Gifts

10 Valentine’s Day Gifts He Will Actually Want

December 21, 2017 by Katie Jones Leave a Comment

I’ll admit that for as much as I love giving gifts, getting a Valentine’s present for my husband can be really tricky! He doesn’t ask for much and what he does want, he usually just gets on his own. But I’m absolutely determined this year to get a gift that won’t just be politely accepted and then shelved in a month or two. I’ve done some good digging and came up with a list of gifts I’m sure will do the trick for any guy, picky or not. Here are 10 Valentine’s Day gifts that he will actually want.

Bamboo Wireless Keyboard + Mouse

Environmentalists and outdoorsmen will appreciate this natural wood keyboard and mouse. The bamboo is super durable, resilient, and easy to clean. And if that all isn’t enough, both the keyboard and mouse are cord-free with wireless capabilities to connect to any computer.

Diplomat Attache’

Excellent for carrying laptops, phones, tablets, wallets, and any other job essentials, guys totally dig this sleek diplomat attache’. Simple, stylish, and adaptable to just about any personal style.

Snow Better Tool!

Tools don’t get any better than this compact, all-in-one keychain from HexFlex! The unique snowflake design features 6 hexagon wrench sizes, various screwdrivers, a box cutter, and a bottle opener. Your man will be ready for anything!

Personalized Wallet

Get him a wallet he’ll actually be happy to pull out (I didn’t think that was even possible!). This slim leather design is simple and to the point with just the right amount of style from the hand-stitched edging to the personalized monogramming.

Fanatical Idea!

If your guy’s a true sports fanatic, he’ll no doubt love receiving sports apparel this Valentine’s for all his favorite teams. Find accessories, clothing, decor, and more for all major pro and collegiate teams on Fanatics.com.

Travel Gear

Give the gift of travel done right for your Wanderer at heart. This wheelie bag offers a surprising amount of carrying space, comes with a retractible trolley handle, and comes in 7 stylish color options. And while you’re already giving travel gear for Valentine’s this year, take it a step further by booking that trip your guy has been talking about for a while now. Don’t think you can afford it? Think again! Fix your accommodations with Couch Surfing and your dream vacation is practically booked already!

Phone Camera Accessories

Budding photographers will love receiving camera accessories for their smart phone! Gone will be the days of awkward selfies and poor lighting.

Portable BBQ Case

Campers and tailgaters alike will think they’ve died and gone to heaven when they open this smokin’ portable BBQ case for Valentine’s Day this year. The charcoal grill is suitable for cooking two meals at once. How perfect for that romantic picnic your man will want to take you on now 😉

Book Light

This is not your ordinary night light! Book by day and light by night, this wooden folding “book” opens up into the perfect night-time bedside lantern. What a bright idea for the reader or night owl in your life.

Millennium Falcon Drone

My title is “Millennium Falcon Drone”… Do I really need to say anything else?! You’ll be able to get your man to agree to just about anything after he opens this incredibly fun Valentine’s gift. Luke, I have a GOOD feeling about this!

Check out all these great gifts and get more info from the links below. Happy Valentine’s Day indeed!:

Bamboo Keyboard + Mouse from West Elm

Diplomat Attache’ found from Rustico

HexFlex Snowflake Tool

Leather Wallet from Joo Joobs via Etsy

Sports Gear via Fanatics.com

Travel Gear from Herschel

Learn more about all your phone camera needs from Unique Hunters

Kikkerland BBQ Case found on Amazon

Excelvan Book Light via Amazon

Air Hogs Millennium Falcon Drone via Amazon

12 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day {Without Candy}

December 19, 2017 by Katie Jones Leave a Comment

Children get enough candy as it is without needing more from you. So put the candy hearts down, back away from the box of chocolates and give something with a little more thought and care this Valentine’s Day. Here are 12 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day {Without Candy}.

Think Outside the Sand Box

If you’re trying to think outside the candy box for Valentine’s Day, go with these fun tubs of colorful sand. Get the FREE printable labels and more information here from Smart School House.

You Make Me Happy

Paint the picture for family and friends that they make you happy when skies are gray with this colorific non-candy Valentine’s idea. You could also give them a blank canvas or a paint book to use along with the paints. Brighten your day by getting the free printable tag here.

U R A-Doh-Able!

Let your kids know how a-doh-able they are with a play doh Valentine. You can find Play Doh cartons in sets of 4 from Dollar Tree. Download your free printable Valentine here.

Knot Your Average Valentine

This is KNOT your average Valentine! I love that you can slightly personalize the bracelets with color and braid choice. Find a wide variety of DIY friendship bracelet how-tos here. Click here for the printable.

You’re Erase-Sistable!

Tell your loved ones that they’re absolutely erase-sistable! You can find packs of seasonal bulk erasers from Target’s Dollar Spot in store. Oriental Trading also has great deals. Printable cards here.

You Make Me Slappy!

It’s not secret that your kids make you slap-happy! Let them know just that with this slamming candy-free Valentine. Find more details and the printable card here.

You Blow Me Away

Going candy free won’t burst anyone’s bubble with this Valentine’s idea. A bottle of bubbles is all you need to share your important message of love. Float over to Diana Miller’s website for more info and the free tags.

U R A”MAZE”ING

Make sure your kids are reminded just how a”maze”ing they are this Valentine’s Day with a fun heart-shaped maze. You might actually get them to put down their devices with this one. Free cards and details from The Happy Scraps. You can find a Lego version of the idea here.

Love Bugs

These love bug corner bookmarks will certainly flutter their way into your kids’ hearts for a Valentine’s Day delight. Goodbye candy hearts, hello sweet reads! Get the tutorial here.

Knock My Socks Off

This candy-free idea will make for happy hearts AND happy toes. Give your loved ones new pairs of socks to let them know they knock your socks off. Free tag found here.

Whoopie For Valentine’s!

Nothing says “I Love You” for Valentine’s like a card and some ~~gas~~ laughs! But, really… all joking aside, laughter IS one of the quickest ways to someone’s heart. So share a smile and a good time with those you love. Printables found on Paging Supermom.

Make My Heart Bounce

My boys really do make my heart bounce! Let your kids know they do the same for you with this hoppin’ candy-free Valentine idea.

Flannels, Flapjacks, and Other Christmas Party Ideas

November 14, 2017 by Katie Jones Leave a Comment

I can’t think of a better way to spend a cold winter evening than with family and friends all in the spirit of Christmas! Classic holiday parties never get old, but it is nice to start new traditions as well. If you’re wanting something a bit fresh and creative, read on for flannels, flapjacks, and other Christmas party ideas!

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Secret Tips for “Giant Knitting” Projects

October 12, 2017 by Katie Jones 1 Comment

Knitting is one of my absolute favorite hobbies. I can’t say I get to knit as often as I’d like but I still love it! One of my newest crazes is “giant knitting” where you knit using either your arms or super-sized needles. It’s been a learning process for sure, but the finished products are so worth sticking it out! Here are secret tips for “giant knitting” projects.

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10 MORE Fun Spray Paint Dye DIYs

September 12, 2017 by Katie Jones Leave a Comment

I haven’t always thought of spray paint as a classy medium to use in the home. But thankfully there are others who’ve used their creativity to show me otherwise. With a bit of searching, you can find some really great spray paint projects to spruce up your home in unexpected ways. Here are 10 MORE fun spray paint dye DIYs.

1. Rockin’ Paint Job

Transform an antique rocking chair into the focal piece of any room or porch. All it takes is a little sanding and some spray paint. Four Generations One Room shares how to make your own here.

2. Fresh As Mint Chandelier

Painting a chandelier can completely alter the look of a room. Freshen up your factory standard chandeliers with a coat of mint paint and some sisal rope around the chain. Get the DIY from Simply Swider.

3. Pinecone Perfection

Create a display of pinecone perfection with a pretty dye painted wreath. Your front porch will be the talk of the neighborhood this holiday season! Image source.

4. Slicker With Wicker

There’s no doubt that decorating with wicker baskets is a great way to add a bit of style, organization, and practicality to your home. Too bad the perfect baskets don’t always come in the perfect color. But that doesn’t have to stop you from achieving the look you’re going for if you just add a coat of spray paint. This is a DIY project you can do in under an hour. Get the how-to here.

5. Add Class With Glass

How fun are these sea glass jars for some beach inspired summer decorating?! Simply use Krylon Sea Glass spray to give any glass jar a frosty opaque finish. Read more about this DIY project here.

6. A Side of Gold
Add a side of gold to your room with this IKEA-inspired side table. You’ll need tape and gold spray paint to get this glistening Midas effect. DIY here.

7. Galvanize!

Galvanized tubs are a fun way to decorate for all sorts of gatherings from barn house parties to rustic weddings and simple backyard barbecues. I spent all summer trying to find the just-right galvanized tubs for my needs and had that hardest time finding what I wanted. I wish I had known about this spray paint trick! Simply use galvanized spray to cover inexpensive plastic tubs from any local super store. Idea found from The Tiptoe Fairy.

8. A Bottle Remodel

“Remodel” your old bottles with a quick and easy spray paint job. What a great way to recycle old bottles into fun and stylish vases! Learn how easy it is from PB Teen.

9. Mirror, Mirror

Mirror, mirror on the glass… Wait, what? Convert a glass jar into a reflection of style and class with just a bit of mirror effect spray paint. With tricks like this, your home will be the fairest one of all! Get more info from Hammers and Heels.

10. Pillow Fight

I’m always a little sad when I have to pass up cute holiday pillows because of their marked-up seasonal prices (this must be the real “pillow fight”!). But that doesn’t have to be the case with some stencils and fabric spray paint! Thanks to this how-to from A Wonderful Thought, you can now custom make your own holiday decor at a much more affordable price!

Decorate For Day of the Dead In DIY Style

August 24, 2017 by Katie Jones Leave a Comment

There’s more to the end of October than Halloween alone! October 31st also marks the first day of the Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos. This multi-day holiday is celebrated in Mexico and other parts of Central America to remember and honor those who have died and to help them in their spiritual journey beyond the grave. What a beautiful holiday! Do you have relatives you could help out on their spiritual journey? Whether or not you do, celebrating Day of the Dead is well worth your time! Here are some great ideas for decorating for Day of the Dead in DIY style!

Pumpkin Candle Holder

These pumpkin candle holders are perfect for a Dia de los Muertos dinner table centerpiece. All you need to do is hollow out the inside of mini pumpkins and paint them white. Then paint on some sugar skull features and fill the inside of the pumpkins with candles and flowers. Source.

Sugar Skull Balloons

All the best parties have balloons! Kids would have so much fun decorating their own sugar skull balloon and they make for great party decor afterwards. Source.

Dia de los Muertos Garland

Add a pop of color and festivity to any corner of your Day of the Dead celebrations with this super fun garland. You can get the free printables here and then all you have to do is clothespin them to a string. How easy!

Mini Sugar Skull Lanterns

Set the perfect mood for your Day of the Dead celebrations with these mini sugar skull lanterns. Turn them upside down and cover tea candles to create the lantern effect. Source.

Dia de los Muertos Piñata

No fiesta is complete without a piñata! Especially when they’re as easy to make as this cute sugar skull piñata! All you need are streamers, cardboard, tape, and glue! Get the DIY here.

Sugar Skull Pots

Succulents and cactus are the quintessential plants for Dia de los Muertos decor! These fabulous sugar skull pots could not be any more perfect to hold your greenery for Day of the Dead. You’ll just use acrylic paints on terra cotta pots. Source.

Dia de los Muertos Wreath

Welcome party guests to your home with a fun Dia de los Muertos wreath on your front door. This tutorial shows you how to make the wreath using tissue paper but artificial flowers from the dollar store would be even easier.

Papel Picado Banner

I love seeing papel picado banners out and around Mexican cities! Include this fun tradition in your own Day of the Dead celebrations by making your own! Get the DIY here.

Floral Headband

Sometimes the best decorations are the ones you get to wear! Pay tribute to Mexico’s beautiful marigold flowers for this year’s Day of the Dead festivities by making this fun floral headband. Jamonkey shares how.

Face Paint

Go all out with some face paint this Dia de los Muertos! It’s really quite easy and makes for a more authentic celebration. Find the free step-by-step guide here.

Dia de los Muertos Necklace

My favorite items to purchase when I travel to Mexico are those which are handcrafted and true to the Mexican culture. This Dia de los Muertos necklace reminds me so much of these special items made with such care and precision. What a little treasure! Learn how to make your own from Cassie Stephens.

Pumpkin Skeleton Boxes

Skeleton boxes are a popular way to tell humorous or other stories for Day of the Dead using skeleton characters. Tell your own story this Dia de los Muertos with a fun pumpkin skeleton box. Find out how here.