This weeks feature is so simple but bold, blue and beautiful. Keep reading to check out this contemporary take on a traditional fall look.
Are you a lover of vintage books? Or, do you simply own old literature that you hate to store, but don’t want to toss?
Me, too.
I often find myself perusing the bookshelves at vintage shops and thrift stores, searching for treasures. I’ve used them to decorate my son’s room, and also as the occasional book prop.
However, with no bookshelves to speak of, our vintage book collection has max capacity. So, what does any crafty DIY mom do? Scours the internet for ways to upcycle the books she loves.
These 15 ideas are not only clever, but totally functional. These ideas take the functionality and the beauty of hardcover books and turns them into truly remarkable, functional items.
Which one is your favorite??
Looking for ways to spend more quality time with your kids, one-on-one? I’ve pulled together 50 totally unique and creative ideas for building memories and bonding with your kids.
Of course, you don’t need to have an expensive outing to get a little quality time in. That’s why these ideas are all frugal or free. 
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.
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.
This shop, Black Cat Halloween Bags, has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, MARS Incorporated. All opinions are mine alone. #BOOItForward #CollectiveBias
Trick Or Treating where I grew up was a ritual like no other I’ve found. When *I* was a kid (said in my best, wise old lady voice), we had to WORK for OUR treats.
When I graduated college and moved to Chicagoland, I remember being a bit appalled at how the kids acted on beggar’s night. They walked up to the door, held their bags open and looked at me expectantly.
Sure, they were dressed up in their adorable little costumes, but make no mistake: these kids were slackers.
I’d ask them, “What’s your trick?” And they and their parents would look at me quizzically, like I was the crazy lady on the block.
See, back when I was a kid in central Iowa, we kids would spend the week before Halloween searching for the BEST joke so we could be prepared for Beggar’s Night. If you had no joke and no costume, you would be DENIED, or at the very least, tsked for not doing your job right.
AKA: Trick FOR treat. Quid pro quo.
I tried to get my kids to single-handedly carry out the tradition out here, but it was a no-go. My neighbors were confused at why they were being told jokes. They didn’t quite appreciate the tradition. I get it.
So, this year we’re trying a new angle: we’re Boo’ing it forward. Surprising neighbors and friends with little treats and goodies on their doorstep.
Forget the traditional and tired oranges, browns and greens of Halloween, and the spooky ghosts and goblins that just aren’t for everyone. We decided to stand out by creating classy and chic Black Cat Halloween Bags.
To make them, start with some simple, inexpensive craft essentials: pink and black paper favor bags, glitter paper, and self stick letters. Oh, and a feather boa.
I really don’t care to admit to myself that summer vacation is nearly over. However, in just a few weeks the kids are going back to school, and they are not very excited about it.
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RevUpF8 #CollectiveBias
Today’s DIY is all about finding stylish ways to display and contain toy cars. My son’s love of cars was revived last month when we introduced him to the latest Fast & Furious™ movie. So, of course, he was thrilled when he discovered toy replicas of Dom Toretto’s car and the climax scene of the movie. However, we had reached capacity on car storage in casa de Mangold. Maxed. Out.
Stored here: Fast & Furious™ 5 Pack Vehicle Assorted
This shop, Chillin’ and Grillin’ Backyard Barbecue, has been compensated by Collective Bias, INC. and The Coca-Cola Company; all opinions are mine alone. #IceColdSummerMoments #CollectiveBias
It may still be spring, but yesterday we turned up the heat with a summer themed party with our neighbors.
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A big thanks to GiftsForYouNow for sponsoring my Homemade Mother’s Day Gifts. All opinions are my own.
Happy May Day! Can you believe in just a two short weeks, it will be Mother’s Day?
If you’re one of the many people who haven’t landed the perfect gift for the women in your life this Mother’s Day – don’t panic! I’ve pulled together three thoughtful and inexpensive gift ideas for moms and grandmas, that even the worst procrastinator can pull off at the last minute! Moms can attest: there’s nothing better than receiving a truly thoughtful gift that can be sentimental, pretty, AND useful.
This shop, No Sew Emergency Kit, has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MoreMomentsWithExcedrin #CollectiveBias
Today I’m going to show you how to make a beautiful no sew emergency kit in just 15 minutes.
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Lately I’ve been a bit obsessed with all things vintage. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed me sharing lots of my favorite finds.
My mother is a quilter, and because of that I’ve developed an appreciation for vintage quilts, afgans, fabrics and linens.
The deliciously soft texture of the worn fabric and the delightful colors and patterns just make me smile.
Since I’ve become somewhat of a minor hoarder, I’ve been doing a lot of research on how to upcycle these lovely finds.
Over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing these ideas with you here.
It all started when my son – my oldest and least crafty of the crew – announced he wanted to DIY his valentines this year. This boy not only NEVER requests to craft, but he also wanted to re-use the Minecraft valentines I’d created for him last year. This, even after I offered to buy the store bought kind. Be still my crafty heart! This called for a celebration!
I decided that over the weekend I’d surprise all the kiddos with a sweet valentine breakfast and then have a crafting workshop. Okay, I have a way of getting a little carried away…but food is my son’s love language and I wanted to have a little fun with this rare opportunity.
Don’t go to your next holiday party empty handed! Show your hostess how much you appreciate her year-round with a thoughtful, but inexpensive, DIY gift.
Click the images for more information on how to pull together these DIY hostess gifts that will get you invited back.
Continue reading DIY Gifting wine for the holidays? You’ll love these DIY ideas for stepping up your gift wrap game. A big thanks to GiftsForYouNow for sponsoring this post.
Wine. There’s a reason it’s a universal holiday gift. It can be inexpensive or pricey; red, white or sparkling. It works as a casual hostess gift, a super last-minute gift, or a more lavish gift for your bestie.
No matter who you’re giving to or what kind of wine, don’t skimp on presentation! Check out these DIY ideas for gift wrapping wine for the holidays.
Continue reading This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RollAwayLint #CollectiveBias
Time to get your craft on! Today I’m excited to share four projects perfect for kids. Even better? They look so good you’ll actually want to display them on the fancy, do-not-touch tree.
Don’t pretend you don’t know what I mean.
These projects are so kid-friendly you won’t have to finish them by yourself. Mom win all around! 
Thanksgiving has passed, and it’s now socially acceptable to begin the count down to Christmas. But let’s be honest, you’ve secretly been waiting for at least a month. One of the best ways to celebrate the most festive month of the year is with an Advent calendar. Instead of buying a generic version at the grocery store, craft your own calendar,and put it on display. I’ve pulled together a list of 15 of my favorite DIY Advent Calendars to inspire you.
