Embellishing Life Everyday has a fantastic idea for a graduation gift. How about a bright gift for the graduate?

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Eighteen 25 has a fantastic gift the graduate will love…Your Hard Work Has Paid Off full of money!

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Any Dr. Seuss fans out there? Then this GO graduation gift from Our Small Town Idaho Life is perfect!

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Darling Doodles has a great idea for the graduate. A little Laundry 101 is super practical!

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How about a Custom Notebook? Tiny Prints has some beautiful designs to choose from.

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It’s highly probable that ramen could very well become a staple for graduates moving on to college. How about a cute Udon Noodle Bowl from Uncommon Goods?

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A Walk Down Memory Lane has a great idea for a Graduation Gift Box full of smarties!

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Nancy’s Craft Spot has a creative way to gift money, a Money Bottle!

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With a new season of life coming up, a journal is perfect to record new adventures. See Jane Work has some super cute Smiley Journals!

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For only $10, these iPhone Bullhorn Speakers from C. Wonder are a steal! Perhaps a little help getting up for early classes is in order.

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Happy graduation gift shopping!

For more posts written by me, visit my personal blog, I Believe In Love. For more graduation gift ideas, visit…

Gifts For The Graduate

Gifts For Grads

The post Graduation Gift Ideas appeared first on DFW Mama.

Ok, how cute is this Beauty Mask from Spoonful? And the addition of flaxseed and lavender to take away stress? Bliss.

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I find that little girlies love to make their mamas jewelry which is why this Nature-Inspired Strawberry Necklace from Parents is a perfect way to say, “Happy Mother’s Day!”

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Flowers are classic and Mom is always sure to love them. I think she would love them even more with a Pretty Painted Flower Pot! Great ideas from Kaboose.

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Not only are these Love You Bookmarks from Mmmcrafts adorable but easy to make, too! Pair it with a book Mom’s been wanting and you have a perfect Mother’s Day gift.

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No Mama can resist cute photos of her kids. These Photo Flowers from BHG are too cute!

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Another sweet way to give Mom flowers. Make and Takes has a perfect Sweet and Simple Vase perfect for handpicked flowers.

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Love Share and Remember’s idea to make Mother’s Day Clay Fingerprint Tags! So cute!

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I love that this Clothespin Planter from Family Chic is both simple and it’s made from repurposing a tuna can!

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BHG has another great idea which is sure to bless Mom and get the kids putting thought into it. Make a Relaxing Mother’s Day Gift filled with things that will relax Mom!

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This is a great way to showcase Mom’s sweet children’s hands. Such cute Wood Wall Art from Contented Sparrow featured on Hope and Honey.

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Have a very Happy Mother’s Day!

For more posts written by me, visit my personal blog, I Believe In Love. For more Mother’s Day posts, visit…

Mother’s Day Crafts

Mother’s Day Crafting

The post Mother’s Day Crafts and Ideas appeared first on DFW Mama.

Super easy and super cute. Love this FANTAstic teacher idea from 4 Men 1 Lady.

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Domestically Speaking has a great idea for some M&M’s for teacher! Love the poem that goes with them.

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Perhaps crafting is a little intimidating for you. Bitsy Creations has you covered with this cute Teacher Appreciation Art, available in three styles! Would be great framed!

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Pencils and teacher go together, right? This Pencil Bouquet from The Happy Scraps is a perfect teacher appreciation gift.

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This Grass Is Greener printable from Eighteen25 is so sweet. Doesn’t it look great with a pot of planted grass?

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Love this Teacher Appreciation Bookmark from Tatertots & Jello! This free printable would be great paired with a book!

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How about a Box of Chocolates for teacher? Have your kids decorate a box and then fill it with chocolate! Idea from I Believe In Love.

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With the Pinterest craze these Teacher Appreciation Cards from Chickabug featured on Skip To My Lou are perfect. Not only will teacher get a gift card but some laughs, too!

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Our Best Bites features this Frozen Lemonade Pie In A Jar as a Mother’s Day gift, but the fact that it’s easy to make makes it perfect for the kids to make for their teachers!

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How about a Painted Thank You Mug? Spoonful has a great idea for writing the letters evenly!

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Remember, May 6-10, tell those teachers, “Thank you!”

For more posts written by me, visit my personal blog, I Believe In Love. For more Teacher Appreciation ideas, visit…

Teacher Appreciation

Teacher Appreciation Crafts

10 Best Gifts for Teachers

The post Teacher Appreciation Ideas appeared first on DFW Mama.

For my son’s teacher’s birthday I decided to use my creativity along with my pal Pinterest and come up with a great gift.  One I would love myself (hint, hint).  I decided to make a pom-pom pen and a clip board.  What teacher doesn’t like a cute clipboard or pen?

The first thing I did was go to the fabric section at Walmart (yes, some Walmarts still have a fabric section).  I found 2 contrasting materials that were already cut and ready to go.  They were less than a dollar each.

When I got home, I pulled out some yellow scrap fabric and cut a 1 inch strip of it for the stem.  Then I cut a 4 inch strip of the other two (for the flower).  I folded the two 4 inch strips in half, long ways.  Then I took each and cut slits about 1/2 inch apart.  I didn’t cut all the way down.  I cut just right before the fold.

I cut a 1 inch piece of fabric for the “stem”.

I cut strips of fabric 4 inches and folded them.

I cut slits in the fabric.

Then, I got on my handy dandy sewing machine and sewed a straight stitch the length of the fold on each of the two fabrics I cut.

Sew a straight stitch down the fold.

Next, I fired up the hot glue gun and got gluin’!  I wrapped one color around the end of the pen probably 10 times, gluing like crazy.  Then I took the second color, the red, and did the same.  After I had my pom-pom going, I wrapped the yellow around the length of the pen.  I liked that it looked messy and had some fraying.  I thought it gave it personality.

It took a ton of hot glue to make the pom-pom.

That was probably the easiest thing I have made in a long time.  Super easy and so much fun to put together.

Final product!

Next, I made the clipboard.  I had purchased a set of two boards, again from Walmart.

I already had scrapbook paper ready to go.  I chose three sheets that I thought would look fun when put together.  I traced them out so that they would fit almost perfectly on my board (It never fits perfect for me, no matter how hard I try).

Scrapbook paper and clipboard fun.

I got out the Mod Podge and glued down my red paper first.  Then, I slapped down the alphabet paper, then my school bus paper.  Then did two coats of Mod Podge on top to seal it all together.  Once dried, I added some ribbon to the top and a small pad of paper.

We put a zip tie on the clipboard to keep it open while the paper dried.

Again, super easy and fun.  And it really didn’t take long to make.   I even made myself a pen and a board.  I think they are cute, but I am a little biased.

I ended up making a second pen for myself, in case you are confused as to how the colors switched up.

More crafting fun:

Crafter’s First Sewing Experience

Shadow Box Gifts

Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

The post Pom-Pom Pen and Clip Board DIY Teacher Gift appeared first on DFW Mama.

For my birthday, my parents bought me a sewing machine.  I haven’t sewn since I was in Jr. High and took a Home Economics class.  Now, many…. many years have passed, and I had a hankering for sewing something.  I didn’t want to start out making clothes, well, not until I got a little practice in.  I frequent the flea markets (or as I like to think, craft markets) and I see all these cute outfits and aprons that people have put together.  Then, I, like you probably do, think to myself, “I can do that!”

So, with my nifty new sewing machine, I got a pattern to try out.  Let me say, I forgot how tedious cutting patterns was.  I think it took me a good two hours to cut out every piece of that extra thin paper, attach it to the material, and then cut it out.  By the time that was all cut out, I was done.  Literally, done.  I did not want to mess with that anymore.

Well, I am not a quitter.  The next day, I chugged on.   Even after it taking me what felt like half a day to get the machine threaded, I got that little needle going.  I didn’t even have to call my mom to ask her how to reinforce through the large circle (what large circle?), or ask, ”what does slipstitch, staystitch, understitch, and edgetitch mean?”  I somewhat figured it out on my own.  They really need a sewing dictionary or something for people who get lost fairly easy.

So, after hours, and hours, and more hours, I got my final product.  As I am not 100% happy with the outcome, practice does make perfect.  I will try, try again.  Maybe next time I won’t make something that my husband is ashamed to hang in the kitchen (not the fact that it didn’t look all that great, but the fact that my kitchen already looks like Mickey Mouse exploded in it).

The final product. Hey! I’m just a beginner.

If you want to read more on some craftiness here you go!:

Shadow Box Gifts

Thank You Pinterest

Teacher Appreciation DIY

The post The Crafter’s First Sewing Experience appeared first on DFW Mama.

Grab a little tissue paper and get to work making this cute Fuzzy Little Easter Critter from Make & Takes featured on Alpha Mom.

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This Felt Carrot Garland from Positively Splendid is about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen!

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Gather some peeps to make a Little Grow Peep sunflower from Woman’s Day!

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I love how Sweet Designs takes paint chip cards and makes this cute Paint Chip Easter Garland. So perfect for Easter!

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This Eggcellent Lunch is sure to have your kids smiling. Such a great idea from Dixie Delights.

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What better way to show your neighbors you’re ready for Easter than with a wreath? The Sweet Survival has a great tutorial on how to make this super cute Yarn Egg Wreath.

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Not only does Auntie Lolo Crafts show us a great idea to make some Button Egg Art, but she also gives instructions for making stuffed bunnies!

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Design Editor has some great (and free) Easter Egg Hunt Printables. Love her bunny bucks!

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Little Wonders’ Days has a genius idea of using shaving cream to make Painted Easter Egg Cards. Doesn’t this look fabulous?

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This Easter Chick from Myrtle & Eunice is too cute. You HAVE to check out her photos of these chicks in action!

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Martha Stewart is here to help us out with a free template to make Bunny Ears. Don’t you think your little one would look cute in these for Easter?

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Have a fabulous Easter!

For more posts written by me, visit my personal blog, I Believe In Love. For more posts on Easter, visit…

Easter Bunny Prints

Easter Crafts

A New twist on Easter Dinner

The post Crafty Easter Fun appeared first on DFW Mama.

 Now how cute is this Leprechaun Paper Plate from About A Mom? Love the curly red “hair.”

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If you might be a little crafty challenged, Better in Bulk is here to help with this cute (and free) St. Patrick’s Day Printable.

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Easy-Cake-Decorating.com has a great step-by-step tutorial for making Shamrock Cupcakes, a sure treat for St. Patrick’s Day!

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How awesome is this DIY Bell Pepper Clover Stamp from Simple Kid Fun!

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Wear one of these cute Shamrock Boutonnieres from Martha Stewart and you’re sure to not get pinched for not wearing green (and maybe get some awesome compliments, too).

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Such a cute little Leprechaun Finger Puppet from The Kid’s Fun Review!

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These step-by-step instructions from Origami-Instructions.com sure make this Shamrock look easy!

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My kids LOVE scavenger hunts. Here’s a great set of clues from Bloom for your own St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt.

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Here’s a great way to get festive with this St. Patrick’s Day Banner from Rockabye Butterfly.

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It’s your lucky day! Well, it definitely will be for the recipient of this adorable gold coin pack from One Charming Party.

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Here’s to a Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Don’t forget your green!

For more posts written by me, visit my personal blog, I Believe In Love. For more St. Patrick’s Day posts, visit…

St. Patricks Day Crafts and Games

St. Patrick’s Day Crafting

St. Patrick’s Day Food

The post St. Patrick’s Day Craft Roundup appeared first on DFW Mama.

This All Aquiver idea from Spoonful is too cute. Who doesn’t like salt and sweet together?

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Have your kids step in paint and then create this for the grandparents. I’m sure they would love this Footprint Heart from Handprint and Footprint Art.

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What screams Valentines more than the word love? Love the free This Is Love printable from Studio JRU featured on Incourage.

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How about getting the little ones involved in the fun by letting them make hearts using this Heart Stamp idea from Rust & Sunshine? All you need is paint and a toilet paper roll!

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Another great project for the little ones. Let them finger paint swirls and then cut hearts to make these Paint-Swirl Hearts from Spoonful.

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Perhaps the photographer in you wants to put your skills to work! Love these cute Valentines Day Photo Design Project ideas from Design Aglow.

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I always love non-candy ideas and this Bubble Valentines Card from Armelle Blog is no exception!

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Pop Rocks remind me of my childhood which is why I take a liking to A Small Snippet’s Pop Rocks Valentine idea!

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Follow these instructions from Origami-Instructions.Com and then use your heart to make this Heart Valentine Card from Michaels.

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Love this Lollipop Flower Valentine from Education.Com! This free printable makes this project a breeze.

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Happy Valentines Day!

For more posts written by me, visit my personal blog, I Believe In Love. For more Valentines Day posts, visit…

Mailboxes For Valentines Day

Valentine’s For Classmates Ideas

Valentines Day Card Ideas And FREE Printables

The post FREE Valentines Printables and Card Ideas appeared first on DFW Mama.

I love how this Crazy Card Carrier from Spoonful is made from a gift bag! So cute!

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Who says monsters have to be scary? Real Southern Living makes these Monster Valentine Mailboxes look simply adorable.

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Coupons or Bust has the lowdown on how to get this free Love Birds Mailbox Template from Print Candee. Love the colors!

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I love that this Valentine Mailbox from Chalk It Up re-purposes a juice container!

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This cute free Valentine’s Mailbox printable from Lovely Living comes in both blue and pink!

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I really am a sucker for things of the wooden variety. That’s why these Wooden Valentines Mailboxes stand as our all-time favorite ones we’ve made to date!

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I love how That’s What Che Said used candlesticks to make these Valentines Day Mailboxes look like the real thing!

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Another great re-purpose from Plaid, a Cereal Box Valentine Holder!

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It’s another great idea from Plaid. Grab a wooden box and have your kids decorate it to make a Valentine Box!

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Re-purpose a cereal box to make this Valentines Day Mailbox Backpack from Craft Ideas For Kids!

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Take something as simple as an envelope and make a Love Letter Hanging Mailbox, idea from Blue Cricket Design.

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How do you celebrate Valentines Day? Do you make mailboxes with your kids?

For more posts written by me, visit my personal blog, I Believe In Love. For more posts on Valentines crafting, visit…

Valentines Day Card Ideas And FREE Printables

Valentine’s Day Mailboxes

Crafts for Valentine’s Day

The post Mailboxes For Valentines Day appeared first on DFW Mama.

Almost a year ago, I was unofficially asked to be in a friends wedding.  She  asked the old fashioned way, with words… boring!

This past weekend I was asked officially to be in the wedding, along with my husband who was asked to be best man.  The way we were asked was so stinkin’ cute and creative, I just had to share.

Our friends Blake and Lindsay (shout out!) came over last weekend with gifts in tow.  For me, a bottle of wine, and for my husband, a cigar.  On the wine bottle was a label with a picture of my friend and I which read, “I’ve got the guy, now I need my girls.  Stephanie, will you be my bridesmaid?”

My husband’s invite was just as adorable.  His was a cigar glued onto some paper.  The paper read, “Mike, your service as a best man is required.”

Cutest invites ever!

Two super cute and creative ways to ask people to join in on a special day!  Now… I have a short 3 1/2 months to be bridesmaid dress ready.  Good thing my Brazil Butt Lift is coming in the mail this week.

Pinterest is awesome, and this is why:

DIY Kitchen Chalkboard

Thank You, Pinterest

The post Will You Be My Bridesmaid? appeared first on DFW Mama.