Hullabaloo Home

Just Grab It By The Head!

2011-05-06T22:55:00.000-04:00

while making dinner this evening, i hear my hubby say to our son, "just make sure you grab it by the head".

ummm...just what are we grabbing by the head?

oh...that.

he loves to go outside and dig for bugs, creatures, buried treasure...

he just never expected to find this...

i have lost many containers to critters and creatures

slugs, snails, salamanders, frogs, huge millipedes, a baby raccoon...

but this is a first.

he was thrilled at his unexpected find

and he thinks he's going to keep him as a pet...

i've got news for ya buddy...

Unstructurally Structured

2010-10-20T14:09:00.000-04:00

Hey y'all, Ashley here from Our Daily Chocolate. So, a little out of my norm, usually I'm bloggin' about some craft or busy making earrings...but today I'm talkin' school.

I homeschool my 2 children {ages 8 and 4}. I started homeschooling from the very beginning, and I have been lovin' every step of this journey!

Though a few times I have ~~considered~~ ~~dreamed~~ thought about what life would be like if my littles left the house for school {can anyone say clean laundry!}

I love that I get to be home and raise them up and mold their wonderfully smart minds!

We just recently moved so I do not have any fun "where do you school" pics. Besides, we school just about anywhere.

{When we're not busy being animal rescuers...}

We do alot of work at the library. We are typically there 4-5 days a week. It really helps that the library is within walking distance, like 3 minutes down the road distance {hello gym!}.

{Notice the magnifying glass? We study nature on our walks, like how, in nature, boys can't take normal pictures with their sisters}

The librarians know us very well. When something new comes in, they set it aside for us! Talk about service!!

This year I purchased a ready made curriculum from Calvert. I really like it. We're more of the unschooling type, but I also love/thrive/desperately need structure.

{or we'll do this all day}

{don't mind the junk in the background, they don't!}

I have a few essentials that are a must when it comes to schooling my kiddos. I have to have a chalk board/dry erase board {and not those little itty bitty things), a timer, chocolate, and a big cup of coffee! Oh yes, we cannot 'do school' unless mama has her chocolate and coffee, oh, er and those other things.

There isn't much more to our schooling, we are an unstructurally structured unschooling curriculum using bunch!

I would love to hear if any of you are unschoolers, or which curriculum you use. Please feel free to stop by my blog, find me on Facebook, or connect with me on Twitter and share with me!

Fall Craft Ideas

2010-09-16T15:43:00.000-04:00

In the mood to craft something Fall Inspired?

Here are a few great ideas to get you started.

Tissue Pack Holders

{via}

Felt Pencil Cases

{via}

Fabric Pumpkins

{via}

Oak Leaf Bowl

{via}

Felt Slippers

{via}

Felt Pumpkin People

{via}

Fall Decorating Ideas

2010-09-16T09:32:00.000-04:00

I am so pumped about decorating for Fall. It's my absolute favorite season. However, I have yet to unpack my Fall items from our move this spring. So I am feasting on The Nester and her wonderful goodies, at least until I get mine unpacked.

{pic by: The Nester}

I just love her style! But really, who doesn't!? She has so many more ideas listed in her post.

{pic: Martha Stewart}

In love with this! Must go dig out my urns, mine are black, but I think will still look nice like this.

{pic: Martha Stewart}

This could easily be re-created using any hurricane you have on hand. The supplies are free, just look in your very own backyard. Thank you God for creating such beauty!!

{pics: Martha Stewart}

I love using a Cornucopia in my Fall decor. I usually have a medium-ish sized one on display. But I think I may go smaller this year.

{pic: Martha Stewart}

I am loving this too! Fall colors and pumpkins get me every time!

{pic: Country Living}

And what would Fall be without a little Halloween decor? These are just darling!!

{pic: Me}

And this beauty? My first crafted Fall item of the season. I love it!

Ok, I really have to dig my Fall Decor out of those boxes now! Have you begun your Fall/Halloween decorating yet?

Fall Inspiration

2010-09-14T12:01:00.000-04:00

Wonderful Fall inspiration to get you started on our home. Don't let Summer be a season hog! Get your home Fall ready now.

New hair do

2010-01-11T12:11:00.001-05:00

Just thought I'd post this for family members to see. My new 'do.

Wreaths {I will not be making}

2009-11-19T11:18:00.006-05:00

Since we are moving next week I am not really able to participate in much, ok any, decor decorating/creating. But I thought I would share with you all the ideas that are floating through my head. Oh how I wish I could create some this gorgeous eye candy. Well, here it is for YOUR eyes to feast upon. Hopefully some of you will be able to create this Christmas.

{photos: BHG/Country Living and last photo I can't remember}

My total favorites: The white and red berries, the newspaper wreath and the mini pine cone wreath. Enjoy, and PLEASE share with me your wonderful wreaths. They don't have to look like these here. I just really want to live vicariously through you all and your beautiful wreaths. Is that too much to ask?

Picture perfect

2009-08-31T12:29:00.006-04:00

Little Lulu sat beside me on the sofa to read a bedtime story, slowly, growing-up-to-fast Mr. Squish joined us. After reading to my little ones I thought I would grab a quick photo. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity since the camera was sitting there and we were all comfy and cuddled together. I figured I could easily get a great shot of us looking like a loving family.

"say cheese guys"

"CHEEEEEEESE"

So much for a perfect shot! :) Well, it certainly depicts my children well.

Eventually I got close to what I was looking for, if only lulu hadn't turned her head the opposite way... Oh well, there's always next time.

VBS Fun

2009-08-03T08:40:00.003-04:00

We had such a great time with VBS this year. We are really looking forward to next year. But now, we must focus on getting ready for the school year to begin. I CAN'T believe it's August already!!!

Bonjour, les amis!

2009-07-15T18:19:00.003-04:00

That it was we are practicing everywhere we go. I decided that I would rather not wait to introduce a foreign language when they are older, but rather, when their brains can absorb it so much easier. My 3yr old is much more keen on learning it because then she can "be fancy". My 7yr old was talked into it after I told him he is much more likely to be hired my NASA or the Smithsonian if he can speak multiple languages. Those are his future prospective employers. :) If you know my son, you know that is not far-fetched AT ALL!! :)

Right now, Moustache is teaching us our basic words. The DVD series is geared towards children ages 4-9. I think if you have a "fast learning" 3 yr old this is a good choice. And even better, it was free, from the library!! I also checked out grown up versions, because I am learning right along with them. Who knows, you may soon need to set your blog reader to translate! (who am I kidding, it took FOREVUH to learn to type fast in English!)

Till next time...

Au Revoire, les amis!

We area a silly bunch

2009-07-03T09:42:00.004-04:00

It has been sooooo very hot and humid lately. My sweet lil girl has finally managed to grow long beautiful hair and I just can't stand the thought of cutting it. But the poor thing sweats like crazy!

One day I just decided to pile all of her hair on her head. This is what she had to say about that...

Fancy dinners aren't for wimps!

2009-06-23T09:01:00.006-04:00

Yesterday I had planned a fun fancy dinner for the family. I made a meal completely from scratch and even dressed up a bit! I wanted it to feel fun and exciting. The children even got to drink out fancy cups like mommy and daddy. Only one problem. Daddy didn't show up!

He is usually home by 5ish. He informed he was working until about 5:30 and would be home around 6. No problem! That gives me more time to get things set up and looking really good. Well, 6 o'clock rolls around and no daddy. 6:10, 6:15, 6:45. Still no daddy.

7:10! He decided to work some more and, of course, his phones at work aren't working, so he couldn't call me. Of course, I couldn't make the children wait that long to eat. By the time he got home the food and table were all cleared. So much for a fancy dinner, huh?

Such is life in a Hullabaloo Home!

New Bible Study

2009-05-26T14:32:00.006-04:00

Along with my SIL and some friends, we have started a women's bible study/devotion gathering. I call it a gathering because we just gather all together like one big happy family. We started 1 week ago. There are 4 of us. It's Wonderful! :-)

Last week we started in Habakkuk and found that God lead us all to read Jeremiah during the week as well. So, this week, we are reading Jeremiah 1-5 (and anything else we are lead to read).

I would love it if you would join us. I will be posting our favorite scriptures of our assigned reading and anything that God has done in our week. Also, we will will be discussing the assigned reading.

I hope you join us here at Hullabaloo Home for a time of refreshing, learning, growth, and friendship. Remember, read Jeremiah 1-5 and meet back here Friday afternoon to "hear" what happened. You will then have a chance to share God's work in your week in the comments section and Mr. Linky will be joining us so you can link to your blog post as well.

Frugal Movie Night

2009-03-18T20:20:00.002-04:00

For those of you who have families, or just trying to watch where your money goes, this website is for you.

www.redbox.com

They give a FREE movie rental every week. Just sign up (its free) and they send you a code via email or text. You then type the code into the redbox and you get your movie.

Check it out. Every little bit helps right? :-)

Kiddy Craft Cabinet

2009-03-08T23:57:00.003-04:00

In my quest to achieve maximum organization throughout my home, I recently made-over the craft cabinet. I purchased a few bins from the $$$ store and amazing things happened! Unfortunately, I forgot to take a before photo. But trust me, things were shoved, crammed, and falling out! Now it it (almost) pure bliss. We are getting a little to big to fit in this little cabinet.

In this cabinet I keep all of the craft items the children do not need permission (or supervision) to get out. They have free reign here. And they like that. I have put together a list of child friendly items that are perfect for them to get out on a rainy, bored, snowy day.

Construction Paper
Paper plates
Dried beans (split peas are my fav. My grandmother always had those for me)
Pipe cleaners
Glue sticks and Elmers glue
Paper lunch bags
Craft kits (martha stewart are good-so are foam craft kits from Michael's)
Clay, plastic knives, toothpicks (i don't leave play-doh in there b/c that need supervision!) :-)
Coloring books, crayons (I just purchased the twist-ups from Crayola-Love em!!!)
Foam stamps and washable markers (Have them rub the stamps with markers instead of ink pads)
Pencils, rulers, erasers, notebook paper
Stickers, foamies, gems
Washable water colors, water color paper
Child friendly scissors
Tissue paper and crepe paper (great for "stained glass and making flowers)
Popsicle sticks
Child's Smock!

I hope this list helps and inspires you to create a cabinet of fun! If you have other items you use please share. And enjoy my "after" photos.

Tomorrow I will be showing you what else I used those photo boxes for. I love it and I am so excited!

I am In Love with these bins from the $$$ store!

They really hold alot!

This little guys came in handy-pk of 3 from $$$ store

See, getting to big. But it works. Ha, see that jar of play-doh I don't allow, ya, um, so, I have no clue how it got there.

Frugal Fun

2009-03-06T11:46:00.004-05:00

With all the changes in the economy, I thought I would post an idea that's both frugal and fun. Spring Break is approaching. I don't know about you, but I am always looking for something fun to keep boredom at bay.

I found this great game idea and decided to make it for my guys. They haven't put it down since! (Mommy just loves that)

The game is called "I Spy"

I used an empty water bottle and put 26 random items inside (beads, paperclip, safety pin, foamies, jewels, etc.). I then filled it up with bird seed and shook it up a bit. All of the items were then "lost" inside. (make sure you super glue the lid shut, Trust me!) :-)

The goal is to see who can find an item the fastest. This is great for indoor/outdoor play, or for long road trips (or short ones).

I hope you get a chance to make one of these. There are several ways you could play. Be creative, and fun!!!

(sorry for the horrible photo)

Numbers Book

2009-03-04T13:27:00.010-05:00

I wanted to create something with my daughter (3yrs) that would help her to identify numbers in quantities. Since she has been ruthless in her quest to get me to make her "her very own scrapbook" I thought we could make a scrapbook of sorts to help with her number recognition.

I used a box from cereal to make the book. I cut and measured each piece and (per her request) tied it up with ribbon.

The book size is 3.5 x 3.5. I covered each page with good old construction paper and used a scrap of ribbon I had lying around. I purchased a couple sheets of $.97 stickers and cut them out to the quantities needed for each page.

She had so much fun counting the stickers for each page and just loves her new *scrapbook*. She immediately put it on her desk (the stairs) :)

I let her put the stickers on first, then I wrote the numbers in the book. She had so much and it is something she really likes, which will keep her interest. That's always perfect! :-)

A New Day-A New Idea

2009-02-27T11:18:00.006-05:00

As you may have noticed, I have poorly neglected this blog for several months. It is time to resurrect it! The name has changed to better reflect the blogs content. On here there will be posts about home schooling, daily life/musings, and the odd craft or two.

My SIL is a contributing author and she is full of great ideas! I am excited to get her into the blogging world! :) She does some adorably cute things with her little ones (3 and 2) and I think you will benefit greatly from her wisdom and creativity.

If you follow me here then you know I like a little bit of everything. I will continue to share my craft ideas and home decor ideas, as well as links and home school ideas.

If there is anything you would like to see on here, just shoot me an email and we'll get it out for you.

Thanks so much for supporting us in this and I hope you enjoy the content to come.

Christmas Decor: Wreath Edition

2008-11-24T11:42:00.006-05:00

Wreaths have a wonderful way of ringing in the new season. What I love most about them is their diversity. You can make wreath look however you like and still bring Christmas Cheer! Here are some ideas for you to consider when making your wreath this year.

Snowball Wreath

Perfect for little ones to help make, just hot glue fuzzy white pom-poms to styrofoam or cardboard bases and you have a very festive winter wreath.

Pretty Bow Wreath

Start with a Styrofoam base and wrap with a 2" ribbon. Hot Glue ribbons until completely covered. Beautiful.

Making Memories Wreath

This is perfect to give as a gift (especially for grandparents). Make frames out of wrapping paper or painted popsicle sticks and glue to an evergreen wreath. Add colourful bulbs and you have a gift worth hanging every year.

Cinnamon Stick Wreath

Cover a styrofoam base with 2" ribbon and hot glue cinnamon sticks until completely covered. This can make a wonderful room air-freshener as well!

Buttoned-Up Wreath

I am looking forward to making this one! This is perfect if you have a huge button stash, and it is perfect for little ones as well. Start with a cardboard base and hot glue buttons until you like the look. Use different colours that match your decor or strong colours to make a bold statement.

Snowy Pine cone Wreath

Scavenge your backyard or neighbourhood for those perfect pine cones. Spray with flocking and this baby will be ready to welcome winter with open arms.

(photos BHG.com, ball wreath martha)

Thanksgiving Napkins

2008-11-12T11:05:00.008-05:00

Hosting Thanksgiving this year? Want some really cute tabletop ideas that are inexpensive? We are going to focus on dressing your napkins. This simple and inexpensive decoration will add lots of pizzaz for little dinero. Her are a few ideas to help you on your way to beautiful entertaining.

Mind Your Manners

These are so cute for those messy little fingers. Just use napkins you already have on hand and add those great manners we oh-so-desperately hope our children will use!

Candle Lite

Just roll up your napkins and place in each glass.

Berries

Adding berries will really enhance the beauty of the outdoors and the beauty of your table.

Pumpkins

Adding a small pumpkin to each place setting will not only serve as a great decoration but can double as a place card.

Nature

Bringing nature indoors is a surfier way to add warmth and comfort to your home. Everyone enjoys the beauty that fall bring, just not the cold. Decorating your table with natural elements will make your home feel more inviting. And it's super cheap!

(photos BHG.com)

Holiday Tablescapes

2008-11-05T14:10:00.006-05:00

Now is the time to start planning and prepping for that wonderful Thanksgiving feast. Let's get started with tablescape ideas. This will help you when decorating the rest of your home.

Harvest Candle Rings

Purchase or make small grapevine rings to use as a base, or bend a piece of coat hanger into a circle. Next, wire on small stems of berries, leaves, and flowers using thin wire wound tightly around the base. Use fresh flowers for a one-use decoration. Or find pretty silk blooms for a longer-lasting design.

Running in the Leaves

Create a table runner using camel-color wool flannel or felt, cutting to size with a pair of pinking shears. Lay coordinating ribbons along the center of the runner and secure with double-stick tape or a dab of fabric glue, if necessary. Set a compote or cake stand in the center and scatter leaves, mini pumpkins, and pears down the runner.

How Beautiful

What better way to celebrate the Thanksgiving harvest feast than by creating a centerpiece using gorgeous green vegetables. To make the asparagus and green bean wrapped candles, stretch two sturdy rubber bands around a white pillar candle, then insert vegetable stalks underneath the band. Cover the bands with a circle of satin ribbon and decorate the platter with a few white mums and coffee berry sprigs.

Bed of Leaves

One beautiful pumpkin resting on a bed of leaves is simple and sincere. Scale this idea up or down as space allows: a tall pumpkin would look lovely with just a handful of leaves at the base.

Individual Arrangements

Another view of the previous centerpiece shows the place settings, white tablecloth, and pewter cups filled with tiny white mums. Your guests will be enthralled!

Go Simply

Here's a no-fuss table arrangement that's simple and appropriate for many occasions. Rocks and bits of moss nestle around small candles in tiny flowerpots. And best of all -- no flowers to keep fresh!

All of these ideas are perfect to create an inviting atmosphere for the Holidays. Go shopping around your home and see what great ideas you can come up with! Email me your photos, I would love to see your Tablescape!

(photos & captions BHG.com)

Buy Homemade

2008-10-29T10:02:00.006-04:00

(web image)

Do you own a small business, sell on Etsy, or sell from home your handmade items? Yes?!

There is something very special going on for all of you wonderful crafty people out there. Kimba at A Soft Place to Land, Melissa at The Inspired Room, and The Nester at Nesting Place are offering (for a very small fee) advertising space on their blogs. These women are incredible and so are their blogs!

It is titled 'Mom's Unite' but you don't have to be a mom to participate. Check out their blogs, you won't be disappointed!

Remember to buy HOME MADE this Holiday season. Support those women who are supporting their families. Buy from Mom's not Robots! :-)

(visit their website to get this very nifty button)

Fabric Covered Journals

2008-10-28T11:57:00.005-04:00

It's that time! Time to start thinking about Christmas and all the gifts you STILL need. I have been pretty good this year. I started my shopping in July and have managed to NOT keep those pretty gifts for myself. I'll admit, I had to hide them under my staircase to keep from getting at them and using them all around my house. (and I can't say what they are b/c they are gifts for people who read my blog) :-)

If you are still looking for something for that special person, close friend, or yourself... I have just the thing. And it's super simple!!

Just follow these directions and you will have a gift perfect for any occasion.

To create these linen-covered journals, you will need a hardcover journal or notebook, preshrunk linen, needle and thread, and a length of 3/4-inch ribbon long enough to go all the way around the journal plus 12 inches extra.

Instructions:
1. Lay the open, flat journal on the fabric, allowing 1/2 inch all around for hems and about 3 inches at each side for the pocket flaps. Center the journal on the fabric and mark where the top and bottom of the covers start and finish, from end to end.

2. Cut a 1/2-inch vertical slit at each point, fold the fabric twice, and hem.

3. Make a double hem along each end of the cover. Neatly hem all around the fabric, mitering the corners.

4. Place the fabric right side up with the journal on top of it, fold over the flaps, and pin them in position. Remove the journal and sew the top and bottom of the flaps securely.

5. Turn the cover right side out and fit it on the journal. Cut a length of ribbon, fold it in half lengthwise to mark the center, and stitch it securely to the center of the spine to bind book.

(photos and directions Country Living.com)

Gourds Galore

2008-10-08T21:25:00.005-04:00

I recently acquired these beautiful urns from a Friend at church. She no longer had any use for them so I took then off her hands. They were originally a pale cement color (I forgot to take before pictures) but now they are a perty black. They also housed a HUGE fake fern! Eeek! But now they look so perfect holding my gourds! And they look gorgeous on my front porch! Perfect for the season!!

Do you decorate with urns? Share your pictures and inspirations! I would love to see what you have for your Fall decor!

It's All About Acorns

2008-10-05T21:12:00.011-04:00

During the Fall season I really like to decorate with items found outdoors. It's beautiful to look at and so cheap to do. And who doesn't like inexpensive decorating! My favorite thing this year has been the beloved Acorn. For some reason, I can't get enough of them. I have dragged my children outside everyday for the past 2 weeks collecting acorns. The first couple of times it was REALLY fun, then it was "Acorns?! AGAIN!?!". I just can't help my self. I have so many plans for those little guys.

With homeschooling and the 'usual' homemaker stuff plus Church stuff, I have been too busy to create my fun decorations. But I found some really great ideas that I think you would really enjoy. So take a look at the pictures and get inspired!!!

Acorn and leaf stamped pillow cases. Not only Incredibly Adorable, but also very cheap to do. Find some pillow cases and the thrift store and have fun decorating!

There is nothing better than snuggling up with a good book and a steaming cup of (homemade) hot chocolate. Why not take some of those too cute acorns and create a perfect seasonal page marker? This little bit of outdoor treasure is sure to make a big impact indoors for the season.

I love to bake. More than I do cooking. Which doesn't say much because I don't like to cook. But I REALLY like to bake. When I saw this ADORABLE mold, My insides clenched and I squealed with delight! No, really! I did!! How cute would these little acorn muffins look in a decorated basket on your kitchen table? These would be gobbled up faster than you can say "Happy Fall".

Another inexpensive way to add some color and season to your home is by embellishing something you already have, such as dish towels. These are the cutest things. These little button embellishments may be little, but they welcome fall in a big way!

This is my favorite idea! I saw this and knew that I was going to make it! I have plenty of acorns and ribbon and moss! I am so excited to make this one. Another idea I had was to make mini wreaths and hang them on the backs of my dining chairs. My children are very excited to make those ones. This is a decoration that can easily be carried all the way through Thanksgiving and into the Christmas season! How very versatile is that? And for mere pennies you can create this cute piece. All you need is some cardboard, acorns, moss, and ribbon. Oh, and your trusty Hot Glue Gun!

Speaking of which, I am interested to know. Does anybody out there name their hot glue gun? Nutty question, I know. But I don't think I could survive without mine and so I thought it would be appropriate if she were named (yes, she). Her name is Olivia, and I adore her! :-) She is pink too!

So tell me, have you named yours yet?

(photos: BHG, Country Living)

The Colors of Fall

2008-09-26T15:08:00.008-04:00

Mini Pumpkin Wreath

Place this painted faux-pumpkin wreath on a table for a ready-made autumn centerpiece.

Orange Throws

Great way to add style and color to your living room while providing warmth and comfort for those cool nights.

Tea Kettle

This two-quart speckled porcelain enamel teakettle is modeled after vintage versions.

Pumpkin Candle

Infuse your home with the scent of pumpkin pie all autumn long.

Crow Sign

Personalize this hand-painted wooden sign with your family's initial, then hang it on your front door.

Burnt Orange Rug

Woven accent rugs are a budget-friendly way to add a touch of color and texture to your kitchen.

(all context and photos from Country Living)

For the Love of Pumpkin

2008-09-10T11:43:00.005-04:00

It's that time of year again! Time to get sweaters out and start thinking about your fall decor.

I just heart pumpkins! I am always trying to think of new ways to decorate with them as well. My family and I do not celebrate Halloween so we do not carve Jack-O-Lanterns. Besides, they aren't very pretty.

I really heart this idea : Stencil Pumpkins

Even more adorable, how about that Chandelier/Candelabra!!! So very rustic yet whimsy at the same time. I really like this idea for white pumpkins. Another reason why I like this idea; we still get pumpkin seeds out if it! My children HEART pumpkin seeds so much. That is what they look forward to "pumpkin decorating time".

What are some ways you decorate with pumpkins? I'd love for you to share. Hopefully your ideas will inspire others to decorate with natures fall beauty!

Awaiting Fall

2008-08-22T12:56:00.018-04:00

I am patiently awaiting the fall weather. It has been rather warm this week and I am in need of some cool crisp air. Ok, so I know it's still August, but we had such a teaser last week. Temps were the low 70's and it was so cold at night! :) How I wish Fall would just grace us with her presence (or His-not really sure).

While I am waiting for fall I thought it would be fun to give you some ideas for Pumpkins this year. Always good to be prepared for the season right? These are all alternatives to carving. We don't generally carve pumpkins b/c we don't really celebrate Halloween. My children will go for candy down one street in our neighborhood but that's about it. We also do not dress in scary costumes. Last year my son was a fighter pilot with a homemade airplane (wearable) and my daughter was a cupcake princess :)

So, without further ado, here are some ideas for you to entertain (while waiting for fall-can you tell I'm anxious?).

Address Pumpkins

I heart urns so much and how sweet do these perfect pumkins look all nestled together? What a welcoming sight after leaf raking, or apple picking.

Another Address Option

I love the sweet delicate etching in the pumpkins here. If you like to carve pumpkins but want them to last longer, this is a great alternative.

Pumpkin Candle Holder

This makes for such a beautiful centerpiece. Be it for the dining table or your entryway. this is sure to get lots of attention (and smell really good to).

Winter Frost

This is such a pretty sight, especially when the weather starts to really chill. Keep this around your home and it's sure to put you in a festive mood.

Pumpkin Ballerina

Here's something fun for the kids. Just gather pretty stackable pumpkins, some twigs, black (or other color) tulle, and some markers. These little guys (or girls) will make a very nice welcome to friends and family. And the children will have a blast making them!

I heart Urns

Another pretty urn full of Pumpkin magic. Paint and decorate, add your address, or embelish with natures gifts for a special touch. Everyone is sure to enjoy this display.

Floral Pumpkins

I love this idea! Not only does it allow me to display those perfect pumpkins (from a long days searching) but I am also able to display the rich color found in falls flowers! this idea will most certainly be implemented this year.

Little Beauties

This idea is perfect for all those mini pumpkins your minis want to bring home. This is a creative idea to showcase your little ones treasures. And it will make a wonderful addition to your mantel.

So there you have it. Some wonderful ideas to put to good use this fall. If you create any of these ideas I would love to see them. email them to me so that they can be featured her on Le Chic Feathered Nest! Look forward to hearing from you.

(photos courtesy bhg)

Lampshade Makeover

2008-08-18T10:59:00.005-04:00

Could your lampshades do with a makeover?

This is so easy to do and great for the seasons. Super Cheap too!!! :)

What You Need

Kraft paper
Tapered or bell-shaped lampshade. Ours is a bell-shaped shade 8 1/2 inches tall x 6 inches in diameter at the top and 12 inches in diameter at the bottom
Fabric to cover lampshade (for ours, we needed about 1 1/2 yards)
Measuring tape
Pencil
Scissors
Iron
Fabric wash-out marker
Sewing machine and coordinating thread
Hot-glue gun and glue
5 inches of grosgrain ribbon
5 covered buttons and assembly tool (look for a kit containing both)

What to Do

Place kraft paper on a protected work surface.
Measure the circumference of the top of the shade and add 4 inches for each pleat. We have five pleats so we added 20 inches to the 20-inch circumference of the shade, giving us a total of 40 inches.
Lay the lampshade on its side on top of the kraft paper.
Using a pencil, trace along the top of the shade as you roll it across the kraft paper, creating an arch. Complete two full rotations of the shade to equal the 40 inches.
Return the shade to the starting point, lining the top line up with the top of the shade and tracing along the bottom of the shade as you roll it across the kraft paper. Complete two full rotations of the shade, creating a second arch.
Connect the arches together at the ends by drawing a line from the top arch to the bottom arch.
Use scissors to cut out the band of kraft paper, adding 1/2 inch at the top, bottom, and each end.
Press fabric and lay wrong side up on your work surface.
Place kraft paper band on top of fabric and trace using a fabric wash-out marker.
Cut out fabric band and hem top and bottom using 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Secure on end of the band to the top of the shade using a hot-glue gun.
Begin wrapping the fabric band around the shade, stopping every 5 inches to fold in a 1-inch pleat, holding it temporarily to the shade with a clothespin or office clip.
When completely clipped in place, use hot glue to secure the band to the shade and to glue down each pleat.
Use grosgrain ribbon and a covered button kit to cover five buttons to hot-glue at the top of each pleat.

TIP: An all-over patterned fabric works better than a stripe.

(courtesy bhg)

Headboard Lovin'

2008-08-13T16:47:00.009-04:00

I have been drooling over some headboards recently while looking for inspiration for my own. There are so many beauties out there. How is a girl to decide?!

In an ode to my love for headboards I have decided to share some with you here. These are all great DIY projects and super simple. (photos courtesy bhg and diy)

I am seriously drooling over this room. I think this is the one. My heart almost stopped when this photo came up!!!

This is an old door painted and turned on it's side. I heart this one too!

Two big cushions-super comfy for reading or watching t.v.

Picket Fence HDBD-this would be too cute for a little girls room

I like this canopy-may have to do this for DD.

Ok, I have to tell you (or rather admit) that I was recently shopping and missed a "vision" opportunity. I saw something very similar to this at a yard sale for just a few dollars ($3 to be exact) but didn't buy it because I had no clue what I would do with it. It would have looked funny over a doorway in my home. Of course, now I can come up with a million ideas!!! Grrr...

This is my 3rd fav! So Loverly!!!!

How neat-o is this?! It's a painted stencil of a hdbd.

So is this one! And I totally Heart this one!!!

Very nifty way to fill neg space! Choose your fav fabric or colors to match the room. Cover some plywood and you have a Very easy hdbd.

Window Treatment

2008-08-07T13:23:00.000-04:00

School is just around the corner. (I know, I can't believe it either).

Right now you are probably marveling at how fast the summer flew by, and wondering how you will be ready to switch gears so soon. With the school year approaching schedules get very crazy. There are so many things to juggle and so much stuff to remember.

I have such a great solution for you.

This will work for home or office, school or daily life, young or old! :)

(photo courtesy bhg.com)

Take an old window (you can paint this whatever color you wish) and attach a chalkboard to the back.

You can choose to section it off by days or family members. This serves as a perfect reminder of daily "most important tasks (mit's)" (simple mom).

TIP: Search yard sales ands flea markets for windows. Chalkboards can be found at any discount store or dollar store.

Have fun and decorate and embellish any way you choose.

My 1st Mistreatment

2008-08-01T21:52:00.000-04:00

I am just so proud of myself.

I have been ogling over so many different bed canopies for awhile now, but haven't been able to bring myself to spend the {crazy} amount!

I purchased these two panels of muslin from a yard sale last summer for $6. I have been trying to get hubby to get a rod hung up, but that hasn't happened-the spot is not easy for housing a rod. {Little did I know about mistreatment's then}.

Just a couple of days ago the light bulb erupted! I took those two panels out of my stash and ran upstairs to the bedroom. I knew I was going to do it-make this canopy thing-somehow. I wanted it to be beautiful. Not perfect, just beautiful-to me. :)

The last time we had a canopy was one of those annoying round ones from Pier 1. It drove me nuts, and my hubby didn't care for it too much either {too girly}. This one he is not bothered by so much. {not too girly} and it doesn't cover the whole bed {his favorite part}.

All I did was grab some tacks {could not find my upholstery tacks} and stick it up there. I will eventually change the tacks once the others fall out {gotta love being a lazy perfectionist} lol.

I stumbled upon another blog a few days ago {just 1 day after my 'mistreatment'} and her blog is dedicated to this stuff! How awesome is that!! And she is too cute and funny!!! And she is just like me!!!! {I get more excited with each revelation}

So, if you are in need of sprucing up your home check out Nesting Place. She has so many great ideas and tutorials to walk you through. I promise you will not be disappointed!!!

Summer Book Log

2008-07-31T18:19:00.001-04:00

Now is a great time to start a log of all those books you've been reading.

This will help keep that growing book stash in order. And will be a great reference down the line.

Any journal will work. Make sure you leave enough room to log the Title, Author, Plot, What you liked about it, What you didn't like.

Feel free to decorate the book any way you like (or buy a beautiful one that needs no work) :)

TIP: This will come especially handy when your best friend asks "So, read any good books lately?"

Paint Can Shelves

2008-07-30T09:19:00.000-04:00

Here is a great, inexpensive way to organize tons of items! From towels, to pens, to tools, and toys. These are so modern and look fresh in any home.

Paint cans can be purchased at your local fix 'er up store, usually located in the paint isle.

TIP: Use scrapbooking papers or fabric to decorate each can to match your decor.

(photos courtesy DIYideas.com)

Organize your bookshelf

2008-07-30T09:13:00.000-04:00

Does your bookshelf look like an atomic bomb struck? Here are a few easy steps to organize those books and keep it that way.

Take stock of how many books you have and how much shelf space you have. If you have more books than space, weed through them and keep only the ones you Love.
Categorize your books based on how you view them-by topic, author, era, or read and unread
Alphabetize the books in each category by author or title, or arrange by size.
Label sections of your bookshelf. Clear plastic label holders, available from library supply companies, sit under the books on a shelf and can be easily moved or removed. Print a description for each section and then slide it into the holder.
Set up small libraries in different rooms of your home. For example, shelve cookbooks in a kitchen cabinet or pantry. Put a short bookshelf next to the bed as a nightstand.

TIP: Create small labels for your categories by using card stock. Type the name onto card stock, print, and fold so that part of the label can be tucked under a few books.

(article/photo courtesy DIYideas.com)