Gem Faire, I HEART you!

Today was a treat! We were supposed to go to Yellowstone this weekend, but with highs in the 50's and our trailer still in the shop, we decided to stay home. I can't say I was too sad, because I got to go to the Gem Faire!!! I LOVE that place, and found some great deals today. I got to go with my two favorite ladies, my mom, and my daughter. Here are my finds...

The average price per strand was about $3, and the majority of the strands are real stones.

I already made 5 bracelets. I am into monochromatic colors for now. The thing I love about making jewelry, is the same thing I love about flower gardening... if you get sick of the arrangement, you can change it up, and not feel bad.

Look at these darling birdies!!! I paid the most for this strand at $10, but thought I could make some cute earrings or charms out of them.

Love to layer my bracelets! I love all the different shapes and sizes of the beads!

This photo kind of freaks me out, as it is so close up on my finger, but I had to show my new chunky ring. I am crazy about it!!!

Check the website, and see if there is a Gem Faire near you. They come to Utah three times a year. If you sign up on the website, they will e-mail and mail you coupons for free admission. If you love beads, and have never been, it will blow your mind! I have not been to a bead store since my first trip to Gem Faire!

I am linked up!!!





Have a great rest of your weekend!!!

Father's Day Preparation...

The Dub is getting a few gifts he wants for Father's Day, but I try to give him something sentimental and unexpected as well. This is what we are doing this year...

DAD photos!!!

I got the letters at Hobby Lobby for $1.99 each, and glued some paper I already had on them, so they would coordinate with what the kids are wearing. I have been thinking about doing it for a long time, but really threw it together last minute today.

My son decided to go gangsta, and put tattoos he got out of the cereal box on his arms this morning. He started to cry when I told him we were going to wash them off. So, I decided to let them stay. This is real life - right?

I am printing a bunch of the photos right now, and am not quite sure how I am going to use them. We may decorate his locker in the mud room, or frame one for him to take to work? Maybe a banner??? Maybe all three? I am definitely going to use the letters somehow this weekend.

I am linking up!

What are these things called?

I have heard these called by a few different names... nursing shield, baby cover, hooter hider... Whatever you want to call it, every nursing mom needs one!

One of my BFF's from high school, Haley is having her 3rd baby. She has a boy and a girl, and they are not finding out the sex of this one. I told her I wanted to make her something, and she needed one of these. I had a hard time picking unisex fabric, but Hobby Lobby didn't disappoint, at around $4 per yard (all you need is 1 yard)!

I found the tutorial on Made By The Mama Monster. The tut was SUPER easy to follow, so I didn't post any pics of myself making it. It only took about 1/2 hr start to finish, and turned out so cute! I love the boning in the top, so you can see the baby - brilliant!

Hum, I wonder if Haley is going to read this post before I get it sent to her...

Welcome To Summer!!!

I want to preface this post, by saying I know it seems a bit over the top... but it's FUN to be a mom, and do fun things for the kids!!!

I have this AMAZING girlfriend, Kami. She was the inspiration for this post.

Thank you Kami!!!

So, I was at the DI the other day, and got some books that were in nearly new condition for my kids. Kami and I both LOVE the DI, and I many times show her what I get. I was showing her, and mentioned that I wanted my kids to have new reading material for summer. She told me to put them in a "Welcome To Summer" basket. I thought this was a great idea. She told me she does the same thing for her kids, and also includes pool toys, a towel, and goggles etc.

I started thinking about what I would be getting them for summer anyway, and decided to give it all to them on the last day of school.

This is how their beds looked when they got home:

Each kid got a pool robe, (They were at Costco, and I couldn't resist.) summer pajamas, books, a beach pail full of pool toys, goggles, and a towel from the dollar section of Target, a vhs from DI.

Look at the "I want to be a space pilot," book. I am going to display it in my boy's vintage robot room. I was so happy to find such a darling, vintage book! The illustrations and story are darling!

It was fun. I think next year, I will also include a job chart, and summer workbooks!

This Gift is Beary Cheesy...

This is what I came up with for the kids teacher appreciation gifts this year. I know it is cheesy, but the kids will like giving it to their teachers. I thought they turned out cute.

One of my favorite friends, Kristen, introduced me to chocolate dipped cinnamon bears. I was sold with the first bite! I figured I could probably make my own...
I dipped over 100 cinnamon bears in chocolate today. It didn't take as long as I thought it would. I ran out of chocolate, and did the last few in almond bark. They were not bad, but I still think the chocolate is better.

It really took a while for the chocolate to set {hours}, compared to the almond bark. You can see the ones that are set up below.

I found this DARLING fabric today. I had to buy 2 yards. I didn't even know what I was going to use it for at the time. I think I want to project and trace it onto a canvas I love it so much. I love the colors and the birdies!

Used it to put over the jar lid.

Homemade chili sauce jars are the perfect size for this. We have lots of them lying around, because I use it when I make crock pot meatballs. I guess that recipe is a post for another day.

I thought they turned out cute. I even cut out little fabric shapes, and glued them on the card. I poked a hole in the card with a tack, and hung them with a large colorful paper clip. I can't find my hole punch...

This is what the card said... {I don't know if I should admit!}

I can "BEAR"ly believe
This Year has come to an end.

Thanks for "BEAR"ing with me.

I will miss you so much, I can hardly "BEAR" it.

I am so lucky to have a teacher like you.

You will always hold a special place in my heart!

"BEAR" well,

{Name}

We also made one for my son's cute t-ball coach. She is one of my good friends. I still don't know what to do for the male coaches. Somehow I don't think any of them would fully appreciate this :)

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