Sweet and Simple Summer Crafts (for all ages)

These crafts are perfect for all ages. The supplies are easy to find (mostly from the dollar store and the recycling bin), the crafts are simple, and the results are super-cute! If you want an afternoon of crafting at home, these crafts are perfect. They are also wonderful for craft classes and parties.

For the instructions for these adorable (and fun to make) crafts, check out the video I made here.

Fun, right?!?

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Set up your own ROCK LIBRARY / A fun idea for spreading KINDNESS

I recently posted about a fun idea for spreading kindness (which you can read about here). I had so much fun with it, that I decided to try something else. I set up a ROCK LIBRARY and placed it on a trail near my house.

Want to see how I did it? Check out the short video I made below.

Pretty cool, right? If you set up one of your own, let me know. I'd LOVE to see it! You could also use my hashtag... #EastCoastMommyKindnessProject

Thanks for sharing!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

PS (You might also be interested in the fun idea here.)

Birthday Letter to my Middle Son on his 18th Birthday

When my three boys were little, I was too busy to keep up with their baby books, so I started writing them "birthday letters". The idea was to capture "snap shots" of their personalities each year until their 18th birthdays. Today my middle son turns 18, so this will be his last birthday letter. Time really is a thief. 

My Dearest Boy,

This past year was a big one for you as you graduated from high school and played your last year of U18 hockey. You are moving onto new opportunities and adventures, and I couldn't be more proud of you. Here's how I see you as you step into adulthood:

• You have the kindest heart. I have never seen anyone who supports others the way you do. You genuinely rejoice in the success of others (especially your brothers and friends) without an ounce of jealously.
• You love sports... especially golf and hockey. You've decided to go to university part time next year so that you can continue to play hockey at the highest level you can. I know it was a hard decision for you (and you are terrible at making decisions lol), but I'm proud of you for following your heart.
• You have a lot of friends, but your brothers are your best buddies (which makes my heart happy).
• You love frozen lemonade, chocolate chip pancakes, cereal, gummy bears, and chicken broccoli pasta... and you eat A LOT! lol
• You are a quiet leader, smart, kind, stubborn, competitive, and loyal.

As you step into this new chapter of your life, I want you to know that I will allows be your biggest fan and supporter. You may be "legally" an adult, but you will always be my little boy with crazy hair and a twinkle in your eye. I love you to the moon and back!

Love,

Mom xo

Happy 16th Birthday to my "Baby" Boy

When my boys were small, I was too busy to keep up with their baby books, so I started writing them "birthday letters". The idea was to capture "snap shots" of their personalities each year until their 18th birthdays. Time is flying by, but as my youngest son turns 16 -- the tradition continues.

To my "baby" boy,

In my heart you are my "baby", but in my head I know that you are now a "young man". I want you know that I couldn't be more proud of you. 

As a young boy, new situations made you anxious, but you pushed through and continued to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new opportunities. With every year, I have seen you get more independent and confident, and I am looking forward to seeing where the future takes you -- as long as you always remember to come home and spend time with your mother. 😁

Here's how I see you as you step into your 16th year:

• You love all sports, but hockey is definitely your first love. You work hard, and you are looking forward to going to Mooseheads camp next month.
• Your brothers are your best buddies and you enjoy spending time with family... which makes my heart happy.
• You have a quick wit, a goofy sense of humour, and a way of making Dad and I laugh often.
• You started your first job this year, and you love having money to spend on hockey equipment and golf clubs.
• You love memes, crackers, video games, and Crispers.
• You are smart, kind, unpredictable, hardworking, and fun.

I love you to the moon, and back... and even though you are going to be driving soon, you will ALWAYS be my baby.

Love,

Mom xo

☀️Super cute (and classy) SUMMER DIYs… made using dollar store supplies / Dollarama DIYs

I am so excited to share my latest SUMMER DIYs with you today. They are easy and inexpensive to make, and they are sooooo nice! No one will ever guess that they are make with dollar store supplies.

1) Solar Powered Fountain - The base of this solar fountain is made from Dollarama planters. Can you believe it??? You can get an "up close" look and find the "step by step instructions" here.

2) Simple S'more Station - I love a themed tiered tray, and this one is perfect for summer. Take a look at how I made it using Dollarama supplies here.

Pretty cute, right? Make sure you check out the video I made below.

Have a great summer, and don't forget to check back here (or on YouTube) for more easy, inexpensive and fun ideas.

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

8 Fantastic GRADUATION Party DIYs... free 2025 printables included

Little handmade details make a celebration budget-friendly, memorable, and fun. Today I am sharing 8 fantastic graduation party DIYs (and free printables) that are guaranteed to help you plan the BEST graduation party!

Check out the video I made here...

1) Graduation Hat Wreath - This sweet wall hanging is made from a piece of Dollar Store FOAM BOARD! Cute, right? Check out the step by step instructions here.

2) Custom Disposable Glasses - The best part about DIY is that you can customize items to get exactly what you want --- and you save money. See how I made a bunch of disposable graduation glasses for just a few dollars here.

3) Photo Frame Centrepiece - Dollar store frames can easily be put together with hot glue to make this adorable, personalized centrepiece. Get the step-by-step instructions here.

4) Inexpensive Graduation Photo Prop - Dollar store foam board is cheap and great for making giant photo frames. See how easy it was to make this here.

5) Photo Sharing Sign - A simple way to see all the fun photos from Prom and Grad festivities is to add a common hashtag when posting. You can download the sign I designed for free below.

*** To download the sign for free: click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 8x10 photo.

6) Graduation tiered tray - To make this inexpensive dollar store tray, all you need are: dollar store plates, dollar store candle holders, a button, and embroidery thread (to make a tassel). Find the step by step instructions here.

7) Inexpensive (and Simple) Graduation Candy Bar - A candy bar with "punny signs" is super fun for a graduation get together. Get the instructions and FREE tags for 2025 here.

8) Punny Party Favours - It's always fun to have something guests can take with them when they leave. I love a good party favour, don't you? Get the instructions and FREE tags for 2025 here.

I hope you like these ideas... and let me know which one is your favourite.

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

PS (You can find a great way to preserve graduation memories here.)

Kindness Challenge -- instructions and a free printable download 😊 / #EastCoastMommyKindnessProject

There is a lot of negativity in the world, but you can always find kindness if you look for it. Today, I'm sharing a fun way to spread a bit of joy to your friends and your community. Take a look at this short video here for the details, and then, grab the FREE printable below. Fun, right???

*** Make sure to tag #EastCoastMommyKindnessProject so I can see what you did. 😊

To download the tag I designed for FREE: click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.

If you have any trouble, just leave your email address in the comments below, and I'll send you one.

I hope you have as much fun with this as I did.

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

PS... you may also be interested in setting up a ROCK LIBRARY. It's such a fun idea!!!