New Favorite Product Alert!

This is NOT a paid advertisement. I have not received anything from this company to promote this product.

I have had a "Where have you been all my life?" moment this week and just felt like it was my duty to share this with you. Kind of like a public service announcement. And if you have struggled all of your life {or even a very small part of your life} with frizzy hair, this is for you. I have naturally curly hair and live in the South. Now, that alone is probably enough explanation, but let me just say humidity and my hair are like arch enemies. They do not mesh. They are in a constant battle against each other and my hair almost always loses. This being the summer season, the battle gets more intense. Because my hair is both curly and very thick and given my location, I try to keep a short hairstyle - one that easily worn curly or straight depending on what I feel like that day. I generally straighten my hair daily to avoid the whole issue of out of control, very tempermental curly hair that changes with the weather. And I have to say that I love my current no-fuss haircut that is easy to straighten, but it can still have a tendency to get all crazy with this humidity despite using my favorite hairspray {Tresemme - all day humidity resistance}. So, the other day, when I was leisurely strolling the haircare aisle at Wal-mart, I decided to look for something that might help with the frizz problem. I was looking for two qualities: not too heavy or greasy like pomade and something to help smooth. This is what I found...

It cost me $3.48 and I am pretty sure it will last several months on my short haircut. It isn't heavy; doesn't weigh down my hair. Not greasy at all. And it makes my hair look a little shiny - not oily shiny, but healthy shiny. I love it! I wore it today after washing my hair, straightening it and getting out in the humidity and it is still smooth and looks like it did this morning. Where has this been all my life?!

{Again, I was not asked to advertise this nor have I received any compensation whatsoever for doing it.}

Thanks for stopping by!

 

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Patriotic Decoupaged Canvas {Tutorial}

When I found this print on Pinterest, it was love at first sight. I love our country and am proud to be an American! I'm so thankful God allowed me to be born and raised in the USA. And in honor of Memorial Day and the upcoming July 4th holidays, I thought this would be fun to make and hang in my living room. In my opinion, the entire summer could be decorated with the red, white and blue and it would be very appropriate. This is my favorite and I'm sure it will be used in my house for years to come. Here's how I did it:

I'm sharing this with some of these parties!

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Things to Do This Summer {Picnic Edition}

It's that time again! Time to make some plans for the summer to keep from hearing those two little words: I'm boooooored! So, as I have been making lists and brainstorming about all the wonderful, fun and happy things to do this summer with my kids and as a family, one theme keeps recurring: Picnics! I love a good picnic whether it's just eating supper on the back patio, going to a park, etc. The whole family enjoys it! Here are a few ideas I found that I may incorporate into our summer and thought I'd share with you.

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Use these adorable printables to invite friends out for a fun summer evening picnic! Have it at a local park, in your backyard or even indoors. Make it a picnic theme with lots of bright, summer colors - {Theme ideas: lemonade, citrus, gingham, floral}

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Pick a color theme and make lunchtime with the kids a fun, memorable time together a few days this summer! Just carry it out to a shady spot in the backyard, lay down the blanket, eat and then read some books from the library together about picnics or just some favorite books. This is sure to leave a lasting impression on the kids! Time well spent. {Theme: by color or based on their favorite book like 'The Hungry Caterpillar'.}

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Sometimes, you just have to use the trunk of the car to have a picnic! These are the things memories are made of! My sister and I and a few of our girls had a picnic in the back of her suburban once and it was fun. Just park somewhere with a view and you're all set! This would be fun for a date night! I love the use of quilts for picnic blankets!

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Sometimes you just have to use what you have, but when you find things like these on sale, get them and save them for picnics! Colorful paper bags, paper trays, chinese take-out boxes (these come in lots of sizes and colors at World Market), travel cups with straws (Dollar Tree), ribbon, baker's twine, cute tablecloths, etc. It's those little touches that really make people feel special and it looks like you've put a lot of thought and time into it.

And let's not forget about yummy, picnic food & drinks!!

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There are so many ways to have a picnic! Find some fun ones you'd like to do and plan them! I know I'm planning to do several this summer with the family and I'm really looking forward to it! This weekend would be GREAT! Memorial Day is a great day to have a picnic, so plan one!

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Painted Silhouettes on Canvas {Tutorial}

{I took these pics at different levels - Rest assured, they are evenly hung on the wall!}

Pardon the pink wall in the background, it will be painted soon! I am working on redecorating my girls' rooms and painting has to be done at a little later date, but the other stuff is in full makeover mode. I have all the plans in my head and some on paper, however, a few little things are done and waiting on the room to be put together. This is one of those projects! I had so much fun making these and their cute little silhouettes melt my heart. Especially those little noses. Here's how to make your own if you feel the urge! It couldn't be simpler!

 

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Monogram Wreath Makeover {Summer Edition}

A few years ago, I made a monogram wreath. I LOVE monograms and have them in several places in our house. They are timeless and I think they'll always be in style in some form or fashion.

You can view the tutorial for the monogram wreath here. As the seasons have passed and my tastes have changed, I have madeover the same monogram wreath just by changing out the floral stems, picks, and ribbon, etc. I love this wreath and haven't found one I like better for my front door so I keep using it over and over and over.

Here's what it looked like a couple days ago...

And now it looks like this...

This is one of my favorite versions I used last year...

With a better looking door, I was motivated to get out and scrub the porch clean and put new plants in my large porch planter, get new cushions for the chairs and add some hanging plants. I'm loving it! Now, all I need is a glass of iced tea and a good book.

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Succulent Garden

I've mentioned a few times here lately that I love succulents. I think it's safe to say I've become slightly obsessed with them. Several weeks ago, I posted about these. Then, I bought a couple more in a different variety about 2 weeks ago to use in another area.

 But when I found these at Walmart for $6.96 just the other day, I could not resist. I knew I had to make a succulent garden for my front porch. It came with so many that I made this:

...and still had enough for this...

...and this...

...and this.

Have you fallen for the succulent trend, too?? I'd love to see what you've done with yours. Leave a comment with a link to yours!

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Have a wonderful day!

Painted Clay Pots {Tutorial}

There's something about a clay pot. I'm not sure why I love them so much, but I do. They are simple, beautiful and they get more lovely with age. They also remind me of the biblical reference to clay and how God is the Master Potter and we are but clay in His hands. He molds us to be exactly what He wants us to be and we become not only useful to Him, but a masterpiece.

I wanted to embellish some clay pots for some succulents I bought to display and after seeing this {gilded clay pots} on Pinterest, I knew I had to try it. Because I liked the look, but didn't want to try to find the gold leaf and waste all that time, I used the Antique Gold craft paint {less than $1} and a foam brush to paint it on. Literally took just minutes start to finish including planting. Try it! You'll love it.

Here's a song my music pastor wrote that I love about the Master Potter.

Molding a Masterpiece by Ron Hamilton

Master Potter, why do You labor all day,
Giving such effort to rough, worthless pieces of clay?
Why such feeling in Your hands? Why such care in every touch?
Why all the struggle? Your creation is nothing but dust.

I'm molding a masterpiece, a work of great beauty.
I'm molding a masterpiece; My labor's not done.
A trophy, a treasure of worth beyond measure
I'm molding a masterpiece, a masterpiece of love.

Loving Jesus, why are the children all here,
Gathered around You and eagerly clinging so near?
Urgent matters clamor loudly, and the children interfere
Why do You hold them, and so tenderly dry every tear?I'm molding a masterpiece, a work of great beauty.
I'm molding a masterpiece; My labor's not done.
A trophy, a treasure of worth beyond measure
I'm molding a masterpiece, a masterpiece of love.

Heavenly Father, sometimes I question Your way:
Why do You ask me to mold simple pieces of clay?
Give me eyes to see the future, though it's hidden from my view;
Give me compassion as I'm molding a treasure for You.I'm molding a masterpiece, a work of great beauty.
I'm molding a masterpiece; My labor's not done.
A trophy, a treasure of worth beyond measure
I'm molding a masterpiece, a masterpiece of love.

I'm sharing this with some of these parties.

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Happy Birthday, Ebates! Celebrate with 14% cash back!!

If you need to do any shopping today, you need to first go check out ebates.com and see if your favorite store is offering 14% cash back! There are dozens of stores online, including Old Navy, Tommy Hilfiger, GAP, Under Armour, AVON, Godiva, Macy's, Banana Republic and Puritan's Pride, that are offering 14% CASH BACK TODAY in order to celebrate the 14th birthday of Ebates!! You cannot lose in this situation. Pair this cash back with the ongoing sales at your favorite stores (i.e. Old Navy has shorts starting at $8, sandals starting at $12.49) and you've got yourself some big savings!

If you are new to ebates, sign up here! If you already have an account, go quick and get some savings!

Framed Birdcage {Tutorial}

I've been on the lookout for a cute, metal birdcage to hang on the wall in my daughter's room. I had seen some at Hobby Lobby, but wasn't sure yet about purchasing one until the other day. The metal art was all 50% off again and I knew it was time to buy. I'm working on updating my oldest daughter's room, but unsure of the whole plan yet. So, I'm just working on it as I find things I like. This is one project I've been thinking about for awhile. I don't know if it's because I saw my sister do a project similar a couple years ago or if I just liked it some much I wanted to do one somewhere in my house, but here it is....

{This room is a work in progress, as you can see, but I decided to swallow my pride and keep it real for the picture. Hopefully, in a couple of months, I can show you an 'After' pic!!}

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Thanks for stopping by!

Pinspiration Hoop Art {Tutorial}

I'm finally back to blogging after a short break. I was helping my sister celebrate her upcoming birthday in Disney World last week! You can read all about it here, if you're so inclined. She has some good tips for planning a girlfriends' trip to Disney there. I highly recommend it!!
If you're like me, and you're on Pinterest, chances are you have hundreds of great ideas stored up in some of those boards you've created or possibly even hundreds of 'likes' that you plan to create....someday. Well, I've decided to try and do some of the things I have pinned and liked on Pinterest. One of them I tried yesterday and love the results!

I pinned this pin that originated here a long time ago. And when my two youngest girls decided to share a bedroom, I knew I wanted to incorporate this into their new room to fit their personal styles. These are two of the ones I made...

{don't forget to tighten the fabric again before you hang!}

To make: Just pick your background fabric and felt for your project. Then, cut your felt into shapes of things you want on there. If you need a guide, print a graphic image from google and use it as a pattern. Use needle and thread to embroider the details on. You could do all black felt for a silhouette look! I may do that for my oldest daughter's room!

 

Now, I just need to repaint their room, move some things around and then I can hang them! Hopefully, the painting will happen soon. Stay tuned!

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