Crafts and DIY

This morning I was on FOX Good Day Chicago doing a “Kid Crafts to Use as Gifts” segment. Since TV segments are short, we couldn’t do full tutorials on how to make each craft. If you’d like to make one of the featured crafts this holiday, all the crafts are listed below with  links to full, in-depth …

If your kids are like mine, they want to give gifts to EVERYONE during the holidays. I love their kindness, but my budget can’t handle that much gifting. To save money but still encourage the kids’ thoughtfulness, we try to make some presents each year. Depending on how much time we have, we do everything …

This weekend we were invited to Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival as special guests of Chevy. We were super excited to head downtown to be front row in the Radio Disney and Megan Nicole concerts and be part of the grand tree-lighting parade down Michigan Avenue marshaled by Mickey and Minnie Mouse! That is right, …

My youngest sister is getting married this month so my mama, sisters and I have been crafting it up in the decor department. My most favorite project was spearheaded by the mother of the bride … this simple bunting I’m about to step you through. As soon as the wedding wraps up you bet your …

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and spend some time doing arts and crafts with your kids. Whether it’s a simple coloring activity or an elaborate craft involving a ton of supplies, the point is that crafting is a great way to spend quality time with your little ones, to let …

Today I’ve rounded up 10 great crafts to do with your toddlers and preschoolers! Crafts are such a fun way to bring out your kids talent, teach them new things, and have fun spending time creating together! Super Hero Masks. What kid doesn’t want to be a super hero? This craft idea from Cutesy Crafts …

My little brother and sister-in-law are expecting their first baby at the end of September. I took them to register at Buy Buy Baby and they’ve had a name picked out for months already, so the only thing left was the baby shower. Since my sister lives in the same city as the expecting mama and dada-to-be …

It’s always a challenge to decide what you are going to bring as a gift to a baby shower. Should you just grab something off the registry or think outside the box? I guess it depends on your relationship with the new mom-to-be. If you are good friends, you might want to do something different …

Today I attended my sister-in-law’s baby shower and during the present opening there were a variety of unique gift ideas that definitely showed that the guests have been keeping up on Pinterest. I knew that I had to share a few of the ideas with you in case you are looking for a great gift …

Every few months our family road trips to visit my in-laws a state away. My oldest is almost three so I can’t always bank on a long nap as our car ride entertainment and thus, have begun collecting the best (and simplest) ideas to make our road trips more enjoyable for everyone. Take a peek …

Summer isn’t even half over and it has already started. “I’m bored.” “I have nothing to do.” “No one will play with me.” “I’m borrrrrrrrrred!” Gah!!!  Really? Already? I remember saying this as a child but being on the other end as a parent really sucks. Clearly in my mom job description it includes “clown”. …

It’s time to re-size your boxy t-shirts! Have you ever wondered what to do with those boxy t shirts that your kids bring home that are way too big for them?  You know what I am talking about, right?  Ball shirts, camp shirts, boxy tshirts, event shirts, and they are all really boxy and big …