Friday Favorites – Week 362 – DIY Succulent Gift Idea

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Friday Favorites – Week 354 – Taco Lover Gift Idea

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Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:

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Maisy at Becoming AliceFB | G+ | Pin

Sheree at Stage PresentsTwitter | FB | Pin | Inst | Inst

Lisa at Condo BluesTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Amy at A Day of Small ThingsPin

Penny at Penny’s PassionTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Kelly at Under a Texas SkyTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

If you are featured this week, be sure and grab a featured button for your blog!

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You can show your love for this week’s favorites by going over and commenting on the posts and by pinning or sharing!

And if you love all of this week’s favorites, please pin, share, and invite your friends to this week’s linky party! Continue reading

Hubby’s 2016 Holiday Gift Guide

hubby-2016-holiday-gift-guide Years ago my hubby and I started creating Christmas lists for each other to shop from.  Even though, we didn’t know exactly what we would get.  We knew that it would be something that we wanted and it cut down largely on having to return or exchange things.  Plus it made for two very happy parents.  Since we started, I have had so many friends to inquire as to what is on my hubby’s list, just so that they can get ideas for their own loves.  Hence, the start of Hubby’s Holiday Gift Guide.  This is year two of his Gift Guide.  So let’s jump right in.

check out hubby’s picks for 2016 (with clickable links)

2016-gift-guide-with-pictures

A. Stance NBA Legend Socks
B. Hex Focus iPhone 7 Case
C. Hum By Verizon
D. The Royale Cuoio by Greats
E. Polaroid Snap
F. Grenade Grips Dumbell/Barbell Grips

Want to see his Holiday Gift Guide from 2015 — click here.  If shopping for your honey can prove to be challenging, rest assured you are not the only one.  Hope that this Gift Guide gives you some assistance.  And, if you manage to purchase something from this list and it’s a win, I would love to hear all about it in the comment section below.  This time of year is particularly busy for hubby at work, so I have to give him a quick shout out for making time to help out our Stage Readers.  He rocks!!

Quick and Easy Steps to Making Your Own Candles

Quick and Easy Steps to Making Your Own Candles

I enjoy DIY projects.  But, I should explain I do not enjoy projects that have too many moving parts or require too much work on my part.  So, if you ever see me share a project or a recipe, you can be sure of two things.  It will be quick and it will be easy. Today’s DIY is no different.  I will confess this isn’t the first time that I have made my own candles.  But, it literally was back in 2008.  And, back then I was making them as gifts, so I rarely enjoyed them myself.

Fast forward to this summer, as I was making my summer bucket list.  I tried to come up with projects that I thought the kids would be excited to be a part of.  Now, I know you are probably thinking kids and hot wax, but I promise I did that part all myself.  So, let’s get started.

Moving Parts aka Things You Need.

Moving Parts

  1. Glassware of Some Type
  2. Microwaveable Soy Wax
  3. Candle Wicks with Metal Base
  4. Plastic Mold Sealer (to secure Metal Base)
  5. Straw or Pencil
  6. Fragrance
  7. About 10-15 minutes

I used Mason Jars, because… well I love Mason Jars.  The Microwaveable Soy Wax was Quick and Easy.  The directions on the packaging shown in the first picture.  Indicates that it will take up to a minute to melt.  It took me about 3 minutes to get it all the melted.  I have a Microwave that I don’t use to cook in so I used that for this project.  I am mentioning this because, of course you probably don’t want tomorrow’s left overs smelling like wax.  But I am sure if you give it a good wipe down right after you would be fine.  Candle Wicks, this is one of those things where you will have choices galore.  This go around I used the Soy Wicks with the tabs.  But, if I was to do it again, I would do the braided wicks, because I like the way that they burn better.  And, I would probably go for the simple white wicks just for a cleaner look.  I used a small piece of the Plastic Mold Sealers to secure the Metal Base of the Wicks.  This is not something you have to do but, I feel better knowing that when I start pouring the wick will stay in place.  My favorite part and the reason I made the candles in the first place is the fragrance.  But, I am going to warn you fragrance is NOT CHEAP.  And, if you want a noticeable scent.  You may want to pour between 3-4 bottles of 1 oz  Liquid Candle Fragrances into the melted wax and stir well, for even distribution.

OK, so that explains all the things you will need EXCEPT for the Pencil or the Straw.  Now the first time I did this, I bought longer wicks, so I simply attached the Metal Base and tied the remaining wick around a pencil centered on top of the jar to keep it centered.  This time the wicks I purchased were shorter was shorter, so hubby “jimmy- rigged” it.  My Mommy would always tell me necessity is the Mother of Invention, and she would be right.   He came up with the idea to puncture a hole in a straw and thread the wick through it and then center it on top of the jar.  I was skeptical, but he was right.. hes good with these things.

Making Candles

So there you have it, go forth…and make some great smelling candles.  Not to mention how impressed all your friends and family will be.  I find that these candles are always a most welcome Hostess Gift.  With the holidays coming up, it’s something to consider.  Slap a Personalized Sticker on here or dress it up with a ribbon or two.  Don’t say I never told you anything (smile).

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!

 

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If you have a single creative bone in your body, then I am sure that you have heard of Cricut®.  The Cricut® machines have been on my wish list for years.  Hubby, finally bought me one last year and there’s nothing like it.  You can go from Mom to the Super Cool Mom just by turning on your machine.  The Cricut Design Space is chock full of all the Inspiration you could possibly need. Now, in addition to that, Cricut® offers an even better Subscription Plan, Cricut® Access .  Do you need ideas for a single project try out the Monthly Plan?  It automatically renews at $9.99 each month, but you can sign up and cancel at anytime.  That screams flexibility to me.   However, if you are always on the hunt for new projects and embellishments the Annual Plan may be more your speed.  It runs you only $7.99 a month, but you make a one time payment of $95.88 and trust me it is worth it.  Cricut® Access boasts of  unlimited access to over 30,000 images, over 1,000 Make It Now™ projects, and 370 fonts.

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Gift Guide: Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her

We are almost through the first month of 2016 and Valentine’s Day is on its way!!  I know that many consider it a STRICTLY COMMERCIAL holiday.  But, let’s be honest.  What holiday isn’t?  I personally love the day and not just because I am married and gravitate towards all things pink.  But, just because it’s a good excuse to love on the important people in your life.  I know we shouldn’t need an reason to do this.  But, with all our lives traveling at the speed of light, we sometimes need a gentle reminder.  Plus as a Mom of little girls, I cherish the idea of their Dad being their first Valentine and I enjoy watching him spoil them just a little.  We all know that I love some retail therapy, so here’s what is on my Radar this year.  I picked out four different gift ideas at four different price points and for different personality types.  I would be happy with any or all, just saying. Check ’em out!!

ARE YOU READY FOR VALENTINE’S DAY?

Gift Guide: Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Her

  1.  Beats Solo2 Wireless – $299.95
  2. Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity Tracker – $99.95
  3. Erin Condren Life Planner – $60.00
  4. Kate Spade Leather Tassel Keychain – $38.00

What’s on Your Radar this Valentine’s Day?  What special treats do you have picked out for the ones you love?

Three… Two…. One… A Friday Series No.9

Three... Two.. One... A Friday Series - Three Blogs Two Faves.. One Freebie

We took a week off for the Fall Home Tour.  But, we are back this week with a lot of great stuff!!

Three Blogs:

Three... Two... One... THREE FAVORITE BLOGS & FAVE BLOG POST - A Friday Series

Photo Credit: 1 2 3

Here’s My Fun Friday Confession:  This week’s blogs aren’t all blogs.  Some are pretty well known websites, that I frequent and enjoy.

  1. Better Homes and Garden
  2. Wedding Chicks
  3. The Nerd’s Wife (follow Photo Credit 3 to check out her Pie in a Jar Recipe*perfect for the holidays)

Two Favorites:

Three... Two... One... TWO FAVORITES - A Friday Series

Photo Credit: 1 2

  1.  Kate Spade Ornaments – Yes, I know that we have not even gotten past Thanksgiving and I am already thinking Christmas.  But…. how cute are these?  I love her ornaments, even if they are a bit pricey.  They are definitely ones that you can pass on to your little ones, if you take care of them.
  2. V-Tech 3-Handset Cordless Phone Answering System with Video Doorbell – I am soo trying to talk hubby into getting this.  We do not have an Open Door Policy.  I hope that doesn’t sound too awful, but, without an invitation or at the very least a call you probably are not going to get us to come to the door.  I love that this Video Doorbell system, gives you the opportunity to see who is at the door without having to risk being seen.  And, that you can communicate with whoever is at the door, from the comfort of your bed.  This one is definitely on my Christmas List.

One Freebie:

Thanksgiving Place Cards

Three... Two... One... A Friday Series - Freebie Friday Thanksgiving Place Cards - stage-presents.com

Click Here to Download Your Sheet of Six Thanksgiving Place Cards – Print – Personalize and Place.

Three... Two... One... A Friday Series - Freebie Friday Thanksgiving Placecards - stage-presents.com

We Made it to Yet Another Weekend!!  Have A Great One.

Three… Two…. One… A Friday Series No.8

Three... Two.. One... A Friday Series - Three Blogs Two Faves.. One Freebie

This Edition of the 3… 2…1…. Friday Series is chock full of Good Stuff!!  In addition to sharing 3 Blogs I loved, I am actually sharing some of my favorite posts.  Check Out Tamera Mowry, our favorite twins take on Where to Spend When Decorating Your Home.  Get A Look at Shades of Blue DIY Wooden Carved Tiered Stand.  And, lastly, feast your eyes on Whimsy Girl’s Amazing Home Tour.

Three Blogs:
Tamera Mowry

Shades of Blue Interiors

Whimsy Girl Designs

Three... Two... One... THREE FAVORITE BLOGS & FAVE BLOG POST - A Friday Series

Photo Source: (L-R)  Left Top  Left Bottom Right

Two Faves:

Asobu Flavour It To Go Tritan Water Bottle

Rocking Cocktail Glasses

Three... Two... One... TWO FAVORITES - A Friday Series

Photo Source: (L-R) Left Right

One Freebie:

Three... Two... One... A Friday Series - Freebie Friday Owl Coloring Sheet - stage-presents.com

Owl Coloring Sheet

Shop with Stage Presents for Father’s Day!!

Vintage Wooden Toy Car - fathers day blog

Let us help you celebrate Dad this year?  Our Stage Presents Etsy Shop has something for everyone.  Check out some of the items in our shop that have been Father’s Day Approved.

Pillows for Dad

Pillows for Dad

Decorate for Dad with Printables

Decorate for Dad with Printables

Posters for Dad

Posters for Dad

“Any man can be a father, but it take’s a someone very special to be a DAD.”