Melissa lives in Florida with her husband and four {almost five} kiddos. She writes about her family life at jonahbonah. When she isn’t chasing children you can find her behind her sewing machine or her camera. Connect with her on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

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About Melissa Hillier

Melissa lives in Florida with her husband and five kiddos. She writes about her family life at jonahbonah. When she isn’t chasing children you can find her behind her sewing machine or her camera. Connect with her on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

9 Graduation Party Ideas for Your Graduate

Can you believe it's almost here? It seems like just yesterday you were holding your baby in your arms, and in a few shorts weeks he'll be graduating high school. {Or, kindergarten. Or, college.} Our kids really do grow up too fast. Are you planning to host a graduation party in his honor? I've gathered a few of the most fun and unique party decor ideas from around the web, and put them all right here for you! /1/ Giant Photo Display - Create a larger than life, eye-catching display of photos of the graduate throughout the years.  Careful, though, a flood of memories will come each time you glance at that beautifully displayed wall! /2/ Grad Party Yard Sign - Don't worry about answering calls from those who can't spot your house in the midst of welcoming guests ever again. Let … [Read more...]

Light and Healthy Spring Salad Recipes

Spring is in full swing, the weather is warmer, and we are all excited to get out of the hot kitchen and have a much cooler, lighter fare. Spring salads are the perfect solution to your seasonal dilemma. Here you'll find a bunch of recipes that are quick, easy and will leave you lots of time in your day to lounge by the pool or do a little spring cleaning! /1/ Fennel and Citrus Salad - This salad is filled with a yummy combo of both sweet and spicy. If you're someone who eats a Paleo diet, this recipe is perfect for you! /2/ Sweet Orange and Pineapple Salad - This salad would be beautiful on a plate with Simple Skillet Cooked Salmon or a roasted chicken dish. /3/ Greek Green Bean Salad - Need a light and tasty dish to take to your next potluck? Voila! This green bean salad will be … [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...]

Festive Fourth of July Recipes

The Fourth of July is the perfect reason to bring together friends and family for a good old-fashioned backyard barbecue.  Celebrating our independence is a pretty good reason to gather 'round the picnic table, too!  Today I'm going to give you eleven recipes {or how-to's} that are as delicious as they are beautiful. Let's start with a few beautiful appetizers. /1/ Patriotic Dip - Turn your ordinary dip dish into a festive masterpiece with just a few simple steps. /2/ Summer Fruit Wands - While your guests wait on their juicy cheeseburger to come off of the grill serve them these super fun Fruit Wands! /3/ Cheesy Star Chips - These are easy and cute! Add a dish of salsa for dipping to complete this appetizer. Moving on to the main course, shall we? /4/ Aloha Burgers - … [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...]