Christmas is here! 2014

 Been busy busy busy decorating this weekend. Found this adorable candy cane sign at Today's Patio. The metal tin is from Designer Blvd.  I've been loving my wagon and plan to use it for all holidays. Have a blessed season!

*************Flip Flop Wreath

I have seen a ton of these flip flop wreaths on Pinterest and they are so cute for summer.

You will need: 

18" MDF wreath

piece of ribbon

hot glue

E6000 glue

19 flip flops ($1 store has them)

Bow/ribbon for the front

Newspaper as a drop cloth

 First tie a ribbon between two holes (should already be pre-drilled) in the wreath in order to have something to hang the wreath on

 Make sure you lay out all your flip flops on the wreath on the newspaper before gluing. I tried to follow a color pattern but it did not work that way so I had to do a nonsensical pattern instead. Glue with a dollop of hot glue and a dollop of E6000. The trick is to glue the heel of the flip flop to the wreath, not the  middle or else it does not look right (like I have seen on other wreaths).

 Add your bow to the front and you're done

************** July 4th Porch Decor and DIY Firecrackers

I saw this wagon at Rodworks in Gilbert, AZ and I had to have it! It will be a great addition to every holiday display. I had the chalk board and drew the American flag. I found a few flags, sparkly star sprigs, patriotic flowers, and garland and threw everything in the wagon. Use books to prop decor up higher.

 This is my wagon combined with my DIY wood firecrackers from last year. See http://extremedomestication.blogspot.com/2013/06/july-4th-yard-decor.html for those.

 I had a bunch of tulle spools that I used that I thought would be perfect for some DIY "firecrackers." All you need is some scrapbook paper, glue stick, a paper cutter, and some feathers, marabou sprig, or sparkly accessories to put in the top.

Happy 4th 2014!

********************Happy Easter 2014

Despite my busy crazy life in graduate school, as a wife, mommy, and caring for my home, I still think of all the time I wish I had for more crafts and subsequent updates on the blog. I honestly have not decorated since Christmas (hence the lack of anything!) My poor little 7 year old was begging for me to put out some Easter stuff, so here is this year's table display. I hosted a bridal shower and bought some Cherry Blossom fresh cut branches from Costco for $9.99, which made the display more real and not too cute-sy (technical term ya know). They look better up close and would be awesome for a high end wedding centerpiece. My niece said a friend of hers actually hot glued on more little pink flowers, which is a great idea. I didn't have time to do that this time around. Nonetheless, the display turned out cute :)

 The whole she-bang. The tricycle is actually a wine rack. 

 My simple 36 inch wreath uses full tulip bouquets from Michael's and burlap ribbon

 Lanterns are always there, I just put some eggs in there.

The little egg tree on the right and frame in the middle are from the $1 store

Happy Easter!

*************Merry Christmas 2013!!

This year I wanted to do a themed card. I love our pretty family pics, but themed ones are so fun! The kids are obsessed with The Incredibles so we decided to put on some super suits and run around Mesa. Thank you to the man who pretended to text someone when he was actually taking our picture. Hey buddy, you might not want to laugh and stare while you're "texting." Oh and I highly recommend you park right in front of a wedding hall like we did. It gave the wedding guests something to stare at during the cocktail hour.  I cannot believe I got my husband to agree to this, but somehow I did. Anyway, the kids had a blast, we had a blast, and I LOVE the way they turn out. Kara May was our talented photographer! Christmas card and letter courtesy of Dean Works on etsy.com.

**************Got leftover Thanksgiving mashed potatoes?

If your house is like mine, you eat all the left over turkey within a day or two after Thanksgiving and then you are left with all these side dishes that get thrown out. My Grandma used to make this dish called "Super Supper." It is very kid and husband friendly!

You will need:

mashed potatoes 3-4 cups prepared

1 pound cooked ground beef

1 can of corn (or use leftover corn from the feast!)

1 can diced tomatoes (DON'T DRAIN)

1 T sauteed minced onion

1 tsp salt

1 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 cup shredded cheese

Mix together all ingredients except cheese. Put in 13 x 9 inch dish, cover with cheese and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until browned and bubbly. Enjoy!

****************FREE Elf on the Shelf Note

Here is your free Elf on the Shelf introductory note! I saw one on Pinterest/Etsy but it is $10. This is one I whipped up tonight. Leave this with your elf to start off the season and remind your kids to be good this year :). Right click "open in new tab" to print