Composting, you have probably thought about it. Visions of a giant heap in your backyard that is smelly turn you off from the idea, though. Or maybe townhome, condo, or apartment living restricts you from even attempting it. Well not any longer. This very simple compost bin gives you the opportunity to try composting without too much commitment, cost, or space needed. It will debunk some of your ideas about composting. SUPPLIES Storage bin (the darker the color the better) Drill Yes, that is all you truly need to make this bin. You can borrow a drill if you do not have one of your own. Storage bins are around $5 at your local mass merchant store, but if you have one that has a crack or hole it and no longer functions properly as a storage bin, you can just use … [Read more...]
10 DIY Christmas Ornaments You Can Make with Your Kids
Do you smell that? Mmmm...that's the smell of fresh baked sugar cookies and gingerbread men coming out of the oven. Do you see that? Wow! I can see twinkling lights and stockings hung by the fire. I'm daydreaming, of course, but it's Christmastime!! It's time to pull out the totes of Christmas decorations. It's time to dig through our favorite cookbooks and find those yummy recipes we make year after year. It's time to make memories with our kids and make some new Christmas ornaments for the tree. Today I've got ten DIY ornaments you can make with your kids. They're easy enough for all ages. So, pick your favorites, make a list, head out to the craft store and pick up the supplies needed to have an afternoon of ornament making. {You may already have the supplies in your craft closet if … [Read more...]
Dear Parents, It’s Not Our Fault!
My kids tell me all the time when I embarrass them. I’ve got news for them – while I love them with everything I’ve got, they’ve also found ways to embarrass me, too! With reflection, it’s not my fault, and I don’t blame my kids either. The times we live in now are much different than when the parents of today were kids themselves. Digital technology has taken over nearly every facet of our lives, for us and our kids. Lost in the shuffle is the development of social skills and manners. Yet, these capabilities are still just as important as ever (ask any college recruiter, employer or someone new to your neighborhood)! Maybe that’s what drove me to write The SMART Playbook. It took years of researching and drafting, but I did it. I’m not an expert, I’m just a Mom – that is a Mom with … [Read more...]
How Artwork Changed My Room from Drab to Fab!
There’s an old saying, “The dress maketh the man.” Well, in this case, the artwork maketh (or should I say minted) the room! A few months ago, I began the process of looking at my family room to try to figure out how to give it an update and a fresh modern feel. Everything in this room was dated and the colors were just very bland – browns and beige! I wanted to add color, brighten the room and end up with a modern transitional feel. A designer pointed me to one of my favorite sites – minted.com for inspiration. Surely there would be something to inspire the new look of my family room. The minted.com site is fabulous. They have anything and everything to get you excited about colors and looks. The art is sourced from a global marketplace of independent artists. These artists submit … [Read more...]
4th of July Tissue Paper Craft for Kids
When I think of Summer, I think of all things red, white, and blue. With the 4th of July coming up I thought it would be great to make some decorations for the house that are perfect for the patriotic Summer holiday! Today, I bring you a fun and easy craft that can keep kids of all ages entertained for quite some time. Surprisingly, it held the attention of my 5 and 7 year old kids, as well as my 12 year old son. With only a few supplies you will have a piece of art that can hang anywhere in your home that needs a touch of patriotism. First, gather your supplies. You'll need: white school glue red, white, and blue tissue paper {cut in to 3x3 inch squares} scissors white cardboard a ruler a pencil Next, make your template. You could eyeball it as you go along, but since … [Read more...]
Easy Fourth of July Crafts for the Entire Family
In most areas around the country school is out for summer. For me, when school is out I need lots of activities to keep the idle hands of my little ones busy. What better way to do that than to decorate your home with red, white and blue!? After all, the Fourth of July is right around the corner! Today you'll find a craft for all ages. And ALL in preparation for our nation's Independence Day! /1/ Pop Rocks Marshmallow Pops - Pop Rocks were such a fun candy when I was a kid! Who am I kidding? I still love them! Combining Pop Rocks and marshmallows just seems genius. See for yourself! /2/ Hidden Flag Cake - Don't be intimidated by it's complicated appearance. This Flag Cake is really simple. What's more? Ice this cake with plain white icing, light some sparklers on top {like … [Read more...]
