Do you remember these fun toys from when you were a kid? Tin can stilts were not only fun to make but fun to use. Have you made some for your own kids yet? If not maybe I can inspire you to give it a try- they are free, fast, and fun! You cantRead More
Back To School Schultute Cone- A German Tradition
The German tradition of a Back To School Schultute cone is a fun way to celebrate a new year, whether you are sending your child off to a brick and mortar school or homeschooling. The tradition is from more than 200 years ago when parents would send their children off to their first day ofRead More
DIY Kindle, iPad, or Tablet Cover Tutorial
Turn an old hard cover book into a beautiful case for your kindle, iPad or other tablet. A little decorative fabric, cotton batting, and your trusty glue gun and you can create a pretty, custom cover for your tablet. If you have fabric on hand already this can be a really frugal project. I createdRead More
DIY Pencil Pouch Tutorial
If you liked the DIY Reusable Sanwich Bag and Reusable Snack Bags tutorials, I have another easy DIY back to school project that can be made in a coordinating fabric of your choice to further customize your child’s school gear. This pencil pouch will outlast your childs current character obsession and can be reused for muchRead More
DIY Reusable Snack Bags Tutorial
If you have ever seen the DIY Reusable Snack Bags online or in stores and are curious about making some for yourself or your child to pack in their lunchbox this tutorial can help you create several in no time. They are a great way to be green and save the environment from countlessRead More
DIY Sunflower Bird Feeder from an Upcycled Lamp
I have taken to running to the thrift store at least once a week to see what I can find to repurpose in a new way. There is always something that has potential to become something beautiful, something other than what it was originally intended to be. This summer we have spent much time outdoorsRead More
Upcycled Lazy Susan Chalkboard
Jody is showing us how to make an Upcycled Lazy Susan Chalkboard: I like to hit my local thrift store weekly, scouting out great pieces that are in need of a little TLC. Not only are you reducing the amount of items that could end up in a landfill and saving tons of money, butRead More
Fried Ravioli
I had been wanting to tackle fried ravioli for awhile now but it really just seemed like too much trouble- surprisingly it wasn’t. I mixed up a batch of breading similar to what I fry my pork chops or squash with, made a meat sauce to go with it, added a side salad and a yummyRead More
Upcycled Pallet Lemonade Stand
I am sure I don’t need to tell you but, Upcycled pallet furniture is all the rage right now. The rustic simplicity and the frugal factor ( you can get pallets for free or very cheap) makes them a perfect DIY project. We had a small pile beginning to build up so I decided it was finallyRead More
How to Make an Ottoman from a Crate
Hubby picked up this old treasure at a yard sale for $5.00, and as soon as I laid eyes on this crate I knew it needed to become an ottoman. Perfect for toy storage in the living room with a bright, and pretty fabric to dress it up. If you don’t have an old similar crate onRead More
How to Make a Portable Flower Press
It seems these days everything is so go, go, go and centers around technology and flashing lights. I am on a mission to introduce my children to the simple things in life, to slow down and watch a caterpillar crawl along a branch, to catch a fish and throw it back, to gather wildflowers andRead More
Grilled Sweet N’ Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers
A great way to spice up the traditional grill fare of hamburgers and hot dogs is to throw on some skewers. These Sweet N’ Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers are a delicious combination of sweet, salty, and spicy. A fresh new choice for your next family barbecue, cook out , or summer gathering- they are ideal asRead More
Natural Homemade Insect Repellent
Even on the best of summer days the bugs are sometimes unbearable but I despise putting chemical insect repellents on the kids and myself. I have experimented with a couple different combinations using essential oils and even plants plucked from the garden. So far the formula below seems to be the most effective, and has the bestRead More
Yarn Octopus Craft
If you are looking for a fun and simple summer themed craft this cute little yarn octopus is just the thing, a few items from your craft stash and you will be on your way to making 1 or a whole army of them. It is a great craft to fill up some time when its just tooRead More
How to Make Watercolor Paints from Flower Petals
Any chance we get to be outside in the garden-planting , weeding, playing -, we are out there. I really love trying to find new ways to use whatever is in our garden. From potpourri to nibbling on edible flowers we love to see what we can come up. This day we decided to tryRead More
5 Night Games Using Glow Sticks
Even though summer days last longer, sometimes they just don’t last long enough- a couple packs of glow sticks from Dollar Tree can extend your summer fun from dusk to dark. No need for you and the kids to run in as soon as the porch light comes on, activate a handful of glow sticks and check out theseRead More
How to Make a Bird Feeder Out of an Upcycled Candle Holder
I am not one to throw away anything that can possibly be used to reused. This wrought iron candle holder broke off the stand under a certain little boys not so gentle hands landed on it. While, I am still debating what to do with the stand I had an idea immediately for the candle holderRead More
How to Make a No-Sew Patriotic Tank and Headband
I love crafting and DIY projects, but one area where I am not very comfortable or skilled in is sewing. I could sew a relatively straight line with a sewing machine to create a valance but I would rather not- I am also to lazy busy to pull out the machine, thread the top, bobbin, etc. Read More
How To Make a Kite
A perfect summer activity-kite making brings to mind those afternoons from your own childhood spent taping sticks to paper bags cut into diamond shapes for flying. This mini kite doesn’t soar as high as a fancy store bought kite but is ideal for a backyard run. Not only do your children get the simple thrillRead More
Family Movie and Family Game Night Ideas
Whether you have tots, teens, or in-betweens you are probably looking for ways to keep them busy this summer. Sometimes even the evenings need a plan, a little focus, maybe even a theme? Planning a Family Movie or game night not only keeps everyone busy but is an amazingly fun way to build andRead More
