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So your kids are heading back to school sometime in the next two weeks, and they're probably pretty excited about seeing their friends and wearing their new threads. But I'm guessing that the thought of doing homework leaves them feeling a little something like this:

Source: flickr.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Well, that's about to change! I've rounded up some pretty eye candy in the desk/homework station department that might just make them beg to do their homework. (Ok, that's a stretch, but it sure will make you happy to see them doing homework in those spaces…)
Just click on the link below each pictures to be taken to the source or instructions.

Desk/Work Station Inspiration

Source: thecsiproject.com via Jessica on Pinterest
I'll be honest with you. I want this desk space for my own. However, it's a perfect spot for two older kids to do their work. Plenty of storage and functionality but in such a pretty package. I say, well done!

Source: bhg.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Ok, I kind of think this one is a genius idea- a workspace in the kitchen nook. If you have another place to eat, that is. I love the idea of having a space that is central in the house, where you can see the kids working while drooling over your favorite blogs making dinner, cleaning up,washing dishes etc. All that light from the windows makes this spot a pretty inspiring place to do your work. Love it!

Source: perrylakes.com via Jessica on Pinterest
How adorable and fun is this one? Every preschooler or kindergartner I know would be drawn to this spot. Lots of color, chairs just their size, storage for art supplies and a place to hang their latest masterpiece.

Source: ohdeedoh.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Low on space? This window seat/storage bench/desk is the perfect solution! Just slide the bench under the desk and out of the way when it's not in use.

Source: google.pt via Jessica on Pinterest
Those kids have no idea how good they have it.

Source: housetohome.co.uk via Jessica on Pinterest
This is another great space-saver desk area. My kid's bedrooms have wierd nooks from the dormer windows on our house, so this design is a good starting point for someone like me. Those shelves hanging bar with canisters for supplies and the chair are from Ikea

Source: google.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Is anyone else in love with work stations inside of closets? It's just so smart, plus you can do a bold color and fun graphic designs that inspire you, and then close it away and no one would ever know!

Source: marthastewart.com via Jessica on Pinterest
If you have absolutely no extra room for a work area, this is the ultimate space saving solution, the homework helper! It puts everything your kids might need while doing their homework right at their fingertips and helps to keep them on task. Monica actually made one of these for her oldest daughter, Kenzie, a few years ago, and it was so cute!

And just in case you need a little help keeping track of everyone's extracurricular activties and school schedules, I picked a few of my favorite home command centers to share.
Home Command Centers

Source: magzmagz.com via Jessica on Pinterest
This is perfect in my opinion. I'm fairly certain that all of those helpful and stylish boards are from Pottery Barn, but you could pretty easily make something similar at a much lesser price.

Source: bhg.com via Jessica on Pinterest
This is definitely clever- a hanging file bin for each member of the household. Put important papers, permission slips, schedules, mail, (whatever!) and stay ahead of the game. Plus the chalkboard above is great for writing notes that the whole family can see.

Source: theyellowcapecod.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Sorry this one is blurry, but hopefully you get the point. This features a hook and bag for each person in the family. You can put things that need to be taken to school in the bag, and all your kid has to do is pick it up and take it with him. The chalkboard below is used for reminders and to-do lists for each child.

Source: None via Jessica on Pinterest
I love the baskets with the monograms on it. Same principle as the last few- personalize and you're good to go!
And finally, because I love me some DIY projects, here are a few easy and inexpensive message boards!
DIY Message Boards

Source: makeandtakes.com via Jessica on Pinterest
You need just three things to make this pretty dry erase board: a frame with glass, scrapbook paper or fabric and a dry erase marker. I'm pretty sure you can figure it out from there.; )

Source: heythingschange.com via Jessica on Pinterest
This is a dry-erase calendar made from a frame and paint chips. The best part of this is your can customize the colors to match your decor!

Source: bhg.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Isn't this magnetic board super sweet? A cookie sheet, scrapbook paper and magnets make the magic happen.
Feeling inspired? We'd love to see where your kids do homework- Feel free to post a picture on our facebook page. Let's share the creativity!

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We hope you get lots of inspiration here on our blog, but did you know you can get CRAZY amounts of ideas from US through Pinterest? (Haven't joined Pinterest? Shame on you! lol. You can check out a video we made a while back letting you know what it's all about. Basically a virtual pinboard of awesomeness!) We use our Pinterest board to share all kinds of DIY ideas, crazy delicious recipes, and oodles of amazing rooms to drool over! It's time to start following us! (Just click below!)

But wait! We don't want the fun to end there. We want to follow you and see what things you LOVE. Leave us a comment letting us know your Pinterest page and we'd love to follow you back!
Here's how to share your Pinterest Page link:

We have some HUGE news to share with you, so keep checking Facebook and the blog for our monster of an announcement. We just have to wait a little longer to tell you. The suspense is killing us! Ahhh! Only following on the blog? You're missing out. Use the buttons below to join in on all the fun!

Have an awesome weekend, but before you do, go grab your Pinterest Link so we can start being inspired by YOU!

Happy Friday! Isn't this week completely WEIRD?? What's up with 4th of July on a Wednesday?!? Thursday morning my hubs came down stairs wearing a polo and jeans and I was like,"are we going on a date or something?"… he was like,"Hello… I work for a living and it's the middle of the week." Boo! Anyhow, I'm glad that it's finally the real weekend (and we're excited to celebrate Jess' son's birthday on Saturday!).
I was supposed to write a final Patio post before the big reveal, but all my pictures give too much away, so you're just going to have to wait until the grand reveal. I'm not 100% sure when it will be because I want to show it with with table, outdoor rug, etc… Stay Tuned!
Instead, I'm going totally rando on ya (a gal pal of mine said"rando" the other day and I laughed at her and then said it about 15 minutes later. I'm a nerd like that)… Here are some fab finds and things I've recently Pinned … 1- Some words of wisdom.

Source: thatonerule.com via East Coast Creative on Pinterest
2- Pallet Bench. Now that my real patio furniture is on my patio, my front porch is bare! I am thinking of building a few of these. Super Cute!

Source: funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com via East Coast Creative on Pinterest
3- I printed these out this week. I have NOT been listening to any skinny rules for a long while now. Time to change that.

Source: hepburnandhoundstooth.com via East Coast Creative on Pinterest
4- Here's why I need the skinny list… The hubs and I are planning a trip to Europe in the fall. We're planning London, Paris, and probably one other destination. I can't wait to nail down all the details.

Source: Uploaded by user via Franniee on Pinterest

5- This is how I want to dress on our trip.

Source: fashionworship.com via East Coast Creative on Pinterest
6- Found this blog this week. This gal is crazy talented. For 365 days she upcycled a thrift store outfit into something fabulous. You have to check it out! (Jess and I also love the faces she makes in all the"before" pics)
Source: dollarstorecrafts.com via East Coast Creative on Pinterest

Source: refashionista.net via East Coast Creative on Pinterest
Source: a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net via East Coast Creative on Pinterest

7- I love this chair and I want to try something similar. I don't have a chair though… I'm tucking this idea away for another time, because I love it.

8- And just in case this isn't a random enough post for you… This totally is my sense of humor. I'm actually laughing while I type this.

Well, that's all for now! Do you follow is on Pinterest? If not, I think you should (just sayin') http://pinterest.com/real_housewives/
Have a great weekend! We have some awesome projects to share next week! 9- ONE more… This is what I'm reading right now. Jess read the first two books last week and loved them. Have you read it? Did you like it? What are you reading right now? Did you know we're both total book worms? (Sorry for the 20 questions!)

Source: 11993.genderweb.in via Melisa on Pinterest

Jess and I think today's Fab Find is pretty darn fabulous… It's our"Contact Us" tab! Now, before you tune me out, give this post a chance!

We thought we'd share a recent question that we got from one of our readers! We love hearing from all of you and we want to hear from you even more! We got the following message from a reader"Jess" (and no, we did not send ourselves a fake email just to make us feel good!) Here's her message:
Hi Girls — love your site! So I wanted to ask if you might be doing a post on nursery ideas in the near future (or maybe you've already done so). I'll need to start planning in the next few months…we don't have a lot of space to work with and don't want to spend a lot of money (of course). If you could point me in the direction of any good websites with simple but modern ideas, that would be great. Thanks, you girls are amazing! So… Thanks for your email Jess and here's our answer for ya! Nursery Ideas on a Budget Since I wasn't exactly sure what style the fabulous Jess wants for her nursery, I thought we'd just focus on a few money saving ideas that will still have a big impact. (Click on any of the pictures below for more info) 1. Don't tie yourself down to Babies R Us… Sure everyone thinks they need the standard, crib, changing table, armoire matchy matchy combo, but I beg to differ. Flea market, Salvation Army, Restore, and Craigslist can be your very BFF when furnishing your nursery. I love using a dresser for a changing table and there are plenty of little DIY add ons you can do to make it safe for the little one. Of course I adore this yellow buffet-turned-changing-table… does it remind you of this post?

Source: None via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
Just to prove this, I took 60 seconds and found this piece on Craigslist for $20!! Seriously, I'm tempted to buy it myself! New Paint and this piece would be amazing!

Another repurposed piece. I also love the storage idea they used. You don't have to commit to the standard canvas bins. These little details can go a long way.

Source: blondiensc.typepad.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
2. Make your storage pretty, so it counts as art… This is huge when you're wanting to be a frugal fanny. Rather than adding a million accessories and details that add up in cost, just make the practical things cute! I love these fabric book shelves and just think of all the possibilities because there are a bajillion fabrics in the world to choose from. (Yes, bajillion is a real number in my world).

Source: pennycarnival.typepad.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
I think these planters-turned-storage-bins are adorable. Now would be a great time to buy these because most likely they're on clearance at Lowes and Home Depot.

Source: centsationalgirl.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
3. Use fabric… I wanted some witty name, but really, all I mean is just use fabric. Sure fabric can be expensive, but you can also find great clearance fabrics. Using fabric as part of your decor is both adorable and can be economical.

Source: lh6.googleusercontent.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest I don't sew. {GASP!} How can she be a blogger and not sew! Well, don't get your panties all in a knot… I have a bundle of fusible web and also a grandmother-in-law that lends a hand. The moral of my confession is that you don't need to sew to make cool things with fabric. It's amazing what you can do with a good pair of scissors. I haven't tried this fabric idea, but it's on my list of things to try. Simply wrap inexpensive painter's canvas with fabric and hang… instant art!

Source: conspicuousstyle.com via Cami on Pinterest
4. Paint your way to a pretty cool nursery… I love using a $30 can of paint to make a HUGE impact in a room. Paint has a crazy return on investment and just takes a little time and creativity. a few years ago I helped a friend do this bold wall for her twin boys' nursery.

Obviously, I am in love with this nursery for about a million reasons, but look at that chevron wall. Tape + Paint = simply awesome. There's so much you can do with paint and if you choose something bold enough, you won't need much in the way of art.

Source: madebygirl.blogspot.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest No budget for moulding? Just paint it on… how cool is this? The pictures alone are beautiful, but the border really makes it a focal point and hikes up the awesomeness factor.

Source: potterybarnkids.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
5. Pin before you begin… If you haven't yet, join Pinterest and get inspired! It's amazing how creative people are, so head on over and make a plan.

So Jess, I hope this has gotten your creative juices flowing! You're definitely going to have to share your finished product with us so we can share it with everyone! We hope the rest of your pregnancy goes well and we're so excited for you guys to welcome your little one into the world!
-Monica (& Jess) So, there you have it… Contact Us! Who knows you might just get your very own post too!

I am pretty sure if Pinterest was around a few decades ago, that Julie Andrews would have changed her lyrics! I'm in full-blown summer mode. My days are filled with sunscreen, swimming, walks at the park, and BBQs, no major house projects are going on… Even in the midst of crazy summer activities, I still LOVE sitting down and perusing Pinterest each night, so I thought I'd just share a few random, cool things I found last night… These Are a Few of My Favorite Pins 7.11.11

Source: sunsurfer.tumblr.com via Teresa on Pinterest
Outdoor living spaces are one of my favorite things. The hubs and I were just planning out our dream patio and pool layout last night. (Keyword: dream)

Source: skinnyfit-thebestyou.tumblr.com via Kelly on Pinterest
Honestly, one of my favorite things on Pinterest, are all the funny posters and sayings. This one makes me laugh, because it's so true!

Source: papercakesfinds.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest
I love this SO much I can't even tell you! The color, the objects, the patterns…

Source: etsy.com via Martha on Pinterest
I love Scrabble pillows- this is a little cheesy to me, but love the pillows.

Source: marthastewart.com via Sandra on Pinterest
I'm ready to try DIY chalkboard paint… stay tuned for a tutorial!

Source: etsy.com via Marszu on Pinterest
I love getting ideas and then tweaking them to fit me… I wouldn't hang this, but I'd love to make one, scan it, and create Thank You notecards to have on hand for the grandparents and family.

Source: houzz.com via Megan on Pinterest This space is sooo me. I love the b & w pics, the grey walls, the clean lines… Sigh… I think my kids will be all moved out before I can ever have white couches. So how's that for a random sampling of Favorite Pins? What are you liking on Pinterest? Leave us a comment with a link to your favorite Pin from today!

Last week I mentioned needing to overhaul the 1/2 bath in the hallway on our first floor. We haven't started that project yet (I'm dying to get started, but we're waiting for a little more moneycashflow first), but I know exactly what we're going to do. Like every other room in our house, I'm trying to move in the casual/coastal cottage feel. So you can expect to see lots of neutral colors, warm woods and rustic Pottery Barn-esque elements. The only thing I'm keeping in this room is the bathmat and the toilet. Everything else has seen it's last day. Here's our current"loo" situation:

On a side note: I didn't realize how badly this bathroom needed a makeover until after I took these pictures. Can we say boring with a capital"B"?

This builders-grade vanity has GOT TO GO!

Same with that terrible light fixture. How have I lived in this house for almost 4 years and not changed that thing out? Blech.

I'm thinking this mirror needs an upgrade (like a frame) or a replacement. I'm leaning towards replacing it with an unexpected mirror. Something different and unique.
Bathroom Makeover To-Do List:
1. Paint wide horizontal stripes on the walls.

Source: younghouselove.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Adore that mirror, by the way.
I love that both these bathrooms have very subtle stripes on the wall. I'm thinking a tone on tone color, or even one color, painted in stripes with different sheens (semi-gloss and flat). I love these two colors that fall next to each other in the Benjamin Moore Historical color wheel: Elmira White and Grant Beige. You almost can't see much of a difference which is exactly what I want. I'm not hoping to bowl anybody over with loud colors in this room.

Also, I'm thinking really thick stripes, maybe five total, ceiling to floor.

2. Build a vanity out of an old table or desk.

Source: desiretoinspire.net via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: decorology.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Ok, this is my favorite feature for the bathroom and is non-negotiable. This means that the whole makeover has to wait until I find the right piece of furniture. I'm hoping my luck will kick in soon and my next trip to the ReStore or thrift store will be the winner. Anyway, this is obviously a job for my hubs, but I've researched it, and it really is a pretty simple project. (I can say this since I will not be the one doing it. Ha!) I also saw a few sink bowls for really cheap at the ReStore my last time in there.
3. Add decorative items that also work as storage. Since this is the hall bath, I don't need much in the way of storage, but I do want to be able to hang a few towels and keep extra soap and toilet paper handy, especially since there won't be any storage under the new vanity. I'm totally in love with these vintage ladders and would be thrilled to score one. If I can't find a real vintage ladder, I saw a great tutorial on how to make one here.

Source: ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Surprise! The ladder above is a fake vintage ladder. Pretty convincing, huh?

Source: alovelyescape.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: ballarddesigns.com via Jessica on Pinterest
I'm also liking this basket from Ballard Designs. It would go great under the new table/desk/vanity.
4. Install new lighting. The look I'm going for with the lighting is industrial. Not so industrial that it's modern, but just industrial enough to look rustic. I'm not sure if that made any sense at all, but these pictures help explain it a little better:

Source: decor8blog.com via Abbie on Pinterest
The lights above are my absolute favorites ever. If anyone knows where I can find one, please, I beg you, share the love!

Source: shadesoflight.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Casey on Pinterest
5. Add a few fun elements like artwork, possibly some decorative trim (crown moulding), and wouldn't it be cute to add a door like this one?

Source: theletteredcottage.net via Jessica on Pinterest
ReStore, here I come!
So, what are your thoughts about my Bathroom Game Plan? Am I missing anything? Is there anything you hate? Discuss!

Well, here I was thinking that I was so ahead of the trend when I found Serena & Lily, but then the blog celebrity Nester posted this about them yesterday. It turns out I'm not the only one who knows about their fabulousness, but I still had to share my favorite items from this home decor/furniture store. My mom received their catalog earlier this month, and I was immediately hooked just by looking at the cover…

Source: habituallychic.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Every single thing in the catalog is so unique and beautiful, not to mention, ridiculously expensive. Just pretty eye candy for me, but sometime a girl has to dream a little, you know?

Source: shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
I am in love with the white on white tones in this room with the pops of color in the throw pillows. Plus, I would probably sell my dog most of my posessions to have that fireplace mantle. Just sayin'.

Source: serenaandlily.com via Jessica on Pinterest
They really have such great fabric that you can purchase as well. These are super adorable and I'm totally digging the muted gray, blue, rust and green.

Source: serenaandlily.com via Jessica on Pinterest
How darling is this girl's bedroom? That headboard is a such a mix of feminine (the pink) with a little edge (the nailhead trim).

Source: serenaandlily.com via Jessica on Pinterest
This is called the Boathouse mirror. Of course, I would love a boathouse mirror.

Source: serenaandlily.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Puppies on a pillow. Enough said.

Source: serenaandlily.com via Jessica on Pinterest
This malibu chandelier is A-MAZ-ING. In case you can't tell, it's made of stone-colored beads and jute.

Source: serenaandlily.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Monica did not like this multi-colored Havana stool, but I think it would look awesome in a playroom, or even a fun game room.

Source: serenaandlily.com via Jessica on Pinterest
They even have a line of their very own low-VOC paint. Again, the way they laid out this magazine spread made me want to buy everything I saw!

Source: laylagrayce.com via Amber on Pinterest \
And if you are in the market for nursery bedding and decor, look no further. I have never seen baby bedding quite like Serena & Lily's- they are perfect for a nursery, but honestly, I would be happy having them for my bedroom.
Go on- check out their website . And then you're allowed to cry over how pricey everything is. I did.

It's here! B2S Week (Back to School) here on the Real Houseviwes blog… We've got some pretty fabulous stuff planned and today we're talking about back to school fashion. Make sure you read all the way to the bottom of the post because there's some crazy, exciting news we can't wait to share!
B2S Fashion 2011 I must admit, I sorta dreaded back to school shopping this year. I have four kids and three of them are in school, so I had some serious shopping to do. My oldest is the only one that is a challenge. She's just developing her style and it's NOTHING frilly, NOTHING sparkly, NOTHING little kid, NOTHING that mom picks out- LOL. I think maybe I'll share this post with her.
First off, here are the hot trends you should know about:
Hot colors — jade, teal, bamboo, coffee, & orchid
Nail polish colors — graphite, péridot and quartz
Crackle nail polish
Chunky funky bracelets — MeBands are cool & collectible
Cool high tops, bold and bedazzled (Converse has an affordable line at Target)
Funky jewelry — plastic bracelets
Chunky rings
Backpacks, multi-style and color
Large watches
Toms shoes — shoes that give back
Retro sunglasses
Trendy scarves (yes they are still in, and make great belts too.)
Ballet flats
Funky lunch bags — very eco-friendly. Think Green
Feather earrings and hair accessories
Crochet detailing
Blazers Now, you might be thinking… hmm, I need this list, not my kids, but it can be for moms and their kiddos! (Oh, and just in case you don't know about hair feathers, you should… the trend moved from magazines, to Hollywood, to edgy women, and now to our kids!)

Source: noellesalon.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
Now, let's get into some outfits. Here's the deal on where to shop… In case you missed the memo, department stores are back! I've read that, but I had to see it firsthand! JCPenney totally shocked me… My 9 year old LOVED the clothes and we did about 75% of our shopping there.

Source: jcpenney.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
Macy's has some super preppy styles, but also plenty of retro looks as well. How happy do these catalog kids look? (hehe)

Source: macys.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
I'm a layers junkie and this year all the stores are not letting me down. Now everyone knows that Gymboree is the king of too matchy matchy for me accessorized outfits, but did you know that their sister store Crazy 8 has some pretty cool fall looks? I love this outfit for my son Kade. Plaid shirt, cool graphic tee, and a puffy vest. I <3 vests!

Source: crazy8.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest

How do you feel about the return of Converse? Ok, I'll be honest… I'm a big fan of a solid color Chuck Taylor with a pair of jeans. Last year Kenz was rockin' out a black pair, but we might go a little crazier this year. Not quite this crazy. I'm not a bedazzled kind of gal, but if your kiddos are, Converse has some amazing ones!

Source: seventeen.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest

Now, what about if your kiddo has to wear a uniform?? I think they look adorable, but I know that kids still like to have some style of their own. The key to uniforms is accessories. Think belts, socks, hair bows, ties, and jewelry.

Source: gap.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
Even though my preschooler doesn't wear a uniform, I plan to order her some adorable hair accessories from Blossom Bands! Remember Bethany from her guest post? Well, click on her button on the sidebar to check out the adorableness that I'll be choosing from.

Source: littlelovely.typepad.com via Amy on Pinterest
Let's talk about socks for the little ladies. Little MisMatched has awesome socks! There was even a pair with sykscrapers on them!

Source: littlemissmatched.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
I also found a fabulous tutorial to make some adorable embellished knee socks. Check these beauties out…

Source: alisaburke.blogspot.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
There are about a million other cute trends, but I'm hoping you get the idea. Now, one last fashion tip… Don't let yourself be frumpy mom! This is the pot calling the kettle black, but it's something I at least try to work at. I work from home and have four kids. If that isn't a recipe for FRUMP, then I don't know what is. However, the days that I actually put an outfit on I feel so much better! I don't even mean fancy, I'm talking jeans and a tee if that's how you roll, but I'm convinced that I'm a better mom and wife when I'm not in my sweats all day. This outfit is simple and cute and I think the preschool moms would appreciate me showing up in this and not my sweats and the hub's old teeshirt.

Source: oldnavy.gap.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
So, go throw on a fun mom outfit and do some B2S shopping! Let us know what you find and where you shop!

And now for the EXCITING NEWS… We were told this weekend that we were nominated as finalists for CBS News' Best Blog of the Year for Philadelphia! Insane right? To win the final honor of MVB, we need you to vote for us! You can vote once a day now through September 9th, so please vote and tell your friends and family to do the same!

I'm going to attempt to share my adoration with mason jars with you, without completely embarrassing myself. I do love these guys. They are extrememly versatile, easy to find, and very inexpensive! What more can you ask from a decoration? Lately I've been seeing quite a few of these jars at flea markets in the light blue variety shown above, and the regular clear jars. If you aren't into scouring flea markets, my local grocery store carries them in boxes of 12 for less than a dollar a jar. I've used mason jars in a couple of projects over the past few months:
1. First, my daughter and I made cinnamon honey butter for our friends and neighbors at Christmas, and packaged it in small mason jars with the lids covered in fabric and tied with a ribbon and homemade mongram tag.

2. Next, I used them as a vase for the floral arrangements I made for my sister's sugar and spice baby shower. They were perfect. 

3. And finally, I whipped up this arrangement this afternoon for a little something different on my dining room table. I had these leftover jars and an old drawer with pulls on both ends that I had been wanting to use. Then I remember that I had dried flowers from a visit to Pike's Place Market in Seattle a few years ago just sitting in closet. Within five minutes, I had a pretty new centerpiece for my table.

I'm thrilled with it! (But I've already decided to do something else with the jars. Ahh! Sometimes being impulsive is a curse.: ) And yes, I do need curtains for my poor naked windows, and yes, those are my custom bird art pieces in the back. Aren't they cute? *Side note: my hubs and I found our dining room table on clearance for $60.00 at a furniture store in Harleysville. Excellent find, if I do say so myself. Ok, enough about my mason jar projects! I've rounded up some great mason jar inspiration from the world wide web. Feast your eyes on these pretty pictures, and be inspired!
Food/Drink There are a million cute ideas for serving food and/or drink in mason jars but I thought these two were adorable.

Source: None via Jessica on Pinterest
Use small jars as individual cup for lemonade-genius! I love the decorative cut-out in the lid.

Source: curbly.com via Jessica on Pinterest
This is so sweet- who wouldn't want to eat pie from a jar?; )
Storage/Organization
Both of these ideas utilize mason jars, clamps and a board. Easy as 1, 2, 3, I'd say. I absolutely love the toiletries stored in mason jars- such a great idea for a guest bathroom!

Source: curbly.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: weepingcherries.wordpress.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Decor/Lighting I can't wait to try out some of these simple projects!

Source: lh5.googleusercontent.com via Jessica on Pinterest
In September, we are celebrating my parent's 40th wedding anniversary, and these pictures in a jar would be a great way to showcase pictures from their four decades together.

Source: google.com via Jessica on Pinterest
This is so much fun! This would instantly add whimsy to any room, and be a conversation starter, for sure.

Source: atozebracelebrations.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
These mason jar lanterns are SO easy to make, and I can't wait to give it a try. If you're looking for an easy way to update your porch or deck with ambient lighting, look no further.

Source: blog.freepeople.com via Jessica on Pinterest
And don't get me started on this. Isn't it gorgeous? I die.
So give me your thoughts: Are you a fan of Mason Jars just like me? What projects have you done that include these simple beauties?

It's no secret that I LOVE photos… I actually need to make a conscious effort to decorate with anything other than pictures of my family. Jess and I thought we'd share our gallery walls today and then some amazing ones we've found along the way.

These are OLD pictures from my very first gallery wall in our last house. I ran to Walmart, bought oodles of frames and just started nailing and measuring. This is not how I would recommend putting up a gallery wall. I was crazy lucky that this worked out and I didn't make one wrong nail hole. I'm still not quite sure how that happened!

Sorry, these weren't taken as"blog worthy" pics!
In the new house, I knew that a top priority was to create another gallery wall. I had it up on the wall within three weeks of moving in. Score! BUT… I've yet to switch out any of the pictures, so they're all facing the wrong directions! It's amazing how long you can live with some things without fixing them.

I added a few larger frames and still went with a fairly linear layout. What do you think of the one yellow frame? It's just a fun little play off of the little bird on the table and on the fabric on the chair. (Please ignore the crooked red frame… life with 4 kids!)

Please notice the sideways pictures, the mats that should be removed, and the crooked frames. I'm keeping it real and showing you what it really looks like most days. One day in the next few months very soon I'll get new pictures printed. For now, the kids just think it's funny.

Even though Jess is on vacation in Maine this week, I got her to share a little bit about her gallery wall…
~~~~~
My gallery wall is in process, but here's what I have so far! Things to do: 1. Paint frames so they're all the same color, 2. Change out mat and picture in the large frame, 3. Put something in empty frame at top.

My favorite picture from the gallery wall- a recent gift from my husband! ~~~~~~
There are so many amazing gallery wall ideas out there in blogland… Here are a few that I really love.
House of Smith's awesome colorful wall

Source: thehouseofsmiths.com via Monica on Pinterest
This wall is SO ME! Grey walls, clean lines, black & white pictures (and man, that's one looong hallway)
Source: laurawinslowphotography.com via Monica on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Monica on Pinterest
I love the accent lighting and the combination of sizes in this arrangement (Jess would love the baskets and bench)

Source: theinspiredroom.net via Monica on Pinterest
We love The Lettered Cottage, and we love their gallery wall too!

Source: theletteredcottage.net via Monica on Pinterest
This isn't my style, but I like how they used frames in unique ways and incorporated other items.

Source: thenester.com via Monica on Pinterest
This is fun and whimsical. I love the use of paint to frame out the layout

Source: parlourhomeblog.com via Monica on Pinterest
So, do tell… do you have a gallery wall? do you want one?
I'm planning to add another gallery over our piano, so stay tuned for some DIY tips and a step-by-step post coming soon!

P.S. Don't forget that you can still enter to win a Blosoom Band! Check out yesterday's post for all the details! The winner will be announced Friday morning!

It's officially spring! Although, it has been feeling like summer with the weather we're having in Bucks County lately! I'm loving it! We thought we'd take a few posts to get you all ready for the season. We're talking spring cleaning (gag), Spring decor, Spring mantles (mine is so NOT springy yet), Spring landscaping, and more ("more" means whatever we feel like on a given day!) So, whip out your flip-flops, pull on some cute crop jeans, and let's get moving with Spring Things! (and I by no means am trying to suggest that you only wear flip-flops and jeans… a shirt is highly recommended too!)

Spring Thing # 1: Outdoor Plans

As most of you know, we finished building our house 16 months ago. As with lots of BIG projects, when you're finally finished you're kind of ready to be done spending money for a while. So, we decided to wait until the fall to do landscaping. I'm not really sure what happened to that plan, I think it had something to do with the craziness of a certain show that rhymes with"Late Smirkus"… but the landscaping didn't get done. Now it's spring and we're ready to attack the front of the house with all things green and planty. (I'll talk more about landscaping for a serial plant killer next week)
Before the hubs breaks ground, I wanted to tackle the porch. Here's the sad looking state of my porch… (and no, my grass isn't that green yet, it's an old pic)

I have plans to add some fun furniture, but first there's a BIG question at hand…

Forgive my terrible sample pics, but I wanted to try and get an idea of how different colors would look. I think a pop of color on the door will look awesome and make me happy every time I come home! Here are some awesome inspiration pics that got me motivated to start with the door!

Source: centsationalgirl.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest

I'm loving this color blue, but I'm not sure it would work with our sand/grey/blech siding. (FYI We couldn't pick our siding because we bought a partially started home from the bank and finished it. Siding was already on. Boo!))

Source: maisonsblanches.tumblr.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest

Source: google.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest

Source: number-2-pencil.blogspot.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
So, what do you think? I need some input on this one. I asked my hubs and he sarcastically said,"How about we paint, the door, then all the shutters, Oh, and add some chevron!" Grrr… I gave him the stink eye for sure! Since he's NO HELP, I'm leaning on all of you. Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.
Thanks for your help! I'm excited to get working on the door and the porch furniture this weekend. Here's a sneak peek at some bistro sets that are in the running. (I scoured craigslist and thrift stores for one I could DIY and people are just insane with their pricing. Most were more expensive than what I could buy new and they were hideous!) Now, don't be swayed by the yellow, these just happened to catch my eye!

Source: target.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest

Source: target.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
Thanks for your help! I can't wait to share my NEW porch with you!

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We're having a blast with the Fall Lovers Series and hope you are too! If you missed day 1 or 2, click here and here, because you wouldn't want to miss out on the Anti-Wreath or Fancy Mantle posts.

I love fall foods. Perhaps I just like the fact that summer is coming to an end, routines are back, and fall foods are comfort foods in my book. We got home Saturday from a week at the beach and since it officially marks the end of summer for us, I made a roasted chicken, mashed potatoes (my favorite food), corn, stuffing, biscuits, gravy… it was so yummy!
I have many foods that are a Mangin family fall tradition, but one is kind of famous… my apple pie. It has to be baked for the Eagles' opening game every year. We actually make an apple pie like once a week all fall! Monica’s"Famous" Apple Pie So, my pie is nothing special. Actually, it's right out of a Betty Crocker cookbook we got as a wedding present, but it's a never fail recipe for sure. Anyone can handle this recipe… even the hubs makes a mean pie now!

(Sorry about the old TO jersey… we're too cheap to buy new jerseys all the time!)

An insider pie maker tip… Get yourself one of these bad boys from the Pampered Chef. I love it! Cores and slices the apples so easily. I've used generic ones before… blah! This cuts like butter! Check out our sidebar for Jane's info if you want to get one. She'll hook you up!

Here's the secret recipe…

Here's where the fun begins… the crust! Now, if you want crazy fancy pie, well check out some of these links Adorable and Impressive!

Source: thestoryofkat.blogspot.com via Sandy on Pinterest Almost too pretty to eat! (But trust me, it wouldn't stop me! )

Source: instructables.com via Jane on Pinterest Ok… get ready to be amazed and wowed and awed… My Pathetic Excuse for a Decorative Crust… Haha! I totally had just gotten in the door from running (ugh!) and I had company coming in like 10 minutes. I always do an EAGLES crust for the first game, so I started on the crust totally forgetting I was planning to blog about it, so this is real life people…

I ran out of room for the S so we were cheering for the EAGLE not EAGLES! One fun thing I usually do, when I want to make a fancy crust, is to use a marker lid. You can make holes of all sizes and it looks really cute to do a pattern of some sort. For this pie I did nothing cute nor creative!

You just pop that crust on top and voila… No, I'm not showing you a finished picture for two reasons… 1. It looked atrocious 2. We ate it before I remembered to take pictures

Ok, so save myself from this rather humbling post, I'll share some awesome recipes and ideas I've found. S'mores Party How fun would this be with a group of your gal pals on a cool, fall night? Jess and I added this to our To-Do list already.

Source: sidebysideblog.blogspot.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
Sunflower Dip- Caramel Apple Downright adorable!

Source: fakeitfrugal.blogspot.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
Fancy Caramel Apples This would be awesome as the centerpiece on your table and then you just eat them for dessert. My kids would definitely want to help me make these!

Source: countryliving.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
Pumpkin Pie White Hot Chocolate The hubs loves pumpkin. Can't wait to try this!

Source: closetcooking.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
Sliced Garlic Potatoes I made these a few nights ago and they were fabulous! I had mine with sour cream! Yum!

Source: foodgawker.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest

Well, after showing the world my ugly crust, I think I'll go eat a piece of humble pie…

My family travelled a lot growing up, and still, to this day, we all get together one week out of the year, and vacation with each other in a new, unexplored (to us) location. I was also fortunate enough to live in Greece for three months during college. My friends and I (and my future hubby, unbeknownst to both of us), toured Greece, Italy, France and Spain with abandon, and I loved every second of it.
Why am I telling you this? Over the past year, I've been trying to figure out what my design"style" really is. Instead of randomly acquiring or making things that may or may not fit the rest of my belongings, I want to be purposeful and intentional (there's that word again; ) with the design of my house. I want my home to have a nice flow, (which, if you've ever been to my house, is not the case), and to be comfortable and relaxing, yet beautiful. That's not too much to ask, is it? (Envision me looking exhausted). I find that thinking about the places I've been that have really impacted me and that I fell in love with, help me discern what styles I want to incorporate in my home. Each place has a certain feel that I would love to capture at home. This is the first post of three parts about my top 3 favorite destinations and what design elements I have gathered and want to incorporate in my home. Destination #1: Greece

Zacynthos, Greece (We affectionately call this place"Paradise Beach")
Ahhhh…memories. This country holds a special place in my heart as it was the place I met and got to know my hubs (no, he is not Greek. He was on the same trip I was), and it was the first place that I really had to be completely independent. There are two main design elements from Greece that I want to include in my house: simplicity and history.

Source: perivolassuites.gr via Jessica on Pinterest
This room is SO simple. Nothing competing with each other, no knickknacks. Just two beautiful blue bottles, a plant and a purple blanket. Makes me want to take a nap.

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Jessica on Pinterest
White on white on white. {Sigh} I told you I was in a white phase, and this depicts that perfectly. Even though it's devoid of color, it's still an interesting room with those totally cool stool/table thingies that add loads of texture, and the khaki/white rug. I understand it's absolutely not practical in any way with two little ones running around, but I so admire how peaceful and simple this room is.

Source: 79ideas.org via Jessica on Pinterest
Again, nothing dramatic in this room, but somehow this room is perfect. That table looks like it has seen its fair share of dinner parties. I love the old furniture paired with the fancy chandelier, and beamed ceiling. I can totally envision eating a late dinner here with friends.

Source: flickr.com via Jessica on Pinterest
If this doesn't inspire you to bring the outside in, then I
don't know what will.

Source: trekearth.com via Jessica on Pinterest
This is gorgeous, old and falling apart. It gives me hope that someone might find the peeling paint on my porch banisters gorgeous.

Source: indiehome.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
There is a very simple color scheme in Greece- white and blue, with a little pink thrown in there from the wild, climbing flowers. And still, it's so interesting and pretty.

Wow. That light fixture is fabulous. This room is breathtaking. Enough said.

Have you been anywhere that has inspired you to decorate differently? Please share!

You guys have been so good to us lately! You've dealt with all the blog switcheroo craziness and we thought we should thank you for it! Well, technically Canvas People are the ones doing the generous giving, but we're sharing the love with you! They run this deal from time to time, and this time around we get to share it with you!

Canvas People are offering a Free 8x10 to every EC2 reader! (or if you're more the large print type you can get $40 off of your order)

To get your free canvas, click HERE One of my very first blog posts ever was about a canvas gallery I ordered through Canvas People. Remember this?

So the question now is What to Print?? Pictures or a Printable? Don't worry, we've rounded up an awesome collection of free, legit prints that you can use on your canvas. How's that for exciting?
. To download them, follow them using the links provided to their source sites, save the image to your computer and upload it to Canvas People using the link above.
This would look great in a master bedroom or bath.Download the I love us printable.

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via East Coast Creative on Pinterest The school year is almost over, make one of these on canvas for one of your kiddo's teachers Download the Teacher Appreciation printable 16x20

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via East Coast Creative on Pinterest
We love the colors in this one!Download the Room in Our Hearts printable

Source: simpleasthatblog.com via East Coast Creative on Pinterest

Love isn't just for the month of February! Download the fairytale printable

Source: simpleasthatblog.com via East Coast Creative on Pinterest
Jess has an obsession with coral, so this would be perfect. Comes in tons of colors!Download the What I Love printable

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via East Coast Creative on Pinterest
And my personal favorite is one I made from a quote I saw. Download Straight Gangsta printable

You know by now that our favorite online paper store is Moo & Puppy. I made this monogram printable to put on a canvas, but I was thinking of making one for each of my kids' teachers. All you need to do is 1-visit moo and puppy2- choose your paper pack- you get like 8 papers for $3.00 (what a deal!) 3- Use picmonkey.com to add a background shape and letter4. Use this link to get your free canvas!

Ooh, and we just found a few more adorable printables (comes in lots of colors!) from Paper Coterie that are perfect for Mother's Day, and every other day for that matter! Download Love printables

We hope you have a great weekend and have fun choosing what to print! Aren't FREE things awesome? We sure think so! Enjoy!

Source: adventuresofabettycrockerwannabe.blogspot.com via Missy on Pinterest
Wow, it's November 1st. Crazy, right? We're entering the season of giving thanks, and I think it's only appropriate to start it off right! Admittedly, Monica and I have been running around like chickens with their heads cut off (that is a terrible visual), but we have SO much to be thankful for, so I'm making it my goal to not let November go by without displaying gratitude. Yup, I'm adding it to my list of things I want to be intentional about! (Read more about that here, here and here.)
Maybe I'll consider adding a little Thanksgiving decor to my home:

Source: dearlillieblog.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest

Or make a sweet treat with my kids

Source: heatherannmelzer.typepad.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Or start a new tradition.

Source: beautyandbedlam.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
Have each family member write what they're thankful for on a piece of paper and wrap it in a crescent roll. Open them at dinner and guess who said which thing.

Source: rebeccacooper.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest
Cut out leaves from scrapbook paper and write words of gratitude on them. Punch holes in them and hang them on twine and display.

But whatever I decide to do, I'm going to do it whole-heartedly and with a spirit of gratitude. Want to join me?

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We totally forgot to announce the winner of the Dine & Design tickets courtesy of Denise
from The Painted Home!

The winner is:

Congratulations Stacey! We can't wait to meet you. Send us an email to claim your prize! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What do you do to give thanks? Please share!

We've dedicated an entire week to expressing our adoration for the Fall season. Click here to see Day one of our Fall Lovers Series- the Anti-Wreath.

My favorite place to accessorize is my mantle (or is it mantel? Everywhere I look people spell it differently! For the record, I'm going with mantle today). I'm not kidding when I say I tweak it almost daily. So, while, for now, I am happy with my fall mantle, it probably won't stay this way for long. Ha!

See those bronze-colored vases on the right? I got those bad boys on clearance for $2.50 and $1.50 respectively, at Michaels. I wish you could have seen my happy dance when I heard what the final marked-down price was.

I battle my incessant need for symmetry every time I style my mantle, but I think I finally came up with something that is somewhat symmetrical but not exactly the same on either side of the mirror.
I threw some fall-looking foliage that I've literally had for 5 years, at least, in the round vase and added a few dried gourds to complete the right side. I toyed around with a whole bunch of things (I need to remember to take a picture of all the stuff I dragged into the living room to play around with- it's like a decor bomb went off. Wouldn't that be cool, though? A decor bomb…hmmm.) Where the heck was I? Oh yes, the mantle.

I think my favorite part of the mantle is this little stack of old books and a the simple orange pumpkin (also from Michael's years ago). I love the pop of orange against my blue/gray walls.

The old lantern was my grandmother's and has seen it's fair share of rooms in my home. I love that thing. Overall, I think I'm happy with the mantle. For now.
Here are a few other fabulous mantle pics to inspire you:

Source: bhg.com via Jessica on Pinterest
You had to know that I would include an all-white mantle, didn't you? Don't you love the bits of autumn color in there? Beautiful!

Source: athoughtfulplaceblog.com via Jessica on Pinterest
I thought twice about including this picture, since Monica declared her disgust with wreaths of all kind. But I like this leafy one. Deal with it, Mo.

Source: marthastewart.com via Jessica on Pinterest
You certainly can't go wrong with pumpkins.

Source: thenester.com via Jessica on Pinterest
I love these two non-traditional Fall mantles. The Nester used a few big gourds that matched her color scheme, and while not over-the-top fall-ish, it still hints at the autumn feeling. And this one:

Source: homestoriesatoz.com via Jessica on Pinterest  …is absolutely gorgeous. I'm going to remember this one for next year's mantle. show it to my husband so he can remind me of it since I have the worst memory known to man
But wait…what if you don't have a mantle?.Never fear! Just pick a shelf, table, countertop (whatever!) and decorate away! I used this shelf in my kitchen to add another touch of Fall into my home.

I {heart} this so much. I used leftover frames from our Nate Show makeover, and added the letters F-A-L-L which I printed on heavy cardstock in different fonts. I actually already had the metal lowercase L (my hubs and I couldn't resist the $2 grab bag at Michael's last Black Friday and ended up with whole bunch of random metal letters), and used scrapbook paper to make the last L. I threw in a couple burnt orange items and voila! Pretty fall kitchen shelf.

So, now you have no excuses. Go ahead and Fall-ify your mantle!

*Bonus Challenge: Count how many times I wrote mantle in this post. That should keep you busy while you're bored at work. You're welcome.
Linking up to: Home Stories of A to Z

If you're anything like me at all (lazy super efficient), then you'll be thrilled with these tips on how to make your DIY experiences hassle-free. Let's get right to it, shall we? (Be sure to click on the link below each picture for more information on exactly what to do.)
1. Save those old, stiff paintbrushes you thought were goners. Just soak those bad boys in hot vinegar for 30 minutes and they'll be as good as new.

Source: thisoldhouse.com via Jessica on Pinterest

2. Make those free paint stir sticks work. Use them to help recall your household paint colors. Dip the stick into your paint and write the name of the paint color and it's number on the other end. Tie together with some ribbon or twine and voila! This trick was totally made for me and my impulsive, forgetful self.

Source: marthastewart.com via Jessica on Pinterest

3. Make yourself a fun holiday wreath on the cheap. Instead of buying an expensive foam wreath from a craft store, get a 6 foot long piece of foam tubing from Home Depot or Lowe's. Cut the length you want, and duct tape the ends together. For approximately $.97, you've got yourself a naked wreath, ready to be all dolled up!

Source: thepennyparlor.com via Jessica on Pinterest

4. Use paint thinner to transfer a black & white picture or text onto almost anything . Monica and I just used this method for one of our joint projects (which you'll soon hear about. I know you're already on the edge of your seats with anticipation), and it made us squeal with excitement. Hi, we're Monica and Jess and we get really excited about crafting. Anyway, simply print your text or picture with a laser printer backwards, and lay it on your fabric or wood, or whatever you're working on. Rub paint thinner over the whole thing with a cue tip.There you have it! So much easier than making a stencil and then tracing it. (Please read the whole tutorial before attempting this! Just click here for all the details.)

Source: mademoisellechaos.blogspot.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest

5. Channel your inner Martha and create ah-mazing flower arrangements. Seriously, she isn't a millionaire for nothing. This simple trick makes all the difference! Make a grid using clear cellophane tape across the opening of your bowl. Cut your stems short, and place one or two blooms in each opening of the grid. Apparently, this helps support the heavier blooms so they don't automatically fall to the outside of the bowl. Add your greens (ie: baby's breath, ferns etc) in last.

Source: marthastewart.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
So, there you have it! 5 easy ways to make DIY-ing a whole lot simpler. Go forth and create! ______________________________________________________________________________  And, finally, just to get your juices flowing, this is one of the submissions we've received for the Nate Show Ticket giveaway contest:

Isn't it awesome, and highly-unflattering? Oh well, all in the name of the Nate Berkus Show. There's still time to enter the contest, so hurry up and click here here for all the details.
Do you have any fail-safe DIY tips? Please share!

Source: etsyfix.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

This is a GREAT blog. I actually stumbled upon it as I was searching for great giveaways in blogland to share with you. As soon as I found A Little Etsy Love, I immediately stopped, dropped and rolled. (Ok, I didn't roll, just stopped searching and dropped everything I was doing. Made for a good visual, though, didn't it?) The entire purpose of this blog is to feature amazing Etsy vendors and give away their stuff. Just look at some of the recent products they've given away: 

Source: etsyfix.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: etsyfix.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: etsyfix.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

They have some seriously great giveaways, with a couple of them going on RIGHT NOW. Also, if you have an Etsy shop, email them with the details, and they just might pick you to be featured!

Go enter, and Good Luck!

Ok, Thanksgiving is over and the Christmas season has officially begun in our house. One of my favorite things about the month of December is receiving loads of Christmas cards from our friends and family- some who we see weekly and some who we haven't seen in a year (or years!). There's something so special about getting real mail (vs. email, facebook messages etc.) and it's even better when it includes pictures of beautiful families or gorgeous Christmas cards. But, what do you do with all those cards? I loathe the idea of throwing them out (and no, I am not a hoarder! Not in the least, I just LOVE pictures). In years past, we've put all of our cards in a cheesy little mailbox that my hubs and I made early in our marriage.

Don't judge. We were young, dumb, and had not tapped into our creative sides yet.
This year, I decided to do something different.

I am so happy that I can put these christmas card"books" out in our living room so that people can browse through them when hanging out. I originally saw this idea by Allen Designs here, but all I did was to buy binder clips or rings, and used my hole punch to punch two holes in the cards. Then, just slip the cards on the binder rings and voila! Your cards are ready to display, don't take up a lot of space, and can be kept year after year. Now that I know what I'm doing, I'm going to be sure to write the year on the back of each card so I can keep track. You just can't beat a project that is easy and cheap. I think that's going to be my tagline from now on. Just stop me if you're tired of hearing it. On second thought, there's no stopping me. Simple is my middle name.
Believe it or not, I had a really hard time finding other great Christmas card display ideas, but I was able to scrounge up a few cool ideas that are not cheesy and look elegant!

Source: marthastewart.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Leave it to Martha, to come up with something amazing. I couldn't stop drooling over that card tree.

Source: marthastewart.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Have an old shutter laying around? If not, you might just want to go find one, because this is a.dor.a.ble.

Source: prettyhandygirl.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: tatertotsandjello.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Ooh, and I might just have found another use for my old ladder.
It's your turn: Share your great Christmas card display ideas! Feel free to upload a pic to facebook and tag RHBC so we can see what you do!

Well, Father's Day is only a little over a week away, and if you're like me, you STILL have nothing planned. I never know what to do, or what my hubs really wants, so we rustled up a little DIY Father's Day gift inspiration and decided to share it with you. Here goes:

1. Photo Gifts

Source: father.tipjunkie.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: zitzmanfam.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
These scrabble-inspired frames are adorable. I always know my husband will LOVE pictures of our kids, so this would be a winner. Plus, they're cheap and easy. I'd definitely call that a fab find.

Source: flickr.com via Jessica on Pinterest
This would make a great gift, too. But I can totally envision a whole wall of these of my kids; one for each year of their life and the things that they're into. {Mentally adding that to my to-do list} These can totally be done yourself on a free photo-editing site like Picnik.

2. Clothes

Granted, some guys wouldn't want to receive clothes for Father's Day, but my guy loves being stylish and has gone from punk-rockerish in college (no joke- I have pictures to prove it) to preppy with his own twist. He might balk at this outfit at first, but I think he'd come around pretty darn quick. I mean, c'mon, this is hot handsome and classy. (All from J.Crew)

Source: urbanoutfitters.com via Blythe on Pinterest
These boat shoes would complete the look above and make it perfect. Mmmm.
3. Food

California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza
This would make my husband jump up and down and shout for joy. I could probably capitalize on that goodwill and ask him to clean the toilets, but I would strongly consider it wouldn't. It's Father's Day, after all.

Why not spoil the special dad in your life with these sinful Cinnamon Roll Pancakes? Because, honestly, if you serve these for breakfast, you both win. Enough said.
Now go forth and celebrate those special guys in your life!