The Best Manly Gifts for Father’s Day
Father’s Day gift guide
This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com. All opinions are my own.
Father’s Day has got to be one of the hardest holidays to shop for. You want to show your love for all that Dad does, but they can be down right impossible to shop for. All of the Dads in my life, from my own husband to my dad and fathers-in-law, are all manly men who need appropriately manly gifts. Hipster gifts need not apply. Therefore, this year I bring you: the Father’s Day Gift Guide for the Manly Man.
Creative Circle Link Party
Welcome to The Creative Circle link party – a place to share and find decor and DIY inspiration for your home!
This week, I’m SO excited to be guest hosting this gathering of talented women who, like me, love to create, decorate and share beautiful things.
I love to share my projects at this weekly virtual party, so guest hosting feels a little bit like getting invited to sit with the cool kids at lunch (and happily finding out they are also the “nice” kids).
So, without further ado…
Bloggers, show us what you’ve got! We are eager to share your DIY, decor and design projects! Our favorites will be showcased at next week’s party, via our social media platforms and pinned to numerous Pinterest group boards and to a special board for maximum exposure.
Flashlight Scavenger Hunt
Nighttime Nature Scavenger Hunt – Great Camping Party Activity!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PoweringAdventure #CollectiveBias
Spring has officially sprung here in the Midwest, which means warmer temps, longer days and more time living outdoors. It also means kids who are bursting with energy until the minute their heads hit hit their pillows. Today I’m excited to share our latest outdoor adventure – a flashlight scavenger hunt.
I wanted to create a fun activity that my kids, ages 5-10 would all enjoy together. I came up with this flashlight scavenger hunt that would get their bodies moving, their brains working, and encourage them to explore the world around them.
This activity is all of those things, plus it is free!
Sew Pajama Pants from Vintage Sheets
Sew Pajama Pants in just 15 Minutes
If you’ve followed my blog for any amount of time, you know that I love all things vintage. Lately, I’ve been especially fond of vintage sheets, afghans and quilts. I’m always brimming with ideas for repurposing these treasures, and I even sell my finds in my small Etsy Shop. Last year I shared an article with genius ways to repurpose vintage sheets, and I fell in love with the idea of sewing pajama pants from vintage sheets.
What could be better? The soft feel of summer sheets paired with gorgeous vintage patterns.
Peter Rabbit Party
Bunny Bar and Minute to Win it Games for garden party
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WelcomeToFamilyNight #PeterRabbit #CollectiveBias.
A few weeks ago, I shared about how our family has a weekly tradition of Family Movie Night. It’s something we look forward to every week, whether it’s an old throwback movie from my childhood, or we treat ourselves to a new movie.
Most times, it’s an excuse to veg out. Sometimes, we have fun taking our movie night to the next level.
Ham and Cheese Brunch Bake
light and fluffy egg bake with crunchy hash browns, Melted cheese and fresh tomatoes.
A big thank you to Nellie’s Free Range Eggs for sponsoring this recipe, Ham and Cheese Brunch Bake. All opinions are mine alone.
Do you ever mysteriously forget about a recipe that you totally love? Only to rediscover it and over-celebrate its return to your life by having it weekly?
Just me…?
Well, that’s what happened to me with the recipe I’m sharing today. This dish has it all: fluffy eggs, crunchy hash browns, melted cheese, crunchy green onions and fresh tomatoes. It’s an amazing explosion of flavor.
Earning Full-Time Income From Home: Your Questions Answered
All About Teaching ESL From Home: How You Can Do it, Too
All I can say is…wow! Last week I shared a blog post that was really uncomfortable to put out there. I shared about all the ways I’m currently earning a full-time income from home. I guess I didn’t need to worry – the response to that post was huge! I got SO many questions about teaching ESL from home online that I found myself sharing the same responses again and again. Then, I realized there was certainly enough interest that I should follow up with all the details about this work opportunity right here on the blog.
As it turns out, there are lots of other men and women, just like myself, who are looking for ways to earn income from home. Whether it’s the stay at home mom who is torn about returning to the job force, a teacher who needs a summer income, a retiree who is looking for play money, or those like me who are entrepreneurial and want to find unique ways of making a living from home. Not only did all of your e-mails and texts encourage me in sharing that original post -but I realized that so many of us are in the same boat. We’re not alone! I’m so glad my experience has provided hope to others.
I hope this follow up post continues to encourage you and lead you to something that might help you with your goals.
Loving Lately: Friday Favorites
Amazing beauty Products that Knock My Socks Off
For a long time I’ve been meaning to revive a series I started when the blog was very young – a roundup of products I’m loving lately. Today, I’m bringing it back by sharing some amazing beauty products that knock my socks off.
Even better, most of these products can be purchased on Amazon and on your doorstep in two days!
Foot Peel Mask
I’ve posted about my love for this product on Instagram before, but it’s worth mentioning again. This foot mask is ah-mazing! Just wear the booties for an hour, and over the next two weeks you’ll experience a true metamorphosis – bringing your feet to the kind of softness you haven’t had since you were a kid.
Now, I’m not a beauty blogger, so I’m not one to tout every little product that comes around. But I’m not exaggerating to say this product is far better than any pedicure I’ve ever had – at a fraction of the price! Just $10 for one treatment.
A little disclaimer: this product WILL make you shed the tough, calloused skin on your feet, so you’ll want to use this two weeks before any special events where you want to show off your feet.
How To Earn a Full-Time Income from Home
HOW i MAKE A FULL-TIME INCOME AS A STAY AT HOME MOM
How I’m earning a full-time income from home – all while my children are asleep or in school part-time.
Last year I wrote my first article about how I earn income from my side hustles, while also staying at home as a full-time mom. It’s not easy to share so candidly about income – it feels so taboo. Also, just… strange if I’m being honest. Nevertheless, it’s still one of my most well-read articles to date, which means there are a lot of other moms out there who are hungry for opportunities to earn an income from home like I am.
DIY No-Sew Tassel Tee
update a Winter tee for summer with this No-Sew Tassel Trick
Disclosure: This shop, DIY No-Sew Tassel Tee, has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #allfreeclearclean #CollectiveBias
Today I’m sharing a simple hack for transforming a shirt from winter drab to summer fab. This no-sew project is super easy and makes a huge impact – in just minutes!
Bless This Mess: Face Painting Kids’ Activity
Confessions of a (semi-) reformed Neat Freak Mom
I have a confession. I’m not a fun mom. I love to peruse Pinterest and find activities that my kids will enjoy, but when it comes to the actual DOING of the activities, I have a tendency to squash fun with my “clean as you go” mentality.
My oldest daughter is a creator. An artist. An, “I’ll just throw this over there in the corner” sort of gal.
The mom struggle is REAL.
However, there is real joy in seeing our kids develop and grow into individuals with unique abilities, talents and interests. I want to be the kind of mom who fosters those things, instead of stifling those things byf fostering my own unique interest in, well, cleanliness.
So, I took a leap at Christmas when I got my daughter a face painting kit. Just a basic kit with a few colors and instructions. You would have thought we’d given her the moon. She could NOT believe we would allow – even encourage – this activity.
Jungle Scavenger Hunt Printable
This shop, Jungle Scavenger Hunt has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WelcomeToFamilyNight #Jumanji #CollectiveBias
Nearly every weekend, our family has a tradition of having a family movie night. This special tradition was created sort of accidentally, and became a cherished night for our family.
Truth be told, it originated on Sundays when we needed to find an excuse for the kids to wind down so they would be ready for their early “school night” bedtimes.
Popping popcorn and snuggling together under a pile of blankets while watching a family-friendly movie was all the motivation the kids needed.
Kid Friendly Honey Bread
Easy, Kid Friendly Honey Bread Recipe
Today I’m excited to share one of our family’s favorite recipes: Kid Friendly Honey Bread. I’ve been meaning to share this on the blog for, like, years, but just never got around to it.
Yes, the recipe is called kid friendly because my kids love to eat this bread. But, more importantly, this is a super easy recipe that your kids can make with you.
Chocolate Caramel Banana Bread
next level Banana Bread with Chocolate and caramel
This shop, Chocolate Caramel Banana Bread, has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DelightfulMoments #SplashOfDelight #CollectiveBias
Lately I’ve been trying extra hard to make desserts and breakfasts from scratch. Less processed cookies, treats and cereals = more homemade goodness. Today I’m going to share the amazing recipe we made over the weekend: Chocolate Caramel Banana Bread.
It’s as good as it sounds.
No Candy Easter Basket Ideas for the Family
Personalized Easter Basket Inspiration for the Whole Family
A big thank you to GiftsForYouNow.com for sponsoring my no candy Easter basket filler ideas! All opinions are my own.
With Easter just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to put together some no candy Easter basket inspiration for things the Easter bunny can bring. For our family, Easter is such a meaningful, fun holiday and a wonderful time to gather with family and create traditions.
This year, change up those Easter baskets by swapping the candy-filled basket and opting for one filled with fun items they’ll actually use. Not only will you be able to avoid the sugar overload, but you’ll also be giving unique surprises that will make your Easter celebration a memorable one.
These personalized Easter gifts are so great, your kids (almost) won’t miss the candy.
Baby Bunny Easter Basket
Instead of purchasing a traditional Easter basket, try using a multipurpose container that can be used year round for storage.
Instead of messy filler, add a personalized baby blanket that will get daily use. I had “Baby Bunny” embroidered on this adorable pink blanket with white stars, so she’ll always remember it came from the Easter Bunny!
Nothing is cuter than a bunny on Easter, and I love the idea of spreading a little love year-round with this adorable Gund bunny (on sale!) with a custom sweater that says “Some Bunny Loves Me.”
We need to pack snacks for school anyway, so why not knock out two tasks in one and pack adorable Goldfish “carrots” in their Easter basket and school bag?
Finally, with spring coming soon, I added a new pair of shades.
(Pre) Tween Easter Basket
While I don’t have tweens yet, I’m familiar with kids who have very specific likes and dislikes. Try filling their baskets with supplies for their favorite activities – art supplies, slime making supplies, or books. I also added a cool pair of shades, school snacks and this personalized sippy cup that looks cool and is totally functional.
These “sippy” cups are amazing because they are truly leak proof. My daughter dumped hers in my purse one day when I didn’t realize it, and it was upside down for hours with ZERO drips. Mom score!
I used a multipurpose container for this basket and clipped a white pom for a cute bunny tail.
Boy Easter Basket
With so much of Easter seemingly marketed to girls, sometimes it’s hard to fill the perfect boy basket.
Try opting for dapper Easter gear that he can wear to the Sunday service: a bow tie, fedora, and maybe a pair of shades. Just for fun, I added a dino composition book and a pair of novelty glasses. And, of course, that school snack 🙂
Easter Basket for Him
Perhaps I’m not very creative, or maybe my husband just has very specific likes….probably a little bit of both! His Easter “basket” looks remarkable like his birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, and Father’s Day gifts. A beer caddy with his favorite brew, some speciality barbecue sauce and meat claws are the perfect manly man gift.
Easter Basket for Her
Okay, so let’s get real – I DO include candy in our Easter baskets. While these no candy baskets won’t leave anyone feeling deprived, it just isn’t Easter without a chocolate bunny (amiright?). And maybe a cute decoration and succulent. 
I hope you like these ideas for no candy Easter basket fillers!
What is your go-to Easter basket filler each year? Please tell me in the comments below! Looking for more Easter inspiration? Check out my Easter Lunch tablescape!
Backpack Charms Valentines Printables
Backpack charms: The Charm-ing Way to say, “happy Valentine’s Day”
These free backpack charms valentines printables are cool enough, even for big kids and tweens. We love pairing them with emoji and squishy charms.
Today I’m excited to share a new, gender-neutral Valentine’s Day printable that is perfect for the big kids: Backpack Charms Valentines.
Random Acts of Kindness Advent Activities + OshKosh B’gosh Giveaway
Mother Daughter Date Ideas to Capture the True Meaning of Christmas
This post, Random Acts of Kindness Advent Activities , is sponsored by Everywhere Agency on behalf of OshKosh B’gosh; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
It’s true – it’s the most wonderful time of the year. But, like so many families, we find ourselves struggling to keep up with the endless activities, traditions and all-around excess that can come with the season.
It’s why I’m so glad we started the tradition of performing Random Acts of Kindness Advent Activities as a family in the days leading up to Christmas.
Easiest Sugar Cookie Icing Ever + $1,000 Target Gift Card Giveaway
Frost dozens of Cookies in just 5 minutes with “Dippable” Royal Icing
I’m feeling like a genius these days.
I was dreading frosting dozens upon dozens of my famous vanilla almond cut-out sugar cookies I make each Christmas.
While the result looks and tastes delicious (and totally worth the effort), It’s a long process and I was feeling lazy this year.
Always one to look for the shortcut, I decided to simplify my royal icing recipe a bit to seeif I could make a simple, “dippable” icing work. No sifting powdered sugar. No bottles or icing bags.
To my delight, not only was I able to ice a dozen cookies in one minute, but it tastes even better than the other recipe I used to use. Score!
Modern Farmhouse Holiday Decor
christmas home tour
Many of my readers started following me for my home decor content, but I’ve really fallen behind this year on updating my home as much as I would like. I plan to change that in 2018 with some updates I have planned, with no more indecision to stymie me!
For now, I’m sharing a small home update in the form of a Christmas Home Tour.