If it’s fall, then it’s time to make some delicious caramel apples. This caramel apple recipe is the best. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be on your way to eating this festive fall favorite. Take a look!

I am not the most fabulous cook, so I am always looking for recipes that are “fool-proof”. This caramel apple recipe is so easy, it’s hard to make a mistake even if you tried. Here’s everything you need to get started.

Gather your caramel apple ingredients

You might have a lot of these ingredients already at home. Here’s a list of everything you will need to make this recipe:

• 8-10 Granny Smith tart apples (you can use other apples if that’s all you have)
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 2 cups brown sugar
• Vanilla
• 1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
• Caramel apple sticks and bags
• Candy thermometer
• Toppings (optional)

Prep your apples

Remove the stems from all of your apples. Then insert a stick into the top of each apple as a handle. Most apples from the store come with a thin layer of wax on them which causes the caramel to not adhere to the apple as well. To remove the wax, dip each apple in a pot of boiling water for about 3-5 seconds each. Then, dry with a paper towel to remove any excess wax.

Make your caramel for dipping

In a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup and butter together. You will add the vanilla at the end. Stir constantly over medium-high heat.

Bring the caramel mixture to a boil and reduce to medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon so it doesn’t burn on the bottom. Cook until the caramel mixture reaches 248 degrees F (120 degrees C) on your candy thermometer. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can drop a teaspoon of caramel in a glass of cold water. When it’s ready, it should form a firm ball. It takes about 10-15 minutes once the caramel sauce starts to boil. Then, add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.

Dip your apples

Now for the fun part. Once your caramel is ready, work quickly. Dip each apple into the hot caramel and completely coat the apple. I like to tip the saucepan slightly as I’m dipping the apple. Allow excess caramel to drip off the apple. Then, scrape the bottom of the apple with a spoon to remove the excess caramel.

If you are adding toppings, roll the bottom of the apple in a bowl of your desired topping. Then place the apples on some parchment paper. Here’s a list of caramel apple topping ideas:

• Mini M&Ms
• Crushed Oreos
• Mini chocolate chips
• Chopped nuts
• Biscoff cookie crumbs
• Gummy worms or gummy bears
• Toffee or Heath bits

Allow the caramel apples to cool completely. The caramel apples make the best gifts. People always love receiving this homemade dessert as a thank you or birthday gift. My favorite are caramel apples covered in chopped peanuts. What is your favorite? Leave your answer in the comments below. Enjoy!

Print

The BEST homemade caramel apple recipe

This simple and quick caramel apple recipe is so delicious and easy enough for the most novice baker.

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Equipment

• 1 candy thermometer

Ingredients

• 8 large Granny Smith tart apples
• 8 wooden candy apple sticks
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup butter
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

• Insert wooden sticks into the top of each apple. Dip each apple in a pot of boiling water for 3-5 seconds to remove the wax. Dry each apple with a paper towel
• Combine brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk. corn syrup and butter in a large pot and cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
• Bring the sauce mixture to a boil and reduce to medium heat. Cook the caramel sauce until it reaches 248 degrees F (120 degrees C). This takes about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and add 2 tsp of vanilla extract
• Quickly dip each apple in the hot caramel until completely covered. Remove any excess on the bottom of the apple with a spoon. Roll apple in a bowl of topping if desired and then allow to cool on a piece of parchment paper.

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Everyone loves a good carnival game but the nose pick carnival game has got to be the best. It’s hilarious, easy and fun for the entire family. Here’s how you can make one today for your next carnival, party or family reunion. Check it out!

This game brings a smile to the faces of everyone who plays it. You’re basically picking a witch’s nose in hopes to find a surprise inside. It’s awesome! I made a witch for this carnival game, but you can make a man, monster or whatever you want. Here’s exactly how to make this sweet carnival game today!

Gather your nose pick carnival game supplies

Many of the supplies for this game can be found around the home or in your backyard. I got the wood for free on Facebook Martketplace. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 5’8″x 2′ sheet of plywood
• Extra plywood for the eyes and mouth
• 2′ two-by-four
• 2 (3’8″ inches long ) two by fours
• Chicken wire
• Screws – Paint
• Two hinges
• Flour, water, paper (for paper mache)
• Two hooks and baskets with handles
• Jigsaw
• Green slime
• Assorted candy or green tootsie rolls

Step #1: Assemble the main wood structure

Using a 5’8″x2′ piece of plywood (or plywood of similar size), cut two 6-inch holes in the middle of the plywood board about 5 inches apart using a jigsaw (see image below). These holes are the nostrils. This is where participants will put their hands to find a treat. Then, screw a 2-foot piece of 2×4 about one inch above the holes.

Attach two hinges on both ends of the two-by-four and then attach two 3’8″ long two-by-fours for the legs. This will allow the game to stand up on its own.

Step #2: Make the nose

Using chicken wire or Styrofoam, form a giant nose that will be placed above the nostrils on the plywood. It’s okay if the nose reaches over the edges of the plywood. It’s supposed to be an oversized nose after all. Secure the wire nose to the plywood with screws.

Complete the nose by covering it with paper mache. First, mix flour and water in a mixing bowl until you reach the consistency of pancake batter. Dip pieces of butcher paper or newspaper in the paper mache and place each piece on the wire nose until it is completely covered. Allow at least 24 hours for the paper mache to dry. Make sure it is completely covered with no holes.

Step #3: Finish the face

Once the paper mache is completely dry, paint the nose and the plywood green. If you’re not making a witch, you can paint it whatever color you want.

Using the extra plywood, cut out two eyes, eyebrows and a big mouth with a jigsaw. Then paint them and attach to the plywood with screws and a drill.

You’re done! When you’re ready to play the game, attach some hooks above the holes on the back and hang some buckets of candy. You can also put candy in one bucket and green slime in the other to make it extra fun.

Kids can line up in front of the game and take turns picking the witch’s nose. The kids will love picking the nose to find out if they got slime or candy. You can have someone sitting behind the game to switch the buckets around for each participant.

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Everyone loves a hearty plate of delicious nachos. That’s why they are always a hit at parties. So, here’s all the essentials you’ll need to make your own DIY nacho bar and let the celebrating begin. Check it out!

I like to do something fun and festive for Cinco de Mayo. That’s why this year I did a nacho bar. But you don’t have to wait for Cinco de Mayo. A nacho bar is perfect for any party including birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, girls night or just for fun! Here’s everything you need to get started.

Gather your nacho bar ingredients

Nacho bars are kind of like charcuterie boards, there are so many different delicious ingredients that you can add. Listed below are some ideas of ingredients you can use for your nacho bar.

• Tortilla chips
• Juanita’s nacho cheese sauce
• Fresh pico de gallo (here’s a video of how to make it)
• Carne asada or cooked ground beef
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Olives
• Cotija cheese
• Mexican street corn (here’s a yummy recipe)
• Chopped cilantro
• Black or pinto beans
• Green onions
• Jalapeños
• Lime wedges
• Lettuce or cabbage
• Shredded cheese
• Cilantro lime dressing
• Ranch dressing
• Pickled onions
• Hot sauce

Cook your make-ahead ingredients first

I like to make my pico de gallo and Mexican street corn the day before so that I’m not as stressed out. I found a really delicious recipe for street corn. It adds a really savory flavor to your nachos. You can make it the night before and just warm it up before you serve.

You can also served salsa from a jar with your nacho bar, but nothing tops fresh pico de gallo. I like to have a container of pico in my fridge at all times and it’s easy to make. Just throw it together the night before and it will be fresh and ready for your nacho bar the next day. Here’s a quick video showing how I like to make my pico in just 10 minutes!

Assemble your nacho bar

One of the easiest ways to elevate the presentation of your nacho bar is by placing your tortilla chips in the bowl of an upright sombrero. You can buy these for fairly cheap online or find one second-hand. Just make sure the sombrero is clean (obviously) before putting the chips in or you can line it with saran wrap on the bottom.

Also, I like to serve my guacamole, pico and/or nacho cheese sauce in a molcajete. These traditional mortar and pestal grinders are not only functional for making fresh salsas and guacamoles, they double as the perfect decoration and serving dish.

You can place your remaining ingredients such as sour cream, taco meat, beans and olives in small serving bowls around the chips and molcajetes. It’s so easy and looks like it took hours to prepare. You can also place labels next to each of the ingredients if you really want to get fancy.

I don’t always serve all of the nacho bar ingredients listed above and that’s okay. That’s why I love doing nacho bars because you can just grab whatever is in your pantry. It’s the perfect weeknight meal or fancy party buffet. Whatever you want!

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If you’ve been putting off learning how to make a potato gun because you think it’s too hard, think again! It’s actually super easy and loads of fun for the entire family. Here’s how to make your own spud gun in three easy steps. Let’s get started!

I used to shoot potato guns/cannon/launcher with my family when I was little and I loved it! That’s why I’m surprised it has taken me so long to make a potato gun with my own kids. And to be honest, it was way easier than I thought it was going to be.

What are potato guns?

Potato guns are homemade devices made out of PVC pipe designed to shoot projectiles–typically potatoes–using combustion fuel such as hairspray. The combustion chamber is made of 4″ PVC pipe and the barrel is made of 2″ PVC pipe. They are joined together with reducer couplings. When the hairspray is triggered with a spark, it combusts and shoots whatever is in your chamber out of the barrel and into the air.

Important note: The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms does not classify spud guns as firearms when they are used appropriately. However, they are considered weapons and can be dangerous. They are used for fun and recreation but are not toys. Use caution as you are building and discharging this weapon.

Gather your potato gun supplies

There are some very specific items that you will need to buy in order to make your potato cannon. Here’s your parts list:

• 4″ pvc pipe for the body
• 2″ pvc pipe for the barrel
• 4″ to 2″ reducer coupling (to attach the body to the barrel)
• 4″ end cap
• BBQ igniter
• PVC glue (pvc cement)
• Epoxy
• Hairspray or spray deodorant
• Potatoes

I spent about $60-$70 for all of my supplies. Honestly, some of the PVC pipes and fittings were kind of hard to find at any hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s. I ended up getting some of them on Amazon. I tried using a different end cap (see the black piece in the image below) because I couldn’t find a PVC one, but that didn’t work very well. My husband went to Home Depot with me and he found the right part right away.

Step #1: Cut your pipes

There are a lot of potato gun gurus out there and they have done a lot of research to figure out the best dimensions of potato guns for optimal performance. Instead of boring you with all of the details of how they figured that out, I’ll just tell you the results. The chamber of the gun needs to be 1 1/2 feet long, while the barrel should be 4 feet long.

Cut down your 4″ PVC pipe to 1 1/2 feet long and your 2″ PVC pipe to 4 feet long. My husband just used a hand saw cut off the excess on the edge of a table.

Step #2: Glue the pipes together

Glue the 4-foot barrel to the 1 1/2-foot chamber with a 4″ to 2″ reducer coupling using PVC glue. Don’t try to use any other glue type such as Gorilla Glue, hot glue or Super Glue. It won’t hold. Spread glue on the inside of the coupling and on the outside of the PVC pipes where the coupling will be placed. You can also wrap the connections with duct tape as well, but it’s not totally necessary.

Next, you’ll want to glue the end cap to the bottom of the chamber using PVC glue. Then, screw on the threaded cap.

Step #3: Install the igniter

The last and most important step in how to make a potato gun is to install the igniter. Using a larger drill bit, drill a hole into the lower portion of the chamber just above the end cap. That way you can push the igniter with your thumb while holding the chamber. Insert the igniter into the chamber so the button is still positioned on the outside. Then seal it to the chamber with epoxy so that it’s firmly attached and there is no air escaping out the sides.

Fire your potato gun!

All done! Now you’re ready to test out your potato launcher. Find a field or a very large area far away from houses and roads. These potato guns can shoot anywhere between 300 and 600 feet! Insert a potato into the barrel of the gun and use an old broom handle or long stick to push it to the end of the barrel. Spray hair spray directly into the chamber for about 2-3 seconds and then quickly screw on the cap. Aim your spud launcher and fire.

Potato gun tips and tricks

• Try using aerosol deodorant instead of hairspray. Sometimes the hairspray gums up the ignitor and it won’t spark.
• Safety first. Gloves and a safety shield over your face isn’t a bad idea. These are guns after all.
• Don’t spray too long. The chamber needs a combination of oxygen and fuel. If you spray too much hairspray into the chamber, it won’t ignite.
• Install an ignitor on the end cap lid. This way, when you spray into the chamber, the BBQ ignitor isn’t getting sprayed on directly.
• Try using a handheld lighter. I haven’t tried this, but I have seen other people un-install the BBQ ignitors and then simply insert a hand held lighter into the whole when you’re ready to fire. You can decide your fuel of choice.
• Allow kids to try with caution. Until you’ve shot your potato gun many times and you’re confident that it is safe, don’t let kids shoot it.
• Fire in a secluded area. As mentioned above, these guns can shoot up to 600 feet. Don’t shoot in neighborhoods, backyards or basically anywhere close to people, cars or houses.
• Never look into the barrel. Treat your potato gun the same way you would a normal firearm. Same precautions apply.
• Other ammo. Potatoes seem to work the best for ammo because they fit tightly into the barrel, however, you can also try a golf ball. Or some even like to use these as tennis ball cannons.

Here’s a video explaining how to make a potato gun and also shooting it. Enjoy!

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If you’re looking for an easy, craft for kids and toddlers, this DIY puffy paint is perfect for children of all ages. With just three simple ingredients, your kids will be having loads of fun and getting their creativity on. Check it out!

So, I have five kids, so sometimes it’s difficult to find crafts that all of them would like. That’s why I love doing puffy paint. It is easy enough for a toddler but engaging enough for tweens. Plus, it’s really easy to make and not very expensive. Here’s how to make it.

Gather your DIY puffy paint supplies

Yep, you heard me right. This puffy paint recipe only requires three ingredients. And most likely, you already have these common ingredients at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Shaving cream
• Elmer’s glue
• Food coloring

Make your puffy paint

This easy recipe is the best homemade puffy paint recipe and is so incredibly easy to make. In a large bowl, combine:

• 1/4 cup of Elmer’s glue (white glue)
• 1/2 cup of Barbasol shaving cream
• Few drops of food coloring of your choice

Mix everything together until the color is well-blended together. I didn’t anticipate how much glue this puffy paint would require. One of those small containers of glue only holds like 1/2 cup of glue. So, you may want to buy one the big one gallon containers if you’re going to be making lots of different colors.

Scoop DIY puffy paint into ziplock bags

The recipe above makes one small plastic baggie of puffy paint. So, you’ll want to repeat the above process for each color of puffy paint that you want to make into small bowls or paper bowls. We did seven different colors.

It took me about 20 minutes to make and scoop all the different colors of puffy paint with a small spoon into zip-close plastic bags. Alternatively, you can also put your puffy paint into plastic squeeze bottles. Then twist and close each bag off with a twisty tie.

Start painting!

Now for the fun part. Snip a small hole off the corner of the bag. Then your kids can just pipe out the paint like a frosting bag onto a piece of paper, card stock or heavier paper. You can give them something specific to paint or you can give them all the creative liberties they want. The kids loved it!

My 3-year-old didn’t even try to make a picture of anything, she just liked squirting the paint onto a paper. But my 8-year-old and 10-year-old took their time to create their own artistic masterpieces. So it’s perfect for young toddlers, older kids and kids of all ages. It was so much fun that my kids wanted to do DIY puffy paint again the next day. When they dry, it is such a fun texture to touch.

I even tried out a few designs myself. Here’s a few samples. The sky’s the limit and this is a great craft any time of year. You can also spread the paint with a popsicle stick or paint brushes or cotton swabs. You may want to lay out some disposable plastic table cloths for easy clean up.

I hope you enjoy this fun art project. It’s a simple DIY and a great way to have a sensory-rich art experience. Here’s a short little video I made explaining how to make DIY puffy paint as well for your viewing enjoyment. Thanks for visiting my blog!

If you want more easy craft ideas, check out my “Crafts for Kids” idea list.

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Sometimes cooking can seem burdensome and expensive. But it doesn’t have to be. I’ve compiled the ultimate list of 3 ingredient recipes to make your life easier. This variety of delicious recipes are super easy made from pantry staples and you can start making them today! Check it out and choose a couple of your favorites today!

As a mother of five kids, simplifying meal-time is always at the top of my list. I’ll be the first to admit that cooking is not my forte. But healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. That’s why this list of easy 3-ingredient recipes is a great way to make you happy. Take a look at these simple crowd-pleaser recipes.

Easy dessert ideas

• Peanut butter cookies
• South Korean Dalgona Candy crunchy confection
• Chocolate ice cream
• Fluffy cheese chocolate cheesecake
• Cream cheese fudge
• Fresh berries cobbler
• Parmesan cheese cookies
• Olive oil pie crust
• Apple Cake
• No bake lazy cake
• Easy sugar cookies
• Yogurt cake

Main dishes

• Cracker-crusted chicken fingers recipe
• Green beans casserole
• Cacio e pepe recipe
• Pesto zoodle bowl
• Authentic Hawaiian pulled pork in the slow cooker
• Lazy Lasagna
• Rootbeer Chicken
• Potato soup
• Crock pot chicken
• Chili
• Mac and Cheese
• Instant pot honey ham
• Orange Chicken
• Golden brown Chicken pot pies
• Three packet roast
• Lime shrimp kebabs recipe

Side dishes

• Crispy seasoned potatoes
• Glazed carrots
• No-knead bread
• Pigs in a blanket
• Avocado salad
• Cheddar cauliflower bites
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Banana oatmeal muffins
• Instant pot yogurt
• Garlic knots
• Chicken salad
• Quick pasta salad
• Candied sweet potatoes
• Baked potato with sour cream

Drinks (happy hour favorite for kids)

• Pineapple Fresca Mocktail
• Orange yogurt smoothie
• Sunrise mocktail for kids
• Berry Smoothie
• Cranberry Apple Cider Detox Drink
• Whole milk homemade hot chocolate
• Tropical Fruit Punch
• Butterbeer
• Strawberry lemonade slushie
• Pink party punch
• Jingle Juice holiday punch
• Old fashioned easy lemonade recipe
• Iced tea

I hope you like all of these fun simple recipes. These easy recipes have simple ingredients that you probably already have at home so you don’t have to make a run to the grocery store. They should be a simple crowd please at home too.

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Every kid loves to play with kinetic sand, but it can get kind of pricey if you buy it in the store. So, here’s a super easy DIY kinetic sand recipe that you can make from home for less than $10! Let’s get started.

My two-year-old daughter loves playing with kinetic sand and moon sand plus it helps with her fine motor skills. The best part is this is a fun way to have play time with your small children. So, after sweeping up and throwing away our last batch of kinetic sand, I wanted to see if there was a more affordable option. And of course, that option was to make it ourselves. It was super easy and only took three ingredients. Take a look.

Gather your DIY kinetic sand ingredients

This super simple recipe only requires three simple ingredients. Some of which you probably already have in your home. Here’s your homemade kinetic sand recipe:

• Vegetable oil or baby oil (1/2 cup)
• Corn starch (1 1/2 cups)
• Fine play sand or regular play sand (2 1/2 cups)

I already had vegetable oil and cornstarch at my home so all that I really needed was the sand. Of course, you can buy it on Amazon but it’s waaay more expensive than buying it at Home Depot or Lowe’s. I bought a 50-pound bag of fine sandbox sand for only $7. What a steal! It’s up to you the type of sand that you want to use.

Mix your ingredients

This seriously only took me like five minutes to make. In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of fine sand with 1 1/2 cups of cornstarch. Mix until well combined and then add 1/2 cup of vegetable oil. Stir until combined really well. Then, you’re done! If you would like, you can also add some food coloring.

Add food coloring

If you want to add a splash of color to your kinetic sand, you can add some food coloring. I separated a cup of sand into four different bags and added about a tablespoon of food coloring into each bag. Shake the bag and move it around with your fingers until the food coloring in well combined.

Helpful kinetic sand tips and tricks

• Moon sand or cloud sand – If you want to convert your kinetic sand to a different texture, add about a 1/4 cup of dish soap.
• Clean up – Sweep and throw away the extra sand that falls on the ground. Then make a ball and dap the remaining sand on the table.
• Drying out – Kinetic sand is not supposed to dry out because it is oil-based, however humidity can affect the texture. In that case, just add a little bit of water to turn it back to normal.
• Wet sand – Don’t worry if it gets wet. Spread it out on a table and let it dry. It will go back to normal.
• Cookie cutters – Get out the cookie cutters, sand castle molds and sand molds. They work great with kinetic sand
• Air-tight container – You can store in an airtight container for literally months
• Sensory bin – Use the kinetic sand for a sensory bin and sensory activities.
• Essential oil – Add some drops of essential oils for an extra yummy smell.
• Kinetic sand kits – If you’re not into DIY project, you can buy your own kinetic sand kits on Amazon.
• Party favor – If you have a birthday party coming up, use this DIY sand as a party favor! This is a great way to engage kids of all ages in imaginative play.

Here’s a video showing how I made this sand. I hope you have as much fun making DIY kinetic sand as we did. Let me know how it goes in the comments below.

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A photo scavenger hunt is a super fun activity that is perfect for kids, teenagers and adults. Plus, it is super easy to organize and everyone can feel included. Honestly, I don’t know why we didn’t do this before. Here’s how we did it and how you can do one too.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I am a youth counselor. We are always trying to find fun activities to do with these fun girls. Well, this photo scavenger hunt did not disappoint. They loved it and it was seriously so easy. Check it out!

Download and print your scavenger hunt template

I designed this scavenger hunt with two to an 8.5×11 page. So, just click on the link below to download and purchase your PDF. Then you can print it from home or you can email it to your local copy store. You can print as many copies as you want.

Click here to download your Photo Scavenger Hunt

Choose a location for your photo hunt

We did our scavenger hunt during Christmas time, so I thought it would be fun to do it at our outdoor mall. A couple of days before the hunt, I went to the mall and walked around. As I walked, I wrote down items that I saw such as a Nike swoosh, a 50% sale sign and a giant Christmas tree.

Fill in the blanks on your photo hunt template

There are 60 blank spaces on the photo hunt template. Fill in as many of the blank spaces as you would like with the items that you identified as your location. Then, you can just make copies of your completed form for all of your participants. You will need to fill out the items twice since there are two templates to one page. But it should only take a few minutes.

How to play the Photo Scavenger Hunt

To begin, split up your participants into teams of 3-5 people and give everyone a scavenger hunt list.

• Team leaders: Designate one person to take the photos and one person to mark off the items on the list.
• Time limit: Each team has 20 minutes to take as many photos on the list as possible and return to a designated location previously decided.
• No splitting up: Teams must stay together during the entire activity.
• Specified location: Photos cannot be taken anywhere except at the location specified.
• Prize eligibility: Teams must return at the specific time indicated in order to be eligible for the final prize.
• In the event of a tie: Whichever team took the best photos is the winner.

Award the winners at the end

Although everyone is a winner, we wanted to make sure the winning team got a prize. I was surprised how involved everyone was in the game. Everyone wanted to win. We ended up giving the winners a light up Christmas necklace. However, here are some other ideas for prizes as well:

• Fidget toys
• Squishy toys
• Animal erasers
• Mini pull back cars

Overall, this activity was a hit. Our young women were already talking about the next time we could do that again during the summer. I loved it because it was literally so easy and we were able to get outside a little bit and run around. Hopefully this activity is a success for your as well. Here’s a link to the printable template if you didn’t see it above. Thanks!

Click here to download your Photo Scavenger Hunt

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Backyard string lights are an easy way to glam up your backyard without much effort at all. And you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars an expensive awning or pergola either. This little project cost us about $150 but the results were priceless. Check it out!

I am not the handiest person, so I was a little bit intimidated before I started this project. But after a short trip to Home Depot, I realized this wasn’t going to be as hard as I thought. Plus, I had my husband to help me so that made it a little easier. Here’s how I did it.

Gather supplies for your backyard string lights

Before you can start hanging your lights, you need to gather all of the supplies. You can get a lot of them at Home Depot or Amazon. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 10-foot 1/2″ galvanized steel poles (2) – Make sure your poles have threading on the end so you can cap them off. We needed two for our patio but you may need more depending on how many lights you’ll be hanging. These cost us about $25 each.
• LED outdoor string lights – We got two boxes of 48-foot string lights and these are really high-quality. They should last you a long time. We got these on sale for $40 per box at Costco but you can get them on Amazon as well.
• 2-foot 1″ PVC pipes (2) – You need as many of these pipes as you have steel poles.
• #10 screw hooks – You’ll need about 10 of these.
• 1/2″ squeeze connectors (2) – These will be screwed onto the tops of the steel poles.
• 1/2″ steel pipe coupling (2) – These will connect the steel poles to the squeeze connectors
• Post hole digger – You don’t have to have one of these but it will make the digging part go a lot faster

Step #1: Dig the holes

First you’ll want to figure out how you’ll be hanging your lights so you can determine where to place the poles. We did a diagonal zig zag across our patio and to the house. So we only needed two poles.

Before you start digging, you need to make sure there’s no utility lines in the way. We called Blue Stakes of Utah and they marked our yard. There are similar companies in every state. Ironically, even after they marked our yard, I still ran into two utility lines! So be careful as you dig. It’s a big hassle if you break one of these lines.

Using your post hole digger, dig a hole about two feet deep. You want it at least that deep so that the pole is firm in the ground.

Step #2: Place the steel poles

Once your holes are dug, place the 1″ PVC pipes over the bottom of the steel poles. Then, connect the couplings and then the squeeze connectors to the tops of the steel poles.

Finally, place the PVC pipes with the pole on it into the holes. Fill the holes back up with dirt. Make sure someone is holding the pipes while you fill the hole with dirt to make sure it stay standing straight and tall.

Step #3: Hang the string lights

Yay! Your final step is to hang your string lights. We started on the corner of our home and zig zagged the lights from the house to a pole, back to the house, back to another pole and then finally back to the house. We connected the string light to the house by simply screwing a screw hook below the rain gutter. It was perfect actually.

To attach the string lights to the tops of the poles, simply unscrew the screw that is in the squeeze connector. You can either loop the string lights through and screw the screw back in, or you can screw a screw hook into the hole where the screw used to be. Either works.

You’re done! I was surprised how easy it was to hang these backyard string lights. I was so happy with the results too. It adds such a cozy ambiance to our backyard. We are definitely spending more time back there now. During the winter, we will just take take the lights down so they don’t wear out in the bad weather.

Here’s a YouTube video that I made explaining how we hung those lights.

I hope this was helpful as you’re planning how to hang your own string lights. Let me know how it goes in the comments below.

More from My Silly Squirts: DIY Mudroom shelves using IKEA bookcases

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A candy lei is the perfect gift for any occasion including birthdays, graduations, Teacher Appreciation Week, bapstisms and Mother’s and Father’s Day. So, let me know show you how to make a cute candy lei in three simple steps.

Honestly, I don’t know why I haven’t learned how to make these before. They are seriously so easy but seem so fancy and fun when you give them away. Plus, there are so many different kinds of gift leis that you can make. Check it out.

Step #1: Measure and cut your cellophane

Make sure that you make your candy lei using cellophane and not saran wrap. Saran wrap makes your lei look crinkled and messy. Cellophane has a must crisper and clean look. I bought a 110-foot roll of cellophane on Amazon and it worked great.

Cut two strips of cellophane that measures 6 inches x 31.5 inches. You can do it longer if you want but this is the minimum length that you want to cut. Then lay the two strips out on a flat surface.

Step #2: Place and tape your candy

You can really take any small objects and put them into a gift lei, it doesn’t just have to be candy. Place the candy bars, gum or gifts on the strips of cellophane. Just make sure that the gifts for the lei aren’t too wide or long. They should be small, mini items. Here’s some examples of different types of leis that you can make:

• Candy bar lei
• Spa lei
• Money lei
• Birthday lei
• School supply lei (for teachers)
• Gift card lei
• Gum lei

The main thing you want to remember when making any gift lei, is that you need about eight small objects to put inside the lei. You can also double up items to get more gifts if you want.

Take the candies or gifts that you want to use for your lei and place them face down, equally spaced on the two strips of cellophane.

Make sure you leave an inch or two on each end so you can tie it off. Then, wrap the cellophane around each object and tape them down.

Step #3: Tie with ribbons

The last step is to cut 8-10 strips of 10″ ribbon and then tie each on in between each object and on the ends.

You can also tie multiple colorful strips of ribbons on your lei. Once you’ve tied your ribbons between each object, tie the ends together with the ribbons that are already tied onto the lei. Then curl your ribbons with some scissors.

That’s it! Super easy, right? Once I got the hang of it, I could put together a candy lei in about 10 minutes. I made these three different leis for my son’s birthday, as a congratulations gift after my son’s play and for one of my kids’ teachers. They LOVED every single on of them.

Check out the video below that explains how to make a gift lei step-by-step. What other ideas do you have for a gift lei? Leave your comments below.

More from My Silly Squirts:

DIY Newborn Shadow Memory Box

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Everyone needs a little pick-me-up once in a while. That’s why these candy bar awards are the easiest and most adorable way to give someone the recognition they deserve. Print yours today.

So, I am a youth leader for our church and we wanted to recognize the girls in our group and let them know how amazing they are. These candy bar awards were the simplest idea and all of the girls LOVED it. Here’s how you can do it to.

Print your candy bar awards cards.

I designed these simple 5.5″x4.25″ award cards that can be printed at home on 8.5×11 paper and cut down to size. Each one has the name of a candy bar with a small pun tagline to go with it. You have 12 different cards to choose from. Just click on the link below to print your own. I offer this printable for FREE to all visitors of my blog, but if you’d like to show your support, feel free to buy me a taco .

Click here for your free Candy Bar Award Cards

Cut and attach your candy bars

I tried to make these cards generic enough that they could apply to a variety of different people. After I printed the cards off, I wrote the names of the girls I wanted to give them to on the line provided. Then I just stopped at the store and picked up the applicable candy bars.

Hand out your awards

We had a fun PJs and Pancakes night and gave away these fun awards at the end of the evening. I tried to think of a story or genuine reason why each girl got the award that they did. This way, they didn’t feel like they were getting some generic award that didn’t really apply to them. All of the girls were all smiles and it was really fun to do something nice for them.

I hope these printables will help you for whatever occasion you are hosting. I am sure they will be a hit. What other fun ideas do you have when you want to recognize someone for their good deeds? Leave your comments below. Here’s a link to the printable award cards one more time if you didn’t see it above. I offer this printable for FREE to all visitors of my blog, but if you’d like to show your support, feel free to buy me a taco .

Click here for your free Candy Bar Award Cards

Related link: FREE printable teacher appreciation gift tags

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It’s Halloween time! And these ghost suckers are super easy and a spooky way to spice up your next Halloween class party or hand them out to trick or treaters. They will absolutely love it! Check it out.

I am always looking for a fun to craft or activity during Halloween time. So, these Tootsie Pop sucker turned into ghosts was an easy way for me to get into the spirit of this spooky season. Plus, you can use them for decorations around your house or just give them away on Halloween night. Check it out.

Gather your ghost sucker supplies

For this craft, you’ll need the following items before you get started:

• Several white pieces of cloth cut to 8″ x 8″ squares or use Halloween fabric
• Tootsie Pops
• Thin Halloween ribbon
• Black permanent marker

Assemble your suckers

Now, simply place the top of a sucker onto the middle of one square of fabric. Wrap the fabric around the sucker and twist at the base. Then tie a 12″ piece of ribbon around the stick at the base of the sucker. Add two eyes and a mouth with the permanent marker and you’re done!

That’s it! I told you these suckers were easy. You can place them on a spooky Halloween tree for decoration around you house or hand them out to trick or treaters. This is also a really fun craft that kids can do during their class party at school. You can also add it to your basket when you get “Booed” by the neighbors. The possibilities are endless!

What other fun craft ideas do you have for Halloween? Here’s some other fun ideas that I found. Take a look:

• 20 fun Halloween crafts for adults
• Dollar Tree DIY Halloween Wreath
• DIY Fabric pumpkins
• Caged bird Halloween decoration

Related link: 10 Easy, cheap and unique Halloween decorations

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Are you looking for highly-functional mudroom shelves that won’t break the bank? Well, today is your lucky day. Here’s a simple and inexpensive way to make mudroom shelves using IKEA bookcases. Check it out!

I originally got this idea from another blog called Polkadot Chair. So I can’t take credit but thanks for the brilliant idea! We recently remodeled our home and I needed some shelves to for our mudroom that wouldn’t take up too much space but also provide plenty of storage for my kids to put all of their junk. After browsing the Internet for what seemed like forever, I just couldn’t find any shelves that were functional for this space. That’s when I discovered the idea to use IKEA Billy Bookcases and it was perfect. Here’s how you can do it yourself.

Assemble your IKEA bookcases

Apparently, these IKEA Billy bookcases are super popular because they were sold out when I went to IKEA. However, I was able to find four used ones on the local classifieds! So, I only spent $100 total for all four! Now that’s a steal. But even if you by them brand new, they’re not too expensive. Make sure the dimensions are 15 3/4″ x 11″ x79 1/2″. These are the perfect size for an individual locker in a mudroom.

If you need instructions on how to assemble these bookcases, check out my video below. The instructions however are very easy to follow. The middle shelf of these bookcases cannot be removed, so you’ll want to arrange the remaining shelves above the middle shelf. That way you’ll leave room for coat hangers.

Attach bookcases together

Now that you have your mudroom shelves placed in your mudroom, you’ll want to attach each of the bookcases together. This will ensure that they are more secure and tight together and allow for more space in your mudroom. You’ll need the following materials to do this:

• 6 barrel screws (35mm)
• Drill
• Metal clamps

Clamp together the first set of two bookcases at the top and the bottom. Then drill a pilot hole a couple inches deep on the side of the bookcase. Make sure you drill slowly. We accidently damaged the wood a little bit when the drill bit came through the other side. Then simply place the barrel screw into the hole and screw together with an allen wrench. Repeat this step six times on the top and bottom of the shelves until they are all firmly attached together.

Secure shelves to the wall

This might be the most important part. You don’t want these mudroom shelves falling forward and landing on one of your kids. The solution is super easy. Just buy some wall brackets that screw into the wall and the shelves. That way if one of your kids tries to climb these shelves, they won’t fall over. Just make sure you drill the screw into a stud or else it will come right out.

Attach hooks for coats and jackets

I left the bottom section of these shelves open so that we could attach two coat hooks on each shelf. My kids love this and I love it because now we have a place to put all of our stuff! Just buy some heavy duty coat hooks and screw them into both sides of the bottom section of each bookcase.

Add baskets for storage

The best part is that I bought some plastic baskets that fit perfect in the shelf space of these bookcases. My kids love putting all of these own stuff in them and I love it because I have a place to put all of their toys and miscellaneous items that I find scattered throughout the house.

Check out this video below that explains how we put together these mudroom shelves. I hope this blog post helps you with your next project. I would love to see how your mudroom turns out. Leave your comments and pictures below.

Related link: How to build beautiful pantry shelves in one day

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So, you’re starting your kitchen remodel. Hurray! I’m sure you’ve waited for this day for a long time. But before you spend away your life savings, here’s a few tips and tricks to save yourself a little moolah AND get the home of your dreams. Check it out.

I wanted to remodel my kitchen from the moment we moved into our house. But of course, it costs money, and lots of it. Fast forward seven years and we had finally saved up enough money and it was still going to be way expensive. So, I figured out a few ways to save some money without sacrificing on quality. Here’s 10 tips that will hopefully help you with your next remodel.

Tip #1: Know what you want BEFORE you start

One of the easiest ways to save money on any remodel is not changing your mind halfway through. Once those walls come down and cabinets go up, there’s no going back. Unless you want to spend a whole bunch of money fixing it. My advice is to get some professional opinions and look at lots and lots of different options before deciding on your own.

Tip #2: Be your own contractor

Contractors are great. They get the job done. But they can be really expensive. Of course, hiring out your own electrician, plumber, painter, sheetrocker and flooring guys is a lot of work, but then you literally save thousands of dollars. Plus, you’re in the driver’s seat. You decide who’s working on your house and you can be part of the process all along the way.

Tip #3: Do some of the work yourself

Labor is a huge cost for any kitchen remodel. So, decide what parts of your remodel you can do yourself and what parts you absolutely must hire out. For example, instead of hiring a demolition crew, grab a hammer and tear out that wall. We decided to build our own pantry, paint our entire upstairs, and install baseboards and doors. We saved quite a bit of money.

Tip #4: Keep an eye on your subcontractors

Every remodel runs into snags. But if you tell your subcontractors to do something and they don’t do it right, you need to make sure they take care of it right away. Because once you’ve paid them, they most likely won’t be rushing back in a hurry to fix the problem. Then you’ll have to pay someone else to fix it.

Tip #5: Get multiple bids

When I was pricing out a new front door, my first bid told me it would cost $3,000. So, I decided to look around. I ended up going with another company that only charged me $600 for install and materials. Some subcontractors are super busy and purposely give inflated quotes because they don’t want to do that job. So, do your homework.

Tip #6: Be organized; time is money

You’ll need to start scheduling your cabinets at least three or four months in advance. Everything else hinges on that. And if you have to reschedule subcontractors, you might lose some of your other subcontractors and end up having to hire someone else that charges you more. I recommend getting a large white board and placing “to do” sticky notes in order of completion date and then write down on your calendar when everything is happening.

Tip #7: Be open to more affordable options

Do you really need gold-plated hardware on all of your cabinets? Maybe the brushed nickel looks just as good and is half the price. Do those second-hand bar stools look just as good as the brand new ones from Pottery Barn? Determine what is worth the expense and where you can save. For us, I decided to use second-hand IKEA bookcases for our mudroom shelves and spent $100 instead of $600.

Tip #8: Keep appliances that still fit the space

We were going to buy a brand new fridge for our kitchen and then we realized that our current fridge looked exactly the same. So we saved $3,000 and stuck with our old fridge. When that fridge breaks, then we can buy a new one. In the end we also kept our dishwasher and washer and dryer. It didn’t make sense to spend more money when our current appliances worked fine.

Tip #9: Hold off on other projects

If you’re remodeling your kitchen, sometimes you’re tempted to replace the vanity in the bathroom or pull up the carpet in the bedrooms at the same time. But, it’s okay if your entire home isn’t brand-spanking new. Finish your kitchen and then remodel the bathroom next year. It’s not worth going deeper into debt for.

Tip #10: Talk to your tax guy

Maybe you work from home and have a dedicated office. Or maybe your renovations can be considered capital improvements and add to the value of your home. Whatever the case may be, you might be able to save a little money on taxes. So, checked with a tax professional to see what you qualify for. And keep your receipts!

Hopefully these tips will help you on your upcoming kitchen remodel. Send me some before and after pictures. I would love to see them! Here’s a video showing the process we went through for our remodel.

Related link: Amazing kids bedroom makeover

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Building your own beautiful pantry shelves is easier than you might think. With a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying a brand space in your home that you will LOVE. Take a look!

We are almost done remodeling our house and finishing our pantry was one of the last steps. My husband, being the amazing person that he is, whipped everything together in just one day. Our pantry turned out amazing. Here’s how he did it.

Buy supplies for your pantry shelves

If you don’t want to worry about painting your pantry, you can buy shelves that are already white and the edges are finished. It will make your whole life easier. Here’s the list of stuff you need to buy:

• White laminated shelves
• 1 1/2 inch wood supports
• Large dowel rod (1 1/4 inch)
• 2-inch wood screws
• Nail gun and staples
• Skill saw with guide
• Paddle bit (1 1/4 inch)
• Cordless drill
• Measuring tape
• Paint supplies

Some of these items, such as a nail gun and skill saw might need to be borrowed. But if you choose to buy them it will be well worth the purchase.

Measure and install supports

You’ll need to decide how many shelves that you want and how far apart you want them. I left a little space in between my middle shelves for extra room to store items such as kitchen appliances. Mark the wall to indicate how far apart you want your shelves. Measure the support wood and cut the desired lengths and nail into the studs in the wall.

You just want to make sure that every edge that your shelves touch the wall, there should be support wood nailed to the wall underneath. You can use a stud finder to locate all of the 2x4s behind the drywall.

Cut and install pantry shelves

Next you’ll have to measure your shelves so they are the correct length. Use a a skill saw with a guide and cut them to the correct length.

You’ll want to make sure each shelf fits perfectly snug. After the shelves are placed, use a nail gun to staple the back of the shelves to the corresponding supports below them.

Add dowel supports for each shelf

So, the wood supports nailed along the wall aren’t enough to support the shelves when food and other items are placed on them. My husband added additional supports in two other places: 1) center of the long shelves 2) in the corner where the two shelves meet.

First add a support with a piece of wood (see above) and nail it below the bottom shelf. Then add a 1 1/4″ dowel in between each of the shelves directly above. The dowels will be supported by the bottom piece of wood. You can use a 1 1/4″ paddle bit to drill an indent in the wood for each dowel. You don’t need to drill a hole all the way through. Just enough to insert the dowel.

For the second support, cut a piece of wood and nail in direct under the section in the corner where the two shelves meet. This will provide enough support for the shelves for quite a bit of weight. My five year old climbed to the top of the shelves and they remained strong.

Mud and paint

As a final step, add some caulking over each of the screws and then paint all of the remaining sections that aren’t white. This was my favorite part because I didn’t have to paint that much! It was super slick and easy. And our pantry shelves turned out amazing!!!

I still can’t believe I have such a big pantry. It’s so big in fact that not all of the shelves are filled! I also went an bought some cute baskets that fit perfectly. I just love my pantry so much.

What other home projects have you been working on? Leave your comments below

Related link: 10 things I wish I knew before my kitchen table refinish

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If you’ve never thrown a Cupcake Wars party, don’t be intimidated. It’s super easy and loads of fun for everyone involved. Plus, it doesn’t take a whole lot of planning. It’s as easy and 1-2-3! Check it out!

So we decided to do Cupcake Wars with our youth group from my church. We had a group of about 30 kids ages 12-13. It was important to keep it simple enough and yet challenging enough to engage everyone attending. We were pleasantly surprised at how much fun everybody had. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Step #1: Decide a theme and buy toppings

The sky is the limit as far as themes go. But since we had our party in September, we thought we would do a holiday theme. We focused on three holidays: Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Each group would decorate their cupcakes according to the holiday that they were assigned. Here’s some other theme ideas:

• Superheros
• Sports
• Animals
• Colors
• Food
• Seasons

The good thing is, regardless of the time of year, you can find whatever toppings you want or need on Amazon. Here’s a few supplies you’ll need to decorate your cupcakes:

• Frosting bulb kit
• Cupcake liners
• White serving platters
• Disposable tablecloths
• Colored sugar sprinkles
• Toothpicks
• Skewers

Basically we just bought a whole bunch of different candies and treats that we thought would go well on top of a cupcake. It was pretty easy.

Step #2: Set up your Cupcake Wars party

You’ll want to have a separate table for each group that will be decorating cupcakes. If you have a small group, you can do individual competitions instead of group ones. We had a table with all the decorations and a table for gathering and decorating. So we actually had six tables. But you can do it however you want.

If you’re able, you can decorate each table with items that relate to the theme for each group. We threw on a few Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations and it turned out so cute.

Step #3: Let the wars begin

Divide all of the participants into three groups and have them stand by their table. Explain the rules to everyone before you begin. We told everyone that they would be judged on three criteria:

• Creativity
• Presentation
• Teamwork

These rules allow everyone to participate in order to complete the challenge with a decent finished project. Some of the groups worked better together than others. But, regardless, everyone had tons of fun. I also told everyone to be respectful of the toppings and not be wasteful.

We gave them about 30 minutes to make their creations. You can give them a five minute warning when it’s almost over. Overall, all of the cupcake displays turned out awesome. I was super impressed. The adults choose the winners together and the winning group got candy bars as prizes.

What other ideas do you have for fun parties with teenagers? Leave your comments below

Related link: Throw your own holiday Dessert Dash

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What kid wouldn’t want an Angry Birds birthday cake for their special day? And don’t worry if you don’t know how to make fancy birthday cakes, that’s okay. Even a novice like myself was able to do it. So, let’s get started.

So, my son’s birthday was actually back in March, but I’m just getting around to creating this post. When, he said that he wanted a cake from Angry Birds, I found tons of different types online. However, this one was the easiest. Although it wasn’t perfect, my son loved it and that’s all that mattered. I found a simple video tutorial that might help you as well.

Gather your Angry Birds birthday cake supplies

This cake doesn’t require that many ingredients. It’s super easy. Here’s the supplies that you’ll need:

• 8×4 Cake hemisphere pan
• Stainless steel heating rod 4.25 inch
• Two boxed cake mixes (any flavor)
• Two containers of white frosting
• Black fondant
• Red fondant
• White fondant
• Orange fondant
• Green food coloring

Instead of buying separate packages of different colored fondant, you can buy white fondant and add food coloring. I just bought separate boxes for the sake of time and simplicity. Also, if you like to make your cake from scratch, here’s a great vanilla cake recipe that you will love.

Bake your cake

You can’t really make this cake without some type of spherical mold. Some people like to just cook their cake in an oven-safe bowl, but I wanted to make sure my cake was a true sphere, so I bought a 8×4 Cake hemisphere pan. I figure I can use this pan for tons of other cake recipes down the road.

Cook both cake mixes according to the instructions on the box. One can mix will fill the cake hemisphere pan. Then you can cook the second one in the same pan after the first one has cooled. Don’t forget to insert the heating rod to ensure that the cake is cooked through completely.

Assemble your cake

Once both half spheres are cooked and completely cooled, cut off the bottom of one of the cakes. This way the cake won’t roll away! Spread white frosting in between each sphere and then place them together. Then spread white frosting all around the entire spherical cake.

Decorate your cake

First, roll out the red fondant. Make sure you roll out enough. You’ll want it to drape over the entire sphere so you can’t see any of the cake. Here’s a great tutorial on how to cover a spherical cake with fondant so it looks professional.

Find an image of this particular Angry Bird online so you can use it as a template as you decorate this cake. Place the white belly first, then add the nose, eyes, feathers on top and then finally the tail. Don’t be too hard on yourself if it’s not perfect. Be careful when you switch from color to color. I wasn’t very careful and got a little bit of red smudged onto the white. You also might want to use some toothpicks to hold up the tail and the feathers on the top.

And there you have it! You’re first Angry Birds birthday cake. I hope that whoever you are making this cake for is going to love it. If you have any other fun DIY birthday cake ideas, please leave them in the comments below.

Related link: DIY Epic tall birthday cake

The post How to make an Angry Birds birthday cake appeared first on My Silly Squirts.

Whether it’s a 40th, 50th or 60th birthday, these Over the Hill printables are the perfect way to celebrate your loved one’s special day in a light-hearted way. You’ll have everyone in stitches by the end. Check it out.

I got the idea for these printables when my husband was about to turn 40 years old. It’s definitely a milestone age but it’s hard to not feel old at the same time. So, I figured, why not make the most of it and embrace this mid-life event with some tongue-in-cheek laughter? Here’s how you can do it yourself.

Download and print your Over the Hill printables

You can download a PDF of these printables by clicking on the link below. I just emailed the file to my local copy store. I printed them in full color on cardstock so they would be nice and sturdy.

Click here to download your Over the Hill birthday printables

Cut out and assemble

Now for the fun part. Once you get your PDFs printed, cut out all of the signs of various sizes. Some of these printables can be decorations for a cake and the rest you can hang up as decoration for your birthday party. Oh yeah, you’ll also need the following items:

• Birthday cake
• Tape
• Popsicle sticks
• Birthday candles

You can print a couple copies of the printable that says, “Warning Senior Citizen Crossing” and then hang it up in a line on the wall, connecting the pieces kind of like caution tape. I also taped popsicle sticks to the backs of all the smaller signs and then stuck them strategically in the birthday cake. It turned out so cute.

Add some additional Over the Hill goodies

There are tons of fun items that you can buy online to go along with your Over the Hill birthday party. Here’s just a few of my favorites:

• Memory mints for senior moments
• Inflatable walker
• Old man cane with accessories
• Emergency diaper kit

Instead of a real cake, you can also make your own diaper cake. This just adds to the hilarity. Hopefully the birthday boy or girl will be a good sport about it. I know my husband just ate it up. He thought it was hilarious.

What other fun ideas do you have to celebrate that special someone’s Over the Hill birthday? Leave your comments below. Here’s a link to download the printables one more time:

Click here to download your Over the Hill birthday printables

Related link: Never miss a birthday with this free family birthday board

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Everyone likes a good DIY project. But if you’re going to put in all that time and effort, you might as well make sure it looks good. A kitchen table refinish is no exception. Here’s 10 things I learned along the way that I wish I had known before I started. Check it out.

So, this kitchen table originally belonged to my grandma. My sister used it for 11 years and finally it got passed on to me. Refinishing a table is much cheaper than buying a brand new one so I knew I was up for the task. However, there were a few mistakes that I make along the way. Here’s what I wish I would have known before my kitchen table refinish.

#1: A kitchen table refinish is a marathon not a sprint

If you think you’re going to have this simple project done over the weekend. Think again. If you want it done right, it’s going to take a while. Several layers of sanding, three layers of paint, staining and three layers of polyurethane. Yep. That’s what it is going to take. But if you’ve accepted that from the beginning, you are less likely to cut corners and end up with a less-than appealing end result.

#2: Use an electric sander

Your paint and your stain won’t adhere to the table unless you sand off all of the finish. This takes time and if you’re doing it by hand, you might go crazy. Spend 50 bucks and invest in an electric sander. You will thank me later. I like the Ryobi Orbit Sander. It’s easy to hold and include a dust bag as well. But really any electric sander will do.

I started with a sandpaper with 80 grit to remove the finish. Then 180 grit to prepare the surface and finally a 320 grit to complete the finish. You can also sand parts of the table that don’t have a flat surface by hand.

#3: Sand in between layers

I know. It sounds weird. But when you light sand each paint layer with a really fine sandpaper, it removes the stroke marks from the paint brush and gives it a really professional, clean look.

#4: Don’t aim for perfection

You’re most likely not doing this DIY project to sell in a professional furniture store. If it’s just going in your kitchen, don’t stress if it’s not perfect. You might have a paint glob here or there or a stroke marks. I figure it just adds character.

#5: Layers, layers, layers

I mentioned this earlier, but the more layers you can add, the better, especially the polyurethane. A kitchen table is the most highly-used piece of furniture in your hope. If you skimp on the layers, you’re going to get knicks right away and it’s going to look kind of crappy.

#6: Choose a dark stain

If you’re looking for a dark stain, just remember it always turns out lighter than you think. I originally used a dark walnut on the top of the table and chairs. It definitely was too light. I end up using the darkest stain I could find which was Varathane ebony wood stain. Then I was able to achieve the look I was hoping for.

#7: Apply a spray polyurethane

They have come a long way with polyurethanes. Save yourself a lot of time and spray the polyurethane on all the surfaces that aren’t flat. I used Varathane Ultimate Spray Polyurethane. Make sure you apply at least three layers of polyurethane. This is what is going to make your table last through the years without any chips or dings. Trust me. It is worth the time, effort and money. Plus, it will make a smoother finish.

#8: Carefully consider oil-based vs. water-based

The jury is still out whether oil-based stains and polyurethanes or water-based is the way to go. I used oil-based because it penetrates the wood and looks better years down the road. According to stormsystem.com, here’s some pros and cons to consider:

Water based stain advantages:

• Dry quickly
• Keep its color for a longer period of time
• Provides a richer hue of color
• No harmful odor or fumes, not flammable
• Breathable stain
• Easier cleanup
• Extremely mildew and mold resistant

Oil-based stain advantages:

• Requires more time to dry which allows for a more even finish
• Penetrates wood deeper
• Extremely durable
• Thicker seal for wood
• Less long-term maintenance

#9: Wait until completely dry

After one day, you might think your finish is completely dry, but think again. You’ll wait to hold off on sitting at and using your table until at least three days. Unless you don’t mind Levi marks forever left on the seats of your chairs.

#10: A plastic table cloth is your friend

After you’ve slaved away for days and days on your table, the last thing you want is for your five-year-old to carve a tic-tac-toe game into your beautiful finish. Yes, that did happen to me. Placing a simple plastic table cloth over your table will provide a simple protection to keep your table looking as good as the day your finished it. I bought an Elaine Karen Clear Tablecloth on Amazon for less than $9 and it is perfect.

What other ideas do you have to make your kitchen table refinish a success? Leave your comments below.

Related link: Step-by-step dresser makeover for $20

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Tye dye is like the fashion trend that always seems to stay in style. And you don’t have to spend a fortune. Just grab a white t-shirt and try it out. You’ll be surprised how easy it is. Here’s five easy and awesome tye dye t-shirt techniques that you and your kids can do at home today.

I’ve always been intimidated by tye dye projects as if they were too difficult. But when my oldest wanted to do a tye dye t-shirt, I figured let’s give it a try. We had a lot of fun and I realized that it’s super easy! Here’s five different techniques that you can use.

Gather your tye dye t-shirt supplies

The easiest way to start your first tye dye project is to just purchase a kit online. It gives you all of the instructions and it makes it super easy. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fashion Tie Dye Kit (includes dispensers with dye, rubber bands, gloves and instructions)
• White cotton t-shirts (make sure you buy them one size too big because they will shrink in the wash)
• Garbage bags
• Water

Technique #1: Ombre

This is the easiest technique and my favorite. Choose one dye color of your choice and apply a liberal amount on the upper 1/3 of the t-shirt. Make sure there is no white showing. Then, dilute the dye with water and apply more dye on the middle 1/3 of the t-shirt. Finally, leave the bottom 1/3 of the t-shirt white.

Technique #2: Crumple

Crumple is exactly what the name implies. Just crumple the shirt up by starting with a pinch in the middle and slowly add more pinches until it’s a ball. Then add an combination of colors sporadically over the entire t-shirt. Add as little or as much as you want.

Technique #3: Sponging

Fill one end of a clean household sponge with your chosen dye color. Wipe the sponge across the t-shirt or use whatever pattern you would like. Be generous with the dye because it will turn out very light-colored when it dries if you don’t use enough. Dip the other end of the sponge with another color and apply another design if desired.

Technique #4:

Locate on your t-shirt where you want sunbursts. Then, pinch each area and bind with a rubber band. Soak the tip of fabric above the rubber band with dye. Continue this with the other areas. Then soak the remaining areas of the t-shirt with as little or as much dye as you would like with the color of your choosing.

Technique #5: Rainbow swirls

Decide where you want your rainbow swirl to be on the t-shirt. Then pinch the fabric and begin twisting into a flat spiral. You should end up with a clump-like flat ball. Bind it together with three rubber bands creating six wedge shapes. Apply a different color on eat wedge defined by the rubber bands. Be sure to apply the dye deep into the folds.

What other tye dye t-shirt techniques do you recommend? Leave your comments below.

Related link: DIY popsicle stick catapult

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This do-it-yourself shark wall hanging is the perfect addition to any boy’s bedroom. Plus, it’s surprisingly easier than you might think and you’ll save money in the process. So, check it out.

So, we originally hot the idea for this wall hanging when we were at Hobby Lobby. My son found a similar shark (see image below) that he really wanted for his bedroom. I took one look at it and thought, “I could make that.” Plus, I didn’t want to pay $50 for it either. And that’s how our DIY masterpiece came about. Here’s how you can make one too.

Gather your Shark Wall Hanging supplies

Most likely, you will have most of what you need at home already. Regardless, you don’t need to spend very much money. Just make a quick run to the hardware store and you’ll be set. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Two pieces of pallet wood or unfinished fence posts
• Jig saw
• Blue and gray paint
• Black permanent marker
• Scrap wood (for the teeth)
• Nails and nail gun
• Wood glue
• Measuring tape

Assemble your wood

First, cut three wood slats into 21-inch lengths. Line the slats up vertically next to each other, leaving a small small between each one. Then attach all three pieces together using a small piece of wood, using a nail gun. The three slats together should be about 16 inches wide. Cut one more piece of wood that is about 20 inches long. This piece will be for the wave at the bottom.

Draw and cut out the shark shape

Using a pencil, draw the outline of the shark directly onto the wood. This will be the template that you will use to cut out the shark. Don’t forget to draw the mouth. But don’t worry about drawing teeth. You’ll do that part later. Then, using a jigsaw, cut out the shape that you outlined.

Paint your wood pieces and nail together

Once everything is cut, paint each piece their correct color and let dry completely. Then, using a nail gun, nail all of the pieces together. Draw two eyes and nostrils using a permanent marker.

Cut and attach the teeth

Your shark wall hanging wouldn’t be complete without some sharp teeth. I just grabbed some scrap wood and cut them into triangles. None of my measurements were precise. They don’t need to since shark teeth are jagged anyway. I arranged them in the shark mouth to make sure they all fit and then I painted and attached them to the shark with a nail gun.

Now you’re done! I think our wall hanging turned out better than the one we found in the store. Plus my son likes it a ton more because he helped make it. It looks great in his bedroom now. This was such a fun activity and we saved a whole bunch of money in the process.

How did you shark turn out? I’d love to see your creation. Leave your comments below.

Related link: Upcycled front door wreath

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A basement swing in almost guaranteed to be the hot item in your house. Plus, it is much easier than you would think to install. Here’s all the information you’ll need to install your own swing in your house today.

So, we installed our basement swing a little over a year ago and it is hands down the most favorite toy in our house. My kids play on it all of the time. It was part of our contemporary basement jungle gym. Plus, it’s waaaaaay easy to install. Keep reading below to learn more.

Important note: Please consult a professional before installing any playground equipment in your home. I am not a professional. This blog post is just meant to give you ideas.

Gather basement swing supplies

You want to make sure you purchase the right supplies for this swing. There is a wide variety of hardware but only certain types can withstand the wear and tear of a playground swing. You can buy these items at Home Depot or Amazon. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sturdy playground swing
• Swing hangers (highly recommend)
• Screw eye cable and quick link chain (only if you don’t have swing hanger)
• Impact drill

So, we used a screw eye cable and a quick link chain for our swing. These options work, but they are not made specifically for playground equipment. After more than a year of use, the metal on metal friction caused the two pieces of hardware to wear a little bit. Just know that if you use this option, you will probably have to replace the hardware once per year or so. Total cost was less than $50.

Install your swing

First, you’ll need to place your swing in the center of your room. Ensure that there is plenty of room for your swing to have full range of motion. You don’t want a wall or stationary object to be in the way because you kids will definitely swing as high as they can.

You’ll need to use your drill to drill some pilot holes in your ceiling. Place the holes about the same width apart as the width of the seat on the swing directly into the studs in the ceiling. Your swing hanger kit might also include some instructions on placement as well. The point is to make sure it is securely placed on the ceiling. Make sure this piece of hardware is super sturdy and safe. If you’re using a screw eye cable and a quick link chain, follow the same process.

Attach swing and start swinging!

The hard part is done. Now just attach the last link on the swing chains to the swing hanger or the quick link chain and you’re done. Your kids will definitely start playing on it right away.

So, keep in mind that a swing in your house is best for kids who are at least four years old or older. Toddlers have a hard time with spatial awareness. They can get hit by a moving swing very easily. However, my kids have never gotten hurt by our swing. They LOVE it!

I wish we could install more another kids swing in our basement! I often wonder why we didn’t install this swing sooner. Swings don’t need to be limited to just the basement either. If you have a big enough space they could also work in a bedroom or a bonus room. Then add a colorful tile rug, full length mirror or a white blue sectional for an added touch.

This swing was the perfect final touch to our unfinished basement remodel. Although I’m not one of those expert home improvement enthusiasts, I am happy with how it turned out. How did your swing turn out? Leave your comments below.

Related link: How to do the best kids’ bedroom makeover

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Every kid loves a good marble run to play with in their house. So look no further than this easy-to-make marble run that can be assembled in minutes and provide hours of fun. Plus, it’s not a big eye sore either. Check it out.

I don’t know what it is, but kids love marble runs. But sometimes they are hard hard to install onto a wall. And you have to build the free-standing marble runs every time you want to play. So, I found a quick and easy solution. Here’s how you can build one yourself.

Purchase your marble run supplies

You only need to purchase three items to make this fun toy for your kids. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 12 1/2′ “J” Channel: I bought two of these at Home Depot for $5 each. You can also get them online at Amazon using the above link. They use “J” Channels to create weathertight seals around doors and windows.
• Small screws
• Marbles

Measure and cut the “J” channels

The best part about the “J” channels is that they have little slots perfect to screw them in the wall. Plus they are lightweight and white so it matches most walls without being an eye sore.

So, I estimated how I wanted to lay out each piece of the run. It doesn’t have to be exact. It’s whatever you want. Then I cut each piece with a miter saw. I used a Hot Wheel track to measure about how long I wanted it.

Attach to wall

I wanted a really long piece and then some alternating pieces that led to the floor. I didn’t even cut the first “J” Channel. I simply screwed it into the wall with some small screws. They are really light weight so they don’t have to be screwed into studs.

I just eye-balled my zig zag pattern for the rest of the run. You’ll want to make sure they are placed at a steep slant so the marbles don’t go up instead of down as they fall. You can simply put a bucket at the bottom or screw something to catch the marbles at the bottom to the wall.

This marble run literally took less than an hour to build. It was so easy. And my kids actually play with it … a lot! I can hear them downstairs dropped the marbles one by one, over and over. It was the best $10 I’ve ever spent! And once I’m tired of it, I can just take it off the wall. But I have a feeling it will be there for a long time.

What other ideas do you have for fun DIY activities for kids at your house? Leave your comments below.

Related link: How to make exploding popsicle sticks

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The last thing you have time for during the holidays is spending hours in the kitchen making homemade treats for all of your neighbors. Well, this butter cookie Christmas gift is the easiest and cutest solution that will save your time, money and sanity. Check it out!

So, I thought of this gift while I was shopping at the Dollar Store. They sell these cute little tins of Danish Style Butter Cookies. I bought like twenty of them and just knew it would be the perfect gift for my neighbors for Christmas. Here’s how you can make yours.

Print your FREE Butter Cookie Christmas gift tags

So, the tag is what makes this Christmas neighbor gift extra-awesome. Lucky for you, it’s free! Just click on the link below and print it out. I offer this printable for FREE to all visitors of my blog, but if you’d like to show your support, feel free to buy me a taco .

Click here for your Butter Cookie Christmas gift tags

Gather your supplies

So, the beauty of this neighbor gift is its simplicity. Aside from the printable tags above, you only need a few supplies:

• Danish Style Butter Cookies (4oz or 12 oz)
• Christmas ribbon
• Hole punch
• Scissors
• Candy canes (optional)

Assemble your Christmas gift

Tie a cute bow around your butter cookie tin and attach your gift tag and that’s it! I also added a couple of candy canes on the top. This is a much better option that stirring over a hot stove waiting for your homemade caramels to cook. So, you’re welcome!

I hope these turned out the way you hoped. What other ideas do you have for neighbor Christmas gifts? Leave your ideas in the comments below.

Related link: 20 DIY Christmas Neighbor Gift Ideas

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This caged bird Halloween decoration is so freaking easy and totally adorable for any home this fall season. For under $20 you’ll have a one-of-a-kind decoration that everyone will love. Let’s get started!

I originally got my inspiration for this cute bird cage from Christine McConnell, except hers is much more extravagant. But I literally made this in less than an hour and couldn’t be happier with the result. Here’s how do can do it too.

Gather your caged bird supplies

With the exception of the bird cage itself, I bought all of the supplies at the dollar store! But you can find everything you need at any craft store. Here’s the list:

• Metal bird cage (I bought mine at Michael’s on clearance)
• Mini plastic plants
• Foam disc
• Halloween ribbon
• Halloween flowers
• Floral moss mat
• Chunks of wood
• Various artificial greenery
• Plastic spiders

Decorate the base

There are no rules to how you decorate your cage. I started with hot gluing the foam disc to the inside of the bottom of the cage. This will provide a little height and depth to your cage.

Next I glued the floral moss with some adhesive spray. If you’re using a floral moss mat, you’ll need to cut out the shape of the bottom before you glue it.

Finally, I hot glued all of my embellishments including plastic plants, wood chunks and creepy spiders. One thing that I forgot to add is some tiny LED string lights to make the bottom light up.

Attach branch and bird

Next, I found a small branch from our apple tree in the backyard. I cut it to size and then hot glued the bird to the branch. Make sure you glue the branch pretty low. It it’s to high, your bird will be touching the top of the cage.

Decorate the top

Your caged bird is almost done. Now you just have to decorate the top. I took the Halloween ribbon and tied it to the top so that it draped down the sides. They I cut up the Halloween flowers and hot glue them close together near the handle. You can put as many of as little flowers as you want.

I hope this project works out for you. Let me know how your caged bird turns out. Leave your comments below.

Related link: Six free Halloween wall art printables

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It’s canning season! And no canning season would be completely without your favorite homemade canned salsa. Well you’re in luck because I’ve got it right here! Check it out.

This recipe is literally to die for. It has the perfect combination of spicy and fresh ingredients. You’ll be devouring this salsa all year long. It’s not too difficult as well. So let’s get started!

Print your homemade canned salsa recipe

Let’s not waste any time here. Click on the link below to print your own copy of this delicious salsa recipe:

Click here for your free Homemade Canned Salsa Recipe

Supplies you’ll need for salsa

If you’ve never made homemade canned salsa before, it’s really not hard. It just takes a little bit of time. Aside from the ingredients above, you’ll need the following supplies:

• Large water bath canner
• 30 pint jars with lids and rings
• Food processor

My sister-in-law uses a blender instead of a processor to chop up her food. But regardless, it’s much easier to have a machine chop up your tomatoes, onions and peppers instead of you.

Salsa tips and tricks

So, I don’t need to explain how to make this salsa. It’s basically all explained in the recipe. However, here are some tips and tricks to make the entire process easier for you:

• Dump your tomatoes in boiling water for a few minutes to make the skin easier to peel.
• Use large Roma tomatoes for a thicker salsa
• If you like a runnier salsa, process your tomatoes through a Victorio Strainer
• If you’ve never water bath canned before, here’s instructions.
• For a hot salsa, use 40 or more chopped jalepenos. Medium salsa, use 20 jalepenos. For mild salsa, use 10 jalepenos.
• Don’t forget to stir the salsa occasionally while it is simmering so the bottom doesn’t burn.
• Minimize watery eyes. Use onion goggles when cutting onions.
• Prepare and cook salsa outside using a Camp Chef Double Burner Stove. It keeps your house nice and cool and easier clean up.

How did you salsa turn out? I’d love to know. Leave your response in the comments below. Check out this video of how I made my salsa.

Related link: Delicious dinner rolls to feed a crowd

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If you’ve ever had ice build up on your freezer, it can become a problem super fast. But before you start chipping away at the ice, check out this life hack that will make the entire process a lot easier and quicker.

So, our deep chest freezer started frosting up because the door wasn’t sealing completely. As a result, warm air started seeping inside and coming in contact with the coils, causing it to ice up. We fixed the sealing problem but still needed to get rid of all the ice! Then my mother in law gave me a great idea. Here’s what we did.

#1: Wrap your freezer food in a blanket

You don’t need to move all of your freezer food into a different freezer. That is just plain silly. Since there entire process only takes about 30 minutes, just wrap your food in a blanket on the ground. That will keep everything insulated enough while your defrost the freezer.

#2: Place boiling pot of water in freezer

Unplug the freezer and then place a big pot of boiling water into the bottom of the freezer and then shut the door. The heat and steam from the water will quickly start to melt the ice inside the freezer. Leave the pot in the freezer for 20 minutes.

#3: Wet vac and clean the freezer

When you open the freezer, all of the ice should be melted. So next on this life hack is to suck all the extra water up with a wet/dry vac. If you don’t own a wet vac, just soak all the extra water up with a couple of towels.

#4: Put all the food back in the freezer

Last but not least, put all of your food back the freezer. Take this opportunity to throw away any old freezer food and organize everything. These deep wire freezer bins can make it easy to keep all of your food organized. Then, you’re done!

I literally completed this life hack of defrosting my deep freezer in 30 minutes. It was so easy and I felt so much better. Check out my full video on how to defrost your freezer below.

What life hacks do you have that help you in your life? Leave your comments below.

Related link: The ultimate kids’ bedroom makeover

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Whether we like it or not, this pandemic is here to stay. So as we approach the school year and the inevitability of making our kids wear face masks on a regular basis, here are 10 ways to make the entire experience a little less miserable and a little more tolerable.

I’ll admit, I’m still getting used to wearing a face mask and I fought it for a long time. But here we are, so we’re going to make the most of it. Here’s some tips and tricks to making face masks easier to wear for kids.

#10: Don’t complain about face masks around your kids

This seems obvious but don’t complain about wearing a face mask so your kids don’t have any excuse to complain about theirs.

#9: Let your kids pick out their own fabric

I took my boys to the fabric store and let them pick out their own fabric and then I made a special face mask for each of them. They were actually excited to put them on.

#8: Help your kids decorate their own mask

There are tons of ways your kids can decorate their own mask and then they will be more excited to wear it and take care of it. Check out this cute post about eight different ways to decorate a mask.

#7: Simplify with face mask sets

You can buy face mask sets on Amazon that are for each day of the week. It also comes with a handy carrying case and daily schedule. They are adjustable and fit kids ages 3-11.

#6: Use a lanyard so they won’t get lost

We all know that as soon as our kids don’t have to wear their face masks anyone, they will yank them off and set them in some random place, never to be found again. These face mask lanyards will make our lives much easier.

#5: Teach your kids why masks are important

Understanding the “why” about face masks and how it relates to our safety and health is important to anyone. Even though wearing them isn’t fun, at least they will understand the need for it and in the end at least tolerate it. For more information about face coverings, check out the CDC guidelines.

#4: Provide incentive

Bribery goes a long way sometimes. You can give you kids a fun incentive if they wear their face mask at school all day long for each day of the week. Some ideas are a pizza night on the weekend, a fun activity with the family, a simple treat or best of all … money.

#3: Make sure they fit

When I made a face mask for each of my kids, I had to size them specifically to their individual faces. Make sure it doesn’t pull on their ears. And if they’re too loose they’ll just fall off all the time. If they are too tight, they can’t breathe. Here’s where I got my pattern for our face masks.

#2: Try the buddy system

If your child’s friend has the same mask as your child, they might be more likely to wear it throughout the day. Or even just providing an opportunity for your kid to see their friends wearing their masks before school starts might help as well.

#1: Keep masks clean

No one wants to wear a stinky mask. Plus, these masks are prone to carrying all types of bacteria. Wash your masks regularly to avoid other types of sicknesses.

Bonus tip: Try a face shield

Don’t knock it ’til you try it. Its easier to breath and your entire face is still visible. Give your kids the option and you might be surprised.

Hopefully these ideas will help you and your kids have a positive experience with wearing masks. And hopefully, this period in our lives won’t last forever and we’ll have become better from it.

Let me know what tips have worked for you. Leave your comments below.

Related link: Free daily fill-in-the-blank chore chart

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A backyard zip line is the perfect addition to any yard, but there are a few tips and tricks to make it totally awesome for kids and adults alike. So, let’s get started!

So, we have a huge ugly stump on the edge of our yard (long story). Instead of spending hundred of dollars getting rid of it, we decided to use it to make our own backyard zip line. It turned out even better than I thought, thanks so to my husband. Here’s how to make your own.

#1: Gather your backyard zip line supplies

There are some essential supplies that you’ll need to buy in order to make a high-quality zip line that will last.

• Zip line trolley kit (carabiner and dual pulley)
• 1/4″ galvanized cable (at least 125 feet)
• Seat (we made our own seat out of Trex deck board)
• Slackline and ratchet
• Wire rope clamp
• Extra carabiners and rope

We bought individual supplies for our zip line but depending on where you are setting up your zip line, you can also buy a zip line kit that includes everything you need.

#2: Set up your wire cable

We attached the highest point of our zip line to the top of our tree stump in our backyard. My husband sawed some grooves into the tree stump. Then he wrapped the end of the 125-foot cable around the stump and then over the top.

Then, we attached a wire clip to the cable to secure it tightly in place.

Once our wire cable was in place, it hung at its highest point at about 9 feet in the air. If you don’t have a tree to attach your zip line, you can also build your own anchors. I found this really helpful video that explains how to do that.

#3: Secure opposite end of cable

We attached the opposite end of the cable to an apricot tree on the other side of our backyard using a giant slackline ratchet. We doubled up a strap from an old tie down and fed it through the ratchet until it was super tight.

If you’re wrapping the slackline strap around a tree, make sure you put the tree protector around the tree first. It will protect the tree and make your zip line last a lot longer. And make sure it is a strong section of tree. If it’s a dead branch, it will break off under the pressure. We learned that the hard way.

The end of the zipline cable ended up being about 5 1/2 feet above the ground. It took a little bit of adjusting to make the cable at the right height and tautness.

#4: Add the trolley and seat

You can buy a seat online or you can make your own. We decided to make our own. We got a free scrap of Trex deck board from the hardware store and used that for a seat.

First, place the dual trolley on the cable, then add the carabiner below that. Then, tie a rope onto the carabiner. You can add one or two additional carabiners to the rope below that and then wrap or unwrap the rope around the carabiner depending on the height of the person riding the zipline. Finally, add the seat and an additional rope (see the image above).

#5 Install a break (optional)

If your zip line is really fast, you may want to add a break at the bottom. You can buy a spring zip line brake or you can make your own. My husband designed a makeshift brake from the same material we used from the seat. We attached the board to the cable below the trolley and then attached that to an adjacent branch on the tree using a rope. It worked great.

The thing I love best about our backyard zip line is that adults can use it, not just kids. My kids ride our zip line over and over. It’s one of the best parts about our backyard.

If little kids are too scared to ride the zip line from the top, we just set them on the seat at the bottom and pull them up as far as they want to go. It’s perfect!

Here’s a fun video I made when our family came over and tried out our zipline.

What other ideas do you have for making a zip line for your backyard? Leave your comments below.

Related link: 17 easy backyard ideas for your kids

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Nagging your kids to brush their teeth and wash their hands properly doesn’t have to be a fight any longer. This do-it-yourself sand timer makes it easy and fun for your kids to practice proper hygiene. Here’s how to make your own today!

Due to COVID-19, I think we’ve all stepped up our hand washing in the last few months. But it’s just as important for our kids as well. The CDC recommends scrubbing your hands for 20 seconds. And the American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for 2 minutes! So, this DIY sand timer is the perfect way to get your kids to develop that habit right now. Take a look!

Gather your sand timer supplies

These sand timers don’t require very many supplies. I gathered all my supplies for less than $5. Here’s what you’ll need.

• Two glass spice bottles (3.75×1.5 inches)
• Colored sand (or you can make your own by clicking here)
• Super glue or hot glue
• Hammer
• Nail
• Scissors
• Ribbon (optional)

Assemble your timer

Now, you’re ready. First, glue the tops of each of the lids together. I first tried hot glue but it wasn’t as secure as I thought. So, I ended up using super glue. It was perfect.

Next, take a large nail and hammer a hole in the middle of the lid. Make sure it goes through both lids. If you want a slow timer (1-2 minutes), just make one hole. If you want a faster timer (30 seconds), make a larger hole by hammering the nail a few times through.

Fill one of the spice jars with about 1/3 cup of colored sand or until full. Then, screw the lids back onto the spice jars.

Add finishing touches

You could leave the jar as it is or you can add some finishing touches that will make it look really cute. I hot glued a 1/2″ ribbon around the lids. This is especially helpful if you are going to make multiple sand timers so each kid know which one is their’s depending on the color.

As a last and final touch, I created some cute labels that you can glue onto both ends of the sand timer. One label says, “Brush your teeth” and the other label says, “Wash your hands”. Download your free printable PDF below:

FREE PRINTABLE — Sand Timer Labels

I love the way these turned out. My kids were actually excited to brush their teeth! I just keep our timer on our bathroom counter.

Whenever my kids wash their hands or brush their teeth, they flip the timer. If your timer only lasts 30 seconds, you can have your kids flip the timer one or two times while they brush their teeth.

Plus, this timer is a great gift that the tooth fairy can give your kids when they lose a tooth. Or it can double as a great gift for toddlers when they potty train.

Hope you enjoyed this post! Leave your comments below and let me know what you thought.

Related link: Free tooth fairy lost teeth chart and badge

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It’s time to have “loads” of fun with this easy-to-build popsicle stick catapult, complete with edible ammo and hours of fun. This is the perfect kids’ boredom buster for any lazy afternoon. Make one today!

These catapults only take minutes to make but my boys played with them for hours. Plus, it’s the perfect craft for kids of all ages. My 10-year-old loved them just as much as my four-year-old. So, here’s some simple steps to making your own today.

Gather your popsicle stick catapult supplies

You only need five things to make your catapults and most likely you already have them at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Jumbo popsicle sticks
• Rubber bands
• Paper shot cups (1.25oz)
• Mini pretzel balls
• Hot glue gun

Make sure you use jumbo popsicle sticks because the regular popsicle sticks don’t bend as easily. I especially like the rainbow-colored popsicle sticks. I have a big box of them on hand for crafting emergencies, ha ha!

Start assembling

First, take seven popsicle sticks and stack them on top of each other. Then place one popsicle stick horizontally under the stack. Then place one final popsicle stick under the entire stack in the same direction as the original seven popsicle sticks (see image below).

For step two, wrap rubber bands tightly about a half inch from both ends of the main stack of popsicle sticks.

Next, using a kitchen knife, carve a small notch on both sides of a popsicle stick about an inch from the tip.

Attach the notched popsicle to the top of the stack so that it aligns with the single horizontal popsicle stick on the bottom. Then wrap a rubber band around both of the sticks so that the rubber band rests inside the notches.

Finally, last but not least, hot glue your paper shot glass to the top popsicle stick (see image below).

Try out your catapult

Now you’re done! Grab a few of your pretzel balls and start shooting. My kids liked having a competition to see how far they could shoot. We also had a lot of fun making slow motion videos of all the shooting action (see below).

If you want to mix things up a bit, try using different items as ammo. Here’s some ideas:

• Gumballs
• Pom pom balls
• Porcupine balls
• Bouncy balls

With all of your left over popsicle sticks, here’s some other fun ideas to keep your kids entertained all day long:

• 20 popsicle stick crafts for kids
• Popsicle stick bird feeder
• How to make exploding popsicle sticks
• 20 easy popsicle stick crafts

Overall this was a way easy and way fun craft that both my kids and I loved. How did you enjoy the craft? Leave your comments below. If you want more easy craft ideas, check out my “Crafts for Kids” idea list.

Related link: Creative crayon shaving craft art

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Crayons aren’t just for coloring. Crayon shaving canvas art is a fun new twist on crayon crafting. It’s super easy and opens up your child’s mind to lots of creativity. Check it out!

So, this crafting project was actually my son’s idea. He wanted to use a blank canvas to melt crayons and create a work of art for his other mom for Mother’s Day. We decided to try it out and the results were so fun!

Supplies for your crayon shaving canvas art

This project doesn’t many supplies and most likely you’ll have most of them at home already. Here’s what you’ll need:

• White canvas
• Crayons
• Pencil sharpener or vegetable peeler
• Parchment paper
• Iron
• Painter’s tape (optional)

Start shaving your crayons

So, this crafting project takes a little bit of prep work. But the good news is that you kids can help too. First, you’ll have to take off all of the paper from each of the crayons.

We tried a bunch of ways to shave the crayons. We even tried a food processor (that was a huge fail). But the process we liked the best was using a vegetable peeler or a good old fashioned pencil sharpener.

Be gentle as you shave the crayons because they break easily. They are easier to work with if they’re not in little pieces. Then set aside the shavings in their own separate containers. Shave as many crayons as you would like.

Create your design

Now for the fun part! Using your crayon shavings, scatter them on your blank canvas in whatever design you would like. You can pick and choose similar colors and patterns or just scatter the colors randomly.

You can also use painter’s tape for your crayon shaving canvas art. We made a mosaic type design and my son cut out a heart and placed it on the canvas. You can also use the tape to form letters and other designs.

Melt the crayon shavings

This next step is a little tricky. Place a piece of parchment paper over the canvas that has crayon shavings on it. Run a hot iron on top of it. Make sure the crayon shavings completely melt. Then, carefully peel away the parchment paper. The melted crayons will form a cool melted design.

Once it’s melted, peel away any painter’s tape and allow the melted crayon shavings to dry. If the crayon melted underneath the painter’s tape, you can simply paint that area with white paint. Then you’re done!

Of course, you can skip all of the crayon shaving and using the iron and use a crayon melter instead. I’ve never personally used one of these myself, but you just insert the crayon and start drawing like a pen. Four out of five stars on Amazon is worth a try.

What other craft ideas do you have for melted crayons? Leave your comments below.

Related link: Three ingredient slime in three minutes

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This light-duty bunk bed ladder is perfect for your child’s bedroom–even if you don’t have a bunk bed. Plus, it’s a lot easier to make than you might think. Here’s how to do it.

I had been searching online for a bunk bed ladder and it was surprisingly difficult to find one. In fact, I couldn’t find one at all. The only ladders available were utility ladders or blanket ladders. So, I finally found an instructional video online. My husband used this video with a few modifications and came up with some simple steps.

#1: Gather bunk bed ladder supplies

You’ll need the following materials to get started:

• One piece of wood (6′ long, 6″ wide and 3/4″ thick) or two pieces of wood (6′ long, 2 1/2″ wide and 3/4″ thick)
• Two dowel rods (4′ long and 1 1/4″ in diameter)
• Wood glue
• 1 1/4″ hole saw
• Power drill
• Tape measure
• Sand paper
• Miter saw and/or table saw
• Framing square (optional)

#2: Cut wood to size

Regardless of what lengths of wood you decide to buy (dimensions listed above), you want to end up with the following:

• Two lengths of wood (5’2″ long and 2 1/2″ wide )
• 4 dowels (15 1/2″ and 1 1/4″ in diameter)

We decided to cut a 6″ wide plank lengthwise using a table saw. However, if you don’t have a table saw, you can buy two planks of wood that are already 2 1/2″ wide. Then you just have to cut a bit off the ends so that your finished size is 5’2″long.

Then you need to cut your dowels to measure 15 1/2″ each. You’ll need four total. We used our miter saw to cut each of the dowels. But if you don’t have one of those, you could even use a sawsall or a handsaw.

#3: Drill dowel holes

Using a framing square (if you have one), mark the center of each plank every 12 inches. You should have four marks on each plank.

Then, using a hole saw that is 1 1/4″ in diameter, drill four holes into each plank. We didn’t have a hole saw, so we used a paddle bit. It worked, but it chipped away a little bit of the wood on the other side. If you want a clean cut, a hole saw will work the best.

Drill four holes total on each plank. Leave a space of 12 inches at the top and the bottom. Make sure you’re precise in the measurements on each plank.

#4: Glue and insert dowels

The next step on your bunk bed ladder is the fun part. Place a small amount of wood glue on the ends of each of the dowels and insert them into the holes. Don’t put too much glue.

To make our ladder even stronger, my husband put some finishing nails into each dowel once it was inserted.

#5: Sand your ladder

As an added touch, we used a power sander and sanded down all the rough edges. Since this is going in our kids’ room, we didn’t want them to get any slivers. But it gave the ladder a nice, finished look.

I was so excited that way this ladder turned out. My husband was too (just look at how happy he is in the picture below, ha ha).

The best part about this ladder is that it only cost $15! And now my son can actually climb up to his bunk bed every night. My husband was able to make it in an hour. I’m so happy with how it turned out.

I hope these instructions were helpful. Please keep in mind that this is a light-weight ladder. As always, use caution when using a ladder. How did you ladder turn out? Leave your comments below.

Related link: Gorgeous step-by-step dresser makeover

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Mother’s day is a pretty important day. So, here’s 20 fabulous homemade gift ideas that your kids can make. It’s almost a guarantee that mom is going to love it! Check it out.

Now, as a mother of four boys, Mother’s day is right up there with Christmas in importance. And I’m super sentimental. I would almost always prefer a homemade gift from one of my kids. If your mom feels the same way, she’s going to love these ideas.

#1: Fingerprint family tree

#2: “We love you” string art

#3: Felt flower bouquet

#4: Heart Sharpie mug

#5: Do-it-yourself Bath Bombs

#6: Framed photo phrase

#7: Felt flower pens

#8: Thumbprint flower planter

#9: Suncatcher

#10: Shrinky dinks keychain

#11: Pinch pots

#12: Photo vase

#13: Photo bookmark

#14: Pallet picture frame

#15: Photo flower craft

#16: Fingerprint necklace

#17: Phone case

#18: Mother’s Day coupon book

#19: Spa in a jar

#20: Heart wall hanging

What did you think of these homemade Mother’s day gift ideas? Your mom is guaranteed to love them because they will be made with love.

Related link: Candy bar wrappers for every occasion

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Doings crafts with your kids doesn’t have to be difficult. These DIY window clings are super, super easy and fun. Plus it opens up all kinds of creativity. In just three steps, you can have your own. Check it out.

Our efforts to entertain our kids amid the COVID-19 social distancing has proved to be super fun! We decided to try making our own window clings and I wondered why we hadn’t done them before. Plus, it only took three steps.

Step #1: Buy or make window clings solution

So, if you’re ambitious, you can actually make your own window clings solution with Elmer’s glue and food coloring. Or, you can buy puffy fabric paints, which is what I did. The paints were perfect for tiny details and a plethora of bright colors. Plus, I was just lazy.

Step #2: Start making your creations

Gently squeeze the puffy paint onto a piece of plastic such as a gallon Ziploc bag or a sheet protector. You can also print out coloring pages of simple images (car, frog, hamburger, etc.) and slip it inside the plastic. Then you can trace your image. Or you can just make up your own design.

Your designs will work best if you are generous with the puffy paints. The thicker they are, the easier they are to peel off. However, don’t use too much or the image won’t be as clear and defined.

Step #3: Peel and hang

This part is the probably the hardest because you have to wait quite a while for your window clings to dry. Ours took a day and a half to completely dry. If you try to peel them off before they are dry, they will fall apart. So, be patient.

Once they are dry, carefully peel the clings off the plastic. You might want to let an adult do this part. They are rather fragile. Finally, attach them to a window or mirror in your house and enjoy!

I hope your kids will enjoy making these window clings are much as we did. What other boredom busters do you have? Leave your comments below.

Related link: FREE shrinky dink templates

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Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food. Moist chicken, veggies and a creamy sauce inside a flaky pie crust is too good to pass up. Here’s how you can make your own tonight and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is.

For years, I was always too intimidated to make chicken pot pie. But then I decided to give it a try. Now, this recipe is a family favorite. I make it on a regular basis and all of my kids eat it. So, let’s get started.

Gather chicken pot pie ingredients

Often, I usually have the ingredients already in my fridge. It’s that kind of a recipe. So, here’s what you will need:

• 1/3 cup margarine
• chopped 1/3 cup onion
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

Make your sauce

You’re going to start by making a white sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then add the chopped onion and cook for a couple of minutes. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until combined. Gradually stir in the chicken broth and milk until it’s bubbly and thickened.

Add veggies and cooked chicken

The best part of this recipe is that you only need to dirty on pan. Once your sauce is ready, mix in the chick and veggies. Mix until well combined.

Pour sauce in crust and cook

The last step is to line a pie plate with a refrigerated pie crust. Gently pour the mixture into the crust. Then, cover the entire pie with another crust on top. Fold under both layers of the sides of the crust and then form a decorative curls around the edge with your fingers. Cook in the oven at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. You may want to cover the edges of the pie with tin foil about 15-20 into baking.

This recipe makes a lot of filling, so you can make one big chicken pot pie or you can split it into two and give one to a friend or save for later.

Bon appetit! Now that wasn’t as hard as you thought. Am I right? My kids also love this recipe and it usually gets even all up.

So, let me know what you think of it. Leave your comments below. If you would like your free printable recipe, click on the link below.

FREE Printable Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Related link: Healthy Spinach Peanut Butter Smoothie

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Do you have an old dresser hanging around your house? Well, it’s time for a dresser makeover that’s affordable and absolutely gorgeous. People will think you paid hundreds for it. So, let’s get started!

We all love a good DIY project, especially when you save money in the process. And a dresser makeover doesn’t have to be complicated. There’s plenty of ways to do it: with chalk, without sanding, sealant, stain, and the list goes on. But my affordable step-by-step project with only take a few days and leave you with a professional look that is durable and long-lasting. Here we go!

Gather your dresser makeover supplies

If you’re going to start a big project, you might as well do it right the first time. Don’t cut corners and you’ll end up with a beautiful piece of refinished furniture. So, start with the list of supplies:

• Old dresser (the uglier the better, haha)
• Gallon of paint and primer in one (color of your choice)
• Power sander (a must for DIY projects)
• Paint supplies (brushes, tray, roller)
• Minwax polyurethane (don’t buy generic brand, it will yellow with time)
• Wood stain (buy in the can or the cloths)
• Dresser knobs (more affordable on Amazon compared to Home Depot)
• Contact paper and Modge Podge hard coat (optional)

Hopefully, you already have some of these supplies on hand like I did. The only thing I had to buy was the wood stain, polyurethane and brushes. The dresser was even free. I left the hardware store spending an even $20!

Repair the dresser (if needed)

Our old dresser was in my boy’s room, so it was thrashed. My husband graciously repaired the drawers which were pulling apart. Just a couple of hits with the nail gun and it was ready to go.

Sand your dresser

Sanding is a must. If you skip this step, your paint won’t adhere to the furniture as well. It just won’t look professional. You want to start with a clean, beautiful surface. If you have mostly straight edges and a power sander, it won’t take too long. I recommend a medium grit sand paper such as #120 or #150 to avoid damaging the fine wood finish. Then, simply wipe away the excess dust.

Paint two coats

I like to use paint with primer in it already. Using a high-density mini roller, apply one coat and let it dry completely. Then apply another coat. If you’re really ambitious, apply a third coat. It sounds excessive, but it will make a huge difference. Plus, your high-density roller won’t leave any seams or link marks. It will look smooth as silk.

Apply two coats of polyurethane

You are going to be tempted to skip this step. Don’t! I made that mistake on another DIY project and the paint started to scrape off almost immediately. The polyurethane provides a strong, scratch-resistant cover. Wait 24 hours after each coat to allow it to completely dry and then lightly sand using a fine grit sandpaper in between each coat.

Stain and seal top of dresser

Now, get an old rag and wipe on wood stain of your choice. Make sure you spread on the stain in with the grain of the wood. Wait 5-15 minutes and wipe off the excess stain. I did three layers of wood stain. You can apply as many layers as you want. It just depends on the look you’re wanting. Then, apply three layers of polyurethane, sanding lightly between each layer. Don’t skip these steps!

Apply contact paper and glue to drawers

Contact paper isn’t required, but it adds a beautiful touch. You’ve already made your dresser makeover look so good. This will make it look even better. Measure the sides of your drawers, cut the contact paper to size and apply the contact paper. It is sticky on one side. Smooth out the bubbles and then apply two layers of Modge Podge. I like to use the hard coat which is meant for furniture.

You may want to apply the Modge Podge directly to the drawer before you apply the contact paper and then apply a layer directly on top of the Modge Podge.

I also applied the contact paper to the inside of each of the drawers. But you don’t have to.

Add new hardware

You’re almost done with your dresser makeover! Just put the knobs on the drawers. Hardware can be expensive. I bought mine at Home Depot but I wished I would have bought these cute crystal knobs on Amazon. They are cheaper and cuter.

Overall, I am SOOOOOO excited about how my dresser makeover turned out. I started this project on a Saturday and finished the following Wednesday. The important part about refinishing furniture is to not cut corners. Sometimes it’s easier to do one less coat of paint or sealant, but don’t do it! You’ll be so much happier with the end result.

What tips do you have for refinishing furniture? Leave your comments below.

Related link: How to refinish a rocking chair

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Coming home to a flooded basement or wet carpet is the worst. But don’t give up. In most cases, you can salvage your carpet and prevent mold growth with a few simple steps that will save you money and your sanity.

We have had six different flooding and water damage incidents in our basement. We’ve got bad luck I guess. Fortunately, each time it has happened, whether it was storm water, sprinklers or leaking pipes, we’ve been able to salvage our wet carpet. Here’s what you need to do right now if you’ve run into the same problem.

Stop the leak, flooding or water source

This might seem obvious but it’s necessary step. If it’s a slow leak or you’re not sure where the water is coming from, follow the steps below first. You may have to call a plumber to professionally assess the situation. Unfortunately, in our situation, we had a storm drain that was facing the wrong direction in our front yard. Once all the snow had melted, it sank deep to our foundation and made its way into our basement. No bueno.

Pull up the wet carpet immediately

This part is super annoying, especially if you have wet furniture, but you gotta do it. If you can catch the water damage within 48 hours of it occurring, you can usually prevent mold growth. So, grab a pair of pliers and gently pull at the corner of your carpet until it starts to separate from the tack strips. Then carefully pull up the entire section of carpet that is wet. You can sometimes see the water line that indicates the area that is wet.

Suck up the water

This makes a huge difference! Use a wet vac or a carpet cleaner. If you don’t have one, let me tell you, they are worth every penny. You’ll be amazed at how much water you’ll suck up. Run it across the carpet and then the pad several times. You won’t get it all but it will significantly decrease the amount of time it takes to dry on its own.

Elevate the carpet and turn on the fans

Find a tall sturdy object such as a 5-gallon bucket to elevate the carpet. Then aim a fan right at the wet carpet and pad. A high-powered utility floor fan works the best. I used to have one of those bad boys. I used it so much, it finally gave out on me after years of use. If the weather permits, open the windows as well.

Try baking soda or dehumidifier

Depending on the severity of your flooding, you might want to try renting a dehumidifier. It pulls about 22 pints of moisture out of the air per day. You can also try sprinkling bulk baking soda on the wet carpet. Apparently it pulls the moisture out of the carpet and eliminates odors. Let it sit for up to 24 hours and then vacuum it up. I didn’t try either of these options since our water damage wasn’t very extensive.

Wait.

The hard part about water damage is that it can take several days for the carpet and pad to dry out completely. Some professional recommend replacing the pad no matter what. However, if the water damage isn’t too extensive, you can still salvage it. But carpet pad is relatively cheap, so you decide. While you are waiting, you can also check the drywall and insulation to see if it is wet. If so, you’ll need to replace the affected area.

Lay carpet back down

If you’re lucky, the carpet will lay back down and look the way it did before. However, in many cases, you’ll most likely need to call a carpet guy to stretch the carpet and tack it back down.

Check out these other tips below to saving your wet carpet:

• 7 tips to drying wet carpet quickly
• Tips to prevent basement flooding
• How to prevent carpet mold after water damage

What ideas do you have for drying out your wet carpet? Leave your comments below.

Related link: 10 things kids destroy and how to fix them

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Your very own gorgeous walk-in bedroom closet with custom-built shelves are closer than you think. Follow these simple tips and tricks and you’ll be on your way. Plus, you don’t have to spend a fortune either! Here’s how we did it.

So, I can’t take any of the credit for our boys’ new bedroom closet. My husband did all the work and he did an amazing job. With a little bit of elbow grease, he built the perfect closet for our three boys and we only spent about $150! Here’s how we did it.

Get a bid from a professional closet company

So, I had a sales person from Closets by Design come over to my house and give me a bid on some new bedroom closet shelves. She showed me a whole bunch of design options and then measured everything. Then she gave me her measurements and a brochure with tons of closet design ideas. If you don’t mind spending a good hour with a salesman, it really helps get the creative juices flowing. Plus, her bid was $3,000! It made me feel even better knowing we were saving so much more money by doing it ourselves.

Measure and plan your bedroom closet

The bedroom closet shelves was designed for our three boys. Since boys never hang up their clothes, I wanted just a small section to hang clothes. I also wanted a spot for a hamper and smaller shelves for my boys to put their own treasures on. I wanted to maximize on storage space as well.

Once you have your bedroom closet visualized, it’s time to measure. Check out these tips for taking closet measurements.

Purchase your closet supplies

You’ll want strong and sturdy shelves, so you’ll want to buy MDF plywood that is 3/4″ thick. My husband bought two sheets of 4×8 plywood for our small closet. You may need more or less depending on how big your closet is.

Some other supplies that you’ll need for your custom-built DIY closet are listed below:

• Dowel kit
• Plywood trim
• Wood putty
• All-purpose caulking
• Table saw
• Nail gun
• Impact drill
• White paint

Use dowels as a support for your shelves

You can buy this awesome dowel kit that provides the support for your shelves and gives the appearance that your shelves are floating. It looks very professional and classy. Check out the video below that explains how to install the dowels.

Add finishing trim, wood putty and caulk

You could leave your shelves without trim, but the trim adds a finished look that you will love. Don’t worry if you have small gaps between the wood. A quick layer of caulk will cover any flaws. Then use the wood putty to fill in the nail and screw holes.

Don’t forget the paint!

A couple layers of good, high-quality paint will finish your closet. I bought Behr ulta white paint and primer in one. You’ll want to make sure you apply at least two coats of paint. It will look fabulous!

Voila! You’re done. We were so happy with the way our bedroom closet shelves turned out. My husband knows how to do high-quality work and it shows. And my boys were so excited to finally have a closet.

Overall, I’m so glad we decided to do this project ourselves. Not only did we save literally thousands of dollars, we had the satisfaction of knowing we did it ourselves. And now my kids have a place to put all of their treasures.

What tips do you have for your next DIY closet remodel? Leave your comments below.

Related link: How to do the BEST kids bedroom makeover

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Who wouldn’t want their own life-size Forky from Toy Story 4? This cute sidekick is perfect for your next birthday party, displayed as a Halloween lawn decoration or simply a fun addition to any child’s playroom. It’s easier to make than you might think.

Toy Story has a special place in my heart. I love all four of them. So, naturally, making a life-size Forky was an easy decision. I am also submitting Forky in Thanksgiving Point’s Annual Scarecrow Festival in Lehi, Utah. Here’s how I did it.

Build your life-size Forky frame

I wanted to spend as little money as possible, so I decided to use some PVC pipe and wire mesh fencing that I had lying around our garage. First, I built a PVC base to keep your Forky free-standing. Click here for instructions.

Once I built my base, I formed the shape of Forky using the mesh fencing. It was a little tricky but once I got the basic shape, it started to come together.

Wrap Forky with paper

Starting from the bottom, I took some butcher paper and wrapped it tightly around the mesh frame. I used duct tape to secure the butcher paper. I had to cut the paper piece by piece to fit it correctly. But it looked great once it was done.

Apply paper mache solution

So, I found a great recipe for a paper mache solution that works perfectly. I have used this recipe before for a life-size witch that I made a couple years ago. Here are the ingredients for the solution:

• 1/4 Cup Elmer’s Glue
• 1/4 Cup Plaster of Paris
• 1 Tbs cold water
• 1 tsp vinegar
• Roll of blue shop towels

Then, just get a paint brush and start applying the solution. It took a lot more of the solution than I thought. I tried to layer it pretty thick so the structure would be stronger.

Apply polyurethane

Since my life-size Forky is going to be outside for the Scarecrow Festival, I wanted to protect it from the elements. A nice coat of polyurethane did the trick.

Decorate Forky

This is the fun part. I bought some giant googly eyes and glued them onto Forky with some Epoxy. Then, I spray painted a pool noodle and glued them on for the eyebrows and the mouth.

The arms were a little tricky. I basically wrapped some thick yarn around some more of the wire mesh. Then I wrapped it around my life-size Forky.

Lastly, I cut some wood into the shape of Forky’s feet and attached them to the PVC on the base. Yay!

I was so happy with the way my life-size Forky turned out. It was a little bit more work than I anticipated, but I’m excited to decorate my lawn with it year after year.

My kids of course loved Forky as well. All of them want to shake his hand, especially the neighbor kids who come over to play. It’s really cute.

What other ideas do you have for life-size lawn decorations? Leave your comments below.

Related link: DIY Life-size Blobby

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Creating a stunning plank accent wall is surprisingly super easy and cheap. Plus, it’s gorgeous and adds so much rustic warmth to any room. Anyone can do it too. Here’s everything you’ll need to know.

This plank accent wall, which is similar to shiplap, only cost me a cool $40. I have to give a shout out to my friend, Tanja, who gave me the idea in the first place. She created two beautiful plank accent walls in her own home. So, here’s how to do it.

Prep your plank accent wall

Since you are using wood planks and not shiplap, there will be tiny gaps between the boards. If your wall is white and your planks are a dark color, the white will show through. So, you’ll need to paint your wall a color similar to your planks.

Lay out your planks

To visualize how you want your planks installed, lay them out on the floor. Measure your wall to make sure you’ll have enough planks too.

I bought my planks at Lowe’s for $40. You can also buy weathered wood planks here.

Start gluing and cutting

Start from the bottom of the wall and work your way up. To begin with, my husband attached each plank by squirting a generous amount of caulk onto the back of each plank. Line each plank up carefully and make sure there are no gaps.

If you have a corner that you need to finish, attach a long strip of planks vertically along the edge. It will give it a professional look without much effort.

Obviously, all of the wood planks won’t fit perfectly on the wall. You’ll have to cut them to size. We used a miter saw. But you can also use a sawzall or a good old fashioned hand saw.

Fit planks behind outlets

To correctly fit your planks around any outlets, remove the outlet cover first. Then measure and cut the planks to the correct size. Then, carefully unscrew the outlet enough that it pulls away from the wall. If you’re not familiar with electrical work, turn off power to the outlet first. Place the planks snugly around the outlet and then replace the cover.

Staple loose boards

As a last and final step, after you have glued all of your boards to the wall, staple any loose boards with a staple gun. You don’t want to leave any boards improperly secured to the wall. That increases the likelihood of them being pulled off by a rambunctious little boy.

I was amazed at how fast everything came together. Of course, if probably would have taken me a lot longer if I didn’t have my wonderful husband doing all the work. Ha ha!

The whole reason we put in the plank accent wall was so we could have somewhere to hang our dart board. Now I don’t have to worry about my boys making a million holes in the wall.

What tips do you have to building a plank accent wall? Leave your comments below.

Related link: Seven things I wish I knew before my basement remodel

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The other day, my son asked me to make him a Candy Corn Countdown for Halloween. And since Halloween is the new Christmas, I decided to put a fun little twist on this fun tradition and it only took me 10 minutes!

If my kids are going to get extra candy this October, they are going to have to work for it. So, this advent calendar is perfect. Each day is a spooky adventure with a yummy treat at the end. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s make it first.

Print/cutout Candy Corn Countdown

This advent calendar only cost me $3 to print. Just download the PDF below and email it to your local printer.  You can also print it at home but I wanted it laminated. I would recommend printing it on cardstock too.

I would recommend a paper cutter but scissors would do in a pinch. I left lines on there so it would be easier to cut.

Assemble and glue

Once you have everything cut out, you’ll need the following supplies to finish your Candy Corn Countdown.

• Scissors
• Glue gun
• String
• Scotch tape

Cut three pieces of string that are each about 26 inches long. Lay everything out first the way you want it to look and then start hot gluing. I glued the string to the back of the countdown sign first and then glued each individual candy corn number in order.

I did three strips of numbers adding up to 31 but you can do two or even one really long one too.

Now for the twist

This is requires a little bit of work on your part. Each morning, before your kids get up, tape one of the 31 extra random squares with Halloween pictures on them, somewhere noticeable around the house. It can be on the TV, a light switch, on their toothbrush, on the toilet. You get the picture.

As soon as they find the Halloween picture for the day, attach it to the corresponding day on the countdown.  As a reward, they get a piece of candy corn!

This countdown is super easy, super cheap and super fun. Win, win and win! Plus it looks great on our fridge.

Here’s the link to the Candy Corn Countdown one more time:

Here’s some other fun Halloween ideas for your viewing pleasure:

• Orange Goblin Pudding Cups
• Halloween Monster Rocks
• Glowing Jack O’Lantern Totem
• Monster Soup Sensory Bin
• Swamp Potion

What other fun Halloween ideas do you have? Leave your comments below.

Related link: Spooktacular Halloween Mystery Boxes Game

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Pool noodles are awesome! There’s so much you can do with them and they provide hours of fun. My son thought up these cheap, easy and entertaining pool noodle ninja swords from his own noggin. Take a look!

I don’t know what it is with boys but they can always seem to create a weapon with most any random object. I just happened to have some extra pool noodles and PVC pipe laying around so before I knew it, all four of my boys had their own pool noodle ninja swords.

Gather supplies

These pool noodles don’t take much to be super awesome. You just need the following supplies:

1. One standard pool noodle (cut into two 12″ pieces)
2. Duct tape
3. 3/4″ PVC pipe cut to 26″ long
4. Measuring tape (optional)

Assemble ninja swords

Take the two 12″ pool noodles and slide them over the PVC pipe on both ends.  You should have about 2 inches of exposed PVC pipe in the middle. This will be your handle. Place as little or as much duct tape that you want all over the pool noodle.  You can make cool designs and use all different colors to create the effect you’re looking for.

The best part about these swords is that they are easy enough for a kid to make. Plus, they aren’t very hard in case someone gets hit in the head or something. My boys played with these for hours. It was sweet.

I wouldn’t want to run into these crazy ninjas on dark alley in the middle of the night.

Other pool noodle ideas

A zillion things to do with pool noodles

25 pool noodle activities for kids

10 Amazing Pool Noodle Hacks

What other creations have you made with pool noodles? Leave your comments below.

Related link: An “Egg”tastic experiment your kids will love

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I needed something to decorate my otherwise empty porch. So, I decided to get my DIY juices flowing and came up with this adorable welcome sign. It’s super easy and best of all, there are free interchangeable picture accents for each month of the year!

Admittedly, this was my first pallet project.  But it will definitely not be my last.  It was surprisingly easy and fun.  So let’s get started.

Step #1: Assemble welcome sign

I got some free pallets from a local classified ad. The hardest part about this whole project was taking apart the pallet and that wasn’t even too bad if you have the right tools. Fortunately, there’s a million resources on Pinterest on how to disassemble a pallet. Here’s three main ways to do it:

• Pry bar and hammer: Instructions here.
• Sawsall: Instructions here.
• Circular saw: Instructions here.

I actually took apart this pallet using a combination of all three methods. I was just glad my husband had all the tools already.  Plus I was pretty proud of myself for using the circular saw without cutting my finger off.

Once your pallet is taken apart, you’ll need to assemble three long pieces and two short pieces to match the image and the measurements above. Nail the short pieces and the to the long pieces.

Step #2: Paint

After I assembled the welcome sign, next came the fun part. Using  barn wood stain, I painted the wood in sections and then quickly wiped the stain with a paper towel.  It gives the wood an antique barn wood effect.

Next, you’ll need to stencil the “Welcome” letters onto the wood. Use this FREE PRINTABLE – Welcome stencil letters and print out each individual letter. Then using a utility knife, carefully cut out the interior of each letter until you form a stencil. If you didn’t notice, you won’t need the letter “O” since you’ll be replacing the “O” with pictures.

Finally, use the stencils to paint the letters onto the welcome sign, making sure you leave a blank space for the missing “O”.  I used a circular foam brush to lightly dab the paint onto the pallet.

Step #3: Add pictures and burlap

Yay! Here’s the final touches. Download your printable 12 months of pictures for your welcome sign at the end of this blog post and send it to your local printer and print each page on cardstock and laminate them.

Then cut all of them out and add a piece of velcro to the back of each one. Put the one piece of the opposite velcro piece on the welcome sign where the “O” should be. Add some burlap to the top.

You’re done! I was so excited about this final product. It looks so fun on my front porch and I love that I can change out the pictures every month!  I can decorate for every holiday without hardly any effort at all.

I hope you love this as much as I do.  Here’s a couple other pallet projects to wet your own pallet, ha ha.

150 Cheap and Easy Pallet Projects

16 Quick and Easy Pallet Projects for Beginners

What other pallet project ideas do you have? Leave a comment below.

I offer this printable for FREE to all visitors of my blog, but if you’d like to show your support, feel free to buy me a taco .

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My son’s coach put a ton of work into coaching his soccer team this year and made it for an awesome experience. I wanted to give him a little something but I didn’t want to break the bank either. I came up with an EASY and AFFORDABLE solution and you’ll definitely “score” with this one.

If you’ve ever been the one in charge of your child’s sports team, it’s not an easy task. It’s hard work. That’s why it’s important to recognize their efforts.

Take a trip to the Dollar Store

I’m not cheap.  I just make the most of the hidden gems at the dollar store.  So, I headed over and found some fun and cute items. When I put them all together, it ended up being so freakin’ cute. Here’s what you’ll need (I’m also including links to purchasing these items online if you don’t want to take the time to run to the store):

• Gatorade
• Small toy soccer ball (or any other ball)
• Cone
• Felt pennants
• Alphabet stickers
• Skittles (or other box of candy)
• Basket or container
• Gum
• Ribbon
• Picture frame
• Shrink wrap (forgot to include that in the picture)

Optional items not purchased from dollar store:

• Homemade loaf of bread
• Printed photo of the team
• Tissue paper for inside the basket

Assemble your coach gift basket

This is the fun part. Get some tissue paper or crumpled paper and put it in the basket first. This will make it so you don’t have to put as much stuff in the basket and it will look more full.

Add all the items in the basket.  Put the larger, heavier items in the back and the candy towards the front.  Just arrange it so it looks cute.

Add some special touches

This might be a little tricky, but during the season, you can try to take a picture of the team with the coach.  I asked the coach if we could take a picture after one of the games and that worked great. Print the team photo and place it in the frame from the dollar store. They will love it!

You can also make a loaf of homemade bread. Or if you are in a pinch, just buy some at the local bakery. This is totally optional though.

Add finishing touches

Instead of taking the time to design a super cute saying on the computer and printing it off, I just cut one of the felt pennants to a small triangle size and added the sticker alphabet letters to spell out, “Thanks Coach!”  It turned out cuter than I imagined.

Place your finished coach gift basket in the shrink wrap and then tie it off with some ribbon.  Totally cute!

My completed Coach Gift Basket for only $10!

If this gift basket isn’t your cup of tea, there’s like a million other ideas on Pinterest.  Here’s just a few of them:

End of Season gift idea with FREE printable tags

Personalized Coach Clipboard

You are “Simply” the Best Coach Gift

#1 Coach Personalized Whistle

Coach Mug

Coach Keychain

Funny Soccer Coach T-shirt

Coach Picture Frame

What cute ideas do you have for coach gifts? Leave your comments below.

Related link: 3 Awesome Crafts Using Polymer Clay

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My kitchen was looking a little drab. Then my brother gave me an accent cabinet and I decided to make use of it in my kitchen. With a few touches, this became an open shelving concept that was chic and functional. Take a look at these kitchen decorating ideas.

DIY “eat” sign

I tried to find an “eat” sign to put on top of the cabinet, but couldn’t find any that I liked. So I made one myself. I ran to the closest wood store and bought each individual letter. You can also buy them here. Then, I painted one layer of barnwood stain and then immediately wiped the stain off. It left a cool barnwood effect. You can tie some string into a bow onto one of the letters if you want for added cuteness.

Add multi-use items to shelves

Instead of decorating your open kitchen shelves with items that you’ll never use, try adding functional kitchen items that also double as cute home decor.

This gravy boat and salt and pepper shakers were a nice touch. Plus, we actually use them.

This butter container is my favorite. It keeps the butter fresh without having to deal with the mess. It’s always nice to find some kind of quote that can inspire you throughout the day and I use the cute glass measuring spoons all the time. Instead of the quote, you could also put a recipe book holder with a recipe book.

Simplicity is key

Don’t overcrowd your kitchen shelves with unnecessary items. I bought this glass jar and filled it with artificial lemons for added color. That’s all I needed to make this shelf look complete. Instead of lemons, you could put cookies, gumballs or even flour or sugar to make it even more functional.

Keep your kitchen kid-proof

I didn’t put the basket of paper goods on the bottom shelves on accident. Our home is full of little hands that will break anything I put there. So, I put something boring and my kids haven’t touched it at all. Plus, I have my paper goods readily available whenever I need them.

Here’s what other bloggers are doing for kitchen decorating ideas:

Home Decor Trends: Open Shelving
How to style open shelves in 5 easy steps

What other kitchen decorating ideas do you have for functional and cute kitchen shelving? Leave your comments below.

More from My Silly Squirts: 10 ways to save money on your kitchen remodel

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Valentine’s Day? These DIY Valentines cards for him are perfect and will make that special someone love you even more. Plus they are so flippin’ cute and easy to make.

If you claim that you’re not a crafty person, even YOU can make these simple felt love notes. All you have to do is print, cut and glue. So let’s get started!

Step #1: Print your felt love notes

First you’ll need to pick which of the six cards you would like to make. I know. It’s a tough decision. They are all so cute.

Now, click and print the applicable template and instructions (listed below) for the card of your choice  Even though instructions are included, I’ll explain what you’ll need to do.

Choose your one of six felt love notes:
You’re the peanut butter to my jelly – FREE PRINTABLE
Besides chocolate you’re my favorite – FREE PRINTABLE
You’ve gotta pizza my heart – FREE PRINTABLE
We make a nice pear – FREE PRINTABLE
You’re just like bacon you make everything better – FREE PRINTABLE
You make me melt – FREE PRINTABLE

I offer these printables for FREE to all visitors of my blog, but if you’d like to show your support, feel free to buy me a taco .

Make sure that when you print the cards, that you use 8.5×11 cardstock. Regular copy paper will be too flimsy. Don’t forget to print the card double-sided and then fold it in half like a birthday card.

Step #2: Cut

Cut out the templates provided on the instruction page of your felt love card. Then, trace those templates onto the applicable colored felt pages. For example, if you’re tracing the PB & J sandwich, you’ll want to trace the large slice of bread on brown felt sheets and the small slices of bread on light creme or light brown felt sheets. You get the idea.

Then cut out all the pieces for your felt love notes and assemble them.

Step #3: Glue

This is the best part. Take all of your assembled pieces and glue them to the front of your card. You can also take some pre-cut felt hearts and glue one on the inside of the card between the works “I” and “you”.

You are absolutely going to love the look on your loved one’s face when you give them your homemade felt love note. Holy cow. These DIY Valentines cards for him are so cute. He will know it was made with love.

What other fun ideas do you have for those special occasions for your loved one? Leave your comments below.

More from My Silly Squirts: Ridiculously cute DIY string art

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I discovered polymer clay a couple of years ago. My life is now complete. But seriously, this moldable clay hardens when cooked in the oven. So here’s three easy polymer clay ideas for beginners.

I bought some polymer clay at Michael’s with a 50% off coupon. So it cost me just over $10 or so. You can also buy polymer clay here. There’s so many fun things you can make with it. So, I am going to give you my favorite three:

#1 Polymer clay ideas for beginners: Pins

My kids totally loved making these pins. All I needed was some tie tack pins and some hot glue. You can literally make whatever you want. We made a rainbow, bacon and eggs, lightning bolt, pizza, snail and emoji. My kids like to place their polymer clay creations on a cookie sheet one by one. When we’re all done we just throw it in the oven at 275 degrees for 20 minutes. Here’s a great website with some other ideas of what to make for your pins.

#2 Polymer clay little family

So, I made a cute little family out of polymer clay. Each little person somewhat resembles a certain member of our family. This project took a little bit of extra time and to be honest, I did it when my kids were in bed. I attached paperclips to the back of the heads. Now they are hanging as a cute display on our family home evening board in our kitchen. Our kids love looking at the miniature versions of themselves.

#3 Snow globes made out of polymer clay

This is one of my favorite polymer clay ideas for beginners. Although we did make these snow globes during Christmas time, you can make polymer clay snow globes any time of year. It’s so fun and a great idea for teacher or neighbor gifts. It’s best to use half-pint jars with lids and rings. Form your creations to fit on the lid. Cook your clay and them super glue them to the back of the lid. Fill your jar 3/4 full of water and add of pinch of glitter.  It’s  that easy!  It’s so cute and fun. 

Although the above picture shows a hot glue gun, I would recommend using super glue. The hot glue eventually came loose and the clay objects were just floating in the jar. If you’re really into snow globes check out this other fun idea that you can make with your kids.

Does Polymer clay need to be baked? And other tips and tricks

Here’s some things that I’ve learned while working with polymer clay that might help you as well:

1. Less is more. Your kids will want to take the entire chuck of clay at one time. That’s a great way to waste the clay. Just give you kids tiny pieces at a time. It will go further.
2. Attached firmly. Make sure the pieces of your creations are attached firmly. Otherwise, they will break right off after you cook them.
3. Super glue. Don’t give up if your polymer clay breaks, it’s easy to super glue them.
4. Oven friendly. Bake your polymer clay on a cookie sheet in the oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-30 minutes. 

I hope you have as much fun with these polymer clay craft ideas as we did! Let me know in the comments below. Happy creating!

More from My Silly Squirts: How to host a simple gingerbread house party

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