Holiday

Fabulous Fall Family Photo Ideas

August 17, 2017 by Katie Jones Leave a Comment

I’ll always be a Summer girl to my core but that doesn’t mean I can’t admit that Fall has the most spectacular colors! Take advantage of the Autumn beauty by getting some family photos taken with your family. I’m learning all too sadly just how quickly your kids don’t stay kids. Here are some Fall family photo ideas to preserve your special family memories.

Barn House

There’s something about barns that speaks home and family. Barns also make for gorgeous Americana photo backgrounds. Capture your own barn picture by contacting a local farm. They’re usually happy to share their grounds with you as long as you don’t crowd out other visitors. Source.

Apple Harvest

Take a family photo gathering fruit or crops at a nearby orchard. I like how they incorporated the apple barrel into the pictures. Wearing red really accentuated the Autumn colors. Image source.

Lake Watching

It’s terribly silly but I have a favorite illustration of Charlie Brown and Snoopy on a dock. Their backs are facing toward the viewer and it’s nothing more than a boy sitting peacefully with his best friend taking in a beautiful view. I remember seeing that illustration as a child and knowing I was going to have a dog myself some day and that I wanted to sit on the dock with him like Charlie and Snoopy. Just two buddies enjoying a quiet moment without the need to speak. This photo reminds me so much of that illustration and I think it brings out in the viewer all those same pleasant emotions. A boy and his mom just enjoying one another’s company without the need to say anything at all. Source.

Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkins are an essential part of Fall! I love Fall photos taken at pumpkin patches showing your children discover the excitement surrounding these funny orange vegetables. Source.

Wheat Fields

Photographs in wheat fields are another great way to showcase the Fall harvest. What adorable little buddies! Source.

Leaves & Trees

Taking photos under trees or playing in the leaves is a super easy way to bring bright colors into your family pictures. Source.

Bridge

Capture the Fall colors and crisp air with a photo on a bridge. Source.

Corn Maze

Capture the candid excitement of getting lost in a corn maze. Source.

Sunflower

You always know Fall is in the air when you see sunflowers everywhere. Taking photos with sunflowers is a perfect way to capture bright and happy times. Source.

Silhouette

This Fall photo shows that you don’t have to see all the details to capture the feelings of warmth and love. Silhouette photos make for some really powerful images. Source.

Campfire

Snuggle up around a campfire for a warm, cozy family photo. Source.

Porch

To me, your home is an important member of your family. It provides and cares for you like nothing else in your life. Include this important family member in your group photo to preserve it’s special place in your lives. Source.

Animals

Bring some furry friends into your pictures for a unique take on Fall photos. Source.

Boat

Taking family pictures on a boat can be a fun way to incorporate nature into the images. Source.

Costumes

Preserve your super family memories with a group picture in this year’s Halloween costumes. You can’t beat being silly together as a family!! Source.

10 Adorably Cozy Ways to Decorate Your Home for Fall

August 15, 2017 by Katie Jones Leave a Comment

It’s a good thing it’s Fall that comes after my favorite season of Summer because otherwise I’d be much more annoying about moving to Hawaii. I’m always sad to put all my fun Summer gear and home decor away, but I will admit that I always look forward to decorating for Fall as well. You can create such warming moods that invite some of the best times to create new family memories. Here are 10 adorably cozy ways to decorate your home for Fall!

1. Mantle

Brighten your mantle with wood decor, lighting features, and warming Autumn colors. I like how the artificial candles add such a sense of coziness without putting off unwanted heat. Find this mantle display on The Frugal Homemaker.

2. Chalkboards and Pumpkins

From choosing your favorite orange gourds in a pumpkin patch to carving jack-o-lanterns and having all the yummy pumpkin spice treats your little taste buds can handle, pumpkins are simply the ultimate Autumn crop. For a welcoming display, put some on display this Fall with a festive chalkboard message. Find this adorable idea here.

3. Go Nuts!

Fill glass jars with candles and other small Fall items such as acorns. You could even fill the jar with your favorite Halloween candies (back away from my candy corn!). Get the tutorial here.

4. Chandelier Wreath

I always like including decor around my house in somewhat unexpected spaces. Placing decor up high draws the eye upward making rooms appear larger and more spacious… and more welcoming if the decor is warm and inviting like this wreath. Learn how to make your own here.

5. Flowers & Gourds

Carve out some pumpkins and fill them with an Autumn-colored floral arrangement. Super easy and very pretty! Image source.

6. Wheat

Create a Pilgrim-worthy dried wheat and pumpkin display for long tables. Lay a festive ribbon over a straw or burlap runner. Then top with dried wheat-filled mason jars and tiny pumpkins. Wrap some twine or string around the mason jars to complete the look. Image source. You can buy dried wheat a hobby and home decor stores such as Hobby Lobby.

7. Fall Fruits

Here’s a very affordable and fruity Fall decor idea… Fill an antique pan, box, or container with Fall-inspired napkins and fruit. The antique spice shaker completes the look. Check out local consignment stores or estate sales for old-fashioned treasures at excellent prices! Source.

8. Candle Box

Invite some added warmth into your home with a long candle box display. All you need to do is fill a wooden box with some candles, mini pumpkins, and decorative twigs. Image source.

9. Decorative Pillows

Pillows can make a huge impression with such little effort. You can find some really fantastic pillows at many home decor stores, or you can make your own like this cute DIY no-sew pumpkin pillow.

10. Blankets

Talk about a cozy display! Find a space to lay out some warm, fall colored blankets and pillows. I love how they pulled in the pine cones and “leaves-on-a-string” to finish off the look! Image source.

9 Things You Can Do With Old Pool Noodles for Hours of Summer Fun

May 25, 2017 by Katie Jones Leave a Comment

1. On Target

Ring in hours of summer fun with a target practice station. Join noodles together into rings and join them together with tape. Use pool noodle javelins, footballs, soccer balls, or anything else. For an extra challenge, assign different point values to different colored rings. Harry Potter fans might even try some Quidditch. This station really is on target for some fun this summer!

2. Lightsabers You Must Make

You’d better follow Master Yoda’s order and make your own pool noodle lightsabers. Use colorful duct tape to design the hilt. The force is strong with this summer fun idea indeed!

3. On Your Mark…

Get Set… The summer will race by for your little Indy Racers with a pool noodle racing ramp. Simple cut a pool noodle in half, tape the halves together with checkered duct tape, And add your start and finish lines and you’ll be revving to go. Get the “start” and “finish” banners and the assembly instructions here from the Hot Wheels website. Go!

4. Toss Like A Boss

Toss away the time with a classic game of ring toss. Perfect for a backyard game, family reunions, holiday celebrations, or birthday parties. Stagger the vertical noodles in a line away from tossers to create more of a challenge. The further away the noodle, the more points it’s worth. Great idea from Mission To Save.

5. Workin’ at the Carwash

Have a splash of a time with a pool noodle car wash. It’ll require some special supplies and assembly, but just think how worth it it’ll be when you don’t have to fight the crowds at the nearest splash pad! Drive on through to Mom Endeavors for the DIY tutorial.

6. Rocket Up

Blast off the time this summer with pool noodle rocket flingers. Pull a large rubber band through the hole of the pool noodle, secure with a nail and duct tape, cut and attach a few foam fins, and away you go. 3…. 2…. 1….

7. Burst Your Bubble

Blowing bubbles is a summertime MUST! Add some extra flower power this summer by blowing bubbles with a pool noodle flower wand. To make your own, all you have to do is cut a pool noodle into a flower shape and attach it to a straw.

8. Hold the Fort

Hold the fort during the long summer days with this sturdy pool noodle play house. With no need to rearrange furniture and other items to hold up the sheets, clean up should be easier too! What a great way to beat the sun or have a sleepover.

9. Don’t Lose Your Marbles

Your Little Architects will be so busy having fun with this idea that you won’t lose your marbles. Build a marble run with Lego bricks and pool noodles. Have fun coming up with different tracks or have marble races on different tracks. Read more from Frugal Fun 4 Boys.

DIY Your Way to a PERFECT Fourth of July

May 16, 2017 by Katie Jones Leave a Comment

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I absolutely LOVE summer! Aside from vacationing, birthdays (we have A LOT of summer birthdays in our family!), and having time to clean and get organized, you most certainly can’t understate the fun to be had with holiday celebrations. There are so many fun ways to celebrate Independence Day and throw your own party, but here are some of my favorites to share with you this year.

1. Dazzle Your Diners

Dazzle your diners with a sparkling presentation! What a fun way to present your holiday dishes to guests! I also love the dinnerware (I know I’ve seen those star plates and stands at Pottery Barn). Source.

2. Berry Trifle

This berry trifle is a favorite in our home. A beautiful display, light, and packed with flavor… there’s no going wrong with this one! Get the scrumptious details from Natasha’s Kitchen.

3. Star-Studded Fruit Salad

Another family favorite is this star-studded fruit salad. Simply use some star shaped cookie cutters to shape the fruit. SO easy to make and such a hit with everyone. Vegan Heaven shares the directions here.

4. Rocket Poppers

I don’t know if it’s because we’re normally kind of quiet people, but my family loves the tradition of sharing poppers at any holiday celebration we can. Needless to say, I was pretty excited when I found these rocket poppers. Fill them with all sorts of dollar store treats and prizes for a booming good time.

5. Coco-Berry Sicles

Freeze blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries in a popsicle mold with coconut water for this incredibly easy and refreshing holiday treat. No guilt and all pleasure with these sweet treats!

6. Ring Toss

Create your own stars and stripes ring toss game for some backyard fun. Get all the DIY information from Everyday Dishes.

7. Backyard Movie

Help pass the time before fireworks by watching a backyard movie. Learn how to make your own outdoor movie screen from Valu Home Centers.

8. S’Mores!

What better American summertime treat can you have than s’mores? Roast some up while you watch your movie. The french fry holders and plaid paper cones are an especially nice touch!

9. Gunny Sack Races

Have fun with some good old gunny sack races. For a pre-race activity, let kids and party guests decorate their own winning pillow case sacks.

10. Balloon Darts

For another simple backyard game, set up your own balloon dart board. Add inexpensive prizes inside the balloons for an added fun surprise.

11. Stars and Stripes Pie

I mean, does it get much more mouth-watering than this?! Shout Americana to your party-goers with an over-the-crust, stars and stripes cherry and berry pie. Is it July yet? Thanks to Woman’s Day for the recipe.

10 Things to Make Your Mom This Mother’s Day

April 7, 2017 by Katie Jones Leave a Comment

Mother’s Day gifts can be tricky! You want a gift that tells your mom how much you love and appreciate her, but you also don’t want to give her candy that she can go buy herself at the store. Here are 10 thoughtful and fun gift ideas to help you make sure Mom feels special this Mother’s Day.

1. Perfect Potholder

Hit the spot with these DIY potholders! Giving household accessories as gifts can sometimes seem impersonal. However, there are a few useful accessories that I think you can never go wrong with giving. These cute DIY potholders are definitely one of those gifts. Choose a fabric or pattern that you think your mom will particularly enjoy and your gift will be all that much more special. Instructions found here.

2. Take A Stand

Whether you mom is a cook, or just wants to add some cute decorative flair to her kitchen, this handmade tablet or cookbook stand will be a Mother’s Day hit either way. Idea found at DIY N Crafts.

3. It’s Better With the Butter

Step aside retail body sprays… Mom’s getting something a bit more personal this Mother’s Day! This homemade Mint Chocolate Body Butter is such a fun alternative to the oh-so-common sprays and lotions bought from the store. Find the recipe from Mommypotamus.

4. Mother’s Day RefreshMINT

With Mother’s Day comes warmer weather and sandals. Mom won’t hesitate at all to show off her toes after a subLIME treatment with this mint lime foot soak.

5. Flower Power

I love this idea for a twist on giving Mom flowers for Mother’s Day. Let her grow her own flowers, plants, or herbs by simply filling a bucket or pail with new gloves, seeds, and any kind of gardening tools. Idea from I Heart Naptime.

6. Scrub-A-Dub-Dub

Bring the benefits of a facial to Mom without the expense or hassle. Instead, make your own natural Pomegranate Facial Scrub that’s packed with antioxidants and age-defying nutrients. Mom will love feeling pampered without having to leave the convenience of her own bathroom.

7. Stencil Me In!

Tea towels are another of those few household accessories I feel like you can never go wrong giving as a gift. Add some color, style, and/or festive flair to Mom’s kitchen with these stencil tea towels. Find the tutorial from Number-2-Pencil.

8. Warm Her Heart

Warm Mom’s sore muscles AND her heart with a homemade heating pad. You don’t have to be a skilled seamstress to make this simple Alice & Lois DIY project.

9. Warmth & Words

Give Mom a gift that reminds her how much you love her every time she snuggles down with a warm drink. Let the kids each make one too for a little matching set. Directions and tips from Gimme Some Oven.

10. Wrap With Love

One of my favorite gifts to this day was a fleece blanket given to me by a friend. Easy and inexpensive for her but the carefully selected pattern made it such a treasure for me. Make Mom her own perfect no-sew fleece blanket and she’s sure to be wrapped with love for Mother’s Day. A Girl and a Gluegun provides DIY instructions here.