Industrial Chic Necklace DIY

This is a statement necklace that is actually Anthro-inspired and you can see their version here.  This is a bold accessory that incorporates silver chain with stainless steel washers.  I've been wanting to try making some hardware store jewelry and when I got the inspiration for this piece, I couldn't pass up the opportunity.  It was very different from any other necklaces I've made in the past but it ended up being very fun and inexpensive. 

A Bedroom Makeover

This past weekend was really busy but very exciting at the same time because Christopher got a bedroom makeover.  It's still a work in progress, but it is dramatically different than it was before and there's a lot of fun things in store for this little boy's room.

10 Things You Should Know About Me

If we're going to be online friends, or even if we're already friends in real life, there's some random and yes, kind of weird, facts you should know about me.  I'm not normal, this I know and the list below is probably just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things that make me, me.  But, if you don't know me or want to know me better, it's a good starting point.

Maple-Walnut Apple Crisp the Healthy Way

I am, and always have been, a dessert kind of girl.  Sugary snacks are a big weakness, but right now, the hubby and I are committed to losing weight and packing on some muscle, so sweet treats are pretty much off limits for us.  I'll admit it, it's kind of a downer.

Handmade Card and Gift Card Holder

Nothing tells someone you care about them like giving them a handmade card, unless of course, it is accompanied by a handmade gift.  Papercrafting can be a lot of fun, but with all the different tools, machines, and embellishments out there, it's sometimes difficult to know where to begin.  I sometimes get overwhelmed by all the products that are made for card making and scrapbooking!

Roundup: Free Printables

All-in-one Letter/Envelope printable by Just Something I Made (link below)

I've been a little obsessed with printables lately, so I've been scouring the web to find the best free printables around.  There are a ton of fabulous ones out there but I've narrowed my list to cards that would be great for different occasions. 

Healthy Banana Bread Baked with the Kiddo

Looking for ways to spend quality time with your kids?  Why not start in the kitchen?  There are ways that kids can help in the kitchen, even as toddlers.  My son is now 4, so I'm not sure if he still qualifies as a toddler, but he's been helping his dad cook for at least the past year.  He has his own step stool that we bring out so he can reach the countertops to help crack eggs, mix the batter, or sprinkle on the spices. 

Blueberry Picking and a Camp Fire

Summer has definitely hit the Northwest as it was over 90 degrees on Saturday with not a cloud in the sky.  While it's been nice, we've been trying to get outdoors as much as possible and find fun activities to do with the munchkin.  This was the first weekend within the past month that we didn't have any real plans, so we decided to visit a local farm to do some berry picking - blueberry picking that is.  It sure seems like we've been going to a lot of farms this summer, like the time we went here and then here.  

Handmade Autumn Wreath

I still feel like summer is just starting - maybe because the nice weather always arrives late here in the Pacific Northwest.  However, I have noticed that the craft stores are starting to get their fall decorations on the shelves so I thought I'd share an autumn craft for those already looking ahead.

When my mother-in-law Cathie came to visit last October, she brought some arts and crafts to do with Chris along with some project ideas that tied into the season.  Her crafting with our son was actually the start of other craft projects that we've found to do with Christopher.  Cathie lives in sunny Southern California (which is where hubby is originally from) and unfortunately she isn't able to visit as often as we'd like, so whenever she's here, we really cherish the time together.