Monday, November 25, 2013

Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids!

So the kids are off from school for Thanksgiving break.....  You need an action plan and FAST to keep them busy.  I have three little ones that will be at my tail if I don't have something prepared.  Check out these simple crafts to keep them going all week long.
Make your own Thanksgiving menus
The folks over at paper & glitter are offering this super cute printable Thanksgiving kit.  It comes with enough printable activities to decorate a kids Thanksgiving table.  As well as printable menus that you can personalize and your kids can decorate! And it's FREE!
Kids Thanksgiving placemats
My sister's suitcase has an adorable printable place mat.  This would be perfect on your kids table with a little box of new crayons for each guest.
DIY Kids Thanksgiving beaded napkin rings
This is one of my favs! So doing this tomorrow.  Gather some "fallish" colored beads & wire.  Your kids can string them up to hold your Thanksgiving table napkins.  Buggy and Buddy have this tutorial, as well as some other easy fun fall crafts!
Kids Pinecone Crafts
Super simple, not a lot of materials, but your kiddos can make entire turkey family!
a pumpkin & a princess gave life to these two pinecone turkeys.  If you don't have feathers on hand...substitute with some fall leaves!
Kids mini Teepee crafts
Make and Takes has this cool paper teepee decoration.  I could see my kids getting way into this and wanting to create a whole village.  This is super simple and only requires an adult for the final step, which is hot gluing.
Tumbprint Turkeys
This last one is so simple, but I love the idea! Fingerprint turkeys!!! Throw out a few washable stamp pads and let them create 'thumb" artwork. You could do this and have a contest on who can create the fluffiest looking turkey. Cards by CG had this cute little project.  
Whatever project inspires you, make sure everything is kid friendly and non-toxic....because in my case two will be doing the craft and one will be trying to eat everything on the craft table!
Love and Tulips,
Nicole from Alpharetta

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Thanksgiving Table 101


Thanksgiving is in a week! 
If the food stinks make sure at least your 
table looks good!

Here are some stellar ideas for sprucing up the dining room.

gold pumpkin centerpieces
This mixes two top trends: Burlap & Gold.  All you need is a can of gold spray paint.
This modern design from a pumpkin and a princess.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

I'm Dying for Denim

I was digging through my closet yesterday morning desperately trying to find an appropriate outfit for a day of...wait for it.... fishing with my husband??!!  Seriously, what to wear?  
Well, I ended up fishing out (hee-hee) a denim shirt from the far recesses of my closet.  I was most impressed that it didn't need to be ironed, as well as the fact that it seemed to be a workable option for the day, so I went for it!  
Now, I feel like this is a great option going into fall and to my delight there are tons of options out there from weekend denim to totally cute chambray options for work.  
Check out some of my favorites.
Daydrifter Denim Tee by Anthropology.  Get it here.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Have Oily Skin...Need Help!

I'm not one of those girls that can throw on a trendy necklace and transfer to a clutch  for a day to night look.  Here is my issue, I have oily skin.  I usually need a complete overhaul in the make-up department before being presentable for those Happy Hour cocktails.  Well, I recently re-discovered a long lost favorite of mine from about 10 years ago.  Oil Blotting pads!  Where did they go and why are we not talking about them any more?  I am leading the charge to bring them back!
Use Oil Blotting Papers to prolong the life of your make up
My favorite is from Shiseido and they are amazing.  Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Papers are available almost anywhere Shiseido is sold.  They cost $18.50 and are little life savers for girls like me.  
They come packaged in a small blue holder and are the perfect size for your whole face.  The trick is to use them throughout the day.  I love this brand because they do not leave that weird looking white powder finish that some of the others do.  Another great plus for those of us that like to stay on the more natural side of beauty is that they are free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
I feel like they hold my make-up in place all day so I only need a quick touch up before going out after work.  And, all that oil is not sitting on my face all day which probably leads to blemishes and clogged pores.
Don't you love it when you find a long lost love!

Love and Tulips,

Amanda from Irvine