DIY: Vase Makeover Using Rust-Oleum and Rubberbands

abstract art vase makeover

If you're like me, you have clear vases stashed everywhere.  Clear vases are usually pretty cost-friendly but not always eye appealing.  This very simple DIY makeover takes less than 10 minutes and only uses two supplies, bringing the cost to less than $5 bucks if you already have a vase.  And if you don't have a clear vase, no worries.  The … [Read more...]

Lightning McQueen’s ‘Bolt’ Using Glidden Paint in Disney Colors

gliddendisneypaint10

Truett's room is so blah.  I really think that's a big reason he doesn't spend much time in here. It's drab and boring and I wouldn't want to be in there either.  It needed some umph! If you haven't seen the awesome Disney paints that Glidden has, you need to check them out.  Truett picked out the colors and we went with the … [Read more...]

His Eyes Were Open But He Wasn’t Breathing

tobyfalcon2

This morning brought one of the scariest moments of my life. Toby signed himself out of school because he had been throwing up from a stomach bug that had been going around.  He came home, went to bed and got right back up to puke.  He went to bed again and within a few minutes was in the bathroom puking again but this time, he ended up laying … [Read more...]

Spring DIY – Replant Your Dying Ivy

replant your dying ivy

Here's something you didn't know about me; I'm a plant killer.  I seriously can't keep any plant alive.   Not.even.an.ivy.  If it wasn't for my husband, we'd never have any living plants or flowers in our home.    Spring brings organization, cleaning, and sprucing up your home so why can't that apply to your plants? Many of them will grow so … [Read more...]

Easy Crocheted Ruffle Scarf

Crocheted Ruffle Scarf

Crocheting is one of my most favorite hobbies.  I have never been able to pick up knitting yet but my grandmother, her mother, and my mil all crocheted.  It's only fitting that I carry on the tradition. Lucky for me, there are some projects and yarns that make it easier than ever to create stunning pieces of work for little effort and for an … [Read more...]

Easter Egg Bouquet in Candy-Filled Jar, Filled with Inspiration

easter egg bouquet filled with inspiration

I love Easter.  I love the vibrant colors, the family time, and that it means more to me now than just hunting eggs.  This year, when thinking of fun crafts to make for Easter gifts, I knew I wanted something colorful, fun, and inspirational.  I decided to make an Easter Egg Bouquet filled with inspiration...and gotta have some candy in there … [Read more...]

Cowboy Gets Glasses

cowboy in glasses

For the past few years, my husband has been doing a whole lot of squinting.  He squints when looking at menus at fast food joints, he squints to read his Bible, he squints when looking out yonder.  Of course, being the manly, rugged fella he is, he has refused to admit to needing glasses.   Until now...... A campaign came open to me as a … [Read more...]

DIY Treasure Chest for Indoor Scavenger Hunt

DIY Treasure Chest

I don't know about you but this is always the time of year that we are stuck in the house because of cold weather conditions.  We get bored and eventually, the winter blues.  To liven things up, we love to play games.  Since most board games require you to sit, we opt for other games that require some sort of physical activity.  We love … [Read more...]

Forever a Keepsake in My Heart

melody ring from keepsake

When me and my husband first decided to marry, we had nothing.  No money, no home, nothing....well, except a Polaroid camera given to us.  I don't know what we were thinking but thanks to some family members, we were able to pull it off. My Aunt took me to a pawn shop where we bought my wedding ring for $40 bucks.   My SIL's wore prom … [Read more...]

Valentine’s Day Posey Pops

Valentine's Dum-Dum Flower

These Valentine's Day Posey Pops would make a perfect Valentine for the little girls!  With just $5 bucks, you can make several of these Valentine's crafts.  You can give one to each little girl or make a whole bouquet for the teacher.  It takes no time at all and with all the beautiful themed papers out there, you could create an amazing flower … [Read more...]

DIY: Conversation Candy Hearts Necklace

candy hearts necklace

I am loving the create your own conversation hearts!  We made a cookie candy hearts bouquet for little man's teacher and today we're bringing you candy heart necklaces for the little ladies. This is super easy and cheap to create.  I first learned the technique from Aunt Kathy. She made one with money for my son's graduation and I thought … [Read more...]

Our 20th Anniversary Dinner Date

anniversary dinner8

January 30th was our 20th anniversary.  20 years y'all?!  That's just crazy to me, you know?  We celebrated with a cruise to the Western Caribbean but since our actual anniversary was after the cruise on a Wednesday, we chose to have an at-home dinner date.  We actually spend less on this dinner than what it would have cost to go out and eat at … [Read more...]

Activewear, You Know, For Those Active Moments

danskin activewear

More clever titles!! Man, I bet you just can't get enough right?!  It's that time of year when we take a new path down healthy lane with pitstops at exercise drive.  We buy more fresh produce and of course, workout clothes. I am no exception.  And just in case you get curious, like most folks do, that is my birthmark on my right leg. I … [Read more...]

Keeping a Technological Groove With the Young Ones

Dad with kids

Contribution made by Becky W. Dad, did you know that your relationship with your children is one of the best indicators of their success in life? That’s right, your influence as a father has an enormous impact on your children’s self-esteem, happiness, emotional and social development, and confidence. No one can adequately fill the place … [Read more...]

Winter Solutions – DIY Emergency Winter Car Kit

Emergency Winter Car Kit

Getting stuck in the snow is one of those things you probably don't think will happen, until it does.  When we lived in New Mexico, I JUST HAD TO GO to town (as my husband likes to remind me).  It wasn't wintery but nothing major.  On my way home, I slid off into the bar-ditch and got stuck in what looked like a blizzard.  I don't know where it … [Read more...]

DIY Snowflakes Craft Using Glittered Glue

Glittered Glue Snowflake

We've only had snow once here in my part of Texas so we have to find creative ways to bring the snow to us since it doesn't like showing up too often.   This snowflake craft is super duper easy.   Both you and your kiddo will have a blast creating a winter craft in the warmth of your home, all while using your imagination to create a snowflake. … [Read more...]

DIY Gift Wrapping Station (Organizer)

DIY Gift Wrapping Organizing Station

Gift wrapping.  It's one of those things that drive me crazy because I'm having to look for scissors, ribbon, paper, tape and of course, it's never handy is it?  I saw this idea a long while back and just new it was exactly what I needed.  While mine is not near as classy & pretty as hers, it's perfect for my needs, time, and … [Read more...]

DIY Craft – Holiday Wreath

DIY Holiday Wreath

I love DIY crafts, however, I have learned that wreath making might not be my calling.  I clearly lack the creativity needed to make a masterpiece. With that said, I do feel that, for my poor wreath making skills, my holiday wreath turned out pretty decent.   We actually don't buy wreaths here on the ranch because of cost since not too many … [Read more...]

DIY Fall Fresh Floral Centerpiece

fresh flower holiday centerpiece

Since we are having Thanksgiving in my home this year, I wanted to create a centerpiece that I could use for the holiday and for other occasions.  To do this, I needed a universal base so that I could simply change the fresh flowers, depending on season.  I have seen some wonderful floral centerpieces with cranberries and apples as the base.  I … [Read more...]

Honoring the Bravest Heroes of Our Nation (Photos of Veterans in Our Family)

Marine Bobby

A veteran is defined by federal law, moral code and military service as "Any, Any, Any"... A military veteran is Any person who served for Any length of time in Any military service branch.  There are war veterans, combat veterans, etc and regardless of which you are, all veterans are equal. So many times, we take this country for granted. … [Read more...]

Surely I Have Two Weeks Worth of Mamavation?

bob harper

I recently signed up for Mamavation's Two Week Challenge.  The first 100 people received a free membership to www.bobharper.com where we can access workouts, journal, forum, recipes, and much more.   Everyone who completes the challenge will be entered into a drawing for some great stuff!  Challenge is from October 29th, 2012 - November 12, … [Read more...]

Using Bluebird to Teach Financial Responsibility

bluebird

In attempt to pull the reins on our budget spending, we've decided to give the American Express Bluebird debit card a try.   Bluebird is a checking/debit alternative loaded with features, not fees.  Normally, Toby uses a paypal debit card which is linked to our accounts.  The big problems we have with this are; 1) He can't log in to see … [Read more...]

Halloween Pumpkin Carving Made Easy

carved pumpkin

I'll be the first to admit, I haven't carved a pumpkin in years so I had no idea on how they've advanced the sets and tutorials to make it easy.  I felt encouraged when I read through the instructions of this cool Halloween pumpkin carving pattern and tool set.  I really felt like 'I can do this!'. First off, you pick the pattern you want … [Read more...]

Cupcake Photo Toppers for Halloween

Cupcake Toppers for Halloween

The possibilities for Halloween-themed cupcakes are endless.  The creative junkies out there are making fingers, ghosts, and mummy dogs but not all of us are so creative or have the time.  And well, sometimes simple works best.  If you don't have time to make cupcakes, just grab some cupcakes at Wamart. They have big one and mini ones that you … [Read more...]

Halloween Spider Using Duct Tape

Halloween Spider using Duct Tape

I love Halloween so when I was challenged to make something using Duct Tape and a pumpkin, a spooky spider instantly came to mind! First off, you'll need duct tape and I don't know if you've noticed lately, but duct tape projects are the trend these days.   If you check out your hardware section at Walmart, you'll see a whole display of … [Read more...]

Snaps of….

horses

While in NYC, I quickly snapped a photo of the Statue of Liberty.  I was on a moving boat that was still for all of 30 seconds, and I was soaken wet to boot!  Anyhoo, I loved seeing the giant beauty and if I ever go back, I'll definitely take the time to see her up close and pay my respect to such a historic piece of our country. I've been … [Read more...]

Back to School Tips & Ideas from a Mom of Three Boys

homework box

I have to say, this is the first year that I have never been more ready for 'back to school'.  Truett (5) is making me crazy and his 16yr old brother isn't helping.  Plus, they pushed Summer break back an additional 2 weeks so it's truly the longest break they've ever had. As a mom of three boys; Kinder, a Junior, and College, I have learned … [Read more...]