DIY: Easy Chalkboard Art

I've always admired pretty chalkboard art, but although I really do have nice handwriting (and even calligraph wedding invitations at times) I just cannot for the life of me create a pretty chalkboard.  They always look a hot mess....crooked and slanting down to the right.  A former sweet art teacher gave me a little hint a while back and it's simple as can be....and I can't draw a lick.

DIY: Conversation Heart Topiaries

I'm not sure if it was Hubby's close call or that I didn't decorate at all for Christmas that has caused me to want to go all out for Valentine's Day, but I'm guessing that it's a combination of both.  I'm simply so very grateful to have him here to celebrate just how much I love him....and what better holiday to do that with than Valentine's Day??

Coloring Pages for Grown-Ups

A couple weeks ago I shared how I've hopped on the coloring books for adults bandwagon.  I've had some questions about where I found my book, and I have a simple confession....all I did was google.....

Needlepoint Valentine Coasters

My sweet mama was an incredibly talented, master needlepointer.  Her pieces really were works of beauty!  I am fortunate enough that she taught me when I was very young.  My projects aren't anything near as lovely as hers, but I enjoy it and think of her as I stitch away.

DIY Sharpie Coffee Mugs

Earlier this week I shared a few of my favorite coffee recipes in honor of National Coffee Day.  (BTW, have you tried the chocolate cake recipe yet??  I'm serious when I say you won't regret it...and I don't even like chocolate cake.)  Today I'm back with a quick little DIY coffee mug.  I love making these.  The sky is the limit with how they can be decorated; just leave it up to your imagination. 

DIY: Tassels

Last weekend was my church's Greek Festival....one of the best weekends of the year.  Traditional Greek Dancing has always been a passion of mine, and we are so fortunate to have a spectacular instructor who danced with a professional group in Greece.  He not only teaches the steps, but takes the time to teach the story behind the dances, the regions, and the costumes.  It's consistently my favorite day of the week.  But, I digress....

...

Masterpiece Me!

It was our darling art teacher who had this darling idea for the halls in our school.  I certainly can't take the credit.  But, it's too fun not to share with y'all.  For the start of school (before any of the kiddos produced their own art, as she explained it) she made our own "Museum of Art" filled with classic works of art -- with a twist.

Chinoiserie Inspired Weekly Planner

I'm so bummed to say it, but we're back to school this week.  Staff reports on Thursday and the kiddos arrive next Monday.  So. not. ready.  Between school and tennis, Fall (and I'm using that term liberally considering it's only JULY!) is a crazy time of year in our hive. In an effort to organize things a bit, I whipped up a little weekly printable for the fridge (I have to say it's a huge improvement over last year's notes usually scribbled on the back of an envelope from the junk mail).

Patriotic Printables

Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays!   I'm so very proud and grateful to be an American. It is incredible just how lucky we are to live in this country.

Honoring a Dear Friend

Last week was filled with much love and big surprises.  We all had such an incredible time honoring a dear, dear friend on her retirement.  I've been trying to determine the best way to explain the numerous surprises, but still haven't come up with something really clear....so here it goes.....Bestie MHDRL surprised her mom and flew in from Texas on her last day of school.  We had told Dear Friend D that we would bring dinner and champagne to celebrate, but little did she know we were also bringing her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson!  She was stunned for the first surprise. 

Porch Rules

Porch rules have popped up all over Pinterest and I've been itching to recreate something for our back porch.  I found the perfect little spot on an antique plant stand that simply needed something a little extra.  These porch rules fit the bill perfectly.

Monogram Cell Phone Case

I have a confession...I never really had a cell phone until I got married.  I had a pre-paid job for a bit before that, but I was definitely late to the game.  As it is, I often forget it in the car for hours or over night and sometimes don't remember to take it with me in the morning.  But my new adorable monogrammed case makes it worth toting around.....and it couldn't have been simpler! 

Countdown to Summer

Summer is just around the corner and we can hardly stand it here in our happy little hive.  I decided we needed a little something extra to help get us to the finish line. 

Monogrammed Vino

In the warmer months Hubby and I enjoy "Happy Hour" out on the back porch....usually while something cooks up on the grill for dinner.  I'm usually hesitant to use our good stemware for fear of it breaking so when the Initial Proper monogram sale popped up on my IG feed, I jumped on it.  My only regret is not ordering more!  (I just didn't have complete faith that I'd be able to apply the monogram correctly.....and leave it to me to try something rounded and not flat on my first go....) 

DIY Plant Markers

Although I've been yearning to get our garden going this year, the weather just hasn't been cooperating.  It rained all day Saturday, so instead I decided to tackle a little garden DIY indoors. 

Countdown to Retirement [Printable]

This week I created a fun little countdown to retirement printable (no, not my retirement).  I have a  sweet, dear friend who is lucky enough to be retiring at the end of this school year and to commemorate that exciting event I whipped up this countdown on my trusty picmonkey.  I slipped it into a little frame and gifted it with a dry erase marker so she can update the countdown daily.  (It really is my favorite way to countdown something fun....Christmas, for example, but the sky is the limit, really.)

Easter Wreath

When I saw the cute little wreath from Pick Your Plum and a free shipping coupon in my inbox on the same day, I knew it had to be mine.  I've had great luck using this website for various craft supplies and love seeing what the deal of the day will be each morning.  This little bunny was no different.

Spring has Sprung

This weekend I spent a little time setting out some sweet little Easter decorations.  Spring is my favorite season, just as Easter is my favorite holiday.  I will include more of my family's and religion's traditions over the next few weeks, but for now, will share the newest...a little decorating.

Chinoiserie Inspired Needlepoint

Are y'all familiar with the Emperor's Garden pattern?  I'm in love with it. Truly swooning over it.  I just can't decide exactly how I'd like to use it in our little hive....Drapes?  Pillows?  Headboard?  Too many fabulous possibilities. 

Motivational Monday

So I've had an idea lurking in the back of my mind for a while, but haven't had the time or motivation (no pun intended) to put it into action.  But after spying this simple chalkboard in the dollar section at Target, I decided to go for it.  The difference?  The board is big enough to write a substantial message, but also isn't obtrusive.