{Magazine Monday} Easy Gift for Kids to Make

I love, ♥, LOVE this idea!

This comes, once again, from a Martha Stewart Kids issue (Winter 2004). I really wish they could bring these issues back! :o) This is a hankie that kids have drawn on with fabric crayons to create a personal, sentimental gift. Quick, easy, won't break the bank, and so so thoughtful. This is definitely on my list of things to do this year!

{Friday Fave} Etsy Christmas Finds

I love homemade Christmas items.
When I was little the nativity set my Mom put out every year was a ceramic one that my Grandma made. The ornaments on the tree were mixed with ones my Grandma and Tias made. And, eventually when we were big enough my Mom bought some ornaments for us to color too. Not all of us have the time to make handmade things but I rounded up a few handmade Christmas items for you from Etsy to add that homemade touch without the work! ;o)

 

This ornament is from Risky Beads. I love it! You could even use it as a tag for a family gift and then the tag would also be a gift.

{Tutorial} DIY Bracelet

I made this bracelet quite a while back already and never got around to posting the pictures I had taken to share with you. This is a super easy and inexpensive project! The belt I used was thrifted but you could also use an old one that you already have. The main thing to look for is a belt with a buckle or rivet that screws on (please let me know if you know what this specific type of rivet is called).

{Magazine Monday} Matchbox Advent Calendar

We are already a few days into December (yikes!)

but if you still want to make an advent calendar, I think this is a great one. I love that the treats are small and the boxes reveal a nice picture as you're counting down. This idea is from Martha Stewart Kids Volume 2. The Martha Stewart Kids issues are no longer produced (BOO) but I still have my old issues and look back at them often. Head on over for the instructions!

{Creationz} Ho Ho Ho Printable

Hi everybody!

 I know I have been MIA...

BUT...I am back with a gift!

I made this printable which you can download here and print it out, stick it in a frame, give as a gift, or keep as a gift for yourself to use as Christmas decor. I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving

 and I hope this printable gets you in the holiday spirit!

Please note the printable is for personal use only.

 Enjoy! 

xoxo,

Monica

I linked up at...

{Friday Fave} Teeny Tiny Donuts

How adorable is this?!!!

Omgosh, when I found this via Pinterest I fell in love! LOL :D

Seriously, I just couldn't believe how cute it was! I hopped on over to The Unconfidential Cook to discover how they were made and you won't believe how easy they are! Head on over and check it out. 

Making these is going to be a new tradition for me and my kids on Christmas Eve. 

They're gonna be a special treat for Santa's elves! ;o)

Time Together

Source

My daughter has this week off of school and I am soooo enjoying having her home all day. I can't believe Thanksgiving is already here again but I can't wait. I ♥ this time of year. Time for crafting, and candyland, and legos, and cuddling! :o)

What are you doing this week?

{Friday Fave} Mug Cakes

Chocolate Salted Caramel Mug Cake

I spotted this on Pinterest along with this...

{Inspiration} Rustic Christmas Inspiration Board

Rustic things definitely appeal to me. There is a homey, cozy feeling that I feel they bring. They seem to have a story all on their own and handmade items I feel do the same. I thought a rustic Christmas would be so pretty, warm, and inviting. So, I came up with this inspiration board. I hope you enjoy it!

 Happy decorating!

Sources:

1. burlap candy cane ~ 2. churro cupcakes ~ 3. sheet music christmas trees ~ 4. rustic decor ~ 5. burlap and linen christmas ornaments ~ 6. rustic decor ~ 7. bottle lights

{Events} Bella Home Decor and Gifts 5th Annual Open House

This weekend, locally owned Bella Home Decor and Gifts

 celebrated their 5th Annual Open House. If you have ever been in the store you know what a great selection they have. There is always something new to see and treasures tucked in every corner. It really is such a treat for us to have them in town. And, if you aren't local they do ship! The store looked amazing this weekend and is filled with so many beautiful things that would make great gifts for Christmas...or yourself!

{Friday Fave} Chalkboards

You might remember this chalkboard that my husband made me for my cousin Christina's Medical School Party. Well, now it is displayed in our dining area and I love it!

{Creationz} DIY Pillow Box

Hi everyone. Hope you are all having a great week!

I wanted to share this little pillow box I made. I made it with scraps of paper and things I had in my craft closet. I first started making this trying to come up with a cute treat box for Halloween goodies. It turned into this and I know it doesn't look very "Halloweenish" but I love how it turned out and you could easily make some that are more fitting for Halloween. This was free to make because I just used scraps of things I already had on hand but even if you had to buy supplies I think it would definitely be worth it because you could use it in sooo many way. This would be great for Halloween treats like I said, or as place cards for a wedding, as favors for a party, or even to hold stocking stuffers! Be on the lookout because there may be a tutorial coming soon! ;o)

I linked this up to...

Whipperberry

and

30 Handmade Days

{Creationz} Super Mario Mushroom Cake Pops

This past weekend I made these little guys for a party my friend Rosie was attending.

They are the little mushrooms from the Super Mario video game. :o) Me and my kids also made some different ones a little later in the day and I'll share those in another post coming up!...

See some other events I helped Rosie with here and here.

{Creationz} Silly Monster Cake Pops

Did you catch the cake pops I shared earlier?

Well, I have some more to share!! My kiddies always get excited when cake pops are being made and I knew they were gonna love the mushroom cake pops so I thought I'd make some more for them and let them decorate them later in the day.

{Magazine Monday} Messy Themed Party

Melanie Acevedo

Today's magazine favorite comes from the Real Simple Family, Fall 2011 issue.

This party comes from an article called Birthday Bashes on a Budget and is filled with three different party themes. The idea behind this one is an idea all kids love...making a mess. I love the look of the "splatter" cupcakes and cookies. Pick up the magazine on the stands now or check out the article here for more great party ideas.



Halloween Pumpkin Ideas

Country Living

I can't believe that Halloween is almost here! It's definitely one of my favorite holidays. Pumpkins are all over the supermarkets and I am dying to pick some up. Here are some of my favorite ideas on how to decorate them. Hope they leave you inspired too!

{Creationz} Wedding Card Box and Guest Book

This past weekend I got to give these to a soon to be bride, Erin, who ordered them from me a few months back. Thank you Erin for letting me help with your special day. Congratulations and I hope you have a wonderful wedding!

 

{Magazine Monday} "Sequined" Pillows

This idea comes from the EveryDay with Rachel Ray  September Issue.

 In the issue, green decorating expert Danny Seo shares some really great ideas and this was my favorite. He used colored safety pins to make the letters on these pillows! This picture honestly does not do them justice. In the magazine you can see the safety pins more closely and they have such a cool look. I think these are so adorable and would make great personalized gifts! Find the instructions here.

{Creationz} Farm Princess Tractor Party

This was a party I was really excited about doing. It was for my friends' daughter and was a farm princess tractor theme. You might remember the sneak peek of the invite here.

Happy Labor Day!

Hope everyone is having a great Labor Day!

xoxo,

Monica

{Friday Fave} Just Glad It's Friday!

source

This Friday my favorite thing is...FRIDAYS!!! :o) I'm so happy the week is over and soooo excited for the party I'm doing tomorrow!!! Can't wait to share pictures with you next week. Have a great weekend!

{Creationz} Friendship Bracelets



With school starting and friends being made I remembered these bracelets I used to make

when I was in school.  My daughter comes home from school talking about the friends she's made and

my niece called me the other night telling me how some new friends gave her a friendship bracelet. So, I thought I'd make some for both of my favorite school girls and maybe they can pass some on to their new friends.

{Magazine Monday} Portable Game Boards

Today's magazine favorite comes from the Martha Stewart Living August 2010 Issue.

 I haven't had too many outdoor picnics this year but this will definitely be coming with me on my next one! The issue also had a great tic-tac-toe one and that's the one I'd like to make to play with my kiddies. I think this is a really cute idea to make as a gift as well and not to mention cheap! (You can find placemats at the dollar store to make one of these.) So head out and buy one (or two or three) and find the instructions here.

{Friday Fave} My Baby Girl - The Kindergartener

Time goes by soooo fast and it definitely felt a little too fast to me this week when I found myself taking my baby to school. I took the picture above on my last day of work, after resigning to stay home with my daughter. And somehow, my baby grew up...very, VERY fast...and I found myself taking her to Kindergarten this week, and not yet feeling ready to be away from her. 

{Creationz} Baby Shower Cake Pops

Hi everybody!

 Just wanted to share some quick pics of some cake pops I made this weekend. They were for Liz who had tasted these chocolate cake pops at a birthday party my friend had for her son and wanted some for a baby shower she was hosting. (She is also sister to Veronica whose wedding I shared before here.) Thanks again Liz and hope you all enjoyed them!! :o)

{Events} Fig Fest 2011

My good friend's husband works for Stellar Distributing, an international produce distributor.

 For the past three years they have asked me to help with the packaging for their booth at an annual event called Fig Fest at the CSU Fresno campus. This past weekend was this year's event and I have a few pictures to share today!

{Magazine Monday} Martha Stewart Paper Plate Cups



Today I'm sharing this paper plate cup idea from the Martha Stewart Living June 2011 issue. Martha Stewart Living is one of my favorites for sure and ideas like this are definitely why. I fell in love with this idea because it is so simple but really, really adorable. You can find the instructions here. The first time I made some, honestly I just eye-balled it and they came out great! The first step calls for you to cut the edge of the plate with scalloped scissors but I skipped that also. I just made some really quick to serve my kiddies some grapes in and their eyes lit up seeing their special little bowls. This idea is so cute for everyday things like serving your kids their snacks. But I think it is also really adorable for a party and is something you could really dress up.

{Friday Fave} Bento Box Meals

This is my new current obsession the last few days...bento box meals!
As I mentioned yesterday, my daughter is starting Kinder and I have everything back-to-school on the brain. I started to think of things to make for her lunches and turned to google for some more ideas. I came across this great site Wendolonia by blogger Wendy Copley. I definitely have it bookmarked and she has lots of great ideas...among them a bento box gallery! Bento boxes are historically a Japanese boxed lunch.
 They are single serving, compact and very visually appealing! If you google kids' bento lunches you will find some very creative inspiration. Just look at these below
and don't forget to check out Wendolonia too!

{Creationz} Back to School Countdown

Two posts in one day! Someone pinch me!! lol :o)

Anyway, I'm back with another post to let you know about something else I have been busy with

and that is getting my baby ready for Kindergarten! :o(  I actually think she is ready ....me?....not so much!

 I have been blessed to be able to stay home with my kids from shortly after the time my daughter was born and I can't even begin to imagine how my day will be without my little princess. (yes, I know she's not leaving the country ...just humor me here!)

BUT!.....Before I get all sappy, I wanted to share with you a little countdown we are doing.

 I bought a few little things, wrote a few poems, and threw this together the other night. As you are reading this today, our little countdown board will say "4 days" {YIKES!!!} So, the bulletin board is kind of our centerpiece on the table and off to the side I have an apothecary jar filled with my little dollar store finds wrapped in black paper with a number written in chalk. Attached to each gift is a little poem and opening the little surprises is our morning ritual now until school.

{Sneak Peek} Farm Princess Tractor Party!



Hi everybody!
 Sorry I've been a little absent lately. I am busy as a bee and working on a few different things.
 I helped my very good friend Sonia with her son's birthday party a few weekends ago, which we threw together pretty quickly but I think it came together great and was a fun day.
 I forgot my camera! :o( 
(I know...RULE #1!!!) So, you'll have to take my word for it on this one! :o) lol

Another party I'm working on is for another good friend Rosie and that's the sneak peek I have for you today. I surprised Rosie with this invite, and even though it wasn't my cake pops, I think she was pretty happy! ;o) I'll definitely have lots of pics to show you and won't be forgetting my camera again!
 Thanks for stopping by for a peek today.

Come visit again soon!

xoxo,

Monica

{Magazine Monday} Ring Pop Favors

Martha Stewart Weddings

I love me a good magazine! My Husband can vouch for that with the overflowing couple of stacks I have around the house. He will also tell you that when I buy a magazine {especially my favorites} it is money well spent because I treasure them and look back at them often for inspiration. So, I was thinking Mondays could now be "Magazine Mondays" where I will let you know about some of my favorite things from some of my favorite issues.

{Friday Fave} So Pinteresting!

Look what I "pinned" today...

Have you heard of Pinterest?? Where have you been!! I love it. It is like having little virtual bulletin boards for ...anything. You can have one for party ideas, make one to "pin" all your wedding ideas on to, maybe your favorite recipes...or how bout your favorite shoes?!! ;) While you are browsing the web you can just "pin" an image that you like to your boards...love it. I haven't pinned too many things yet but am going to try to add more soon. It's soooo addicting just looking around! Check it out!
Follow me here.

Sources: lemon cupcake with rasberry/blackberry frosting {source}, blueberry cupcakes {source},

rosette cupcakes {source}

Appreciation Apples



With my cousin's party last weekend and my daughter starting school soon {wiping my tears}... I have apples on the brain! I came across these on the Fiskars site and thought they were so cute and easy to make. They suggested this idea for teacher appreciation but I also love this as a cute way to leave a little surprise note from Mommy in your little one's lunch box.

{Creationz} Medical School Party



This past weekend I got to put together this party for my cousin Christina who was recently accepted into medical school. {Yay Chrissy!!} Many thanks to my Aunt for asking for my help because I had sooooo much fun with this party!

{Sneak Peek} Medical School Party

Here is another little teaser for an upcoming party I'm doing. I LOVE these vintage books. Aren't the covers gorgeous?!! They are old reader's digest books. I'll leave you with a few more pics of some...

{Sneak Peek} Medical School Party

Here is a little peek at an upcoming party for my cousin Christina.

Her Mom asked me to help with a party to celebrate her acceptance into medical school and I am so excited about how it is coming along. This is the invite that was sent out to everyone...a "Prescription to Party"! I can't wait to share more and hope you stop by again soon for another peek. I also have two other parties coming up soon so check back for those too!

I also wanted to mention some new things on the blog. The first is the truncated (condensed) posts. You'll notice the posts below have a short intro and then you will see "CLICK HERE TO READ MORE".  I thought this would let you browse through more posts and not have to scroll through tons of pics to get to the next. Just click on the link to open up the post. Also, I added a box in the right margin where you can subscribe to the blog. If you subscribe you will receive an e-mail whenever there is a new post.

Thanks for stopping by today.

XOXO,

Monica

{Friday Fave} My Sister - The Graduate

image via otterfootball.com

Later today I will be in or on my way to Monterey for my sister's graduation. I don't usually share very many personal/family things here but I really, really must today. My sister means the world to me and I am so overwhelmed with pride at what she has accomplished that I wish I could shout it from the rooftops! But I guess my blog will have to do. Lol!  :o)

Breakfast Party Ideas

For the longest time I have wanted to have a Breakfast/Brunch get together and I just might have to after finding these pics! Maybe they will inspire you too!

InStyle Weddings

Ring Bearer Wagon

I cannot believe that it has been almost 3 weeks since I have posted! :( This month has been so busy and not letting up yet. BUT, today I have a cute little wagon to share with you that I decorated last weekend for a wedding.



Easter Egg Tea Cups!

Can you believe this?!!!!!

These are easter eggs turned tea cups...AMAZING!

I stumbled upon these last night on the Creativity in Progress blog by Sunghee. Sunghee is sooo creative and has tons of great things on her blog! These tea cups I thought were genius!!! I think they are so beautiful and don't know of any little one who wouldn't LOVE a shelf (or 2 or 3) of these! Wouldn't they be great as decorations or party favors for a tea party?! I could totally see them filled with candy. She has a full tutorial on her blog that you can check out here. And she even has a shop called Little Potato House that has some great things as well. So go visit Creativity in Progress and see all her amazing creations!

Thank you Sunghee for letting me share these!

Gardening Sensory Box for Kids

I have something for all you Moms out there today. And anyone who has a special little one in their life because this would make an awesome gift! I always thought that sensory boxes were just packing peanuts or beans in a box with some cups and scoops....and they can be! I'm sure my kids would love that too but I came across some other pictures online while searching and they were sooo creative with different themes. I just had to try one for my kids and hit the dollar store to see what I could come up with! I found the pots, flowers, shovels, and rakes there and got the beans and rice at Wal-Mart while I picked up the tubs. (The fence I had from this party). I wish I had these when I was doing that party because, let me tell you, my kids have been glued to them!!!

{Friday Fave} Gorgeous Dyed Easter Eggs

Photo by Dana Gallagher

Hi everybody! I'm gonna start a new thing on Fridays called Fave Friday where I share something that is my current "fave" or a great find. Today I am sharing these GORRRRRGEOUS eggs that I think are my new favorite look for dying eggs! I discovered these on the cover of my new Country Living magazine and can't wait to try making some! They were made by Sonia from Big Sis Lil Sis. She used flowers and homemade natural dyes to make them and has a full tutorial on her blog that you can find here. I just love the colors and can picture shells and sand nestled in between them! I know they have nothing to do with the beach but that's what it makes me think of. :) And the beach makes me think of my Mom, Sis, and niece who I will be missing this Easter. So, Hi Guys! Sending lots of love and hugs and kisses your way!!!

 Happy Easter!

Fun Easter Food

I found some great ideas for fun Easter food today and thought I'd share with you. I came across these Mini Caprese Bites on Southern Living and thought they would be an adorable appetizer for Easter since they look like little eggs! :)

{Creationz} Fun Spring Frame Wreath

Hi everybody! I know my poor little blog has been neglected lately but today I have something to share with you. This wreath/frame/??? has been halfway done for quite some time and I just got to finish it today and thought I'd show you.

{Tutorial} DIY Party Decor

Hi everybody! I have a tutorial for you today and I really hope you like it! It's my first tutorial so bear with me and forgive my pictures as my lighting was a little bad. I was inspired by some paper bag flowers that I saw by Martha Stewart many moons ago. You can find the tutorial here and I will show you where I made mine a little different. I think these would be beautiful at a party and are also pretty for spring if you just wanna hang them up at home! To start with, you probably have everything you need to make these at home already!