I love adding seasonal decor to my home, and I really love doing it on a budget. I especially enjoy using what I have so I have less clutter in my home. Today I'm sharing a few of my clever money saving HACKs for Fall.
One of my favourite HACKs is to replace the artwork in frames that I already have in my home. For Fall, I designed a fun "hello pumpkin" print that you can download for FREE below. I absolutely love the colours!
To download the print for free:click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 8x10 photo.
I also LOVE updating existing decor. For example, I made this simple grapevine wreath for summer. (It's just a grapevine wreath spray painted turquoise and embellished with faux flowers and greenery.)
When I found these adorable pumpkins (for ONLY $2) at my local Dollarama, I knew they'd be perfect for updating this wreath for Fall.
I used the clips to attach them to the wreath, and "voila!". I instantly turned a Summer wreath into a Fall wreath. Clever, right?!?!
Want a closer look at these products... and check out MORE ideas like this? Take a peak at the video below.
What colours do you love for Fall? Do you prefer traditional or untraditional colours (like the ones I used for my print and wreath)?
Sometimes you need a break from the traditional cookie recipes you bake all the time, and this recipe is just what you have been looking for. It's simple to throw together, it makes a bunch, they freeze beautifully, and they are delicious. The texture and buttery flavour of these cookies is EVERYTHING!
To make these cookies, you'll need:
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup oil
1 cup softened butter (not melted)
1 egg
1 tsp real vanilla
3 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cream of tartar
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup sweetened, shredded coconut
1 cup Rice Krispies
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2) Beat together: white sugar, brown sugar, oil, butter, egg, and vanilla together.
3) In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, baking soda, cream of tartar, oats, coconut and Rice Krispies.
4) Mix the two bowls of ingredients together.
5) Roll into ball, and flatten with a fork.
6) Bake until lightly brown in colour (approximately 10 minutes).
For a closer look at how I make these cookies, check out the short YouTube video here.
Seriously... sooooo yummy!
These cookies are fantastic for school lunches, and I love mine with a cup of coffee or tea. If you give them a try, let me know what you think.
Today was the first day of school for my youngest two boys. My oldest started university yesterday. As always, I served a special breakfast and took a few photos. 😀
I wasn't sure I was going to get my university student to pose for a photo, but my sweet boy reluctantly let me take a quick picture before he embarked on his new adventure. He's actually holding a picture of him on his graduation day holding a picture from his first day of grade primary. Cute, right?!?!?
In keeping with tradition, my other two boys took pictures holding pictures from the first day of school last year.
Here's my "baby" who is going into grade 9.
And here's my middle son who is heading to grade 11.
We had our traditional breakfast, and we'll have a special treat when they get home. I can't wait to hear about their day! 💗
How did you celebrate the first day of school? I hope you all have a fantastic year!
With many kids (including my own) starting university in the Fall, I thought I'd put together a collection of fun ideas for dorm rooms. I've listed all my favourites, and I've included links in case you want to make a purchase.
Note: I'm an Amazon affilate, so if you buy something using one of my links, I'll receive a small percentage (at NO extra cost to you).
1) Mattress topper & fun sheets - Dorm beds do not always have the most comfortable mattresses... and with all those classes and late night study sessions, students need a good night's sleep. An inexpensive mattress topper and some cute sheets will make a dorm room comfy and cozy.
Click on the picture to purchase.
2) Fan - Dorms can be super-hot, so a slim fan is a "must have".
Click on the picture to purchase.
3) Shower shoes and shower caddy- Shared bathrooms call for shower shoes and organized shower supplies. I love this one from Amazon that has a special place for a phone. (AND it comes in a lot of great colours.)
Click on the picture to purchase.
4) Command strips and hooks- Command strips and hoods are fantastic for damage free hanging. They hold strongly and remove cleanly.
Click on the picture to purchase.
5) Laptop and printer - Every student needs the right equipment, and computers and printers are a must. I LOVE my wireless epson printer (below). The printer works great, AND the ink lasts a lot longer than all the other printers I have owned (which has saved me a lot of money). I highly recommend it!!!
Click on the picture to purchase.
6) Microwave / fridge (if not included) - Meal plans are great, but being prepared to make a few things in a dorm room is wonderful too.
Click on the picture to purchase.
7) Multi-purpose cart - In tight spaces, organization is extra important, and this multi-purpose cart is inexpensive, useful, and super-cute.
Click on the picture to purchase.
8) Portable speaker - I have this speaker, and I LOVE it! It's waterproof, inexpensive, and (despite it's small size) it sounds great. I think this is great for a dorm room.
Click on the picture to purchase.
9) Snacks - I don't think this needs any explanation. Dorm room snacks are VERY important. lol
Click on the picture to purchase.
10) Thoughtful gifts from home - Getting fun mail from home can really help a homesick student, and I have adorable and inexpensive items in my shop that can be mailed directly to a loved one. Check out my "BEE thoughtful" collection, choose a fun gift, select a handmade tag, and I'll mail it for you. Easy peasy!
Click on the picture to purchase.
What would you add to this list? Feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments below.
Back to school is a special time for kids and adults. It marks a new beginning, and a time to get organized. To make the milestone special, I have some fantastic back to school crafts and DIYsto share today.
1) Desk storage - Use a dollar store container or a can from the recycling bin to make store for office and school supplies. Find the full instructions here.
2) Pencil toppers - All you need are pipe cleaners, googly eyes and pom poms to make these adorable pencil toppers. Check out the instructions here.
And the pencils look adorable in the DIY storage container.
3) Personalized binder - Kids can personalize binders with stickers or pictures. Check out how easy it is to do here.
4) Custom Journal - Everyone needs a place to keep track of homework or jot down "to do" lists. I love the idea of using a personalized journal. It's easy (and inexpensive) to make using the instructions here.
5) Personalized pencil case - Dollar store pencil cases can easily be personalized with decals and stickers. Check out how I made mine here.
Seriously... how cute are these supplies?????
6) DIY (and budget-friendly) photo props - Everyone takes photos on the first day of school, and I have some great ideas for special pictures here.
For a closer look at all my back to school crafts and DIYs, check out the video below...
I hope you like these ideas. Let me know your favourite in the comments. 😀
Summer is the perfect time to craft with kids, and these crafts are simple AND fun! The video (below) is easy to follow, the templates are free, and the supplies are easy to find.
Here are the crafts:
And here are the instructions:
Let me know which one is your favourite! I think the Cheerio worm is mine... but they are all fantastic. :-)
Every year on my boys' birthdays, I write them a letter. The intent is to keep a written record of their childhood and their growth from year to year. A love the tradition of creating annual "snapshots" of my boys. Today, my middle son turns 16, and here is his birthday letter.
To my sweet boy,
I can't believe you are turning 16, and you're going to be driving a car. It's amazing to me that my adorable, curly-haired toddler is growing into a young man. Although I wish time would slow down a bit, I'm so proud of the awesome human you are becoming. Here are a few reasons you are the best 16 year old in the world.
You got your first job this year, and you are loving it... especially getting a paycheque. :-)
You continue to love being active and love playing anything with a ball or a puck... but hockey is still your favourite.
You are stubborn and love to argue with me, but you are one of the most empathetic people I know. Your heart is huge!
You love pasta, pancakes, cereal, and gummy bears.
You are 6' 3", and you love to tell me how short I am. (Brat!)
You are smart and kind, and I couldn't be more proud to be your mom. I love you to the moon and back!
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