Spring is definitely in the air and everyone I know is having babies! There is nothing sweeter than a newborn baby and I love to give handmade baby gifts. This year I know five people having babies within weeks of each other. That’s a lot of baby showers. I usually make quilts but with so many little ones I needed something quick and inexpensive. Hanky hats! I’m sure you’ve seen these, they are the sweetest little thing. They whip up quickly on the sewing machine but are a great hand sewing project as well. The stitches are easier to remove … Continue reading →

Somehow I have become the cake lady. I usually bake all the kids first birthday cakes and many of the ones after that. This weekend was my great nephews first birthday and I wanted his cake to be special. I decided to do the word ONE, how hard can that be? I baked the cakes and cut out the letters and then the trouble began. The cakes were very flimsy and feel apart, not to mention almost impossible to frost with all those cut edges and crumbs. So I mushed it all together, made huge cake pops and shaped them … Continue reading →

My daughter is getting married. I have to keep saying that to get used to the idea. Her maid of honor and bridesmaids are throwing her shower at my house and since money is tight for everyone, the decorations need to be as inexpensive as possible. Enter tissue paper balls! These things are so easy to make and because of their size that make a huge decorating impact. They are inexpensive, fast and easy, all bonus items as far as I’m concerned. Materials tissue paper in the color scheme of the event pipe cleaners or string scissors There are several … Continue reading →

I live in the heart of cranberry country. Wisconsin leads the nation in cranberry production, and this year the state harvested one of its largest crops ever. We’re talking 7,363,000 barrels of the tart and juicy crimson berries. Did you know that cranberries are one of only three fruits native to North America? Concord grapes and blueberries complete the list. However, with Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, all eyes are on the festive-looking cranberry. Fortunately, cranberries are an incredibly versatile fruit that can be used to create an array of seasonal treats, from decorations to delicious desserts. What’s … Continue reading →

I am very aware that Johnny Appleseed Day was yesterday, but, how much fun would it be to celebrate the event all! week! long! Yeah, my 7-year-old didn’t buy it either, especially since I made the suggestion after forgetting to send apple treats to school yesterday. There’s nothing fun about being labeled “That Mom.” The one who can’t remember to place pre-packaged applesauce into her only kid’s backpack. The fun part comes in trying to make up for my mistake. As my daughter shared tidbits about John Chapman (a.k.a. Johnny Appleseed) and the orchards he planted in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, … Continue reading →

DIY crafts have seen a spike in popularity since the economy tanked and has yet to rebound completely. According to a new survey, an increasing number of homeowners are putting the brakes on buying new seasonal decorations, and instead are channeling their inner Martha Stewart, and making crafts on their own. Now that autumn has officially arrived, now is the time to see how creative you can get on a shoestring budget. If you are new to DIY crafts, you may be surprised by how much fun it can be to create your own decorations. And if the process doesn’t … Continue reading →

In a previous post I detailed the drama I went through finding affordable goodies to stuff into the party bags we gave away at my daughter’s birthday celebration. As a parent, I am keenly aware that most kiddie party goodie bags are loaded with cheap crap that simply collects dust or breaks within minutes of being unwrapped. That said, if you have the time and money, there are a plethora of ways you can have fun filling swag bags. One of the easiest ways to facilitate fun is to carry the theme of your child’s party to the favors. You … Continue reading →

I haven’t seen it yet this season, but my favorite back-to-school commercial is without question the Staples ad, which features the exuberant dad gliding on a shopping cart to the tune of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” while his kids stand near shelves of school supplies with sullen looks on their faces. Priceless. With summer coming to an end, there is no time like the present to celebrate a new school year… and the return of peace and quiet for some SAHMs. Beat the back-to-school blues with a party filled with F-U-N: Invitations: Make your own invitations … Continue reading →

With unemployment a current epidemic, gas hovering near $4 a gallon, and food prices soaring, it’s no wonder so many families are being forced to scale back on graduation parties. Fortunately, you don’t have to dig yourself deeper into debt in order to celebrate your son or daughter’s big day. There’s a way to have fun with a budget-friendly party, as long as you follow these simple tips: 1. Skip the fine china and opt for disposable plates, bowls and utensils. 2. Consider a potluck and ask friends and family to bring a dish to pass. 3. Double up on … Continue reading →

A friend called me the other day asking for help to create a luau for her nephew’s upcoming high school graduation party. Apparently, the boy is planning to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa in the fall and to celebrate his family is throwing him a Hawaiian-themed bash. I love the idea of theme parties, especially for occasions that don’t really call for them. After all, grad parties have a pre-selected theme and come equipped with a slew of ready-made decorations. You can buy just about any type of graduation party supply with the words “Congratulations” or “Class of … Continue reading →