Questionable Choices in Parenting

Laughing at life as a parent so they don't commit me

Valentine’s Day Hacks: Thumprint Vases and Twine Heart Candles

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Let’s get crafty! But, let’s keep it simple, OK? I’m making adorable thumbprint vases that are perfect to give as a sweet Valentine’s Day gift and twine heart candles that are easy to make but look so chic. Here’s my latest from my webseries on TLC.

 

Valentine’s Day Life Hacks: Candy Candle and Queen of Hearts Garland

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Don’t spend a ton of money on Valentine’s day decor! Here’s quick hack to make gorgeous candles and garland fit for a Queen! Both are perfect for a special Valentine’s dinner.

My latest from my TLC webseries.

 

Super Bowl Party Hacks: DIY on a Budget

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It’s almost time for Super Bowl Sunday and no matter which team you are cheering for (or if you’re like me and just watching for the commercials and halftime show) you can still put together an amazing Super Bowl party without breaking the bank. Today I was visiting my pals at Good Morning Washington and I shared some football-friendly party hacks that will help you score big during the Big Game. See the segment here!

Click right here to see the segment!

 

Game Day Mason Jar and Mug

I love how these mason jars turned out, and they were SO easy to make. Just a little craft paint and a few sponge brushes and you have the perfect silverware and straw holders for your party. These mason jars were such a hit, my husband has already claimed them for next football season when he hosts tailgates.

If you’re serving up beer, soda, or cocktails, skip the plastic cups and grab a few mason jars with handles. I used a little white tape and turned them into football mugs that are perfect for any pigskin party.

Guacamole Stadium

I’ve been obsessed with these dip stadiums ever since they started popping up on Pinterest. Even though they look super impressive, turns out, they’re easy to make. The trick is in the tin foil wall. Just grab two tin rectangle containers–one large and one small. In the smaller container, build two tin foil “walls” and place them inside the container. Pour the guacamole in the center and the salsa and queso on either side. Now you have the field and two end zones. Put sour cream inside a plastic bag and cut off one end. Draw lines to mimic the field and the tin foil walls. Place the smaller container inside the larger container and fill with chips and crackers.  Boom–you’ve got an entire stadium!

Field Goal Drink Station

For this fun centerpiece and drink station, it’s time to head to your favorite hardware store. With a few pieces of PVC piping and connector pieces and an indoor/outdoor carpet wrapped around a plastic container, you have the perfect place to keep all your drinks cold for the Big Game. When the party is over, this would make the perfect addition for your game room or as a laundry basket for your favorite young football fan’s bathroom. You can ask to have the PVC piping cut at the store or grab a small piping cutter if you want to cut the PVC at home.

DIY Field Tablecloth and Turn Bunting

I grabbed this green table cloth from the dollar store, added white duct tape to look like the lines on the field, and white paint for the numbers. That’s it! So easy and so cute.

For the bunting use leftover pieces from the indoor/outdoor carpet into trianlges, white paint or tape and hot glue to attach to white ribbon.

Football Brownie Bites

No need to make these brownie from scratch! Grab the brownie bites from the bakery and with a little white icing, add the laces for a bite size yummy treat.

 

 

 

From TLC- Holiday Hacks: DIY Gifts

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Gift cards are always a crowd pleaser at the holidays, but the presentation is pretty lame. So instead of tossing over a card, try my snow globe hack. And if you’re giving a delicious gift of hot chocolate, I’m showing you how to make it look like a beautiful and yummy present. Here’s my latests from my TLC webseries, TLCme Life Hacks.

The Perfect Baby Shower Gifts for New Moms

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It seems like forever since my own baby shower. My mom hosted a beautiful shower in anticipation of my little man where I was super pregnant and wore super high shoes—bad idea. While I’ve never put those fancy shoes on again, I do look back fondly at that day and the sweet details my mom created for my friends and family that were showering me and my baby with gifts and love.

This weekend we went to a baby shower for my cousin as she prepares for the arrival of her little girl, her first baby, and while I grabbed a few items off of her baby registry, I learned something from my shower that I try to incorporate into every baby shower gift I give.

While I loved receiving all the baby gear and accessories from my baby registry, I always remembered the thoughtful gifts that other Mamas gave to me. You know, all the things I didn’t know I needed but once my little man arrived, I needed them! So if you are going to shower or sprinkle a mamma-to-be with presents, why not try share gifts that she may not know she needs, but she will love.  Here’s a few DIY shower gift for future moms

  • A nursing gown and robe– During those first few days—OK, weeks—I loved having a new and comfortable nightgown and robe to cover-up, easily nurse my baby, and to have a pajama set that really looked nice in all of those post-baby pictures I was posing for. While I looked a hot mess, at least I had a nice nightgown on, and this was something I would never have thought to register for myself. If you’re looking to make this gift into something extra special for a new mom, add a few gift cards for grocery delivery and restaurants so that when everyone is sleep deprived, Mom doesn’t have to plan dinner or grocery shop.
  • Diapers, Wipes, and Butt Paste Gift Basket- When I was pregnant, a friend gave me a beautiful gift basket just like this one, and I LOVED it! You can never have enough diapers and wipes when you have a new baby and this presentation is adorable. Plus my friend shared her love of Boudreaux’s Butt Paste with me at my shower. At the time, I had never heard of Boudreaux’s, but soon learned how amazing it is and it became a staple in our house. So not only did I get a useful gift, but I also got mommy-insider-tips, which are invaluable for all new moms! So go ahead and make a new mom or even an experienced mom a basket like this for her shower or sprinkle. Trust me, she will love it.
  • Something for dad– As moms, we are doing all the heavy lifting when it comes to having the baby, but I love this funny and useful gift for the dad-to-be. Fill a tool box with everything dad needs when he is on diaper duty from the silly- gas mask and air freshener- to the essentials- pacifiers, diapers, and of course, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. Dad needs to be prepared too!

Tell me in the comments the must have gifts for new moms!

*I was compensated for this post but all opinions are 100% my own*