October Blog

During the month of October, I always like to add a little bit of spooky-whimsy to my fall decor. I nestle in Jack-o’-lanterns with my Fall pumpkins, and place black cats and other whimsical decorations around. It’s really easy to transform your Fall decor into spooky and it doesn’t have to break the bank. I remember going to a garage sale and finding an empty wine bottle that was shaped like a black cat. It’s the perfect addition to my Halloween decor.   I love finding ceramic objects like owls or  cats that I can easily spray paint black- instant Halloween decoration. One of my favorite decor ideas that I seem to repeat year after year is taking a frame, painting it black, embellishing it with a little glitter or maybe a fake spider and then framing nostalgic Halloween pictures of my kids in their costumes. I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of looking at them. Adding a personal touch to your decorations adds more than anything you could ever purchase at a store. Think outside the box and don’t be afraid of grabbing a little paint or glitter, you’ll be surprised at what you can craft up.

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SUPPLIES:

Canvas bag

Acrylic paint

Scissors

Ribbon

BOO BAG CRAFT: 

You will need: a canvas bag, acrylic paint, scissors, ribbon

Step 1: Lay your bag out on a flat worksurface.  Using acrylic paint,  decorate your bag.  Paint a ghost, pumpkin, personalize with a name… Anything goes! Just make it fun.

Step 2:  Allow paint to fully dry 

Step 3: Next- cut off the handles of the bag then fold the top of the bag down to make a cuff.  My cuff was right around 4 inches.

Step 4:   Using your scissors, cut slits about 2 inches apart around the folded cuff part of the bag 

Step 5:  Unfold the cuff and then take a piece of ribbon and weave it in and out of the holes

Step 6:  Once the ribbon is all the way through, pull both ends to close the bag and then make a bow

You can watch the full tutorial by clicking the link below. Happy crafting! 

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September is here: Let's Fall prep!

Every year around this time, I like to bust out my pumpkins and set the tone for Fall. Decorating for Fall does not have to feel like an overwhelming task. If you think about it, you have three months to enjoy Fall decor in your house. That’s 25% of the year!  Enter girl math… That’s how I justified all my pumpkins.  But in all seriousness, decorating for Fall is easier than you think. In September, I pull out all of my fall deco- pumpkins, little squirrel figurines, anything that gives off that autumn vibe. Under some of my current home decor, I’ll add a linen or burlap table swag to transition the look.  I’ll also add cozy throw blankets to chairs or the sofa. Once I get everything set  up around my house,  the season of Fall is instantly alive! All of my pumpkins and Fall decor act as a canvas for what’s to come. As Halloween approaches, I’ll add a little bit of spooky whimsy here and there. But my pumpkin canvas always remains and that’s what effortlessly ties it all together.  

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With fall just around the corner, I want to share a craft with you guys that you might remember from last year. This floral pumpkin craft is the perfect addition to your fall decor and can be displayed through Halloween and Thanksgiving. Not only was this so fun (and fairly easy) to make, but it looks stunning as a center piece for your table or even displayed on your front porch. Step by step instructions below & I’ll also link original video.

What you’ll need:

A pumpkin (I picked a real one from a local farm, but you could use a plastic one if you wanted to)

Mod podge

Hot glue gun

Glitter

Dried flowers (again you could use fake ones if you wanted)

A fake crow (not necessary but adds that little extra touch of whimsical detail)

Step 1:

Find your perfect crafting pumpkin

Step 2:

Gather supplies

I like using different types of glitter for a more textured and layered look

Step 3:

Apply mod podge, then glitter

Crafters tip: let dry for a little while & then mod podge over glitter to set into place (this prevents glitter from transferring onto everything in sight)

Step 4:

Add your flowers with a hot glue gun

Get creative here! Anything goes and layering them gives more dimension

Step 5:

Add whatever else you feel your pumpkin needs! I added a fake crow and absolutely love how it turned out. He really added just the right amount of extra I was going for!

Don’t be afraid to make a mess and have fun with this!

Watch Here

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1. This dry erase board is perfect for practicing math or spelling without the mess of pencil shavings everywhere.

   
   

   2. These little doodly-doos are great for teaching kids emotions and expressing them. They’re fun to play with and also educational.

   
   

   3. Straw dispenser as a pencil holder! Some of you might remember the video I made a couple years ago on this. Such a fun and easy way to store pencils at home or in the classroom. Parent tip: makes for a great teacher gift! Don’t be afraid to customize!

   
   

   4. These organizers that I picked up from The Container Store are amazing! I grabbed a couple and stacked them together. Aesthetically pleasing and love how organized my desk is now.

   
   

   5. I don’t know about you, but I love being able to write down my schedule & kid’s events they have coming up. This yearly planner is perfect for organizing and keeping track of all the events that come your way.

6. Last but certainly not least, this tackle box turned sticker organizer is a game changer for all my sticker fans out there! Again, makes for a great teacher gift & customizing will make it feel that much more special.

Everything above & more linked below.

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You guys have amazing taste! From everything to cozy sweatshirts to overalls, doors mats and hosting supplies! Linking all YOUR favorites over the last month below!

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This week's situation….

You guys- I’m going to be on the news… again! I love doing these segments and spending time with this crew. Being able to teach and share my passions with you guys means everything. Tune in to Fox 9 GoodDay on Monday, July 22 at 9:00am CST- I am talking all things garage sailing: tips, tricks and fun finds!

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You guys did some serious NSALE shopping and I am loving your favorites! From sneakers & clothes to travel essentials & perfume and everything in between. I have to admit.. these are also some of my favorite items! You guys have great taste.

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Brady with his grandparents on his most recent birthday outing

When I started having kids, my parents wanted to make sure they had a special relationship with each and every one of them. So we started the birthday tradition! Every year on each of my kid’s birthdays, my parents pick up my kid and bring them to the restaurant of their choice for dinner. Then they go shopping for the perfect birthday surprise.  This is such a fun way for my parents to connect and spend quality one on one time with each of my kids. Dinners have included everything from burgers to hibachi… Sushi to ice cream. And my parents have shopped for everything from Legos to car parts. Every one of my kids is different and I love that my parents have embraced that. Not only do my kids look forward to this special day every year, my parents do too. Such a fun and easy tradition that is sure to make core memories.

My middle kid, Spencer, celebrating his 16th birthday with his grandparents

Brady showing off his birthday suprise

Jordan, now 20, enjoying his birthday dinner at Kona Grill

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Prime day started off strong around here! Not only are all these items on sale.. but between me, my husband, and my kids we use all of these products daily. A vacuum so good, your husband will want to use it! Brady is a musician in the making and loves being able to pop his Airpods in and listen to guitar riffs- anytime, anywhere! You guys know my hot pink glue gun is a staple craft supply along with my Cricut tools. Single serve Keurig- yes, please. My latest addiction going into my dump cup- Gorgie, and I highly recommend. PLUS- you can use code SMALLTOWNME to save more on Gorgie!! Seriously- I am so excited about these items being on sale! I hope you guys are finding great deals on things you love!

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