Grills Gone Wild

I got the fabulous idea to turn an old grill from trash to something useful from here.... loving the results! Plus my hubby pointed out that it is sort of ironic that I am using a grill to grow carrots...lol. I can't wait to fill up the condiment tray and other places on it with flowers so it doesn't look so out of place!!

The List 4.15.10

I am feeling pretty off kilter here, trying to adjust to my body's needs (like being tired and nauseous in the evenings when I usually craft), still keep the house tidy (FAIL), and attempt to keep the kids from killing each other. I have a whole new realm of things to search for and discover on the web though so for all you mamas out there with teeny ones or expecting (and who isn't expecting it seems?!) there will be a lot more links for you!

I am already looking into switching to cloth diapers for this little one since we are currently spending waaayyyy too much on Pull Ups and I hate the thought of sending more disposable diapers to landfills! I love this site that has patterns if you are a craft mama so you can sew your own! (We will be using BumGenius 3.0)

Speaking of the environment, here is an awesome article about switching to non-toxic household cleaners as well as an easy peasy recipe on how to make your own!

And instead of throwing away all that plastic, why not use it to make something beautiful from this list? Like this awesomely cool little zipper container?

One of my biggest complaints about pregnancy is the clothing choices. Luckily thanks to Homemade by Jill I can now take an old pair of jeans and turn them into a super stretchy maternity skirt!

Seems like everyone is pregnant these days, even Jill is! I think I am going to stock up on some ultra hip balms from this Etsy store to send to all my pregger friends! With names like Tough Titties and Bad Ass Booty Balm you can't go wrong!

Oh, and also from Etsy I just ordered some pants from a very eco-conscious seller from Thailand who supports the native artists in the area. They are traditional Fisherman pants, one size fits most, and perfect for me to dance in!

Even though crafting is the last thing on my mind for once, I would love to see if one of my more craftier friends could make me a couple of cute bean bags from this pattern... Looks a little much for my novice skills, but sooo cute for the playroom!

One of the projects that I have been doing with the kids is planting our fairy garden as well as thinking about the rest of the garden space. I think this DIY Seed Tape would be a perfect gift for Teacher Appreciation Week!

Lastly, I am always on the lookout for cute party ideas, favors, and food and these wonderfully delicious looking Chocolate Spoons caught my eye. Not only are they pretty, but sooo yummy looking!

Have a great day and enjoy looking around at all the goodies here!

Spring Has Sprung... (maybe....)

This past week us Clevelanders have enjoyed sunny skies, warm breezes, and teasing hints from Mother Nature that Spring is indeed on it's way. Everyone emerged from hibernation, smiles were on faces, and all in all it was a great week. After months and months of cold snowy weather, it is so nice to see people out walking and enjoying the day.


One of my projects this Spring is to plant a fairy garden with the kids. We are going to make a pretty little fenced in area, fill it with mini shade plants, and hope that the wee ones feel welcome.  I have been looking all over for directions, photos, and other inspirations for this garden since I want it to be child friendly and fun. I don't know if I want it to be in a container yet or just in an area with the rest of the plants...

I love this garden though in a barrel from The Magic Onions.  She has such lovely details and you can see that the kids were really involved with the design.

I also want to add a butterfly house to our garden, either in the front or back, from this wonderful Etsy store- Bee Gracious. This pink butterfly house really caught my eye!

I have found tons of great fairy garden miniatures from Etsy of course and if you google Fairy Garden there are lots of sites that have everything from little fences to plants perfect for fairy catching! And if you want just a simple little door to maybe go on a tree for your Wee Folk, please check out the store NothinButWood. His fairy/gnome doors are divine! This one is my favorite!

What are your garden plans this Spring? Have you ever made or seen a fairy garden?

Tulip Planting 101

I have a long standing love affair with cut flowers, especially Tulips and Gerber Daisies. I love the simple cheeriness of them, the varieties, and the beautiful colors. So this year I want to plant some of my own tulips. But I have no clue how to begin, when to do it, or how to make sure they survive and thrive. This guide from Or So She Says is perfect for anyone out there who wants to grow tulips but has no clue how to get going. She gives great links so you can know your hardiness zone, how deep to plant your bulbs, and how to take care of them in the spring. Love it!

I think I am going to plant some cotton candy pink ones, for breast cancer and my grandmother who passed away from it.... just like these!

Fireworks, Funny Animals, and Flowers... oh my!

I am taking a break from my surfing for the holiday. I hope that everyone else's 4th of July was as fun and safe as mine was. Our only casualty was when Gabby picked up a warm sparkler, but a little ice and a kiss fixed that. We had a great day here in Lakewood with the parade in the morning, a barbecue with the neighbors in the afternoon, and then front row seats on our lawn for the fireworks at night.

I have also added to my garden these past couple of days. We now have sunflowers, jack o' lanterns, begonias, sweet peas, and impatiens. Oh and a mulberry tree.... YUMMO! I love being able to just add a little bit as I go along and to make it as haphazard and whimsical as I wish.

Finally, my other project is my late night thing. Nothing says relaxation like my favorite movie, some gatorade, and.... sock animals! Yes, that is right. I am at it again making funny little stuffed animals for my girls and their friends. My newest additions are a striped zebra and an argyle bunny. I even added ribbon for the mane and tail on my zebra!

Summer Fruits and Flowers

"Dirty hands, iced tea, garden fragrances thick in the air and a blanket of color before me, who could ask for more?"
- Bev Adams, Mountain Gardening

My gardening skills are growing along with my flower beds, and I am so excited to report that my strawberries are now a delightful red-pink! (Gabby is even more excited I think!) I am still working on the back and adding flowers little by little, especially now that the green houses are starting to run sales. Here are some pics of today's blooms: