cakes in partnership with ZICO Natural 100% Coconut Water for a fresh take on a favorite recipe and topped the entire thing with “snowy” coconut flakes. Friends, this chocolate cake […] More

How to make a heart paperclip dessert topper

Inside: How to make a heart paperclip dessert topper! In honor of our anniversary weekend, I wanted to make a little treat that Matt and I could enjoy together. These miniature lava cakes are incredibly rich and quick to whip up. To add a little more love, I added these cute heart paperclip dessert toppers! […] More

Printable silly faces template for the cutest Easter eggs!

Inside: DIY printable silly faces to make the cutest eggs with faces! Simple Easter crafts that make the kids excited are so great. These printable silly egg faces are a blast! They are hilarious and they don’t even require coloring the eggs first. Save your hands from being dyed an awful shade of blue this year. Instead […] More

A Piñata Costume DIY for You & Your Furry Friend

Inside: The cutest Piñata costume for you and your furry friend. It’s the season of sugary treats, spooky parties, and some super cute costumes! I love a good festive party costume like these 17 DIY couples costumes or these adorable DIY costumes for kids. I REALLY love a matching costume duo. The best duo I could […] More

A Tree Trimming Party Ideas, Food and Tips

Hosting a Tree Trimming Party is a fun way to get friends together without too much stress this season. I love the idea of having my favorite group of people over to make their own decorations for their Christmas trees, that way everyone can feel like they are checking something off their list even as we […] More

45 Free Script Fonts To Download Now

Confession: I’ve got a major addiction to script fonts. Like, I literally can’t get enough of them! They’re all so pretty and I love that each one is different and unique. So, in celebration of my current font obsession, I’m sharing with you 45 Free Script fonts. I picked out my favorites, some modern script […] More

Gigantic triangle party garland

Nothing turns a space into a party as quickly as a large swath of party garland. These bright triangles might be the easiest we’ve made yet. Seriously. It’s cut, string, BAM! With this simple trick you can turn any space into a party in just minutes. I love that the garland can be re-used too, […] More

introducing the cupcake chip!

Every once in a while a light bulb goes off in my head… and something amazing is created. Something so awesome, it changes my life. Something like cupcake chips!!! A few weeks ago, I was baking a batch of cupcakes, after removing them from the pan I had quite a few pieces leftover. The kind […] More

The easiest DIY cake stand

Inside: How to make a DIY wedding cake stand This is one of those projects that after it is done, I think to myself – I’m opening an Etsy shop and selling these for the rest of my life… Then we thought about how much they would be to ship… Oye. Although heavy, these concrete cake stands […] More

The coolest cooler in town

It’s official… I’m on an ice cream – cool sweets – so excited it is finally summer – kick this week. The weather is warm and our cooler is open for the season. To update our current (not so awesome) cooler, which is that basic white-on-white-everyone’s-got-one type of cooler, I decided to paint it and […] More

A Pinwheel tutorial- the easiest ever

Inside: We are showing you how to make paper pinwheels! In just a few weeks I will be sharing a sweet one-year-old’s very special birthday. She will be celebrating under a canopy of glimmering pearls, alongside a fence full of pinwheels. Here is your first glimpse… The invitations have been handmade with adorable pinwheels on […] More

Valentines Balloons Surprise – Hot and Steamy!

Inside: The cutest Surprise Valentines Balloon! Last year I brought a balloon to school for all the Kindergartners for their big Valentines day bash! You can buy heart balloons at the dollar store so it’s not unreasonable to buy a huge bunch at a time. The kids were so excited! It was honestly one of my favorite […] More

birthday smoothies + candle straws

I know that it’s the new year and Pinterest is filled with kale and cleanses, but I cannot resist a good birthday sweet. To not totally ignore the healthy trend around here, I figure we can add some fruit, a bit of yogurt, and call it a birthday smoothie! Cleanse approved (minus the whip cream […] More

Make Your Own Kids Adventure Pack

This post is sponsored by Children’s Allegra and SheKnows Media. We’ve been traveling like crazy this month and with every new kids adventure comes a new onslaught of allergies for my kids. Especially my boy is very prone sneezing and itching whenever we visit a new place. Everything seems to affect him. We try hard […] More

love story guest book

Making a unique photo booth + guest book was a fun challenge for Jolene’s wedding details in teal. I used the printable guest book from last summer and updated it to be a love story. We had each guest pose and write down their own story of love. Afterward, I printed the photos, attached each […] More

Fringe Birthday Cake

Making fringe seems to have become a weekly necessity in my house. Fringe can come in a lot of different forms, but this version of a colorful fondant fringe birthday cake may be my favorite form yet! It is festive, bright, and a great way to add celebratory whim – no matter the occasion. To make this […] More

Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Home Clean

This post is sponsored by Dollar General. All opinions are mine alone. #DollarGeneral #DollarGeneralFinds Inside: Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Home Clean One of my favorite quotes ever is “Wash your hands, and say your prayers because Jesus and germs are everywhere!” Ha! It makes me giggle every time! Living with young kiddos in […] More

How To Stuff An Easter Basket The Kids Will Love

Inside: How to stuff Children’s Easter baskets with fun Easter stuff for kids! When it comes to giving Easter baskets out to our kids, I have a no-fail formula that I like to think I’ve perfected over the years. Including the same types of things in each of our kid’s Easter baskets has made them […] More

Sweets From Down Under

It must be something in the water, but I’ve been following the most amazing Australian bakers lately. The cakes and sweet creations coming from down under have consistently been some of my favorites over the past few months. It makes me want to go on a dessert tour of the entire country! Who’s game for […] More

Fun and Fluffy Tulle Hats

Inside: Adorable tulle hats, tulle bows, and DIY tulle bow headbands Nothing says girlie party fun like large tulle bows, dotted with rhinestones. A birthday tulle hat that your best friend, mom, or daughter will not soon forget. Make them for guests of honor, or craft a couple to wear on those long summer days […] More

Fringe Paper Chandelier

It’s birthday week around here. Matt and I share a birthday and are both turning 35 this year. It seems like we just turned 30 yesterday! While we won’t be having a full on birthday bash this year (because of our festive home) celebrating in small ways like a breakfast treat, a night out on […] More

crafted gift guide | to give the Mr.

Unique gifts presented with joy will elate your Mr. during this holiday season. Especially when you let him know how much you thought of him while crafting his perfect present:) More

a picnic in the sun

For Mother’s Day, the family planned the most adorable picnic outing for me with fancy cheeses, fresh squeezed lemonade, the whole works! It was sweet and made my heart just melt to pieces. We did however have a three year old issue in the middle of it all and had to cut the afternoon short. […] More

17 Free Trello Boards to Organize Everything

Ok guys, if you haven’t already heard of Trello, be prepared to have your world totally rocked. If you have, get ready for a handful of reasons to love it even more! I’m going to explain the how to use Trello, giving an overview of the program, showing you how I use it to organize […] More

DIY Dog Collars Your Pup Will Love

Inside: DIY Dog Collars Your Pup Will Love I have never met a dog I didn’t like, true story. They say a dog is mans best friend and boy they weren’t lying. My pups are some of the biggest joys in my life, they motivate me to go on walks, they bring me happiness on […] More

40th Birthday Gift Ideas

A 40th birthday is a momentous occasion and you are sure to want to give the birthday boy/girl a thoughtful gift. Once thought of like the dreaded four-oh, now a 40th birthday is embraced and celebrated by men and women alike. If you want to help mark the occasion take a look at our list […] More

The Best Campfire Dump Cake

I love this easy and yummy campfire dump cake recipe. It is sweet, delicious and one of my camping favorites. The most important part of making this cake is to make sure you DO NOT STIR the mixture. I know, I know, it seems unnatural to not stir all the ingredients together, but I promise you it will turn out wonderful. Trust me. More

How to Play Bridal Shower Bingo [Free Templates]

Bridal shower bingo is easy and fun to play. This entertaining game can be played with a small or large group of people, and the bingo cards come with various themes. Bridal Shower Bingo Free Templates Here are some free downloadable bridal shower bingo templates you can use to play this easy game at a […] More

A Paper Party + Paper Cup Wall Flowers

Summer is officially here this week and we are kicking it off with a party (obviously!). Hosting parties, BBQ’s and beach bashes is always fun, but it’s even better when you have no clean up at the end! Right!?! I’m thrilled to be partnering with one of our favorite stores, Paper Mart to share how […] More

The Best Christmas Cookie Exchange Recipes

One of my very favorite holiday traditions is the hosting of an annual cookie exchange and this year I decided to throw one in true Scandinavian style. The tradition started as a way of saving everyone from baking hundreds of cookies for the holidays all alone. In the past few years it has snowballed with […] More

Unicorn Christmas Tree

Making a themed Christmas tree is just one of those things that I never gave much thought to before – Until my team suggested making a unicorn Christmas tree. A UNICORN CHRISTMAS TREE. The word unicorn is basically the only word that I need to hear before jumping on board with any idea (unicorn toast, […] More

13 summer party hacks

Tis’ the season for BBQ’s and outdoor summer fun. We often have friends over last minute in the summer time and I’ve learned a few tips and tricks along the way. I am excited to share these 13 really simple party hacks that will keep your 4th of July, or any other summer party, going off […] More

aged cloth message for mom

Mother’s Day can be a difficult to plan when there is distance between you and mom. Here is an easy idea that you can whip up this weekend to send her way. A sweet message that will last. Instead of a card, print your words of adoration on a pretty linen tablecloth. If words are […] More

reason to celebrate | birthday dates

A gorgeous letterpress perpetual calendar filled with bunting, confetti and streamers. Yes please! The perfect gift to celebrate the birthday of a friend. Found at Linda and Harriett. blessings. More

Get Creative With Your Going Away Party Ideas!

One thing you’ll need to consider when planning a going away party is who to invite. Obviously, you’ll want to include close friends and family members, but depending on the size of your guest list, you may also need to think about co-workers or other acquaintances. Once you have your guest list finalized, it’s time […] More

25 Best Bachelorette Themes for 2022

There are few things as exciting as planning a wedding – except for planning a bachelorette party! It’s the perfect opportunity to let loose with your best friends, and celebrate womanhood before your girl’s big day. But figuring out the details can be a little daunting. That’s why we’ve gathered some of the best bachelorette […] More

spray painted ribbon wedding favors

Matt and I are sneaking out of town to celebrate our 11 year anniversary this weekend. In some ways, I cannot believe it’s been 11 years already. Our wedding was one of my favorite days. Ever. We got married before I was a blogger. Before blogs even existed. Before great detail-oriented, natural wedding photography existed. […] More

nutella crepes and almond croissants

I am happy to introduce you to Athena Plichta today. She is a photographer with a love for all things scrumptious. You’ve seen her work in the last couple issues of Styled. magazine, the beer bread for winter or spring and party in San Francisco. Athena will be contributing a recipe once a month for […] More

Do You Need a Vacuum Sealer for Sous-Vide?

Sous-vide is more than just a foodie fad. Sous-vide is a method of cooking that has been utilized by professional chefs in restaurants for years. It delivers perfectly cooked food, to precisely preferred temperatures, every time. Unlike traditional cooking methods, in which it is almost impossible to deliver evenly cooked food as heat transfers from […] More

why don’t we – carve a pineapple?

We are headed out to the pumpkin patch for round one of pumpkin picking this weekend. We do an early pumpkin carving and another one just a couple days before Halloween. This year I am incredibly intrigued by all the awesome carving I see going around on things other than pumpkins. I mean, if you think […] More

Dreaming of a white Christmas

Merry Christmas to you. I am so glad to finally share my third holiday shoot, done all in white with a festive metallic touch. A Christmas morning brunch filled with little doughnut ornaments, scrumptious macaroons and pretty pears hand-stamped for the celebration! A perfect note to end our wonderful holiday season together… The table dressed […] More

DIY Easter Hats with Plaster of Paris Flowers

Inside: DIY Easter hats with plaster of Paris flowers. Turning a party hat into something special can be done in so many different ways; tulle poof party hat, felt star kinds birthday hat, and disco ball headband are a few of my favorite options. Not much beats a huge flower though, and when placed on a hat […] More

DIY Holiday Wrapping Party

We are gearing up for my favorite party time of the year and during the busy holiday months I love to find ways to connect and celebrate while also being productive. This is where the genius of a DIY wrapping party comes in! More

Don Draper’s guide to 50th birthday cakes

Inside: The best 50th birthday cakes and unique 50th birthday games. I love the awesome look that getting older has these days; from 50th birthday cake ideas to running after life bucket lists. While I am still far from this number, but still firmly in my 30’s, fifty doesn’t seem quite so far away or […] More

Host A Movie Night At Home & Under The Stars

To enjoy the long nights of summer, we decided to host a movie night under the stars. It was such a fun and easy party to put together! We used our favorite JOLLY TIME Simply Popped Microwave Pop Corn to create a bar set up of treats and easy fun drinks. We also gathered all […] More

8 Great Boat Party Ideas

Inside: 8 great boat party food and game ideas! Now that it’s the middle of summer, we have all either spent plenty of time (or, in my case, dreamed of spending plenty of time) on a boat. Wouldn’t it be awesome to be on a boat today?!? If you don’t have the ability to be sailing […] More

Favorite party ideas from last year

As we jump into the new year I am excited about all that is coming up here at A Subtle Revelry. Before we jump in – I want to share a quick recap from last year. Here are our 5 most popular posts (chosen by social media shares) from last year. A little review of […] More

cinnamon roll campfire cakes

After lighting the first fire of the season we made fun and amazingly good bonfire cakes with cinnamon rolls and frosting! I like to think of them as s’mores with an upgrade. The cakes are great to make for an after dinner summer dessert and will be perfect for our mid-summer bonfire birthday parties. They’d […] More

a merry hostess bids bon voyage

Striped dress | Beach photo | Pink mojito recipe | Sailing books | DIY flags | Summer white platter More

reason to celebrate | whimsical tea

I am planning a couple casual gatherings this season and one will be an afternoon tea. In my search for a whimsical take on the tea time norm I’ve come across Kuehn Keramik. The entire Alice collection is gorgeous! I love the playful nod to anti-tradition, perfect fun for a warm summer afternoon. More

8 of the Best Burritos in San Diego

Inside: 8 of the Best Burritos in San Diego You guys… I am moving in a week, eeek! Moving to a place that, upon mention, meets me with the same blank stare, the same cautionary, “oh good for you” smile, every time. I am crazy nervous about it. Although, I have found out that Reno […] More

SHISHITO PEPPER CREAM CHEESE WONTONS

This post is sponsored by Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Fall gatherings call for party snacks that are tasty and fun. From tailgates to classroom get-togethers, bringing a platter of these shishito cream cheese wontons will make you the party star. The wontons are creamy and crispy. They are a great option for wowing and impressing a […] More

7 Party Games for Teens

Get the laughter flowing at a party by playing some simple games. Party games don’t have to be reserved just for parties only.  They can be played at family gatherings and at home with a few friends! It can be tricky convincing your teenagers that it’s ‘cool’ putting down their phones to play a game […] More

How To Make Gummy Candy Sushi The Easiest Way

Inside: The easiest way to make gummy candy sushi There’s nothing that I love more that fun, smile producing party food. From piñata cakes to bunny cinnamon rolls – food with a pun makes every party more fun! ;) These easy to make gummy candy sushi treats are the perfect party food to make everyone […] More

Rainbow Paper Chain Garland

Inside: A fun rainbow paper chain garland, perfect for a summer picnic! Okay, so I have always loved this simple DIY! Most of us remember a traditional paper chain from school, we always used them as a countdown for a break like Christmas break or summer! But now that the kids are out of school […] More

Boozy Freezer Pops

When we first heard about the option to make our own popsicles at home using zipzicles I was thrilled about creating treats for the kids during the hot summer months. I quickly learned that these handy little freezer pop holders weren’t only for kids and we started whipping up boozy adult versions to enjoy. A piece of […] More

gold frosted balloon bowls

A gorgeous bowl to make your home feel a bit less bare now that the holiday decor has come down. Make your own with a balloon, newspaper and a handy homemade paste recipe… Create a papier-mâché bowl by first making a paste. The best version is made by mixing 1 part flour to 5 parts […] More

reason to celebrate | Shelter Co.

Speaking of hosting outdoors… If you live in California you can now take advantage of the new Shelter Co. and make any camping or BBQ event a glamorous outdoor adventure. With canvas tents, pretty details and lots of charm the whole set up can be rented and recreated anywhere you desire. Hello perfect summer party! […] More

edible balloon birthday cake

Celebrate a special cake worthy day with a balloon birthday cake. Made with edible balloon bubbles, this cake will be a hit at the next party on your list. In case you have a New Year’s resolution to throw more awesome parties, or be more awesome in general. You can check that off your list with […] More

DIY Luggage Tag Template + My Secret Packing Trick

Summer travel season is a upon us and Matt and I have big plans! We have a trip to Scotland in the works for late summer and a couple quick weekend jaunts in between. We created this fun DIY luggage tag template and a pretty leather backed holder for it that will make all our […] More

How to Host A Clothing Swap

Starting the year off I’m always aching to fix my closet situation a little. Adding in more pieces without spending a fortune can be a challenge. However, shopping my friends closets is completely free! Every year we get together to have a clothing swap party. It is loads of fun and a perfect way to calm the […] More

gold foil and dust cake accents

When it comes to cake decorating the only thing I like more than fancy is easy. When we combine fancy with easy – then I am really happy. Edible gold leaf is super duper fancy (think anniversaries and golden birthdays). It’s also crazy easy, allowing you to look fabulous without the all the work. From […] More

have a merry weekend

We have had a fun week with company, birthdays and a gorgeous onset to fall. I will be spending time this weekend recouping and finishing up our Halloween costumes. I will also be busy devouring the many pumpkin flavored food items I’ve purchased throughout the week (such a sucker for marketing!). Hope you have a […] More

10 Year Old Birthday Party Ideas for Your Kids!

In case you didn’t already know, I’ve got the best 10-year-olds in the whole wide world. ;) And the older they get, the more fun it is to throw them birthday parties. Something about this age is just my favorite. Since I have boy/girl twins we considered all the 10-year-old birthday party ideas possible when […] More

Marshmallow Creme Slime Party Cake

Are your kids as completely obsessed with slime as mine are? We found a way to make edible slime with the sweetest taste using homemade marshmallow creme – It’s a slime cake! A marshmallow cream cake that mimics their favorite gooey fun. This cake is so fun for a slime party. My kids have already […] More

17 Dr. Seuss Party Games: Zany, Crazy, Games for Seuss Fans Big & Small

A Dr. Seuss themed party is perfect for children of all ages. It is a particularly fun idea for those children who have just been introduced to the zany, crazy, world of Dr. Seuss. You are going to have to play a lot of fun games at a Dr. Seuss party. Here are the two […] More

Celebrate June Birthdays With Fun Ideas!

Celebrate June birthdays with fun ideas! From party themes to decorations, food and drinks, activities and games, and gifts and favors – we’ve got you covered for the perfect june birthday celebration! More

reason to celebrate | paper star

This star is made with cut down toilet paper rolls and paint. WOW!  Beautiful temporary wall art that has prompted about a million ideas in my head. I will start saving my rolls now… Easy to do since we are right in the middle of potty training x2 around here. Photo by Erika. More

diamond party garland

For the twins birthday party this year we had two separate party rooms – one for the girl, and one for the boy. For the girl, we focused on the simplistic beauty a diamond party theme gives. The modern geometric gem worked great to decorate with. Long strands of paper diamond party garland, along with geometric […] More

A balloon tree skirt

Happy Friday! Are you feeling into the holiday spirit yet? We have been having a great time sharing Christmas ideas and projects. Sometimes it’s the most random, simplest ideas that I get the biggest kick out of. I was short a tree skirt the other week, but I had a lot of balloons on hand […] More

cupcake wrapper wreath

We finally took down our Christmas wreaths last week. I couldn’t bear to see them go a moment earlier! In their place, I wanted to inject a bit of brightness to offset the wintery weather outside. A collection of bright cupcake wrappers seemed to do the trick. In just about 20 minutes, this pretty wreath […] More

Mylar Bags vs Vacuum Sealing: What is the Difference?

We are living in the day and age when everything in our lives has picked up speed. We are running in a race and everything else has to match our pace, and in doing so we usually don’t have time to do things with as much detail and attention as we used to. More

Throw the Ultimate Fortnite Birthday Party: Tips & Ideas!

Planning a Fortnite birthday party? Get creative ideas for food, activities, favors and more to make it an unforgettable celebration! More

simple Mother’s Day corsage

This small sentiment would be sweet for any day, but especially to honor a loved one for Mother’s Day. A simple collection of flowers and a yarn wrapped pin will work wonders in making a lady feel celebrated. Photo by 3191 Miles Apart. More

Necessities For Holiday Travel With Kids

This post is sponsored by Amazon, but all thoughts and opinions are mine. With the holidays here, comes the joy of travel with kids in tow for us. Do you travel for the holidays or do you stay cozy at home? Whether we are road tripping to see the family or flying across the country […] More

homemade zip ties

Today I am sharing this tutorial for homemade zip ties over at Project Wedding. They are an easy solution for making bagged favors more beautiful and could be a very simple way to inject style into your turkey dinner doggie bags later this week. blessings. More

FoodSaver 2-in-1 Automatic Vacuum Sealer Review

Are you looking for a vacuum sealer that is easy to use and affordable at the same time? Check out our detailed FoodSaver 2-in-1 Automatic Vacuum Sealer review. More

party perfect lipstick

I rarely wear lipstick, but when I have a week filled with parties, weddings and meetings in NYC (like this week), I pucker up and paint it on. Here’s an easy tip for applying lipstick perfectly, with a toothbrush! Genius. More

44 Free Monogram Fonts To Sew Today

Inside: 44 Free Monogram Fonts Monograms are so much fun to show-off initials, display decorative style, and add a personal touch to anything. There are so many different ways to feature a monogram and a variety of types! I’ve compiled a list of some of the best monogram fonts to use for Silhouette, SVG, and […] More

graphic painted tablecloth

Painting a tablecloth is a great way to dress up and freshen your linens this season. I love the look this graphic black criss-cross gives to a simple white cloth. It becomes a perfect backdrop for a table filled wth party treats or everyday eats. All it takes to create this look is a freshly laundered tablecloth, […] More

Cactus fiesta cupcake toppers

The sun has been shinning a little more these days, Cinco de Mayo is just a couple weeks away, and I think it’s time to start planning our outdoor parties. Let’s Fiesta – shall we? It will be easy with these adorable cactus cupcake/muffin toppers. The spunky little faces and easy to assemble printable will […] More

3 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas: Traditional, Modern & Unique

The third anniversary is a significant milestone in any relationship. It’s a time to celebrate the love and commitment you’ve shared over the past three years, and it’s also a time to look forward to all the happy memories yet to come. But what do you get your partner for this special occasion? If you’re […] More

Our Vinyl Plank Flooring

Want a different look than wood planks? Check out our vinyl plank flooring. You’ll be amazed by its durability and ease of installation. Learn more here! After falling in love with our DIY white washed wide plank wood floors upstairs we originally planned to put in the same flooring on the bottom level of our […] More

Bring the Grinch to Life with These Fun Tree Ideas!

Bring the Grinch to life with these fun grinch tree ideas! Decorate, craft, cook, and entertain your way to a memorable holiday party. More

Friday dreaming, dress up

After a fabulous day of shooting a holiday play date at the beach (sneak peak soon). I am off to enjoy a cozy dress up weekend with my family. Do you dress up for Halloween? (Photo by The light Fantastic) Enjoy your weekend dressed up or not and I’ll see you Monday for the launch […] More

printable doggie bags

Feasting season is upon us and with it my desire for easy comfort meals that can serve a crowd. Whether I am dishing up dinner for a huge holiday gathering or serving up a small weeknight group of friends – finding quick ways to please the crowd is at the top of my priority list. […] More

Mulled wine bar

I found this gorgeous inspiration for a simple white entertaining spread that would be perfect for Christmas afternoon or New Year’s eve. The look of homely white paired with mulled wine and cheese makes such a beautiful table. Classic, traditional and perfect for a chilly winter day. Photo by Nina Broberg for Ikea via bluepoolroad […] More

lively work balance

Everyone of us hits a space in life where things seem tipsy, a little chaotic, and euphoric all at the same time. It’s moments like these that I’ve most often found something amazing about to happen. Writing a post on my work/life balance almost makes me laugh out loud, which is why I decided to title […] More

Pretty still life photography in 8 tips

Running a blog with unique photos popping up every day (for 6 years!!!) has required me to shoot, style, and direct about 187 photo sessions. Yes, I’ve counted. Over this time, I’ve taught myself – with the help of some very talented friends – how to take great still shot photos of anything from pretty […] More

Laced up water

Along with the Pumpkin Mojito Bar I wanted to provide water for our guests, bottles were set out and laced up for the occasion… Simply peel off your water bottle labels, cut out a new label from a yard of lace fabric (using the old label as a template), then using double sided tape attach […] More

colored pencil candles

I was so excited when I saw this pin on how to make crayon candles (you know my love for setting things on fire). The crayons didn’t work… but I loved the idea so much I decided to try it out in another form. And, I am really excited for how these colored pencil candles […] More

reason to celebrate | bubbles on the beach

A flute filled with bubbles on the surf, equals a perfect pairing to celebrate this Friday afternoon. Photo was taken during a new project that I am styling and will be sharing more from soon. The series is a collaboration with Carly Taylor who has quickly become a favorite partner of mine. Did you see […] More

Friendly ghost garland

Can you believe that Halloween is only a few days away!?! Time to bring out the last minute ideas. This friendly ghost garland is a fun way to liven up a class party, the front windows at home before trick-or-treaters descend on Saturday, or even an adult party with spooky beverages ;). I love this friendly […] More

Adorable DIY Easter Bunny Wreath Tutorial + Template

Inside: Adorable DIY Easter Bunny Wreath Tutorial + Template Spring has sprung and the Easter bunny is quickly on his way! This adorable DIY Easter Bunny Wreath Idea is the perfect addition to your front door for the Springy season. Can you believe we used dryer balls to create this fun wreath? Yeah! That’s right! […] More

Miniature Disco Balls

I hope you are having a great week prepping for Christmas. We are excited to celebrate the holiday next week with our family and I’m also looking forward to ringing in New Year at home. I love the end/beginning of the year – not just because it is a fun reason to celebrate, but also because […] More

Carnation garland

You guys spring is almost here! Last night the brightly lit evening gave me great hope that the season is quickly changing. What better way to celebrate everything this spring than with flowers strung into a wispy, yet gorgeously bold, carnation garland? The carnation garland is a pretty way to brighten up a room for showers, […] More

A Very Merry Christmas Village Cake

Inside: A Very Merry Christmas Village Cake. This very merry Christmas village cake is the sweetest treat for all your holiday festivities! I don’t know about you but we have a MILLION different Christmas parties we attend during the holiday season and I always love bringing something very special treat to each gathering. Part of […] More

NYE Balloon Drop with Glitter Balloons

With both my kids birthdays in December, hosting a holiday party is not something that comes easy – so we’ve taken to hosting NYE for the past 5 years. It is my favorite party we host every year. We normally invite a handful of our dearest friends, do something fun for dinner (this year its […] More

How To Print On Wrapping Paper For Personalized Presents

It’s finally here! Time to grab all your favorite gifts for all the gals you know. We have been sharing gift guides over this last week and I hope you’ve been inspired to get your gifting on. Today we are sharing one final gift and a crazy cute way to package all these gifts up with love. Did you know you can print your own wrapping paper at home?! It’s a great way to create a thoughtful gift package and costs no extra money. Plus, you can design your own wrapping paper to say whatever wishes imaginable. More

Plastered monogram

I have gotten emails about the plaster mantel “U” shown in our home tour, so I thought it would be fun to share with you how I made it. Plastering letters and shapes is incredibly easy and can be used for party decor (they are especially sweet for weddings) and afterwards can be hung at […] More

Split Level Candy Cake

What’s better than a birthday cake? A birthday cake with frosting and candy inside of course! This split level cake has been a dream of mine for some time. I’m thrilled we finally figured out how to make it work. The double layer cake with a party inside is a super fun way to present […] More

Making Party Favors for Teens: Tips and Ideas

Planning a teen party? Get creative with budget-friendly ideas for decorations, supplies, and party favors for teens. Learn tips to make it safe and fun! More

Best Commercial Vacuum Sealer of 2021: Complete Reviews with Comparisons

Some kitchen vacuum sealers are a bit flimsy, quickly overheating and not designed for sustained use. For people who often use a vacuum sealer, whether it’s to preserve fresh fish and game, enjoy sous-vide cooking, or meal prep for a family, a commercial vacuum sealer may be a better choice. These machines are larger, more durable, […] More

A Magnetic Slime Recipe That Will Pull You In

Magnetic slime is a type of slime that has magnetic properties due to one ingredient — black iron oxide powder. The slime takes less than 30 minutes to make, requires only a few ingredients, and it’s an exciting way to spend time with kids and teach science. Magnetic Slime Ingredients and Materials To make magnetic […] More

White Chocolate Popcorn Cake

Just because summer is almost over, doesn’t mean there’s nothing to celebrate. Cake is totally worth finding a reason to celebrate and I’ve got you covered with this delicious White Chocolate Popcorn Cake. One of my absolute favorite things to do is combine my favorite snack – POPCORN with my favorite dessert – CAKE! Because […] More

wintry indoor picnic

Warm weather is still a ways off, but the winter chill will not keep us from having a picnic. We just need to find shelter first! To set the mood we designed a plaid patterned invitation printed on brown craft paper (see above!) download the invitations by clicking here. We also designed perfect tags for […] More

fun goals for fall

Fall has routinely been a great time for me to re-evaluate my year and set new goals. Somehow the beginning of September feels like a fresh start. This year though, I want to be sure my goals aren’t all business and numbers. I also want to have some fun! Here is a list of 25 […] More

5 Tips for Making Your Home a Cozy Place

Beautiful design is just one aspect of having a great home. All the beauty in the world doesn’t mean a thing if your home doesn’t feel like home. This means that you should spend as much time on making it comfortable as you do on making it look nice. A lot of people don’t know […] More

bright paper wreaths

These bright paper wreaths have quickly become one of my favorite projects for spring. I designed them in exaggerated form to share over at the Bride’s Cafe today. See the complete tutorial here and check out how they look on church doors, I love them for a wedding. After creating the wreaths in large form, […] More

Paint the Cutest Terra Cotta Pots

Inside: How to paint terra cotta pots and what kind of paint to use on terra cotta pots Whether you’re celebrating earth week, Mother’s day, or planning out thank you gifts for the end of the year… painting terracotta pots are a great way to craft a gift that will be treasured. Planted with a […] More

25 creative ice cream ideas

Happy May! This month kicks off summer for us in many ways, and I love nothing more than sitting on our porch sharing ice cream with our kids, neighbors, and friends. It is an indulgence so worth it as the weather warms up. I’ve been searching for new favorite recipes and quickly became enamored with […] More

The Cutest DIY Planters

Inside: The Cutest DIY Planters Spring is here and boy has it been a wild one! With spring comes perfect weather, bright sunny days, birds chirping and flowers blooming! This spring is a little different for all of us I will admit. Most of us are working from home and cooped up in our house. […] More

Anchors Aweigh Pinata

Anchors aweigh… It’s almost summer! I am feeling very excited and inspired for our warm season ahead. These paper anchor pinatas are a great way to kick off the festivities. Plus, if your house is anything like mine there is a lot of candy leftover from yesterday. Instead of slowly eating it all yourself – […] More

Christmas Tree Cupcake

I just love how this Christmas tree cupcake came out. So fun! Between the bright lights and the sparkler star on top – it’s an awesome way to kick off the holidays this year. Especially with all the crazy scheduled this next month, this sweet treat will be the star of every office party, housewarming, classroom […] More

Pineapple Coconut Cake With Yellow Cake Mix

Errbody!!! Put your palms in the air for this pineapple coconut cake and wave ‘em like you just don’t care. We are in Palm Springs this week and I can just feel the cool breeze of a palm leaf swaying by the pool. But don’t worry, we can still bring a little bit of summer […] More

Picnic club name tags

When I was originally inspired for celebrate picnic month I just adored the idea of having name tags. Like our own little picnic loving, summer celebrating club! Join me??? Download the name tag sheet HERE. Print them out and wear one to show your picnic support. I would love a photo of you sporting your […] More

Glitter trim gift boxes

When it comes to giving gifts to co-workers, packaging is the most important element. Any simple and thoughtful gift will suffice to make your friendly office gift swap, but with the presents sitting on desks all day long – the wrapping is what will set your package apart. Whether you are gifting for co-workers or […] More

12 Insanely Creative Advent Calendars

You guys… I bought a pink Christmas tree for a holiday shoot we had yesterday! While I play Christmas music early this weekend and continue to get in the mood here is a collection of 12 really creative advent calendars to inspire us all for the season. Advent starts December 1st! Did you see our […] More

Stamped Marshmallows

We spent the weekend happily enjoying hot cocoa and the snow. I made an alphabet of stamped marshmallows to play with and they were so much fun. On some I wrote out festive sayings, and on others just letters. The marshmallows kept the kids busy for quite some time, and tasted great melting in our […] More

Painted Feather Cake

Feathers are such a fun way to make anything seem crafty and homespun. In a season when there is way too much cooking and prepping to be done – a simple solution like surrounding a cake with pretty painted feathers makes for an awesome party statement that takes very little effort to create. A stellar […] More

challenge | a night of glitzy gold

  A night of glitzy gold, styled by Cyd, editor of one of my favorite party sites The Sweetest Occasion. I had a chance to spend time with Cyd in Utah last month and just adored her passion for blogging and her drive as a stylist, you can check out her fabulous portfolio here. A […] More

printable pyramid advent calendar

Advent is starting in just over two weeks! Can you believe it? Every year our family works hard to celebrate in simple ways together and advent calendars are an easy way to stop and celebrate the holiday season every day. This kids love them for obvious reasons, and although our advent calendars take different shapes […] More

merrymaking 9.14.2012

I came across this gorgeous fall feast, shot by Aram Bedrossian, for Cosmopolitan Armenia. I adore the fallesque fairytale theme. We have finally had a couple cool weather days and I am looking forward to a weekend to bundle up and enjoy the season. Perhaps we will even find a rooster to hang on our […] More

faux floral lights

It’s that time of year when I desperately want bright flowers lining my walls and this strand of faux floral lights is such a pretty way to make that happen. I am obsessed with it! A fun and bright burst of spring – the lights are amazing for showers and parties this season. The strand […] More

wood grain printable tags

These gifts tags will wrap up a birthday, shower or wedding present with the bright floral punch they just may need! They would make pretty label toppers too. Download the tags by clicking here. Graphic design by KatieWoodard from Twigs Print Studio. More

latte bowl centerpiece

These latte bowl centerpieces look wonderful filled with peonies and the bright morning light. See the tutorial I designed for a wedding brunch or shower over at Project Wedding. More

Wear It & Share It: How To Wear Confetti

I have an important conversation to have with you today. We need to discuss how to wear confetti! Because we’ve all had those moments where we want to be as festive and fun as the party we are going to, but are not sure how to make it happen. Today I’m thrilled to share our […] More

Multi-color popsicles

A nice bright dose of summer dreaming seems appropriate for our snow filled weekend to come. I’ll be making a set of these multi-color Popsicles to instantly transport me to a breezy summer day no matter how cold it gets. The Popsicles are a nice break from cocoa (which let’s be honest, we are all […] More

miniature disco balls

A handful of miniature disco balls are glitzy accents that will quickly brighten up a wedding and are the perfect project for your New Year’s Eve celebration. Use them to top favors, scatter around the bar, or bunch together and hang for a sparkling centerpiece. Inspired by pricey ornaments I fell in love with this […] More

Post-it® Notes office encouragement board

The winter is the hardest time to get motivated. The chilly morning air, coupled with storms and frost make me want to jump back in bed. It’s important for the ASR team to be encouraged and having fun no matter what time of year it is. We all know how severely our mood affects our […] More

A classic vanilla summer

There’s nothing like bright colors, country music and classic tasting creamy vanilla coffee to instantly take me back to my first summer out of school. Fresh out of my first year of college and ready to take on the world… I will never forget that summer after starting college. The early mornings I sat outside watching […] More

How to Start a Blog You’re Passionate About

Blogging is really the best job ever. It gives me the ability to share the things I love, work a flexible schedule, and teach others how to do the same! It’s no wonder so many people are asking the question: how do I start a blog? I think sometimes it can seem like a big, […] More

Glitter butterfly cake toppers

Having pretty cake toppers this time of year is down right necessary. I mean, on life’s list of things you need this week… a pretty way to top our cakes with butterfly cake toppers should be ranking up there. :) With Mother’s Day coming, bridal/baby shower season in full swing and birthday brunches filling my […] More

simple wooden – three pallet play house

I have been wanting to give the deck a playhouse for years. I have a particular aversion to the plastic variety, but always felt that anything made of wood was far to expensive to buy and much to difficult to make. Recently, we created a summer playhouse that the kids can enjoy, we can lounge in, that is affordable, easy to build, and beautiful! This […] More

Bright walls + weekend links

We are in the process of making plans for the coming year (thinking about a move, but not convinced yet!). I’m a sucker for purging and moving. Either way, bringing in more bright festive decor is a definite must. Look at these gorgeous Cameroonian juju hats photographed by Brooke Holm. They would make everyday (even laundry day) […] More

summer berry pavlova stack

Making a gorgeous Pavlova stack is a great way to end a seasonal meal with friends. A light, fluffy meringue mixed with scrumptious summer berries makes for a dessert guests will absolutely adore. August is my favorite time for making this sweet – since berries are at their peak harvest, and I don’t need to […] More

chocolate mint terrarium cake

One of my best friends here in Reno is Kat Gieger. She just came out with an awesome book about terrariums – it showcases really fun and unique ways to create and display terrariums. I was going to just simply tell you about the book, but then we thought of the most fun way to […] More

crepe paper wreaths

I am so excited to welcome in a new fall season with you today! Fall is one of my favorite times of year. Everything from the schedules, to the pumpkins, I just about die of inspiration every fall. One thing I don’t love is the loads of neutrals this season can often get drenched in. […] More

How to Die Dye Socks: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to die dye socks with this step-by-step guide! Get tips on creating the perfect design, caring for your socks, and where to buy them. More

Bunco Game: How to Play and Win

Bunco is a dice game that has been around for centuries. The game is simple to play and only requires a few supplies. Bunco is great for parties or get-togethers with friends and family. With our easy-to-follow guide, you’ll be playing and winning bunco in no time! Table of Contents: What Is Bunco? The History […] More

My Sneaky Bathroom Prep Secret

When I am busy preparing for having people over, I always hit that moment when I realize I’ve spent all my time prepping and no time getting myself ready. No matter how great I plan the day, the moments I have to gussy up for the part of hostess are always cut short. I still […] More

25 Boyfriend Quotes For Valentines Day Letter Boards

Have you ever loved someone so much, but you just can’t find the right words to tell them just what they mean to you? Girl, don’t worry we got your back! We have come up 25 of the best boyfriend quotes to show them exactly how much you care. More

a pinata lamp

Happy weekend. It’s been a very long week for me and I needed a little something happy today. Enter: A piñata lamp! More of an quick idea than a full on DIY – this little guy will brighten up your room, mood, or party in an instant! To make the piñata lamp simply purchase a […] More

Cake Presents

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here. In our house that means sugared cranberries, cookies and presents of course. Giving food presents to our acquaintances is something I love to do. I’m so excited to give these cake presents, they are just the right idea for a sweet and simple present exchange. […] More

It’s Worth It!

Today I am in Salt Lake City and having such a great time at Alt! Every time I attend a blogging event, I am reminded how much I love my job and how totally worth it my investment in this site has been. I still wake up most mornings baffled that I (with twin babies!) was able […] More

How to make giant hair bow

Inside: How to make a giant hair bow out of ribbon.  I’ve been looking for ways to spice up my hairstyle (mostly my bangs) for spring. Last week, I attempted a front criss-cross braid. This week, a giant hair bow party hat might just do the trick. It is one of the most fashionable and […] More

How To Code A Blog With Visual Composer

To say I am a DIY fanatic is a bit of an understatement. Learning to craft things for parties and our home is just the tip of the iceberg. If I can create our vinyl plank flooring, ice cream sundae tacos, and diy concrete countertops – then certainly there must be a way to DIY […] More

The Best Easter Party Ideas Ever

Inside: Fun Easter party games ideas Hosting a girls night in is always more fun when you add in crafts! Taking cues from the budding flowers of spring, I hosted a little Easter party. The evening was a fun combination of crafts, great food pairings, and a couple of sweet spring surprises, like floral wrapped straws. […] More

wreaths & pies with bows

With sweet holiday desserts popping up everywhere this week and a million reasons to bake, gift and give treats. All that flour can start to feel overwhelming. Right!?! Instead of stressing yourself out about working from scratch – take a little help today from me and Marie Callender’s to gussy up a pie that is […] More

Painted tube cocktail art- a tutorial

My favorite touch of the day from Kim and Mikes wedding was this gorgeous handcrafted sculpture, stuffed with flowers and wine corks that dangled over their cocktail table. The piece was crafted by ebony one of the bride’s dear friends who has been so gracious to share her tutorial today for the stunning display. It […] More

Birthday Party Planning Guide PDF

A birthday party planning guide PDF that will walk you through every step of the process. This printable PDF is a six week course in planning the perfect celebration. How to get all the details done ahead of time so you can sit back and enjoy the party planning! the PDF includes tips and tricks […] More

Colorful DIY Origami Fairy Lights

Inside: DIY origami fairy lights These origami fairy lights give the most festive vibe to any home or party space. We originally made them hang over the deck for our last party, but I loved the look so much I decided to bring them inside afterward. Adding simple details that make our home feel festive […] More

Soft pretzel party invitations

I have become slightly obsessed with the idea of throwing a soft pretzel party this fall. After sharing my sneaky trick to making amazing soft pretzel for a party appetizer at home last year – I’ve been seeing them popping up everywhere! Melanie found the best soft pretzel balloons and setting out large trays of them with […] More

Mother’s Day Photo Book – The Easy Way

When it comes to giving Mother’s Day gifts, sentimentality wins every day! As a mom, there is nothing I’d want more than a sweet (toothless) smile from my girl with a book of beloved family photos inside. When it’s wrapped up in a gorgeous scarf she picked out herself, well that sounds like the perfect […] More

Confetti Dot Mobile

A confetti dot mobile in subtle colors is the perfect mix of pretty and festive. Over a cake it makes a great topper and I love the sentimental idea of hanging it up at home after the party. I have the perfect corner just waiting for its dotted confetti gorgeousness. See the complete tutorial I designed […] More

madeleines + a tasting bar

With this easy Madeleine recipe and a table filled with chocolates and sprinkles, any gathering can become an impromptu Paris afternoon to remember. Prepare the Madeleine tasting bar by laying out a tablecloth or fabric. Place the Madeleine’s on a decorative plate or cake stand. Prepare melted chocolate in bowls that are deep enough for dipping cookies (Wilton makes […] More

Activities and Entertainment for Kids Party – From Tots to Teens

Happy birthdays are so important, especially for children. We get one special day every year, and on that day a celebration is called for. If you’re throwing a birthday bash for a child, from toddler to teen we have ideas galore to help you with entertainment for your kid’s party. Read on for exciting ideas, […] More

festive screensavers & media sabbaths

Taking time offline each week to rest and revive my mind from constant media is a practice that’s really important for me. It reminds me of what I value most and allows my brain to reset, keeping me fresh for the new week ahead. dHave you ever taken a rest from media? It’s so refreshing! […] More

chicken wire bracelet

Try out this easy chicken wire bracelet for trendy party style this fall. It is easy to make and will give a great edge to your fall party outfits. To make the bracelets cut down a length of chicken wire to about 5 inches wide by 3 inches long, be sure to wear gloves when working with […] More

a merry hostess encourages sleepovers

pretty top | a relaxed table | notecards for gossip | popcorn | confetti pancakes | forts for sleeping More

How To Make & Apply Iron On Patches

Inside: The easiest DIY for how to make iron on patches.  Does anyone else just LOVE the embroidered patch trend? I am obsessed! I love being able to add that special flair to anything like clothes, shoes, or even back to school snack bags. These DIY custom iron on patches are the perfect project to […] More

reason to celebrate | meat market

Matt’s birthday is coming up soon and I’m hoping to do something special for him this year (he usually has to share with me since we have the same birthday). I am thinking a manly meat theme. He really likes steak and with the local farms around it would be easy to plan a meat […] More

Handling Back-to-School: 7 Tips for Busy Parents

Back to school is a time that evokes feelings of great excitement as well as trepidation for many parents and children alike. There are numerous ways to ensure that the whole family is prepared for all eventualities that the new semester may hold. Be Prepared Having a calendar in the child’s room or family living […] More

Paper pinwheels

I hope you are having a wonderful long weekend! I wanted to see something happy today and pulled out my old love for paper accordions to make a colorful bunch of pinwheels. They are bright and just the perfect way to lift any sort of winter blue. Placed on top of a simple cake they […] More

How to make a paper fan Shamrock for St. Patricks Day

Inside: We are showing you the cutest paper shamrock and how to make a paper fan DIY! Saint Patrick’s Day has long been a beloved holiday to dress in green and enjoy a Guinness at our local Irish Pub. I’ve always enjoyed decorating with shamrock paper and adorning the color of the day. Since the […] More

recreate | paper flag bunting

This beautiful tutorial for paper flag bunting, designed Jennie Prince, is so simple it could be made this afternoon. All it requires is a few cuts of paper, clothes pins and a line. A marvelous solution to remind us that everyday is worth a celebration. Photography by Odessa May Society, thanks for the great blog […] More

24 Girls Birthday Party Ideas That Your Daughter Will LOVE!

Whatever the age of your little lady, each birthday party is expected to be just as magical as the last. Birthday parties aren’t just for the little ones anymore. Oh no, this generation’s older teens are still very much involved in birthday party shenanigans too! The following are a few ideas that are not only […] More

rotten brownie eggs

Nothing gives off the spooky chills of the season quite like a rotten egg. Make this whimsical version with food dye and fill it with a brownie for a special Halloween sweet. Perfect for October gatherings or to bring for school treats. To make the rotten brownie eggs begin by piercing a hole in each […] More

reason to celebrate | a shared coffee cup

One of the sweetest celebratory moments of my weekend is sharing a cup of coffee with the husband. A hundred balloons can not compete with a table for two and an extra large steaming cup. PS. Make the perfect celebratory coffee this fall, adorable DIY paper cups, the coolest coffee cup art and to-go wrappers […] More

Paper lettered wrapping

Although jewels and bling are nice for mom. What I really want on Mother’s Day is a thoughtful gift that expresses the love and creativity of my kids – a little bling on the side never hurts. :) Including something thoughtful and something nice (like a new set of bangles) is a great way to celebrate […] More

leather bow drawer pulls

We are still in candy coma recovery mode over here, but I am stoked to jump into a festive new season of holiday hoopla this week. While we put the finishing touches on a couple projects this weekend, I thought you might like to see this festive little dresser update we did recently. Leather strips […] More

My Little Pony Party Games – A Guide

There are so many great kid’s party games out there, and you can adapt most of them to the theme of My Little Pony. Keep the games short. Played for too long, or more than twice, the kids will get bored.  Arrange for everyone to get prizes at games, not only the winner.  Send invitations […] More

The Easiest Balloon Garland Ever

Inside: Easy to Make Balloon Garland. Two Words: Balloon. Garland. Need I say more? Okay, so I am going to be totally honest when I say that we have never really ventured into the magical world of balloon garlands. I love a great balloon accent at any party, like these galaxy balloons, but garlands always […] More

What to Sing at Karaoke: Tips for a Memorable Performance

“Discover the best songs to sing at karaoke and make your performance unforgettable! Learn what to sing at karaoke and get tips for a memorable performance.” More

13 Halloween Party Games You’ve Never Heard Of

With Halloween fast approaching, we are getting party ready with our long list of Halloween party games to keep the Spooky and festive party going! Our party games make a HUGE difference in how much fun everyone has at our gatherings and who in their right mind wouldn’t be willing to play Halloween games while […] More

wrap it up | with star gift toppers

I’ve spent the day prepping Christmas gift boxes to be sent off. In this festive spirit, a wrapping idea just in time for what I imagine will be a weekend filled with packaging and bows. Make these easy star gift toppers using paper towel rolls for a pretty (and frugal) finishing touch. To make the […] More

Cakes & Cuts: Victory rolls

Matching our deserts is such a fun way to enter into any party! In this second edition of our Cake & Cuts matching party series we are pairing miniature victory roll cakes (aka cinnamon rolls) with a victory roll hair style reminiscent of the 1940's jubilee for classically fun fall style. Be the Betty of the brunch [...]

Making Sick Days Fun With A Sick Day Care Kit

Sick days are no fun for anyone! Whether you are the kid who’s sniffly and sad or the mom who’s taking a day off to care for your sweet littles, sick days are usually no fun!I’ve always hated that on a day you need cheering up the most, it’s the least fun day of them all.So, I’ve created these fun sick day kits More

DIYS For Girls To Make – 25 Colorful Ideas

I always enjoy creating, whether I’m starting from scratch or making something old into something new. And my most favorite thing to create is something colorful, and lucky for me colorful DIYS for girls is like my daughter’s love language. A little bit of color goes a long way, and a lot of color just […] More

streamer egg hunt

We hosted a mini Easter morning while the grandparents were in town this week, it was fabulously simple and relaxed. For the kids I designed a streamer egg hunt. Each hidden egg was attached to a streamer that stretched throughout our house. The kids started at the begining of the streamers and followed them one […] More

angel food eyeball cake

With Halloween coming up we are having a blast playing around with a few spooky treats. It is the one time of year that eyeballs, spiders, and other spooky items are found popping up at our house. These angel food eyeball cakes are a great way to get in on the fun. The cakes look like they are […] More

reason to celebrate | a beautiful mess

Elsie Larson is one of my favorite bloggers. Her DIY style is always so sweet and her recent wedding completely lives up. Did you see it on Style Me Pretty yesterday? I spotted this gorgeous black and white printed love bunting in her photos and have not been able to get it out of my […] More

31 Fun Sleepover Ideas Your Kids Will Love (And Will Keep Them Entertained)

There are lots of fun things for kids, tweens, and teens to do at sleepovers for the perfect experience. Snack, dinner, and breakfast choices for sleepovers are vast, as are the activities that make the event memorable. Ensure that you prepare enough food and snacks for all the kids, and organize games that everyone will […] More

Mustache sticks

I have been taking on the arduous task of organizing our garage this week. In the process, I’ve found multiple projects that I have yet to share but completely meant to… Like these mustache party sticks. By far one of my most popular party items- I am often receiving emails asking about making them, it’s […] More

Twitter birthday ideas timeline banner

One of my favorite aspects about the twin’s birthday party was how we managed to incorporate technology into the day. Technology, specifically Twitter has been such a big part of this year it seemed only appropriate to highlight their features during the celebration. Here are two fun ways we were able to use technology- Surrounding […] More

Library Birthday Party Ideas for any Bookworm

Inside: Library birthday party ideas.  Do you have a little bookworm in your family? A young one who loves to get caught up in their own literary world? For those book-loving kiddos, this Library Birthday party is the cutest idea ever! Library Birthday Party I spotted this Jr. librarian party that Celeste threw for her daughter […] More

How to Make DIY Confetti for Parties Year Round

Confetti is obviously one of my favorite party items. It’s colorful, fun and crazy easy to create, so we made DIY confetti. Making your own DIY confetti For a quick summer update try cutting confetti with an alphabet punch – fun bright letters that allow your guests to spell their hearts out! Just get your […] More

Hand-bought, sprinkle drop

Questions about where to buy handcrafted decor have been streaming in recently. You LOVE handcrafted design but lack the time, energy, strength to really do-it-yourself. To help, I am going to be sharing each week a favorite artisan shop that will allow your celebration to be handcrafted (even if it is not your hands doing […] More

Dip-Dye Crepe Paper Streamers

Crepe paper streamers are one of my favorite ways to jazz up a party’s vibe… but, let’s be honest, the lack of colors available in stores can bring our decorating to its knees. Do they honestly think that a flamingo and a gumball are the same shade of light pink?! This is where liquid dyes […] More

10 awesome centerpieces

There are ways to center your table… and then there are centerpieces. An awesome centerpiece is a mini-installation that makes your table instantly feel like a party. Whether it’s a massive weekend hoopla, or a Tuesday night dinner party, this collection of DIY centerpiece ideas will cover your table in the most awesome of style. More

numerical painted spoons

Having brightly painted silverware can give you quite the statement piece for your next dinner party. I whipped up these numerical and letter ones that would be awesome to use casually at home or for double duty as escort cards at a larger event. In shocking pink they give the perfect boost of happy for […] More

silhouette photo props

Photo props are a great addition for adding simple fun to a party. These silhouette ones I designed for the kids site, Hello Bee, are just spooky enough to find a place into this fall’s festivities. The twins adored them, running around playing crocodile and fox for hours with their friends. Find the printable PDF here […] More

The Best Mothers Day Ideas

Inside: The Best Mothers Day Ideas It’s almost Mother’s Day, Sunday May 10th to be exact! I am a firm believer that EVERYDAY should be Mother’s Day, but since the calendar tells us it’s just once a year you might as well make it special! Mother’s Day for me is so special, I was so […] More

8 DIY Yard Games That You Can Make In Under An Hour

8 DIY yard games that are creative and fun to play on a hot summer day. A few even involve water to get everyone cooled down. Have a pool? Try our pool party games ideas instead! During the summer we definitely spend more time outside than we do inside. And while the great outdoors certainly […] More

Best Food Vacuum Sealer Under $100: A Comparison

Food vacuum sealers are becoming a necessity in kitchens. If looking for budget options, check out our top picks for the best food vacuum sealer under $100. More

reason to celebrate | musee des possibles

One of the most cheerful projects a city could produce, in Montreal’s Quartier de spectacles the people awoke to 500 bright and floating balloons! A project by the Musee de possibles to encourage support and involvement in what the space will become. What a beautiful site to happen upon as you travel into work and […] More

No sew fabric flowers

This is the week that flowers start their season, from red roses for Valentines – through peonies in May. It is the time of year when everything floral feels fresh and pretty. Make a bouquet that will last the whole season long with coordinating shades of your favorite fabric. Use the flowers lined on a string […] More

A Sweet Spot For S’mores

One of my bigger outside goals for the new house is to have a place to retreat and enjoy drinks + treats. Our side deck is a fun little spot to set up a colorful bonfire and bust out after dinner sweets. I’m excited to have partnered with Hayneedle to share some of my favorite tips for […] More

Hot Chocolate Cake

We’re dipping our toes into fall and it’s almost time to start enjoying all your cozy cold weather favorites. One of mine is a super sweet cup of hot chocolate with tons of marshmallows, whipped cream and sprinkles. But, since it’s still a little too warm for hot chocolate, at least here in the Southwest, […] More

Brushstroke balloons

There are a million (okay at least 25) fun ways to update balloons for parties that will easily make your day feel thoughtful and special. I believe best ideas are often the simplest – polka dots, decals, and paint, to name a few. These brushstroke balloons are just about as easy as it gets. Simple […] More

Pastel Icing Drip Donuts

Now that we are firmly set in spring, Easter is on the horizon and all the babyshowers have already begun. Dip dying eggs is sure fun, but drip dying donut icing is even better! We’ve used pastel icing to create our own version of this dreamy donut display. Last year we shared how to make the […] More

Picnic utensil bags

Tomorrow I am FINALLY going to be sharing the Sherbert & Spice party with you & announcing the winner of our circle guessing contest. If you haven’t given your guess yet- you still have time, here. A hint, someone is really close:) For today, the perfect picnic printable – a sweet little utensil pouch. A […] More

How To Color Ice Cream

I saw this genius tip the other day that Lydia came up with and thought instantly how I could use it in my life. Create ice cream in any color hue imaginable! I immediately whipped up a few favorite shades for our family to enjoy and couldn’t wait to share the idea. This is great for summer […] More

sharpie traced dish towels

Some things never change in the history of my family – like handmade Christmas presents from the kids, grandma’s love for artwork, and enjoying a glass of milk during after school snack. It’s no wonder the tradition of a glass of milk daily has been passed down for generations. With 9 essential nutrients and the […] More

Fun Birthday Party Ideas For Teens

Inside: Birthday party ideas for teens.  Welcome to the teens. What a wild time in life, all I can think about is Britney Spears “Not a girl, not yet a women” circa 2001. Ha! These teens would probably just roll their eyes at me for that reference. And these teen boys, who even knows what’s […] More

paint chip wall confetti

Whether you are celebrating Cinco De Mayo this weekend, a birthday, a graduation, or just a nice Saturday, there is always occasion for wall confetti! A dash of sprinkles on your ice cream, momentary paint chip confetti on the wall, and a few bouquets of flowers will turn any day into a fiesta. Perfect for all the last minute gatherings summer tends […] More

Magnetic Scrabble Wall

I’ve been partnering with Target this month to brighten up our home for spring. This project inspired by my new cake plate, and is by far my favorite project we have done to update the house. Matt and I had taken to writing notes to each other with the kids refrigerator magnets and it seemed like such […] More

relaxed shower at home

Every so often I will see a photo and something inside me exclaims… Yes, that is it. That is the look! The authentic look of good design and sweet crafted details combined in a natural, non fussy way. A look that is both beautifully pulled together and relaxed; allowing the space, the relationships and the […] More

The Churro Bar

Standing at the center of our game night was a make-your-own Churro bar. I was thrilled with the idea of designing this piece for the celebration and now that the night is over I absolutely adore it even more. It was a hit… a huge hit with our guests! I love that it is a […] More

Confetti & Coconut Birthday Cake

Creating a birthday party out of bright, colorful, simple ideas is the best way to do it. Hanging huge circle garland confetti and devouring a tasty coconut birthday cake make for a party scene that will thrill any birthday girl. Summer is almost here, and I am so excited! I love to slow down and […] More

party in | Los Angeles

As a special treat for the party in series, Amanda is sketching celebratory drawings of each city name. Download the 5×7 Los Angeles print here and use for postcards, gift tags, invitations or stash away a set of your favorite city prints to frame together at home. There’s no doubt that Los Angeles has one […] More

The Perfect Rainbow Cake Topper

Inside: How to make a rainbow cake topper! Instead of a pot-of-gold at the end of my rainbow… I always wish for a cake! Lucky for me, this adorable felt ball rainbow cake topper is the perfect solution for celebrating this week. Saint Patrick’s Day is just as much about rainbows, wishes and sweet treats […] More

Recap 2012: Favorite Party Projects

I love this time of year. Before looking ahead to the new year with all it’s possibilities, I look back and celebrate what has happened over the last year – and 2012 was pretty amazing! Over the next couple days I will be sharing some of my favorite projects from the past year, and notes […] More

Creative Home Art Studio Ideas for 2022

Designing and setting up a home art studio is easy. The following is a combination of art studio ideas that will suit any home. Everyone should have a space for their imagination and creativity to run wild in. Let’s explore how you can dedicate a place for your hobby. Setting up an Art Studio at […] More

Christmas Bingo Printable For Large Groups & Small

Tis the season of Christmas party games and these free printable Christmas bingo games (download below) will be your ticket to the most fun party yet. Playing bingo is obviously great for large groups making it a party game that everyone loves all season long. Playing Christmas bingo games at parties Playing Christmas bingo at […] More

Would You Rather? Christmas Edition

Whether you’re a child, teenager or adult, Would You Rather is a hilarious and fun game for all ages – and you only need to talk to play! It’s an easy way to round everyone up and enjoy some holiday celebrations without any extra equipment or confusing rules. After all, everyone knows how to play! […] More

beer tasting for Dad + giveaway

Give dad something he will truly enjoy for Father’s Day this year, beer! A beer tasting gift is both thoughtful and easy to put together. Adding photo labels from Pinhole Press with cute a snapshot of the kids will make the gesture extra special. To give a great beer tasting gift pack, pick out a […] More

awkward dinner party conversation

Dinner parties are the best … well, unless they are awkward – then they are the worst! I really enjoy having ideas for conversation starters when we sit down with a big group. Usually, I just have a couple thoughts in my head to get things going, but I also love the idea of putting […] More

paper confetti cups

I love the start of a fresh new year, and I have a great desire this week to not let the celebration end. Although January is traditionally the month we focus on goals, plans, and organization – I’ve found myself needing to grab a drink and “cheers” almost every night this year. As much as […] More

paint dyed streamers

Streamers are a lovely way to bring an event from everyday to celebratory. They are the standard expected at birthdays, sort of an international sign to party! They have even recently made themselves up for a few gorgeous showings at weddings (see here and here). I am loving the new trend of using streamers for […] More

how to host a successful craft party

A couple weeks ago, Smirnoff asked me if I wanted to throw a craft night to try out their new line of infused sorbet vodka. The idea was to invite friends over to taste something new and try something new. It ended up being one of my favorite parties yet, and a perfect way to […] More

paper folded gift card holders

Gift cards have definitely become my gift of choice for so many events, from weddings to birthdays. I love seeing friends’ faces light up when receiving gift cards to their favorite shops (and let’s be honest, they’re my favorite gift to receive as well!) The chance to go and pick out any goodies I want […] More

Brighten Up Your Next Party with Neon Party Ideas!

Throw the best party ever with these creative neon party ideas! From decorations to food and drinks, find out how to make your next event glow! More

FoodSaver B016C4KK20 GameSaver Vacuum Sealer Review

Quick Overview FEATURES EASE OF USE PRICE CONTROLS SEE ALL VACUUM SEALER REVIEWS CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON One of the great pleasures of hunting and fishing is the satisfaction of providing food to your friends and family. However, every catch needs to be quickly processed and portioned, so that it can be enjoyed at the […] More

paper bow invitations

What do you get when you cross crazy affordable note cards with pretty origami bows? My favorite new invites! Making paper bows is a wonderful way to gussy up anything from cupcakes to cards. A couple quick folds and cuts can transform dollar section cards into mini works of art. Invitations that will definitely command […] More

Balloon Chandelier

Inside: A cute and colorful balloon chandelier Setting a pretty party table is simple with a balloon chandelier above. The air filled decor piece is a pretty way to make a temporary party table feel more permanent. The colors above the table make even the simplest set-up feel wildly festive. I have a birthday coming […] More

the merry hostess | serves tea

Today I am happy to introduce you to a new weekly series, the merry hostess by Alli Michelle. Alli’s blog, Hooray is one of the handful that I never miss a single post of. She will be here weekly sharing great finds and helpful tips for hosting parties all summer long (YAY!). cupcake recipe | dress | tags […] More

Dog Birthday Cake With Dog Treat Candles

Our sweet pup turned six this month and we threw a little doggie birthday party! We made a dog birthday cake for the event with really fun dog treat birthday candles to top the cake. Perfect for celebrating our favorite pup around! These doggie bone treat candles make me just giddy. I mean a birthday […] More

Our Perfect For Fall Sofa + A Giveaway!

When we received our Sven sofa nearly 24 months ago, I knew it was love at first sight. I’m excited today to share with you how well it’s still held up and how perfect it is for fall. Read on for an amazing giveaway from Article for your own Sven sofa this fall!! Fall living […] More

rooftop garden party

After peeking at photos from this rooftop garden party that Jennifer of Odette New York hosted, I was immediately taken. It is a complete dream. Summer bruschetta bread, pretty dresses and a very long relaxed table is exactly what I am hoping our summer celebrations will entail. All photography by Jennifer, Odette New York. More

How to make a paper boat hat tutorial with free template

Inside: How to make a paper boat hat tutorial with template Instead of handing out a regular cone-shaped party hat for a recent fairytale book inspired birthday bash, I thought it would a fun DIY to make these paper boat hats for all our bookworm guest! Now, these fun party hats don’t have to be used just for […] More

wooden ball candlesticks

One of my favorite ways to decorate for the holidays is with candles. The simple shapes and gorgeous light they bring makes any room a place to gather this season. I also adore that a room can be transformed – especially at the last minute, with candles. If Christmas seems to have snuck up on […] More

Cactus balloon darts

Inside: Cactus balloon darts game! One morning, a few weeks back, I woke up minding my own crafting business when I happened upon it… A cactus balloon! To be specific a stash of cacti inflatable toys. Cactus balloons! Striped and dotted and immediately ready for a party. And I immediately had to get my hands on them […] More

Decorating The Sweetest Birthday Cakes For Girls

When I start dreaming about what the best birthday cakes for girls could be, this version with sprinkles, layers and macaroons is exactly what comes to mind. A sweet recipe your favorite girl will love to have as her birthday cake. Rainbows, glitter, and everything sweet. It’s time to celebrate whatever you want with a […] More

How To Throw A Homegate Party

If you can’t make it to the stadium throwing a “Homegate” party right where you are is the next best thing. Actually, in our opinion, it is even better! What is a homegate you ask? It’s like a tailgate, but better… because it is thrown at home!

Which means all of the fun football cheer is had at home without the crowds, dust, flies and drunk guys you’d be hobnobbing with in the parking lot. It means you can decorate the space any way you want and set your food without having to transport and keep it warm on the way. Basically it’s all the fun with much less hassle… More

legit birthday crown

A gorgeous handmade party crown to start the week. Gold and flowers are definitely prettier than cardboard for a good friend’s birthday. Made by Fay Andrada. More

origami candy pops

I made these origami candy pinwheels for a party last year. They have been one of my most asked about food items, so I thought it would be fun to do a quick DIY. The candy pops are super easy to make and you can design the candy into any shape you might like. Initials for […] More

alphabet letter leaves

Now that fall is officially upon us, we can be sure of one thing: leaves falling! One of my favorite activities for fall is to take evening walks and collect leaves for projects. This year I used a sheet of stickers to make alphabet leaves. They can be used for just about anything and are […] More

Perfect pair printable labels

Happy Monday. I spent the weekend getting to know a handful of women who are just as amazing in person as they are online. I have come home refreshed and ready for this full month of parties ahead. I hope you are also feeling ready for this week my friends. Our coffee & tea tasting […] More

Our Living Room Reveal

You guys here is our living room all done!!! It has quickly surpassed the studio as my favorite room in the house. I just love, love, love the space. Matt and I were sitting in here the other night and we both agreed this is the living room we’ve always dreamt of and now it’s […] More

Why These Graduation Celebration Ideas Are The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

College and High School Graduation is just around the corner! To celebrate the successful completion of an educational journey, graduation parties are an absolute must. I’ve got you covered this year with graduation celebration ideas that will make your graduate feel special, some unique things that they won’t see at all their friends’ gatherings, and […] More

35 Colorful Back to School Supplies

Back to school time has never been more fun! This year we’re breaking the mold and tossing those plain-jane #2 pencils and black & white composition notebooks and switching them out for all of the bright, colorful back to school supplies. We gathered up a mix of bright DIY projects so you can personalize this […] More

Snapchat Filter Flower Costume

I’m so glad you loved yesterday’s creative halloween makeup ideas as much as I did. This year I’ve been a big fan of costumes that are spunky, simple and don’t require an entire get up to make happen. Costumes with little details that make your entire look more fun… much like our beloved snapchat filters! […] More

How to Make Room for Sports in Your Home

Whether you like to get stuck in or prefer watching games from the comfort of your couch, finding a sport that you love has the potential to improve your physical and mental health. Due to the recent pandemic, we have all had to adapt our lifestyles in order to protect ourselves and our households from […] More

Circle Habit Tracker Printable – Making Habit Tracking Fun in 2022!

Habits graduate to becoming part of your routine through repetition. Sounds easy, right? The hard part is not doing the habit but making sure you stay on track and continue doing it every day. With so many things to keep track of (adulting sucks), your habit might be the last thing on your mind. With […] More

Custom fabric vases

To make these simple and stunning vases, print out the free pattern transfers by clicking here. Print the patterns directly onto iron-on transfer paper.˜Iron the print-outs on to your fabric, following the instructions provided with your transfer paper. Trim printed fabric to desired size for wrapping around the vase. Layer if you want, mixing and […] More

5 Great Gifts for Artists Who Love to Party

It’s no secret that artists love to party. They are the life of the party, after all! But what do you get the artist in your life who loves to throw parties? Table of Contents: 5 Great Gifts for Artists Gifts That Support an Artist’s Creativity Gift Ideas for the Art Lover in Your Life […] More

gourmet yogurt pops

We have finally had our first truly warm week here! To celebrate I made yogurt pops. I’ve been inspired by many stores selling gourmet Popsicles this season and decided to add in a bit of baking glitter, sprinkles and colorful stars for the kids. The turned out really pretty and tasted great when devoured on […] More

shampoo bottle craft caddies

Teaching the kids to craft sustainably is such a fun summer challenge. I love the chance to show them how one thing, like a shampoo bottle, can be completely transformed with just a few simple craft supplies. It’s like magic to a five year old! The twins helped me craft these caddies for Unilever Project […] More

DIY cut glass lantern

Inspired by this product that was out of my summer entertaining price range, I set out to cut my own glass, only to find that unless you are a glass professional or have a contact on the black market you cannot actually buy a small circular glass cutter (booo!). Instead, I found a couple small […] More

Bathroom Remodel Plans + Inspiration

We have not one, but TWO bathrooms under renovation this fall! The first bathroom we did, (see it right here) was the easiest of our bathrooms to renovate. We chose to keep the bathtub, sink and toilet all in place and we just swapped out pieces making the renovation more aesthetic than anything. Replacing the […] More

three palette cake stand

In an effort to reduce and reuse before we moved, I made this three tiered wooden stand for our moving party to hold the cake and treats. It was an easy project and looked bright and pretty. I would love to make a whole slew of them in different sizes for an entire dessert bar […] More

101 This Or That Questions For Kids

When it comes to keeping your children and their friends entertained, you don’t always need expensive outings or equipment. Sometimes, it can be as simple as asking them some basic questions. Don’t believe us? We’ve compiled a list of 101 this or that questions for kids. It’s easy – just give them two options to […] More

Feather + bead garland

Stringing beads onto necklaces, lanyards and BFF bracelets is summer nostalgia at its best. This year, I decided to take the concept and expand it to make my new favorite garland. Adding in sections of rope and feathers makes it even more whimsical for summer. Beads + feathers + long afternoons under the sun… Exactly […] More

a merry hostess plans a camp party

string lights | rustic centerpiece | gingham napkins | star gazing | mountain tags | casual chic More

100 Reasons to Celebrate the Holidays

I hope your Thanksgiving was filled with feasts and joy. To welcome in the first day of the Christmas holiday season I’ve compiled a list of my most favorite links for celebrating. Festive ideas, crafty projects and 100 reasons I’ve found to celebrate this holiday season. xoxo 1. Glass bubble tree 2. The traveler’s tree 3. Hamburger wrapping paper […] More

Rainbow Vanilla Mug Cake Recipe In 3-2-1

Enjoy a fun little treat with this colorful, easy and tasty vanilla mug cake! Who says vanilla has to be boring? Let’s keep the great taste we love and create a rainbow of colors with it. Making a vanilla mug cake is easy as 1-2-3 or in our case 3-2-1. With 3 tablespoons of cake […] More

15 of the Best Easter Egg Ideas

Inside: 15 of the Best Easter Egg Ideas This Easter may look a little different for all of us this year. With social distancing and shelter in place being the most talked about topic, it is easy to lose sight of the other good things happening around us. Although you may be stuck at home […] More

Candy Filled Balloons Pumpkin Patch

It’s about that time of year when we start dreaming of all the fun Halloween parties to be had. From classrooms to our kitchen table, Halloween is a celebration we get behind to enjoy any way possible. Although we’ve made fun jack-o’-lantern balloons before, this year we decided to give our balloons a little extra purpose and fill them with candy!

A candy-filled balloon pumpkin patch! More

etsy…. open.

Just wanted to let you know the City Cradle Design etsy store is back live & open. I have been closed for the last two months on vacation and I am so pleased with the new line of vintage party products I am selling! Many of my favorite party finds have been grabbed in dark […] More

soft pretzels for the party appetizer win

By far the best party appetizer I know of is a soft pretzel. I’m not certain I know a single person who does not like soft pretzels. Do you? They can be served a hundred different ways – although my favorite way to serve them is with sesame seeds and spicy mustard. Pretzels are a […] More

Glitter twist birthday crowns

Glitter paper and jewelry wire have come together to create these really fun party crowns. I adore a pretty crown to brighten up a birthday, a girl’s night out, even a Tuesday morning cleaning at home. Let’s be honest… glitter and crowns make everything more fun. Even cleaning at home on a Tuesday. ;) These beauties […] More

Make A Sparkling Ice® Summer Strawberry Sparkle Cake

It’s getting warmer outside, and I am thrilled to try my hand at making a few new party cakes this season! We’ve teamed up with Sparkling Ice® and Safeway to design a fun Sparkling Ice strawberry sparkle cake that will easily take center stage at all your summer parties. More

Yarn balls

Last spring I made these yarn flowers and immediately thought of how pretty they would be in a wedding. I altered the design just a bit to make them throwaways! Color coordinated and bunched together in bowls they are a fun way to say goodbye to a newly married couple this spring. Leave them with […] More

Host A Cozy Evening At Home

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Chateau Ste. Michelle. All opinions are 100% mine. Between roasting the turkey and buying all the gifts I am in need of a cozy night at home. It must be something about being a busy mom, but I get so giddy when I find out I have an […] More

custom picnic tray

* Welcome to the winter celebration challenge, so fresh and so clean! This DIY project belongs to Courtney’s key to my heart design. Courtney designed this party DIY to create a sweet spot for picnicking goodies, an easy project I would like to remember as the weather begins to warm up. To create your own […] More

Baby’s Breath Flower Crown

Over the years we have produced hundreds of DIY projects. I love creating and sharing projects here – but one thing I’ve learned along the way is that no amount of crafting can ever replicate the beauty of nature. This baby’s breath flower crown shows the gorgeousness that can happen when the beauty of DIY […] More

updated grilling ideas + printable animal markers

I’m sharing these updated grill tips as a part of a short campaign I am doing with the new show The Chew. Have you seen it yet? I watched it for the first time last month when my mother-in-law insisted on its awesomeness, and it was great. I mean… any show boasting Clinton Kelley is one […] More

Odosketch

Have you seen the new Odosketch? It is a free site where you can try your hand at sketching using a very pretty color palette. The sketched files can be saved to be embed and used online. When you draw, each brush stroke is saved independently, making for cute animated films. You could also save […] More

Thanksgiving Kids Table Ideas

I always love hosting a good feast and have shared before how I host a festive feast, my favorite simple ideas for hosting a feast and all the fun feasting products I use. But one thing I realize we never talk about, is setting the kids table. Which is crazy – since that is the […] More

3 effortless tips for holiday parties

I love throwing holiday parties, but always seem to end up rushed this time of year. To allow for my dreams of revelry to come true, I’ve found a few simple tricks for making a holiday gathering come together in a pinch. A simple cocktail, a shared appetizer, and a decorative element that makes a […] More

All the best pie recipes

It's pie season. We have been obsessed with creating yummy tasting and fun looking pies over the last number of years. It's been fun to test the boundaries of what you'd normally expect to find in a pie. When something like a pie is definitely expected... It is always fun to think outside the box [...]

Pegboard birthday candle display

Last summer we created this fun 10 foot long birthday candelabra. I loved how it completely lit up and transformed a table into a birthday celebration. However the need to drill holes etc didn’t make it something I would turn to for just any party. When I needed an even quicker solution I turned to […] More

at home | clover bracelets

We’ve been spending the warm summer afternoons outdoors and daily making clover bracelets to wear. My daughter and I put together a few extra to bring around to our neighbors this week. Favors for no reason! They were adorned with simple tags saying happy summer. Is clover bracelet making a memory of yours from past […] More

25 crazy creative fonts

Something about the transition to Fall makes my mind run at a super speed for creativity. I’m not sure whether it’s the impending holiday season, the cooler air (which is finally allowing me to breathe), or the welcome return of our routine – whatever it is, it works! To encourage my creativity more and to […] More

mock raspberry peach bellini

Spring brings may fabulous chances celebrate with the girls. Showers, weddings and a slew of festive reasons perfect for a girls night in. This raspberry peach bellini is a fun drink to make for whatever you might be celebrating. Serving it up in peaches with honey stick straws will quickly make it everyones favorite drink of […] More

10 Ideas For Edible confetti

Confetti is one of the easiest ways to turn a regular donut, cake, or sweet treat into an instant party food. A donut is just better with edible confetti sprinkled on top! This weekend, before serving up your sweets sprinkle a party on top – no jokes about it. Edible Confetti To make the edible […] More

stuffed goat cheese and pistachio figs

As we dive into fall, and the season of dinner parties, I am always looking for easy appetizers to make that will cause our guests to stop and notice (and eat!). These stuffed figs that Lisa created for us have become a great go-to in our party prep rotation. I’ve started keeping the ingredients on […] More

halloween treat boxes

Hand out candy in style this year! Whether you are handing it out at the front door, in the classroom, or at the office – these free printable treat boxes will give your ghouls something to smile about. Choose from bright words, bats, or polkadots stuffed with goodies inside. To make the printable trick or […] More

Miniature Butterball Turkeys

What do you get when you cross ribbon fringe with copper feet, then add a wooden ball body? This adorable butterball turkey – that’s what! This is a fun project to add to the Thanksgiving table as place cards, favors, or just an ornamental piece of cheer. To make the butterball turkey: First, form the […] More

peppermint lemon sticks

While researching small town summer fairs (we plan to visit one this year), I came across a description for these peppermint lemon sticks. Have you ever had one? They are amazing! To make them you simply cut off the top 1/3 of a lemon and insert a peppermint stick. As you suck, the stick hallows […] More

Group Love Christmas Cards

When the family is far away for the holidays, connecting with cards is such a great way to make everyone’s day a little brighter. This Christmas card idea for groups is perfect for connecting from far away. You can get the entire family involved, having everyone send a card to make the final Christmas tree. Or you […] More

Colorful hanging vine garland

Bright hanging garland is always a win in my party play book. These colorful vines only take a few snips of paper and dabs of glue to connect. They can be hung across the walls or down from the ceiling – which is the best way I can imagine to brightly top a party table […] More

ice cream cake recipe

I have come to believe that any treat is always better in cake form. S’more birthday cake? Yes! Rice krispies cake? For sure. A donut cake? Indeed! So, of course an ice cream cake recipe should be next. Anything is better when you make it into a cake – that could be my new motto […] More

PomPom Valentine Heart Wreath DIY

Inside: A fun and festive heart wreath DIY project with just a heart wreath form you can create this fun pom pom heart wreath! Creating a cozy corner of the house or a comfortable welcoming wreath is something I love to do every fall. This pom pom heart wreath DIY brings a burst of color and fun […] More

fabric tape tutorial

I used my favorite scarf to make this fabric tape last year. After snagging it in a door, I was quite happy to give the accessory a new life as beautiful tape! Last week I found the tape, remembered how much I adored it and used pieces of it to brighten a otherwise boring corner. […] More

Older & wiser – our 6 year blogging birthday

Today is A Subtle Revelry’s blogging birthday! We’ve been blogging for 6 years you guys! It feels so crazy to even say that. I’ve taken the last couple weeks off work to process where we are and where we are going. I did not take a vacation. I did not go anywhere. Vacations with kids […] More

wrap it up | with glitter and bows

I’m taking advantage of the holiday weekend by showing a good friend around my new city. I wrapped up a present for her daughter’s birthday with a bit of glitter ribbon! It was really easy to make by coating ribbon with spray adhesive and sprinkling glitter right on top. The sparkle brings a nice touch […] More

Twelve days of notes

Awhile back I was thoroughly inspired by these sweet notes. I quickly went to work and found a video for the making of the fold and created a grouping of notes to celebrate Christmas with. If you are a bit behind this week you could whip up an advent calendar out of these notes in […] More

DIY Family Easter Egg Pictures

Inside: A personal touch with these Easter egg pictures! Add a personal touch to your Easter celebration this year with these fun Easter egg photo ideas! I love these Easter family picture ideas!. It is the kind of project that will make you smile to think of, and absolutely giddy to see completed. How I Used My Easter […] More

Pumpkin pie pops

There are 157 different activities that I am expected to bring treats to over the coming weeks. Something about this season makes every gathering from PFA meetings to play dates desperate for something sweet to be included. No complaints here! Keep the treats fun, easy and creative with these pumpkin pie pops. Miniature pumpkin pies […] More

6 Wellness Tips for Handling Stress During the Fall

According to a 2017 study by Gallup, 8 in 10 Americans feel stressed sometimes or frequently during their day. Most commonly, stressful emotions are caused by work or children, but lack of time and financial troubles also play a big part. During the fall, most families have to adjust their schedules for the school year. […] More

Tailgating At Home Taco Bar

It’s college football season which means tailgate season is in full force around here. Since we don’t live in our hometown and our friends love so many different teams – we decided to set up a tailgate party at home to watch the best games of the week together More

Romantic DIY Gift Boxes

Inside: A DIY gift box Simple favor boxes, a sweet note of love and a sharpie are all you need to make these simple romantic DIY gift boxes. They are a miniature rendition of the hand font wrapping and a perfect project to leave a sweet love note for your guests.  How to make this DIY gift box […] More

Free Printable Christmas Games for All Ages: 10+ Games 2024

It’s so close we can almost hear the jingle of Santa’s sleigh bells as he lands on the roof! The house is adorned in green and red with twinkly lights and fake snow everywhere. Now to plan the entertainment! Hit this link to download a printable PDF with our favorite Christmas games this year! You’ll […] More

felt watermelon cake toppers

In the middle of summer, I eat a diet filled with watermelon. The fruit is so wonderfully refreshing and an icon of the fabulous, laid back days of summer. If you don’t want to go all out and make an actual watermelon cake, or a cake that looks like a watermelon, then these toppers are […] More

Chicken Chips Dipping Bar

This post has been sponsored by Tyson Foods, Inc. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For kicking off the most fun sports season of the year, we’ve created a quick and easy DIY chicken dipping station with Tyson® Any’tizers® Chicken Chips. Having a dipping station is the perfect way to kick off a fall […] More

bright bow stockings

Lining the mantel in bright bowed stockings makes for a very merry Christmas display. Homemade stockings are an easy way to bring in personalization and your own festive style to the season. They are a simple sewing project to pull together, and if sewing an entire stocking seems overwhelming this time of year, read on […] More

Geryon E2800-C Vacuum Sealer Review

We’ve reviewed the Geryon E2800-C Vacuum Sealer to give you an idea how it works and provide the information you need to make a solid purchasing decision. More

DIY Home Photography Studio – 3 Ways

Inside: We created the perfect DIY home photography studio and how to set up a photo studio at home cheap! I know I have been promising blog updates. I have so much to share with you soon! First today, I want to share a little behind the scenes of how we get a studio look […] More

9 Best Finger Knitting Tricks & Projects

Finger knitting is all the rage with my 9-year-old these days! I adore a craft that takes such little work on my part and brings such great results for the kids! We’ve decided to put all our tips, tricks and fun DIY finger knitting projects in this one post. Learn how to finger knit and […] More

Printed Fabric DIY Pool Floats

I’m a big fan of the summer pool float craze and after loving last year’s graphic print floats, we had to do another fun pool float DIY this summer. To get the look of a custom fabric pool float for teeny fraction of the price we used a little DIY muscle and updated dollar store pool floats once again! […] More

Galaxy Inspired Chocolate Waffle Cones

With nights getting warmer, ice cream and stars are obviously on my mind and what better way to combine that love than with galaxy inspired chocolate waffle cones! Galaxy inspired chocolate waffle cones are easily one of my favorite sweet treats, both the chocolate flavor and the waffle texture combine for a treat that is […] More

DIY Holiday Holly Wreath

Inside: DIY holiday holly wreath. If you’re like me you probably have a wreath for every holiday, or maybe five. One of my favorite decorations to spruce up my home is a wreath! I have an entire collection, for every holiday, season, special event and a few to spare. HA! ;) This holly wreath is […] More

Valentine’s Day Party Ideas For Adults – A Guide

There are so many fun ideas for adult-oriented Valentine’s Day Parties. While you may wisely choose to temporarily close the Kissing Booth in this era of CoronaVirus, there are still many excellent games and activities that you can do to make your party a success.  We have gathered dozens of great ideas for creative types […] More

giant surprise balls

Have you participated in the tradition of using surprise balls? They look like so much fun and I’ve been wanting to make some for awhile. When I unpacked a stack of beach balls earlier this month I was instantly inspired to use them for an updated giant version. These would be a blast to have at a […] More

How To Build A Walk In Closet – Our Festive Home DIY Closet

How to build a walk in closet! You guys, we built our own closet for the master bedroom! And it fits all our stuff with perfection. And I’m wild about the space. So excited to take you on our little DIY closet journey today. Legitimately we (read: Matt) built a room from the studs on […] More

Making Rainbows

Happy weekend! It’s about this time every year that I start dreaming in rainbows. The end of winter is here and although we are still loving the El Nino snow packs at Tahoe, my aching for spring has begun. Making a few rainbow projects around the house tends to brighten everything up and helps us […] More

a pinata to punch!

I have been very on board with the recent pinata trend in parties. Although, for little kid parties they can sometimes become a hazard. Flying candy and bigger guys swinging around sticks sure do make a mom nervous! For the twin’s birthday this year I decided to design a pinata that you don’t need to […] More

2024 Holiday Gift Guide

The gift guide is here!!! Below you’ll find all the presents that I’m excited to grab for some of the favorite people in my life. This year we are combining all the fun ideas into this one post, so you can be sure to find something your favorite hostess, BFF, kids or beau will love here. Enjoy! […] More

Iron On DIY Dish Towels

We made our first batch of pumpkin pie pops this weekend, which means the fall baking season has officially begun! To celebrate the season we made these easy to craft DIY dish towels for the kitchen with Craft Bundles. The iron on dish towels are a fun way to get a few favorite fall quotes […] More

St. Patrick’s Day Party Ideas for Adults – A Guide

Saint Patrick is Ireland’s patron saint, having brought Christianity to the people of Ireland in the 5th century. His memory is celebrated on March 17th, the date of his death. Saint Patrick’s day is a church holiday. Its celebrations are far more religious in character in Ireland than in the States.  The holiday became more […] More

trust your gut

Most of my business decisions I make with my gut (that and my crazy 2 am crafting dreams). It is one of the pure joys of running the show around here. Something seems right and I do it – something does not and I back away. It has never failed me. We announced last spring […] More

PB&J Sandwich Cake

What’s better than a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? A peanut butter and jelly sandwich cake, of course! That’s right — we’ve taken the smooth, gooey, creaminess of peanut butter recreated as frosting, along with thick, gelatinous, sweet jelly, and spread them between two pieces of sweet cake to create the ultimate peanut butter and jelly […] More

Light bulb terrariums- a tutorial

I saw these amazing light bulb terrarium favors in Crystal and Troy’s wedding featured on Ruffled. Their whole wedding was filled to the brim with DIY goodness! These place cards/favors jumped out at me a perfect way to thank guests at any fall celebration. Crystal, the lovely new bride and is here today sharing with […] More

a closet filled with balloons

If you ever find yourself stuck at the last minute with a birthday need. Fill up 20 balloons and stack them in the honorees closet. Attach a paper note on the outside sealing the door and stand back to watch with a smile as they open up to an explosion of balloons. We filled a […] More

3 Home Office Hacks

We will be sharing the full studio tour later this week! I can’t wait to show you. Working from home has always been a priority to me (even before I had a dedicated studio). The bright and large studio space was one of the specific deciding factors in our home purchase last year and it […] More

Red velvet cream cheese cake

This post is sponsored by Philadelphia Cream Cheese. With Easter coming up in just a couple days, having a dessert that is easy to pull together will make the coming weekend’s entertaining so much easier. Adding a graphic cake and a whimsical cake topper will make your table look pulled together no matter how many […] More

How Long Can Vacuum Sealed Meat Last in the Refrigerator?

So you have a vacuum sealer but have no idea how long can vacuum sealed meat last in the refrigerator? Here is a guide for you! More

Sand Cakes Recipe

We’ve had great fun this summer visiting some of our favorite beaches. Now that my kids are old enough not to eat the actual sand, we’ve decided to make our own version of sand… this sand cakes recipe tastes amazing! The sand cakes recipe idea I remember tearing out of a magazine years ago (something ancient, […] More

My favorite party hats

I’ve always been big fans of party hats. For grown-ups they can be a chance to remember the joys of playing dress-up. And for the kids… well, you don’t need much more than a cake filled with sprinkles and a collection of fabulous hats to turn any garden into a party. I love the idea […] More

DIY Glitter Christmas Stocking Patterns

One of my favorite things to do with the family is creating personalized holiday decor, whether it be ornaments, plates, or DIY Christmas stocking patterns. I love having a lasting memory for each holiday. That’s why these Christmas stockings are one of my DIY favorites! We’ve started a new tradition of making stockings every year. It’s a fun […] More

Celebrate January Birthdays With Fun Ideas!

Celebrate January birthdays with fun ideas! From decorations to food and drinks, find the perfect january birthday ideas for your special day. More

The Cutest Clay Craft Ideas Ever!

Inside: The cutest clay craft ideas ever! For the twins recent birthday party, I was on the hunt for clay craft ideas; all because my girlie wanted to participate in the party crafting (note: I will soon have an assistant on my hands!) (Also what do you know about child labor laws? Kidding of course:). […] More

DIY Cleaning Basket For Everything Life Throws At You

This post has been sponsored by Clorox®. All thoughts and opinions are my own. As a mom & a blogger, I have to be ready for any kind of crazy mess no matter what day it is! Some days are filled with kid craft parties and glitter everywhere; other days are filled with floral clad […] More

Revisit the Fad Accessories of the 1980s!

Relive the fashion of the 80s with a look back at the iconic fad accessories of the 1980s! From hair clips to jewelry, explore the trends that defined an era. More

Making a Guest Room Work Anywhere at Home

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of CORT. All opinions are 100% mine. With the holidays approaching, we’re getting ready for a whole lot of hosting. I don’t know about you, but we absolutely love getting together with family and friends for a meal, celebration, weekend, or extended stay throughout the […] More

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Everyone

Inside: The best valentines day gift ideas for everyone on your I love you list! Valentine’s Day is coming up so soon! Are you ready? In case you still need a little help in the gift department here’s the best valentines gift guide ideas to grab the best gifts for all your people. Scroll below […] More

a merry hostess keeps guests cool

printable invites | polkadot dress | colorful cutlery | chalkboard | fruit pop recipes | striped napkins More

4th Anniversary Gift Ideas: Traditional, Modern, & Unique

The fourth anniversary is a significant milestone in any relationship. It’s a time to celebrate the love and commitment you’ve shared over the past four years, and to reflect on all that you’ve accomplished together. But what do you get your partner for this special occasion? If you’re stuck for ideas, don’t worry – we’ve […] More

sponge stamped wrapping paper

I found a few sponges lying around the house not getting any use (because you know how much I LOVE to clean) and I decided they could be living a much more glamorous life being used to apply pretty paint to paper. With this fun sponge painting technique we can create wrapping paper, artwork, cards, […] More

art inspired lunch

Melissa and her close friends gathered to celebrate a garden lunch inspired by their favorite artist, Lisa Carney. I adore the idea of taking a meaningful piece and transforming it into a celebration. How thoughtful and what a wonderful way to make a Mother’s Day brunch feel special. The ladies served up a gorgeous lunch […] More

paper star lights

The Fourth of July is coming quickly – as in, you have two days left to plan! Here is a simple last-minute idea that you can put up for the holiday, and luckily, it’s not too themed that you could leave it up for star-lit nights all summer long. I love the paper star garland […] More

Festive Home 2024

As we jump back into the new year I can’t wait to get back to work on our house. Last night our city had a huge flood – this video is from the street just below our house yesterday! While we are on high ground and made it through the night with only an inch or so […] More

A Yummy Vegan Chickpea Salad

Inside: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Vegan Since we are diving quickly into brunch season having a go-to salad is a perfect way to always make the table look awesome. This toasted chickpea salad has quickly become a standby for every brunch and dinner party we host. The flavors meld wonderfully together and even though it’s easy to […] More

Rainbow Pickled Veggies

Pickling veggies sounds like something I would never do… until I did it once and realized it is crazy easy to do! We started pickling different veggies last year and it has become a little bit of an obsession. You can basically pickle anything and it automatically tastes 100% better! We’ve started making them in advance […] More

A Natural and Bright Holiday

I’m inspired this season by natural elements and bright colors. Before we jump into the Christmas season in full-force this week, here are some of my favorite posts that are perfect for incorporating a bright and natural style this season: hot cocoa ornaments (above). How to make natural wood garland. Apple wood cakes stands and a pretty […] More

splatter paint paper party decor

Have you noticed the recent trend towards splatter paint? I’ve started seeing it popping up lately and just keep smiling that same, jean-overalls-are-back-in-style nostalgic smile. There’s nothing like getting to craft a trend that I loved creating in school. Bring it all back! The thing about splatter paint is that it is super addicting. It […] More

jingle chime garland

You guys… We turned on the Christmas music this weekend! I just couldn’t wait any longer :) The season is coming and, although I still have a few Thanksgiving goodies to share, I am definitely ready to get a jump on our holiday decorating and ideas. I’ve decided this year that having a select few […] More

Blueberry Crumble (With a Secret Ingredient)

It is summer- which means my favorite outing with the kiddos: berry picking! We romp around the mud, filling our buckets and sampling the juicy berries.  We have blackberries and strawberries nearby, but you know what I wish we had? Blueberries! I love a good blueberry crumble, blueberry buckle or blueberry pie. But, sometimes those […] More

Bring the Magic of Alice in Wonderland to Life with These Games!

Bring the magic of Alice in Wonderland to life with these fun alice in wonderland games! From decorations and costumes to activities and food ideas, we’ve got you covered for your next themed party. More

70s Theme Party

The 70s era was fun and lively and evokes nostalgic vibes for many people. A 70s theme party is a great way to celebrate the most enjoyable aspects of the era, with retro costumes, food, activities, and music. How to Throw a 70s Theme Party Here are some retro 70s party theme ideas that include […] More

Dish stamp- tutorial

One of the amazing handcrafted pieces from DISH dinners that I instantly loved was the stamped logo used at each event. It can be seen on the napkins, floral cones and favor bags. A simple project that has unlimited possibilities for parties, weddings and even around your home. Jessica is here to share the tutorial […] More

My Favorite Galentines Day Ideas

Inside: Fun and flirty galentines day ideas! With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, harnessing my inner Leslie Knope and taking a turn out with the girls is always fun. Whether it’s brunch, drinks or an evening out on the town – celebrating the love of friends is always a great idea! Here are a few […] More

party in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a town brimming with history and engaged in a thriving creative community. Host to the Altitude Design Summit, many bloggers and design enthusiasts recently traveled to this mountain west mecca and experienced a touch of the city’s classic charm. It’s a great town to throw a party in! I love the […] More

better together

I love the daily, personal awesomeness of blogging. I love the incredible editorial abilities of producing a digital magazine… After a year of teetering back and forth it was decided: let’s do something different together! Who says we have to be one or the other? Digital media is free range, so here we go. Blog […] More

Styled. | the art of Autumn merry making

May I present issue two Styled. – the art of Autumn Merrymaking. Over 100 pages filled with some of my favorite ideas, people, projects and links for making merry this fall. The collaborative force behind this issue is nothing less then astounding. Thank you to everyone who was involved in it’s production. I am incredibly happy […] More

Homemade macaroons

In an effort to encourage celebrating simply, my third styled Christmas design is filled with tiny hints of simplicity. Easy details you could incorporate to create a relaxed holiday with a little added sparkle! For instance homemade macaroons… In an effort to have this fabulously trendy treat but stay within budget, I decided to try […] More

Dreaming of new things…

This has been a week of introductions fitting for a new year. New series… new plans… and an excitement about what is to come in the next year! I am planning on taking an extra few minutes tomorrow to enjoy the fresh feelings and giddiness of hope that tends to come this time of year. […] More

Fall Pumpkin Salsa

Tis’ the season for football, tailgates, feasts and all the parties! With this comes the ever present request to… Come on over and bring a side dish! So many side dishes. I’m partnering with Kenmore Appliances today to whip up our fall go-to side dish. A festive fall pumpkin salsa that is everything amazing about […] More

face decal party balloons

Who remembers these family photo face eggs? They were one of my favorite projects ever. Putting our faces on inanimate objects is just too much fun. So obviously… balloons are next!!! About this time of year, there is a push to get our family photos done for the Christmas cards. When trying to think of […] More

The Cutest Printable Animal Masks for Kids

Inside: The cutest printable animal masks for kids. It’s officially October and you know what that means, it’s time to start planning costumes! These cute printable animal masks are the perfect Halloween DIY. This fall DIY is such an easy and GREAT for the kids to help you make. Now let get to trick-or-treating, check […] More

Make Your Next Party Sweet with Pool Noodle Lollipops!

Make your next party a hit with these easy-to-make pool noodle lollipops! Learn how to make them, decorate them, and store them for the perfect sweet treat. More

8 Favorite Blog Reads

Every New Year I try to take a little time to invest in refreshing my blog feeds. I have a small list of oldie but goodie blogs that I still enjoy reading daily, but with hundreds of new sites popping up always – it is fun to find a few new inspirations every so often. […] More

DIY Emoji Ornaments

Bring your favorite emojis to life… on the tree with these  Big DIY Emoji ornaments! Using clear ball ornaments and a bit of paint creates the best little faces for adorning Christmas in every mood imaginable. I loved all the feelings this emoji feeling cake felt, and now to create all the feelings on a tree […] More

Our Laundry Room Reveal

We jumped into doing a bathroom/laundry combo remodel late this summer when I got a crazy idea that we might as well just go ahead and MOVE THE LAUNDRY ROOM! We have the bathroom downstairs on one side of the stairs and had a small funky shaped room on the other that was just being […] More

How to Make a Watermelon Basket

Inside: How to make a mini watermelon favor basket with a watermelon template. Summer is all being outside and enjoying! From BBQs to picnics, it is always nice to add simple custom details to the easy summer gatherings. This year I’m loving the simple details of these printable watermelon favor baskets. They are colorful, fresh and […] More

Christmas in a bottle

Happy Monday, I believe I’ve finally recovered from the craze of last week. Today I want to share the last project from our holiday at the beach. We filled mason jars with many cute little holiday treasures, wrote a sweet note on a star, tied them up and sent them off into the ocean. We […] More

Rainbow Paper Garland

I am loving this fun rainbow garland! We crafted it using paper rounded into circles for a whimsical and unique take on the rainbow garland trend. With Saint Patrick’s Day coming, and a spring sky filled with clouds today – the hope of a rainbow is seemingly everywhere. This easy to craft rainbow garland is a […] More

merrymaking 8.20.2012

Happy Friday. We’ve been celebrating the marriage of my little brother this week and I am in the best mood! Something about weddings just makes every moment seem so special. Plus, the fire-flys here in New York are amazing. We are headed into the big city this weekend (YAY!). Before we take off, I wanted […] More

The cutest tattoo ever!

I am not a fan of tattoos. I mean on other people, I am all, “ohhh, that’s so cool”. But the basic concept of paying someone to inflict pain on me is one I find uncomfortable. Also, there’s never been a tattoo that I’ve thought – I want that on me. FOREVER. This one though. […] More

A Budding Artist Girl’s Bedroom

For the kid’s rooms, I try to make them a bit of a collaboration. I want their spaces to reflect who they are and give them some control in the decision making process. For my daughter’s new room she asked for pink and for art, because those things make her wonderfully happy. We rounded up […] More

Free Printable Tattoos Summer Designs

Inside: Free printable tattoos designs.  Temporary tattoos are so much fun! Ever since we shared the hand traced temporary tattoos, I’ve been anxious to produce more. They are playful, colorful and easy to use, awesome fun for a summer afternoon. We’ve designed this colorful summer inspired bunch because it’s outdoor party season and accessorizing summer outfits with […] More

shredded carrot ice cream

Homemade ice cream is something I love to make. While, rolling it out in mason jars is definitely the most fun – this carrot ice cream recipe tastes so much creamier and includes real, raw carrots! Cookie cutting the ice cream bars into carrot shapes gives a fabulous way to present the treat for spring, […] More

A Donut Bouquet For The Best Birthday Morning

Making a Donut Bouquet really is the best birthday idea ever. Whether you’re making one for yourself (happy birthday to me!), or for a friend, coworker, kid. Everyone will love you when you show up on the scenes with a bouquet of donuts in hand! And with a little craftiness up your sleeve this donut […] More

25 Easy Handmade Bows

Although, the Christmas season is behind us there are still many reasons to give gifts this coming year – birthdays, wedding season and Valentines day are all coming quickly. Here is a roundup of my favorite bow tutorials for topping every present you give this year with simple, beautiful style. 1 double bow – creature comforts | […] More

ps. Morse code for dad

After designing the Morse code treat bags for mom, I realized that dad would also feel very cool (James Bond like) dressed in code. Transform a pair of suspenders, mark up a ball cap, or update a tie for his special day with the alphabet and a bit of hand stitched thread. Photo by Carly […] More

bubblegum garland

Move over cranberries… there’s a new festive Christmas favorite to string. Bubblegum! I stumbled upon one very large jar of bright bubblegum the other day and just knew it needed a second life strung up as garland on one of my trees. Stringing up sweets is an old holiday tradition. We’ve done popcorn, cranberries, and […] More

The Cutest Heart Garland DIY for Valentines!

Inside: We have created the cutest heart valentines day garland diy!  The only thing better than bright confetti garland is a garland with an added dimension to it. Don’t you agree? With its simple heart shapes and pretty colors, this heart valentines day garland diy has it all. An easy project to bring a detail of […] More

red velvet funnel cakes

Although, funnel cakes are a popular fixture at summertime fairs they can be brought into fall by making them at home with a twist on the original. Red velvet funnel cakes with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and sweet cream cheese icing (YUM!). Welcome fall with this sweet treat served on paper plates with bottled […] More

How to make a cake topper with silk flowers

Inside: How to make a cake topper with silk flowers. When thinking about topping cakes for birthdays and showers I always search for a dramatic look with minimal effort. That’s exactly what this fun and a DIY bouquet of fake flower cake topper is. I’ve fallen in love with the look of sugar flowers on a cake […] More

25 Awesome Party Hats

My birthday is coming up next month (hooray!). We have a whole slew of really exciting party ideas coming up to celebrate. The first being a party hat series kicking off next week – with some favorite homemade ideas to make everyone feel celebrated on their most special day. To kick us off, here are […] More

Throwing the Ultimate Harry Potter Party: Ideas and Inspiration

Throw the perfect Harry Potter party with these magical ideas! From decorations to costumes, get inspired with our Harry Potter party ideas. More

Baby Boy Bow Tie DIY

Inside: How to make a baby boy bow tie DIY This DIY baby bow tie is a super easy beginner project that is so adorable for baby showers, birthdays or just for your boy to wear around! DIY Baby Bow Tie Here is how to make your easy DIY baby boy bow ties: First start […] More

why don’t we – make an icebox cake

We are taking the rest of the week off for a vacation and to celebrate the Fourth of July. I love this mid-summer holiday. The mix of the heat and the patriotism creates the best kinds of fun (so many great 4th of July ideas). With the holiday and the heat, this weekend is the […] More

Banner cookies

Say happy birthday, yum, congrats, or anything special with these banner cookies. Each banner is a cute party detail and a yummy treat tied into one special sweet. I love simple tricks like this, that can turn any cookie moment (from afternoon snack time to a milestone birthday) even sweeter! Banner Cookies Start by making […] More

dip dyed bouquet holders

Spring is a favorite around here for many reasons. The sun, the light, the flowers… The Flowers! To show off your flowers in pretty style these dip dyed bouquet holders are a great addition to any bouquet. They’re subtle, artistic, and completely gorgeous on their own. Adding flowers to the dip dyed paper will transform […] More

Cigar favors

I am so pleased to announce that I am one of the new contributing editors over at Inspired Bride this fall. There I will be posting a new DIY’s and encouraging handcrafted design for all the brides-to-be! This week I started off with cigar favors, topped by sweetest goodbye bottle caps. They even have a […] More

25 Glow In The Dark Party Ideas – Colorful & Fun!

Fear not! Glow in the dark parties doesn’t have to be a hassle! As daunting as they might sound to organize, they can be as quick and easy to throw together like the dinner you cooked last night. People of all ages can enjoy the experience, and more importantly, everyone can have fun at these […] More

100+ Know Your Worth Quotes to Remind You Of What You Deserve

Your life is something a massive gift that you’re extremely lucky to have, but how much is it worth? A lot by default, as human life is invaluable, but it scales all the way up to what you make of it. This post will give you over a hundred quotes that will remind you to […] More

Bacon Wrapped Butternut Squash Appetizer

Inside: The tastiest butternut squash appetizer recipe for the best game day potlucks. Game day is coming up and I am so ready for all the hosting and being hosted that game day bring along with them. The bacon wrapped butternut squash appetizer is one of my favorite apps for serving guests or bringing along […] More

10 wreaths for fall

Wreaths are one of the simplest ways to dress up a space for any occasion. Traditionally, they are made from Evergreen branches and symbolize strength and unity. If you need a quick decoration to welcome guests at your front door, then these easy wreath tutorials are perfect. Read Article: Holly Wreath The yarn ball wreath […] More

Why don’t we… craft with sweethearts candy

Happy Friday! It’s the time of year to talk in the language of sweethearts candy. Love, cuteness, and calling someone a hottie – all those little one words statements that really mean love. And what better way to give candy hearts then on balloons!?! I was so excited to see these beauties in the store […] More

Tips For Giving Bright Flowers

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mommas! If you are a mom, may you be loved and may your bright flowers be gorgeously collected this weekend. After years of longing, Mother’s Day is always such a special day for me and we are celebrating this year with the best gift ever… bright flowers! Gifting and […] More

Free & fabulous party fonts

Our party font series has been one of our most popular and longest running series on the blog (see the entire series right here). As much as I try, I can’t seem to stop sharing them. It’s a good thing too – because the awesome font creators of the Internet continue to create new free and fabulous fonts all […] More

Mug Cake Recipe – Bakes In 2 Minutes

My favorite thing about cakes is how great they taste. My least favorite thing about them is how long they take to make. Enter in my new favorite mug cake recipe. Filled with all the chocolate goodness I love about a cake, with no mess and made in just 2 minutes in the microwave! This […] More

Adorable Toddler Halloween Costume Ideas

My rule for kid’s costumes is that they must be cute (not too spooky), crafty, and able to brighten someone’s day. A tall order? Here are my ideas for the best costumes for kids that can be crafted in about an hour. These will definitely bring a smile to everyone you see! Homemade Toddlers Halloween […] More

favorite christmas gift – soup delivery

Last year, I found a new favorite Christmas gift to give. I cooked up a couple batches of my favorite homemade soup and collected pretty soup pots throughout the month. I filled them with soup and brought that with a crusty loaf of french bread to a few chosen friends. The gift was accompanied with […] More

DIY Earth Day Seed Bombs

Inside: Earth Day Seed Bombs Earth Day is such a special day of the year! Every April 22nd, hundreds would gather together to bring attention to our environmental crisis. Reminding those to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Loving our Earth doesn’t have to be just a once a year occasion, but what better day to start! […] More

FoodSaver FM2100 Review

You never really think you need a vacuum sealer until you own one! These amazing machines can make storage of solid and liquid foods a simple and easy process. Most homeowners believe that these machines are expensive and unnecessary but on the contrary, the benefits of owning a vacuum sealer far exceed its cost. More

my real life pinterest board

I have a confession to make. I’ve been a pinner all my life. Have you? Since a very young age I would find things I loved – photos that inspired me – and tear them out to keep. In college I had an actual pinboard I would use and as my inspiration stack grew – […] More

Animal Cracker Ice Cream

Since we all loved the animal cracker milkshakes I featured earlier this year, I’ve asked Andrea to pop in and teach us how to make an ice cream version of the yumminess. Animal cracker ice cream! This recipe is made with the cookies mixed inside for a super tasty treat. I can imagine it going over wildly well […] More

25 Crafted Ideas for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a holiday that always sneaks up on me, and I end up wishing I had spent a bit more time and thought on it. I mean, if you are going to craft a present for ANY holiday – isn’t Mother’s Day the perfect one? So here are 25 favorite projects to make […] More

sticker star wall constellation

It’s star gazing season! As soon as the weather turns the slightest bit warm (we cannot help ourselves!) My family gets quickly obsessed with being outdoors. The grass, the sun and the stars are all so much brighter in the summer. This is the first year the kids are really understanding the solar system and […] More

reason to celebrate | party animals

A pig in a party hat… because it is Friday and we all need a celebratory smile to end our week! I had a doozy week with sickness, snowy weather and preparing for a trip away with the twins all vying for my sanity. Next week I will be blogging from Las Vegas and sharing […] More

bright and festive party garland

Some parties don’t need a theme, they just need a bright burst of awesome color. In fact, I think it’s the key to turning any space into a party spot – a big burst of whimsy and color. Which is exactly why I am loving this funky garland for fall. Just when colors begin to […] More

long and skinny candles

Long skinny candles are a birthday party favorite, but they are hard to find and expensive to purchase. I’ve made my own princess in pink and the process is so easy, I am excited to show you how. The candles have a very homemade and festive feel to them which is perfect for birthdays and special occasions. […] More

A Summer Ready Pool

Opening up the pool every year is like a national holiday! It can also be a lot of work to make sure the water is safe for the whole family to jump around and play their pool party games in. After all, it is the season of fun More

Painted Seashells

Are you packing up your family, and heading off to a beach vacation this summer? We are getting packed and ready for our annual long summer trip to Las Vegas (where there are no seashells at all) and then to the beach (where there are plenty!). Here is a simple craft to bring along for […] More

Why don’t we… trim it in pink

Happy Easter weekend friends. I am signing off to celebrate the holiday, my soon coming birthday, and a festive family vacation. I plan to wake up at the beach all next week. Joy! It is definitely needed after all the craziness that went along with launching our first book. I’ve already reserved a pink rimmed […] More

DIY Candy Bouquet A.K.A. The Sweetest Present Ever

Saying thank you and goodbye to teachers this last month was made a little easier with this candy bouquet DIY present. The treat is a fun twist on a bouquet of flowers, but so much sweeter! We made a birthday donut bouquet earlier this year and this concept is similar, except we are switching out […] More

3 Ideas For A Fun Bath Time

With the kids going back to school we are also working on getting back to our routines everyday. Things like taking a baths daily tend to get forgotten in our lake filled summer fun. As we jump back into the daily… it helps our transition when I can add in a little fun for them. […] More

How to Cook Lobster (fancy!)

Now that we are in the thick of summer. I’ve been thinking about a few things I really want to be sure we make happen. I know don’t live in Cape Cod, but I’ve found someone to teach me how to cook lobster because that is what I’m currently craving. Sometimes you just need a […] More

Whiskey Cake Recipe With A Sour Twist

It’s a know fact that cakes with alcohol in them are sweeter! There’s something about how the ingredients mix together that makes the sweet so deliciously sweet. Which is why we decided to cut it a little in our own version of a whiskey cake recipe gone sour. A whiskey sour cake to name it […] More

graphic map details

Maps are incredibly versatile, they provide easy ways to personalize your party decor. Decoupage votives or napkin wraps and put a meaningful map location at each place setting. Guests will enjoy trying to figure out which place is theirs! Maps are also great for creating drink service trays. Purchase a wooden tray from the craft […] More

reusable drink carrier

Be a good (and stylish) guest this summer and bring your BBQ drinks in a reusable fabric drink carrier. Then leave it for your host to enjoy! To make the carriers use a rectangular piece of fabric about a yard long. Fold it up, cut to size and glue into place. At each end use […] More

Honeycomb stars

This post is sponsored by Pure Leaf. It doesn’t take much to brighten up a space for having friends over for a quick spring drink. Hanging a few bright honeycomb stars and enjoying simple iced tea cocktails make enjoying a quick cocktail moment easy and fun. With our busy schedule, I have become a huge […] More

Easy to Make Paper Palm Leaves

Inside: Easy to Make Paper Palm Leaves Who else is loving the trend of palm leaves, pampas grass, and greenery? I know I am! My obsession with naturals and earthy textiles could *almost* be overboard, almost! There is just one problem. As much as I love having plants scattered throughout my home, I am still […] More

fringe confetti Halloween mask

This project was inspired by the confetti-fringe-streamer trend, and my need for fun + affordable Halloween options. An owl mask, made from a paper bag and streamers! It’s a favorite around our house this year. Plus, it’s an easy costume for for kids or adults. With the eyes having cut-outs to see through (safety first!), and worn over […] More

Fruit cake inspired by the farmers market

A farmer’s market inspired fruit cake is great fun to serve at brunch this season. Nothing says spring treats like the bright reds and oranges of my favorite fruits made into a cake. Fruits made even better than the normal market stash… Because they are birthday cakes! I love an individual fruit cake for serving at brunches and […] More

Animals For Older Boys

My boy loves animals. They’ve always been a theme in his bedrooms one way or another. Now that he is a little older I wanted to update the look from baby boy little animals to a design that would grow with him. I love the large graphic pieces in his space that bring the animal theme […] More

Bright Accordion Paper Wreath for a 10-Minute Party Set Up

I am always looking for simple ways to brighten up the house, especially during summer and this paper wreath is my favorite way to do it! A burst of color on the door, a gorgeously hued corner – bright festive touches always make me so glad to be home. And the festive details around the […] More

Our Basement Bathroom Renovation With Before & After Photos

Our downstairs bathroom is done just in time for all our holiday guests. Whoohoo! This bathroom was supposed to be our “easy” fall project before jumping into the master suite, but 3 months later and I have to say it was one of the most challenging rooms to date. From a custom built shower pan […] More

10 WWE® Watch Party Games

Ok, so WWE® is apparently the new thing for kids to watch and play. Anyone else in the same boat as me? Mine are constantly asking to watch the big fight and have their friends over for a big watch party. So, in my true party planning fashion, I’ve come up with some ideas to make it tons of fun! More

Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies Midnighting As Easter Bunny Cookies

I so totally can’t believe it’s March, where are the days going? We’re already thinking about spring break ideas, picnics in the park with these yummy lemon poppy seed cookies and Easter that is on it’s way, almost too soon. But, I am really excited that we’re getting into spring and that means ALL the […] More

Brighter Days Ahead with Dollar General

This post has been sponsored by Mars Wrigley Confectionery. All thoughts and opinions are my own. It’s the time of year when everyone’s day could get a little brighter! The gloom of winter has fully set in and I’m so excited that M&M’S® Messages Chocolate Candies at Dollar General are here to make our work […] More

A storybook spread

The storybook snacks from our recent birthday party were laid out on an extra long and skinny table filled with cheeses, vegetables and the most scrumptious looking nibbles. I envisioned a spread sophisticated yet playful, like it could have stood right in the midst of a favorite classic. Storybook flags popped out of the cheese […] More

DIY Diamond Paper Wreath

I love a good wreath, I love to decorate with them and hang them wherever I can. I especially love creating new wreaths for each season to place on my front door. I look at it as the first impression for my guest walking into my home! This paper wreath has to be one of […] More

What to Wear to a 1920s Party: Hair, Makeup, Music & More!

Discover the perfect look for your 1920s party! Learn what to wear, plus tips on hair, makeup, music, food & drinks, decorations & props. More

a merry hostess throws a picnic

outdoor tablesetting | straws for sipping | towel/blanket | tart | picnic attire | basket of goodies There is still summer left to enjoy friends! Let’s make the most of it and picnic outdoors. See more picnic ideas and projects here. More

3D Perler Bead Patterns – How To Make Your Own 3D Easter Eggs

Inside: 3D Perler bead patterns featuring Easter eggs Easter is just around the corner and that means our world is about to fill up with chocolate bunnies, sugary marshmallow chicks, and fun and fancily decorated eggs. There is nothing I love more than boldly colored eggs scattered across my dining room table and scattered around the backyard […] More

Festive emoji cheat sheet

I’m so excited about this festive emoji cheat sheet. I’ve been finding myself using less words and more emoji’s when writing. I’ve started doodling them in my handwritten notes throughout the day and wishing they were avaliable to use – always. Anyone else in the same boat? We even included a couple in the recent […] More

Homemade paper flower tutorial

As we close out Celebrate picnic month later today (I will be announcing all the winners in just a few hours) I want to encourage each of us to continue enjoying the summer, resting under trees and making picnics for those we love. Here is a sweet addition I created that will lend a lovely […] More

Colorful Wall Sprinkles

I mentioned this morning that the kids are officially back in school for the year. It is always bittersweet to have them go. They love it so much and I love the free time to work – but also I miss them like crazy. To get myself ready for the fall we’ve been working hard […] More

Passionate crafting with the kids

This blog post is sponsored by Mott’s and SocialMoms.  We all have certain images of motherhood before it happens. Although your dreams may have been different then mine, I know they existed (don’t lie). Before the twins were born, I often daydreamed of us happily crafting together with their friends on play dates. The sun […] More

4 Tips For Planning A Room Update

We are just about a year into our enormous project of purchasing and renovating a home. This house is a fixer upper in all possible senses. While it has great bones, an awesome location, and a gorgeous property – the house was passed up on by everyone else because of the tremendous amount of work […] More

DIY Printable Planner The Ultimate Back-To-School Project

I don’t know about you, but I LOVE a new planner when the school year starts again. This DIY printable planner that is also paintable means I get customize exactly the way I want to, which gets me even more excited about all the organization I’m about to do! More

The Cutest DIY Hat Rack Ever!

Inside: DIY Hat Rack. We. Are. Obsessed. There are two things in this world that we love above all else, a cute DIY and organization! This DIY hat rack combines those two wonderful things and makes it into the perfect DIY project. We love this pegboard inspired hat rack and it’s fun color combo. I […] More

polka dot balloons

Balloons are a great way to make any space party ready. They are easy to grab when I’m running 10 minutes late, and they quickly brighten up a room. I wanted to add a bit of texture and fun to our most recent festivities – so polka dot balloons quickly came to mind. We’ve done […] More

A perfect pair- coffee & tea tasting bar…

A perfect pair plum & gray. A perfect pair coffee & cream. A perfect pair tea & sugar. A perfect pair her & him. It was a blessed afternoon that I was honored to share with a new group of friends. We celebrated love, gave marriage advice and filled our stomachs with coffee & tea. […] More

animal magnets

Looking for a more affordable way to give this gift to my holiday hosts, I came up with a very easy way to make an entire bunch of adorable animal magnets for giving this season. They are quite happy to look at and will make the notes of shopping and dinner preparations even more pleasant […] More

DIY Mini Letter Balloons

Inside: The cutest DIY Mini Letter Balloons! I’ve always been a fan of mini letter balloons  – they look exceptionally great in NYE balloon headbands. But sometimes the standard size just doesn’t cut it and the store bought shapes can seem limiting. When you have a desperate need to make a mini cactus balloon – sometimes […] More

Clear Slime Recipe

(Photography ©A Subtle Revelry by Ashlyn Savannah Photo). More

Moss Heart Garland

This time of year is so weird for decorating. Thanksgiving is a feast to be celebrated, but then again, do I really want to decorate just to take it all down for evergreen wreaths and Christmas lights in a couple weeks? My solution – DIY moss heart garland! Their natural beauty will make a great backdrop […] More

The Best Summer Party Ideas

Inside: Summer Party Ideas. This post is sponsored by EDWARDS® Desserts. All opinions are my own. We are in the final stretch of the school year and I have a serious case of summer-can’t-come-soon-enough, get-those-kids-out-of-school mindset. I love summer for so many reasons, but this year having the time and space to host small gatherings and […] More

a unicorn party

The magical, make believe world of child’s mind can lend itself to the most enchanting of parties. Unicorns prancing around a living room floor, for example, transport us back to the days of dress up, knights and the whimsical world of a princess. Carly, photographer extraordinaire, who you see around here often, has a baby […] More

why don’t we… induldge in pumpkin ice cream

It’s about this time every year I start craving pumpkin. pumpkin seeds three-way, pumpkin bourbon slushie, bake a cake inside a pumpkin… As long as it’s from a pumpkin, there’s a decent chance I will love it. Last year I was introduced to pumpkin ice cream! The game has been forever changed. Move over every […] More

Painted starfish cake toppers

There’s nothing like a bright starfish to pull any party quickly into summer. These little guys are pure festive party fun! Collect a bunch on the beach (or order a selection of them right here). A little paint is all you need to turn anyday into a summer par-tay. ;) Use the starfish to top […] More

9 Delicious Strawberry Desserts

Strawberries may not yet be in season, but that does not mean that you can’t start planning all the delicious meals you can make with them. Most people are content with just having them on their own or including them in salads. But you know where else they shine? Why in desserts of course! Related […] More

15 Colorful Advent Countdowns

Christmas is coming, Christmas is coming, Christmas is coming! We’ve been eating all the pie we can these last few week, but can’t hold the holiday cheer back any longer. I can hardly wait for the most joyful day of the year. And what better way to welcome this oh-so-special season than with a fun […] More

The Cutest DIY Envelope Liners

Inside: DIY envelope liners It’s the time of year I always start thinking about everyone I’d like to say thank you too. Our awesome teachers, mom, dad, the friend who carpools with me on Wednesdays. Something about the spring garners in me a crazy desire to thank everyone who has been a part of our […] More

reason to celebrate | improv sewing

As many of you know I am familiar, and oddly fearful of my sewing machine. It really takes a lot to make me drag it out and remember the 47 steps to make a straight stitch. When my friend Debra shared with me about her new sewing book… I was nervous it was going to […] More

reason to celebrate | freedom

We are on vacation this week, but I wanted to wish you a happy Fourth of July! Freedom is such a gift and a wonderful reason to celebrate today. xoxo More

Making Your DIY Lunch Box Cute 2 Simple Ways

It’s that time of year! Gosh, I always feel like summer just starts and then it’s time to start seeing all the school supplies lining the shelves again. Every year we get the kids new lunch boxes for school and I am always underwhelmed with the selection. This year we decided to take the matter into our own hands and have come up with DIY lunch boxes that are cute, personalized and so fun for the new school year ahead. More

How to Organize Your Craft Room + Ideas

Inside: How to Organize Your Craft Room + Ideas Chances are that if you have landed here then you are most likely an avid crafter, or are looking to up your crafting game! First, Welcome we are glad you are here. Second, let’s talk about how MESSY crafting really is! I mean, is it just […] More

Wooden Stenciled Placemats

Craft these graphic stenciled wooden placemats to bring modern warmth to your holiday table. The placemats are simple and can be designed in any color palette you choose. Make the placemats by first downloading the PDF right here. Print onto a sheet of adhesive printer paper. Using an X-acto knife and cutting mat, carefully cut […] More

ruffled table runner

Disney has been one for my favorite crafters for a very long time. Mostly because she comes up with the greatest ideas using simple everyday materials. Like this amazing use of two very cheap plastic table cloths! Most of us have them lying around and they look surprisingly pretty when ruffled together. To make the […] More

Whiskey & Castles Our Scotland Week Long Itinerary

We’ve been back from our Scotland trip for over a week now and I’ve been so excited to share this one week Scotland itinerary with you. When planning the trip we knew that we wanted a mix of whiskey & castles and Scotland was the perfect place to plan for both! The week we spent […] More

dried herb escort cards

The first day of spring always leaves me giddy. Flowers blooming, farmer’s markets opening and all the gorgeous inspiration that comes from this season of new life. To kick it off, try out these dried herb escort cards that I designed for Project Wedding, see the full tutorial here. Drying herbs is such an easy […] More

Temporary Confetti Dot Glasses

The holidays are littered with special occasions fit for big doses of bling and celebration. Use this simple project to bring it, wash it off, and still be able to use your glasses come January. I love how the removable confetti dotes take ho-hum everyday glasses and make them celebration worthy- simple and quick! They […] More

Mini-fiesta bunting & party

I am in quite the holding pattern these days… Waiting on photography, article releases etc before sharing my recent celebration goodies with you. In the meantime another AMAZING handcrafted celebration… Fiesta style! I’ve fallen in desperate love with the recent mini-bunting-on-cake trend. I have also begun a small fetish with laser-cut banners. Combine these two […] More

sparkle and lace bunting

A recent bunting DIY with sparkle and lace! I first used this idea for our Valentine’s girls night and imagine it to be a gorgeous touch for any winter wedding. I saved the project after photographing it to use with our Christmas decor. The texture and sparkle lend such a festive touch. See the complete […] More

Potato Print

Making prints from vegetables always comes out great – we created these favorite celery art prints and these carrot ones that I’m so glad you loved. For a quick house art update this summer we decided to try our hands at printing with potatoes. The softness of a potato allows it to be easily carved […] More

Umbrella beach place cards

With wedding season here and showers galore to plan this year (so many showers!). I’ve been putting together a number of place card ideas. I’m always on the hunt for simple and fun ideas that won’t take forever to pull together for a large party. These sweet umbrellas are the best! A great place card idea […] More

merrymaking 6.22.2012

Ahhhh… summer! This week has been such a fun kick off to the season of sunshine bliss. We hosted our first party on the front lawn and I’ve spent the afternoons jumping from the mini-trampoline into the pool, which just never gets old:) I am feeling refreshed and insanely inspired right now. On Monday I am excited […] More

raw fruit layer cake

Tis’ the season for pies, cakes and sweets! Sometimes the insanity of all the goodies we eat over the next 6 weeks starts to add up. So why not serve up something healthy for a change!?! This fruit cake looks amazing and is an awesome option for a more healthy dessert. This vegan, raw, gluten […] More

Fun Paw Patrol Birthday Party Game Ideas – A Guide

So you’ve decided upon a Paw-Patrol themed birthday party for your child. You’ve chosen the birthday cake, the designs and party favors, and the music.  Tip: Remember, when you are organizing your party try to represent all the show’s characters. Children who are familiar with this popular show will each have their personal favorites. Including […] More

DIY Pom Pom Napkin Rings

Inside: DIY Pom Pom Napkin Rings Spring and Summer are the perfect seasons for a dinner celebration! We have Easter, Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, and Memorial Day to just name a few. For us, there are several spring and summer birthdays that require the most festive of dinner celebrations. Mine being included! These DIY […] More

Love Bug Valentine Balloons You Can Make For One Dollar!

Inside: The cutest Love Bug Valentine Balloon for your Valentine’s Day party! It’s Valentines Day! I’m running around like crazy today between class parties and all the fun. Every year we bring dollar store balloons to the kid’s school. I honestly cannot think of any way to better spend a buck than on these cute […] More

paper leaf party garland

Making party garland out of a simple piece of paper is such a great way to brighten up a room. Paper is super affordable and cutting is a skill we’ve all learned how to master. Plus, this bright leaf garland strand can be made in the span of one Parks and Rec episode – great […] More

reason to celebrate | easy summer dinner invites

I spotted this photo over the weekend and found it such an inspiring piece for a summer eve’s dinner. Make it work for your next porch party by simply photographing a few of the fresh ingredients you will be using and scribbling a quick note onto the back with the place and time that you […] More

What’s In My Travel Bag

This post is done in partnership with Nature Valley. Find everything you need for your travel bag there. I flew out to N. Carolina for work this week and before I left I grabbed all those last minute essentials that make traveling for work just a little bit easier. When we are on location, it […] More

How To Make A Paper Flowers

Inside: We have created the perfect paper flower tutorial that shows you exactly how to make flowers out of paper! How to make paper flowers that are bright, bold and beautiful. It’s easier than you might think and I’m excited to show you how to do it today! Nothing brightens up a brunch quite like […] More

embroidered pumpkins

Looking for a different and (VERY) pretty way to carve your pumpkins this year? Look no further than a bit of yarn, a needle, and paint. Embroidered pumpkins have everything we love about carving, and the criss-crossing strings add a nice graphic punch to the mix. Using yarn and a simple pattern, you don’t even […] More

Wild Animal Pencil Toppers

Topping back to school pencils in style is a great way to get everyone excited for all the writing and school work ahead. Inspired by the fun loving animals of the upcoming animated film, The Wild Life, we created a few wild and spunky animal pencil toppers of our own, including one of our favorites […] More

why don’t we – build something with cardboard

Cardboard is such a great crafting material – we’ve been collecting a lot of it in preparation for Halloween crafts. When I saw the trailer for the new Boxtrolls movie with my kids, I instantly thought – that is so cool. They make not just crafts, but an entire village out of cardboard! That is […] More

fabric favor bags for a party at your desk

A stash of stiffened fabric bags filled with bright candy will make splendid party favors for a dreary winter day! They are also an easy and cheap New Year’s desk update. I filled four of them with bright colored pencils for a dose of festive cheer at my (otherwise boring) computer home. See the tutorial […] More

25 genius ideas for spring

This weekend we turned up the time… Hooray! Colors are beginning to pop up everywhere, and I’m so excited to put away my winter coat and get picnicking. It is truly the most beautiful season of the year. Cure your spring fever with these 25 genius ideas to get in the mood for the season. Chocolate […] More

cotton candy s’mores

This summer treat was brought to life at an afternoon glitter party. I hoped for a dessert reminiscent of summertime camping trips, but without the danger of fire near the girls for our play date. In the place of roasted marshmallows we stuck bright pink cotton candy with a dash of baking glitter. And can I say, they are […] More

party in | Washington, D.C.

Ah, our nation’s capitol. What better place to throw a party than the historic city that still has cobble stone streets, colorful buildings and blossoms beautifully in the spring? And don’t think you only have to do a patriotic theme. There are lots of shops that will help you create the fun bash you’re hoping […] More

berry dyed stars

We have quickly fallen in love with fruit dying around here. Have you ever attempted it? I have a couple of fun party projects to share that we have been dying. It is the perfect medium to work with on warm summer afternoons. Today, simple paper bag stars become all natural summer decorations when soaked […] More

mini-honeycomb picks

This post is sponsored by The Chew. Tune in, weekdays 1e & 12p/c on ABC. Have you watched the Chew yet? It is a fabulous new show food show where the hosts include many of my favorites – like Clinton Kelly – and the food always seems like something I need to try right now! […] More

Bubble Gum Slime Recipe – Largest Slime Bubbles Around

Did you know there was such thing as bubble gum slime, that actually blows bubbles? You know we are big fans of slime around here. Even if you didn’t, I’m sure by hearing that I have a 9 year old girl it would be an EASY guess. We’d been busy making all kinds of slime […] More

Painted Aloe plants

Coming up with party favors that are beautiful, thoughtful and not knick-knacky is a challenge that I am always happy to accept. These Painted Aloe plants are a fun way to say, “thanks for celebrating today” that everyone will love. The Aloe plants are affordable to buy even for a big group, and a little […] More

instead of bunting | cotton and cables

I’ve been aching to find new solutions for decorating with bunting and have gathered a few great alternatives to share with you over the coming weeks. Trends like party bunting can be fun for awhile, but tend to get boring for me when not reinterpreted. I hope these ideas might help us all to think […] More

Hanging Ikea Light Hack

When we moved into the new house last spring we had about 26 lights to switch out! It felt a little overwhelming to say the least. In some of the rooms (like the kitchen before and after), we went with a more traditional light fixture, but some of the rooms were just screaming out for a […] More

creating pretty flower arrangements

I am really excited to chat with you a bit about flowers today! Do you often create arrangements for your home? Do you have a favorite flower you tend to lean toward? It has taken me a long time to find a good balance between beautiful flowers and simple displays. This week I was blown […] More

The Perfect Sidecar Cocktail Recipe With A Twist

Inside: Sidecar cocktail recipe with a twist. For this year’s holiday drink, I’ve come to love sidecars for their smoke forward bite. I recently made our classic sidecar cocktail recipe with tangerine and lemon added and it was one of my favorite drinks ever! The tangerine adds a sweet note, taking some of the bites out […] More

Annual Back To School Party With Fruit Snack Cakes

Every year we make a night of the celebration for back to school, making a fun dinner, serving a special treat and stocking up on goodies to help start the year off right. This year, to get the kids excited about school lunches starting again, we grabbed our favorite fruit snacks and made a lemon fruit snack cake! More

Recreate project, stitched hearts

I have a two more projects from our harvest pumpkin brunch to share with you this week. The first, a hand stitched crocheted heart runner, topped off our breakfast table and lent a bit of needed warmth to the bunch design. Stitched heart runner To recreate: Find crocheted dollies at your local craft store. Fold […] More

The Yummiest Cotton Candy Cocktail Recipe

A cotton candy cocktail is an alcoholic drink that combines the sweetness of cotton candy with a refreshing kick of vodka, or any other hard liquor. Preparing this drink is simple and the results are amazing. Mixologists can also experiment with different flavors using juices or syrups. The ingredients for this recipe are readily available […] More

ombre favor tote bags

Favors handed out in these bright spring totes will make anyone from your bridesmaids to your kids crack a smile. They would be the perfect leaving piece at a spring party, gift bag for a wedding, adult version of an Easter basket for your best friend or sweet gift for mom in May. With a […] More

The best watermelon mojito

We opened our first watermelon of the season last week – it was ripe, ready and a sweet taste of early summer. Eating watermelon freshly cut is an everyday tradition during the warm summer months, but just in the last year have I noticed the great taste it has for drinks, salads and sweets. After […] More

DIY White Washed Wide Plank Wood Floors

When we began planning out the renovations on the festive home I knew one thing for sure… I wanted wide plank light wood floors. These are the floors I dreamed of at night, the floors I’ve imagined in my most favorite of houses. Remember this inspiration? I got to work looking for them and to my […] More

Bring the Excitement of Survivor Challenges to Your Home!

Bring the excitement of Survivor Challenges to your home with these fun physical, mental, and social challenges! Get creative and have a blast with survivor challenges at home. More

Soft pretzel ice cream sandwiches

Ice cream sandwiches are iconic for combining the refreshingly cool taste of ice cream with the sweet baked goodness of a cookie. I’m so excited to share with you our updated ice cream sandwich recipe! YUM. The recipe includes a tasty soft pretzel to sandwich in the ice cream. The soft pretzels are made with sweet […] More

typography stiffened ribbons

Last month the twins turned 5! We had a massive snow storm the morning of their party, but thankfully everyone still made it safely. Matt turned my studio into a huge balloon fort for the kids and we served popcorn in these typography paper bags. To top the cakes, I stiffened ribbons into talking letters […] More

giveaway | outdoor party supplies

Update: This giveaway is now closed. Lisa is our winner! Thanks so much everyone for entering:) A package filled with bright dotted invites, paper straws and wooden cutlery is a great start to outdoor entertaining this summer. Win this outdoor party pack by A Party in a Box perfect for the first official summer gathering. […] More

The prettiest dead flower projects

Inside: What to do with dead flower & roses!  Flowers are pretty when they’re alive, but we cannot deny that there is something so lovely about them when they are dead flowers too. Even when they are dead, they breathe life. They make wonderful additions to any party or gathering, but can also be super […] More

25 Coloring Book Fonts

We’re all about adding color to the everyday around here and I certainly don’t believe that coloring is just for kids. As much as we love to color and bring life to our printed letters, invites and thank you notes – these 25 coloring book fonts do too! We found so many great fonts that […] More

DIY Unicorn Pinatas

Gittler, sparkles and a whole lot of magic, these DIY unicorn pinatas are packed full of color and fun! See how we created these mini unicorn pinatas in just a few simple steps. Let us know in the comments what you would fill your pinata full of! I’ve been dreaming up this idea all summer […] More

Christmas Tree Party Invitation

Who’s hosting a Christmas party this year? Christmas parties are some of my favorite parties to attend. Everything is always extra festive and fun, with the lights up and special decor all around. Start the party off right with an invite that will stand out in the sea of holiday mail. Colorful Christmas trees marking […] More

Easy Christmas Cheesecake From A Box

We are big fans of The Cheesecake Factory around here, so when I heard there was a mix for making that favorite goodness at home, I couldn’t grab it fast enough. Here’s our traditional Christmas Cheesecake recipe from a box in 2 easy holiday variations. More

17 Pool Party Games You’ve Never Seen Before

You guys… It is pool party season and I couldn’t be more excited. From lounging with the kids deck side, to jumping in and playing all the fun pool party games – this time of year cannot be beat. We love hosting pool parties – both the big ones by a pool and the more family focused ones with a blow up in the backyard. Either way we do it these pool games are sure to be a hit. More

16 Fun and Creative 16th Birthday Ideas

Let’s get this party started!1. Go on a road tripIs there anything more freeing than hitting the open road with your best friends? If you’re looking for 16th birthday ideas that are a little bit out of the box, why not plan a road trip? You can pick a destination that’s within driving distance, or […] More

Mother’s Day Tote Bags

With Mother’s Day coming quickly I am always trying to be a little creative when celebrating my own mom and my mom friends. To celebrate all the Mothers I know with a pinch of fun – confetti is a great way to go. Colorful, fun, playful, exactly how motherhood ought to be. This tote bag is […] More

random | band-aids

This is the second installation in the random series. I am taking random everyday objects and showing you their amazing, hidden, celebration potential. Completely random… fabulously fun! Band-aids, although seemingly non-celebratory in nature can jump right into the party when styled right. Perfect for a last minute play date since we all have hundreds lying […] More

14 Ways to Make Your 14th Birthday the Best Yet!

A lot of people might not know what to do on their 14th birthday. It can be a tough age – you’re not quite a teenager yet, but you’re also not a child anymore. You might feel like you’re in between and that no one really understands you. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! […] More

giveaway | the color run

The famous color run is coming and we are going to run it! Want to run with us? We are giving away two tickets for the race that is coming Sept 22nd in Reno. From what I hear it is a festive blast of colorful fun. I am excited to give it a go since […] More

A Fiesta Waffle Bar

It’s time for a fiesta and there’s no better way to set up a fiesta brunch than with at home Eggo Waffle bar! More

Bright Ball Light Wreath

I am a huge fan of Christmas lights and honestly wish I could keep them up forever. There is something about the soft glow of a string of lights that sets any room’s mood just right. I do however take my Christmas lights down every year by Jan 15th like a good neighbor. No Griswold […] More

egg stand DIY

Do you have all your Easter preparations finished? I needed last minute egg stands, so I grabbed my small collection of cheesy (fake) crystal candle holders and took a can of pink spray paint to them. They make me happy and look great against our Easter green linen. I placed a stamped egg inside each […] More

DIY Outdoor Jigsaw Puzzle

Inside: A DIY large piece jigsaw puzzle, perfect for backyard summer days! I love the recent trend of seeing normal inside games done extra large for the yard like Jenga, Dominos and Connect Four. A puzzle sounded like a perfectly fun idea for our family to play as we wait for the grilling to be […] More

white board craft ideas wrapping paper

I’ve been on the lookout for white board craft ideas and decided wrapping presents is the perfect way to use the material. I love presents. Always! I love them even more when they are wrapped with pretty thoughtful details. Nothing is better than getting a sentimental note on a gift, a love note on a […] More

Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt Ideas & Clues 2021

Thanksgiving is the holiday where we are supposed to reflect on all of the things we are thankful for. I know it can get hard to remember the reason we are celebrating when you are distracted by the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. One fun way to set aside some time with your […] More

summer stargazing party details

We held our first party of summer last week – a night of stargazing. The party started in the evening, before the sun set. We grilled veggies and enjoyed a really great chocolate cake. When it was time to watch the stars, we laid out on our painters canvas picnic blanket and looked up toward […] More

wrap it up | with streamers

I included this brilliant project as one of the 100 reasons to celebrate. I love it so much, I wanted to be sure you didn’t miss it. Wrapping presents in streamers this summer is pretty and incredibly easy. To recreate; run a length of streamer around your package and tie off with two bows on […] More

minature cakes and assembly

Gold is the new black, and mini is the new cupcake! Served on a festive coaster this is a decadent cake to call your own. Dressed to the nines and topped with a shear mini lime green pom-pom. Make the pom-poms by holding two fingers together. Wrap the tulle around five times and cut. Carefully […] More

Celebrate Being 16 With These Songs!

Celebrate turning 16 with these fun and upbeat songs about being 16! From pop to rap, find the perfect song for your special day. More

materially crafted – the book!

While driving through our neighborhood last week I saw something very cool on the side of the road. While I was busy ohhing and ahhing, my son spoke up and said, “Mom, let’s look in one of the craft books to see how to make that.” Without thinking I quickly blurted out… “Hey buddy, your mamma […] More

Styled. magazine issue five | the art of merrymaking

I am thrilled to be sharing our March issue of Styled. magazine with you today. This issue has been great fun to put together. Sharing from the twin’s birthday is really special for me and the chance I had to paint in bright pink during Reno’s recent week of snow storms made me exceptionally happy. […] More

Does Vacuum Sealing Speed Up Marinating: A Cook’s Guide

Vacuum sealing is a new trend for many cooks. But there is still a pending question “Does vacuum sealing speed up marinating?” Here is an answer! More

XProject VS-2163 Professional Vacuum Sealer Review

Those who want to cook food once in days can now do that with vacuum sealers. Here is a detailed review of the XProject VS-2163 Professional Vacuum Sealer. More

how to print on paper napkins

Tis’ the season for BBQ’s and outdoor gatherings. When serving outdoors I often use paper napkins, but ones that fit my style are sometimes hard to come by. So, of course, I make my own by printing on them with my inkjet printer. They are great to use for outdoor parties, and you can print […] More

8 holiday office party hacks

Tis the season for holiday parties of all kinds. But if we’re being honest, our office party can sometimes be the most awkward party of the year. Well, I made it my mission recently to think of the best ways to change office parties from the most awkward, to the most fun. Here are 8 […] More

love shower piñata valentine

A piñata Valentine now that’s a treat! I love receiving sweet treats anyway I can, but placed inside a stitched up cloud piñata might be my favorite way ever to receive a handful of goodies. Make these Valentine shower piñatas in miniature form, give out and win the best card in class. Or make them […] More

a sailor knot for dad

I designed these sailor knot boutonnieres recently for Project Wedding. They would be just as sweet made for a dad, as for a groom. The traditional sailor knot, also called an eight knot, was made to never be broken. It was designed to withstand the constant weathering of the sea. A perfect sentiment about the […] More

Festive Friday – 5 Fun Things

This weekend we are headed to the annual Reno Hot Air Balloon Races. It’s one of my favorite events we attend all year – there is something absolutely magical about being on the ground, right next to the balloons as they blow up and release into the air. I’ll be sharing an Instagram story (or 5) […] More

How to decline a party invite

This post is sponsored by Skinny Cow. When summer hits I tend to get really overwhelmed quickly. All my dreams of lazy days lounging around quickly get lost in a sea of places to be. The invites start rolling in.. there are barbecues, camping trips, soccer games, graduation parties, and weddings all vying for the […] More

Sweet and easy teacher gifts

Tis’ the week for holiday parties at school, saying goodbye before Christmas break, and exchanging gifts with the teachers we’ve all grown to love. To create a gift that is thoughtful and adorable at the same time all you need is something indulgent and a way to wrap up your children’s age appropriate adorableness into […] More

10 Ways to Serve a Heart

Tis’ the season for smooches and hearts – and serving them up on a platter is a sure way to sweeten up anyone’s day. It’s a fact that all foods just seem better in heart form this time of year! Here are 10 of my favorite ways to serve up sweet hearts to your sweetheart: I’d […] More

floral cup wraps

It’s that time of year when everything is romantically sweet (Valentine’s Day is 48 hours days away!) and I find myself twiddling my thumbs in anticipation of spring. You can give me smooche bouquet and conversation heart candy hearts, but nothing is more romantic than fresh flowers blooming and a warm sun above. I am ready […] More

DIY Baby Bouquet Halloween Costume

Needing a cute baby and mamma costume this year? Look no further than your favorite dinner party inspiration. A bouquet of flowers of course! This adorable DIY baby Halloween costume is perfect to hold your newborn in while walking the streets, and sweet enough for a waddler to waddle about in. Plus, after Halloween, these […] More

Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry Orange Bread is a great breakfast treat or any time treat. If you love the sweet and tart combination of cranberries with the citrus taste of orange this quick bread loaf should make your friends and family happy. With a little simple modification, you can turn this recipe into muffins. These recipes are made […] More

Cotton Ball Wreath

I hope your Christmas decor was well loved and enjoyed this week. If you happen to be in need of a little something more for the coming New Years celebration – this wreath made out of cotton balls is a festive and fun addition. A simple switch of ribbon allows the wreath to happily adorn your door […] More

Planning the Perfect Paris Birthday Party Ideas

Throw the most memorable Paris-themed birthday party with these creative ideas! From decorations to food & drinks, invitations & favors, and more – get inspired for your special day with our paris birthday party ideas. More

giveaway | apron and tote

Update: This contest is closed congrats to Cynthia and Chelsea for winning our apron prizes! This week’s giveaway from sponsor Main Street-Store is for a cupcake apron or tote. Two lucky winners will get their choice. A great win for this cookie baking, gift toting time of year. I’d love for you to visit Main […] More

Hand Letter DIY Birthday Banner – with Template

Inside: A DIY Birthday Banner Template  Celebrate any birthday bash and say hooray with this DIY birthday banner template! All you need is some colorful felt, a sharpie and a bit of tracing skill you can say hooray, hurrah or happy birthday in a festive and graphic way. We firmly believe that adding a fun […] More

A Birthday Balloon Bouquet

Inside: How to make a birthday balloon bouquet idea. Looking for a fun way to celebrate a dear friend’s birthday? Send them a birthday balloon bouquet made of sweet and kind sayings from their favorite people. I came up with this idea for a recent friend’s birthday and recreated it to photograph and share. It […] More

giveaway | pick your present

Update: This contest is now closed. Congrats to Kristen for being our randomly selected winner. I have a special giveaway today from a new favorite site, Daily Grommet. Every day at noon, they launch one product that you likely have never seen before. Watch a short video as they explain what makes each find special, […] More

Make Your Own American Flag Pie

There’s not much more American, or more loved by me, than pie. Pies are simple to bake, easy to bring along to BBQ’s, and everyone (I mean EVERYONE!) seems to love them. Do you know anyone who doesn’t love a good pie? Making an American flag pie is is fun way to celebrate all that is […] More

hanging ribbon

A hanging ribbon centerpiece makes a wonderfully festive statement and it’s incredibly easy to put together. I adore how it instantly brightens up an entire room. Make in multiples and hang over shower/wedding tables. They pieces give an enormous punch for very little time and cost. Check out the step by step over at Project […] More

Laundry Tips & Tricks

With Thanksgiving next week (WOW!) we are getting the house ready to host, which means lots of laundry happening! Figuring out the functionality and design of a hardworking room like the laundry room is often a challenge. We’re partnering with Home Depot today to tackle updating our laundry room into a space that is functional […] More

Easy Doodle Art – Fill Your Journal with Eye Candy 2022

Doodling is a fun thing to do, and it doesn’t matter what age you are, we bet you have done it at some time in your life. Have you ever found yourself filling in your notebook or even school textbook with drawings and small artwork that seem to have manifested out of nowhere? You didn’t […] More

50 Unique Christmas Party Themes for 2022

Deck the halls with boughs of Holly, because Christmastime is just around the corner! If you want to throw the ultimate Christmas party this year, it’s a good idea to start planning and preparing for it right away. The first order of business is to start narrowing down some impressive and unique Christmas party themes […] More

courted by Ralph

A few months ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to partner with a few of my favorite local vendors to produce wedding inspiration based on the fashion icon Ralph Lauren, for Nonpareil mag. We took cues from his classic line and used traditional pieces in a fun and unexpected way. Setting up the design court-side […] More

Make your own (robot) cookie cutters

Who still has baking left to do? If you are starting to feel a bit over the trees and reindeer, why not make a set of robot Christmas cookies!?! Your kids will love them and the robots add a fun spark to the normal holiday routine. These cookies are inspired by the crazy amazing holiday […] More

How To Make a Vision Board With Printable Canva PDF Template

Want to know something that gets me really excited and happy inside? Finding our passion and pursuing it! But, it doesn’t necessarily happen overnight, so I’m sharing an idea that should help get those creative juices flowing. Today, I’m going to teach you everything you can imagine about how to make a Vision Board template […] More

10 Fun Things To Do In Austin Texas

I’ve had such a great time in Texas the past couple weeks. When I was thinking about the post I wanted to write for our time, I decided on one all about the fun things to do in Austin Texas, because this city is just freaken fun! Austin is by far one of the most […] More

DIY Concrete Planters For A Festive Friday: Plant Lady

I went out shopping at our local nurseries with a friend this week and was immediately excited for spring! I can feel it coming our way and I want to buy ALL THE PLANTS to celebrate. Whether updating a room, decorating for a party, or doing something just to bring a smile – buying a plant […] More

glitter crafting party

There’s always time for a glitter party! In the midst of our crazy fall, Delta Faucet asked me to participate in their #HappiMess campaign and throw a party. When I combine the words happy and mess, the only thing I can think of is glitter. So I planned an after school glitter party – we […] More

chicken wire pendants

In my recent obsession with chicken wire I have fallen in love with these simple pendants for side lighting. They are pretty and have the perfect dose of whimsy that I love seeing around my home. I made a couple in different colors and used them to to back a party cake this weekend. To […] More

25 rainbow craft projects

It’s almost March! The onslaught of spring has me in such a bright mood lately. Rainbows, flowers, and sun cannot get here soon enough. To celebrate the colors that are about to explode into our lives… 25 favorite rainbow craft projects. They’ll keep you going through these last few weeks before the clouds break. Add […] More

"Post it" note wall

Ruche’s autumn look book recently debuted with an amazing backdrop their design team created- a “post it” note wall. An entire wall filled with post it notes! It seems the raddest idea to turn a work space into a celebration. Would any of you who work in an office try this idea? It would be […] More

glittered box hats

In place of paper pointy party hats these glittered box hats will make your birthday girl and her friends feel really special. I adore how they ended up with such a festive and boxed vintage feel. Make your own glittered party hats using cardboard box frames found at local craft stores (I used oval but […] More

Crenova VS100s Review

How you store food is the most important thing when it comes to keeping its freshness and taste for the upcoming days. While sealing in an airtight jar is one of the most popular methods, it is mostly used for preserving jams or pickled vegetables. This leaves us with one big question – how can you store regular food like sandwiches and fruits, without the risk of these spoiling? In our opinion, the most effective way is to seal food in vacuum bags. More

apple pie a la bow

Wanting to serve up a summer dessert worthy of festive party style? Stick to tradition and make folded apple pies, but mix the idea up and serve them each with a bright pretty bow! The miniature fold-over pies made with the simple recipe below are a dessert that anyone can manage and when served up […] More

fabric party streamers

For the vintage storybook birthday we lined the ceiling and some of the walls with these pretty, ruffly fabric party streamers. They were an easy, but time intensive project that was worth every moment. Although paper would have been much easier, there is a warmth that the fabric gave to our party space. Plus, now […] More

The Best Wedding Fonts

Before walking down the aisle there is guaranteed to be plenty of correspondence. From Save the Dates to Thank You Notes – the font selection for a wedding, engagement, or anniversary party can set the tone to perfection. The details really matter on important days like these. Take the lead with these 25 great options […] More

Vacuum Sealers: Chamber Vacuum Sealer vs FoodSaver

Learning all about a chamber vacuum sealer vs FoodSaver is an excellent way to help you determine the best vacuum for your needs. More

monkey’s fist knotted garland

Monkey’s fist knots have been a favorite around our house. When I spotted these pretty necklaces, I immediately knew they would be amazing decor for my next party. We simplified the design and made it an easy project for us all to recreate. The colorfully painted monkey’s fists bring a creative and bright burst of […] More

how to land a book deal or anything else you want

After announcing that I am writing a book this summer many of you emailed and asked great questions about the process. Since we have our first shoot for the book this week, it seems like a great time to answer. Getting a book deal (just like getting any job you want) may seem like a stroke of […] More

Kit Kat Cake In Kitty Cake Style

One of my favorite candies is a Kit Kat, which is why I think a Kit Kat Cake is possibly the best cake idea that ever was. And because who wants to stop with just a Kit Kats, we created this fun kitty cake recipe that is just about purrrfect. There is no secret here, […] More

The Best Gifts For Besties – The 2024 Christmas Gift Guide

Next up in the 2017 Christmas gift guide is a list of favorite presents for all our besties! I am so obsessed with all of the gifts on this list. Think I’ll go ahead and check a few of these off my own list because who says you can’t do a little Christmas shopping for yourself?! More

paper bag party lanterns

With the nights getting darker this last week I’ve been wanting to bring more shine and brightness to our evenings. These colorful paper bag party lanterns that I created in partnership with Elmer’s will bring it. Big time! They are an easy craft to do with the kids during that too early for bed, but […] More

12 Best Places to Have a Baby Shower

The most common event space to host a baby shower is in someone’s home. A friend or family member’s home gives events a personal feel, plus, the location is free. Another popular event space for family-friendly baby showers is a local park. Picnic shelters can be rented online in most communities. Things to consider when […] More

adorable birthday ritual

This creative birthday ritual pulls heavy on my mom heart strings, it is so sweet. Have your child stand in the same place every year, on the same day (their birthday!) and snap a quick photo. What a perfect way to mark milestones and build a keepsake to treasure. Photos by Yolanda Edwards via Canadian […] More

25 Different Thank You Card Fonts – A Subtle Revelry

I’ve been inspired to write more letters lately. To tell everyone how great they are and connect on a more regular basis with friends. No matter how busy we get, nothing beats a personal connection. Continuing the free font collection series today – I am excited to share a collection of favorite free handwritten fonts. Perfect for […] More

Heart Confetti and bubble gum cake

Inside: A Valentines treat full of heart confetti and a bubblegum cake! Valentine’s Day deserves to be filled with confetti and color, just like every day of the year. This is the thought behind these fun confetti hearts. Bursts of love that are colorful and bright. The hearts are fabulous for celebrating a valentine, an […] More

25 Well Designed Eggs

In honor of Spring, Easter, and everything bursting into life this month, I am begining a series on well designed eggs (follow along right here!). The egg is a wonderful canvas for creation. It is blank, easy to empty, and simple to paint. Before I kick off the series this week, here is a compilation of […] More

Make December Birthdays Memorable with These Ideas!

Celebrate December birthdays in style with these creative ideas for decorations, food and drinks, entertainment, gifts and favors, and safety precautions! Get inspired with our december bithday ideas today! More

Disco Ball Headband

With holiday parties and New Years Eve almost here, why wait for the disco ball to come to you? With this disco ball headband you can be one the one bringing the sparkle to the party! Wear it and watch the room light up when you walk in. Even if bling and dazzle are not […] More

reason to celebrate | Christmas in July

Today it is officially five months until Christmas. Does that seem crazy to anyone else? Since we will be (for the first time) living in a city blanketed in white for the season I am already feeling giddy about the holidays! If you’re in need of a dose of winter celebration amidst our blazing hot […] More

Tips for Hosting a Wine Night

Did you stay up late and watch the results stream in last night? We enjoyed a lively debate with friends and a great bottle of wine. Having friends over for drinks, after the kids go down, is an easy way to connect whether its election night, a holiday night, book club night, or any night. […] More

Celery Stamped Art Prints

Continuing the veggie stamping experiments this week, I’ve traded in long lengths of wrapping paper for simple poster boards to make these fun art prints for home. There’s a lot said these days about creating cheap art, and with the entire supply list for this project being a poster board, a celery stalk and paint – […] More

Retirement Gift Ideas for the Adventure Seeker

The idea is to be able to come back and add more details to this section as you complete your research. Think about what kind of impact you want your gift to have. You don’t always have to spend a lot of money to make a big impact. Sometimes the most thoughtful, inexpensive gifts are […] More

noise maker seating cards

Making seating cards that guests find fun is easily done by re-purposing store bought noise makers. This project is simple and elegant for  a wedding and would be great fun done with deeper colors for a dinner party, or in brights for the kids. Any reason to be merry is really a reason to make […] More

Celebrating February Birthdays: Ideas, Gifts, and More!

Celebrate February birthdays in style with these creative february birthday ideas! Get party, food & drink, gift, and budgeting tips to make the day special. More

A young love picnic

Today is rainy where I live and my whole household is sick. I hope you are having a more lovely day yourself. My answer to the chaos is to take a nap, so until tomorrow I leave you with the most adorable picnic in the world! He is three and she is four and one […] More

How to roll anything in sprinkles

I know today is a holiday, but I couldn’t resist sharing this fun way to sweeten up treats for an upcoming party, a friend’s birthday, or a festive Thursday night. Roll your food, roll your cups, roll your vegetables and even treats in colorful sprinkles! You can roll basically anything in sprinkles, have you ever tried? […] More

glitter stamped fruit

Baking glitter and a new set of stamps is all you need to produce a party look that will brighten up the winter. Stamp pears, apples and other fleshy fruit with glitter for an instant glam up. Place the fruit in a group to create a centerpiece or on individual plates for a dinner party […] More

Game Suggestions for Your Next Family Get-Together

Games are a great way to get all the family together to enjoy an activity. They are perfect for regular get-togethers, or for family vacations, and anything in between. Games for all the family can be very inexpensive too. Sometimes all you need is a deck of cards, or to dust off an old board […] More

25 Fresh Free Fonts for 2024

A new year is just around the corner. I am so looking forward to 2019! There’s something about a clean slate, a fresh start that just draws me in. I can’t wait to share with you all of the fun things we have planned for the year ahead, so in celebration, I’m showing you my […] More

50 Kickass Craft Blogs for Instant Inspiration

Working on writing our first book has been one of the most amazing projects. It seems like it will be forever until I get to show you what we’ve been creating for it. Like all projects I work on, having a piece that is community driven was very important to me. Getting to collaborate with […] More

4 Ideas for Creating a Wonderful Guest Room on a Budget

Do you find you often have guests visiting from out of town who stay the night, or multiple nights in your home? Do you want to spend some time creating a comfortable and inviting guest room that better meets their needs and makes it possible for you to host on a more regular basis? And […] More

Article Outdoor Furniture – Making A Patio Ready For Summer Fun

Our backyard is easily one of my favorite living spaces in our home. Even though it’s outside we like to make it cozy and fun for entertaining all summer long. We’ve shared before about how we’ve designed it for brunch and easy party tips for entertaining outdoors in fall, but this year I’m focused on […] More

reason to celebrate | antler photo booth

Rebecca hosted a bright and gorgeous birthday party recently. My favorite piece from it is the photo booth done with a simple backdrop and pair of antlers! I love this idea for a fall gathering. Hold them up behind your model or attach them to a thick headband for party perfect photos throughout season. Rebecca […] More

Painted Bead & Brass Garland

Adding in vibrant elements of fun is a great way to gussy up a room and bring a little whimsy to the house. Although this can be as simple as blowing up a package of balloons, for something more lasting we created this painted bead & brass garland. Instead of hanging across the wall – […] More

Happy Valentine’s weekend

Happy Galentine’s day / Valentine’s weekend! If I could bake you a cupcake and top it with a glittery pink heart candle – I definitly would. Thanks so much for showing me love by popping by daily. It’s like your valentine to me. Every day. I am currently in kindergarten school party bliss, and tonight we […] More

Host the Perfect Bachelorette Drinking Game: Tips & Ideas!

Plan the perfect bachelorette party with these fun drinking game ideas and tips! Learn how to host a memorable bachelorette drinking game that everyone will love. More

Oreo mousse cups

While we generally like to do things from scratch, let’s face it: sometimes you just don’t have the time before your guests arrive.  We “cheat” on these Oreo mousse cups by using a packaged mousse mix…but we’ve never had any complaints. In fact, they’re often the first thing to disappear! To make your own “cheater” […] More

luggage favor tags

These printable luggage tags are wonderful. They fit in perfect for summer as favors tags or gift labels and would make a ho-hum Bon Voyage invitation great. Just fill in the guest of honor info, punch a hole, and tie with twine! Click on the image to enlarge and print (in landscape view). Are you […] More

Polygon paper vases

Give a handful of flowers a bright modern touch with these super easy (and crazy cheap) polygon paper vases. Use the artistic display to center a table for a stunning and fun spring look. The vases will lend good use to that stack of mason jars sitting around from last spring! To make these polygon […] More

Easy Spring Decor Ideas For Sprucing Up Home

With spring in full force around here and our major renovations now done for the season (whoohoo!) we are working on the details and the fun spring decor ideas this month. Sprucing up the house for spring is something that will make every room feel fresh and a bit new to you. More

Best Vacuum Sealer for Wet Foods: Our Top Picks

Preserving wet food is a challenge, isn’t it? But not if you own the best vacuum sealer for wet foods. Check out the top three options we reviewed! More

pendant tassle lights

Welcome back from a nice long weekend. We spent some of it working on projects for home. When we moved into the new house earlier this summer function was at the top of my mind. Now that the book is done, I am having fun sprucing the place up with festive D.I.Y. details. Simple and […] More

Valentine’s day craft ideas chalk vases

I am thrilled to be sharing one more project from our recycled-bottles-that-I-just-cannot-let-go-of today. I was supposed to throw these bottles out, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it… So they quickly became my most favorite Valentine’s Day craft ideas.  Because I added a small square of chalk-board paint, wrote out the word LOVE. Bought […] More

bright fortune cookie favors

I found the brightest fortune cookies last month at my local World Market and grabbed a bag of them immediately knowing they would be useful for a party. Using tweezers I took out the sayings that came inside of each cookie and replaced them with my own hand written, “thanks!” creating this super easy, bright […] More

DIY Monogram Bangles For The Ladies

Our leading ladies deserve something special this time of year. Whether it is a mom who has always stood by our side, a bestie who picks up every time you call, or a bridesmaid who is standing by our side – giving them a DIY monogram bangle makes a huge statement of thanks. Going the […] More

Christmas survival packs

We arrived home this weekend to celebrate the Christmas with our family. It is always a treat to visit and see everyone – and it is always a battle to stay sane while traveling, living out of a suitcase, and spending extended time with that family you definitely adore from afar. In honor of all […] More

6 Ways To Write On A Balloon

A balloon is always better when it talks! We’ve done a number of posts in the past on how to create words with balloons like the chalk printed balloons, label printed balloons and ribbon print balloons. The best part is that I can’t stop thinking up more ways to do it. It seems I have a thing for creating pretty […] More

Uncovering the Answer to ‘How Many Cups in a Pint?

Discover the answer to “how many cups in a pint” and learn how to accurately measure volume with a cup or a pint. Get all the tips and conversions you need here! More

star pinata gift wrapping

Gift cards are that special kind of gift that everyone loves to receive, but can sometimes feel a little awkward to give. I personally LOVE receiving gift cards for the holidays – they give me a chance to go out and pick something all for me, which is a rare experience as a busy mom. […] More

Summer Grilled Dessert Kabobs

Inside: Summer Grilled Dessert Kabobs This post was sponsored by Kingsford as part of an Influencer Activation and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. Summer is here and that means it’s the perfect time to plan some super fun backyard cookouts! One of my favorite things to bring to a cookout is a yummy […] More

Glitter Tassel Animal Ornaments

Everything about Christmas should make us smile, including the tree! Craft up a few ‘party animal’ ornaments to quickly get into a joyful and festive mood. They easily lift a hurried holiday mood with every passing glance and would be great toppers for presents as well. Here’s how to make your own tasseled animal ornament: […] More

Custom Character Cutout Cookies

Bringing books, movies, and the characters my kids love come to life is such a great way to make the things they are enjoying more concrete and real. We are in a major reading push this fall and I adore the idea of treating them to sweet and games that inspire their love of book series. […] More

The Perfect Party Pom Headband

Inside: Party pom headband from DIY yarn pom poms! Welcome to April! (aka party month around this site). With birthdays and spring in full force, April has quickly become my favorite month. We always turn the party meter up a notch this time of year. I am excited to be kicking off a new creative […] More

pop-up bakery

Summer is nearly upon us and along with it long, sunny days perfect for a pop-up bakery stand. The concept is a fresh take on the everyday lemonade stand and is a simple way to get the whole family involved in baking and running a shop. It doesn’t take much to have success with a bakery […] More

Layered Crepe Paper Instillation

I’ve found the easiest way to make a beautiful centerpiece or back drop for a party – layer crepe paper streamers! They are affordable, plus a huge installment can be put together no matter your crafting skill level, in about 20 minutes. To make the layered streamer centerpiece, start with a piece of wood and […] More

afternoon tailgate revelries

Hosting a good tailgate is on my wish list every fall. We are not a huge sports family, but living in our Alma Mater’s rival city gives us a good chance to bring out the spirit every fall. To support our team being in town – I partnered with Smirnoff Ice to host this year’s […] More

homemade honeycombs!

Continuing my late obsession with honeycomb decor I hoped to use a stash of them for an event last weekend and they ended up being my absolute favorite decor piece. I wanted miniature ones, which of course I couldn’t find, so I embarked on making them myself. They turned out to be such easy projects […] More

cutting pizza at a wedding

My love for Italy grows a bit more every time I set eyes on an event there. I know the world is in love with Paris, but I swear Italian brides have the biggest smiles and happiest celebrations. I want to live where fresh pizza is made in front of wedding guests and everyone knows […] More