Architecture of a Mom

Easter Decor Ideas and a Little Bird Told Me Link Party

2017-04-05T12:13:00.000-04:00

Howdy! Can you believe that it's almost Easter? I'm a little bit in disbelief - I can't believe that spring is here. I guess with 3 kids in school the year is just flying by for me. If you love to decorate with the seasons, then you will love these Easter Decor ideas - it's full of bunnies and eggs!

Easter Bunny Wreath by Sew Crafty Crochet
Bunny Pinata by Much More Creative
Bunny Mug Cozy by Howling at the Moon
Easter Chalk Art by Two Chicks and a Mom

Please join me and my bloggy friends and link up your best projects! See here for the rules - promise that they are super simple!

These lovely ladies join forces with me once a week to feature you!

An InLinkz Link-up

Easter Dessert Recipes and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

2017-03-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

The past couple of weeks have been completely crazy. I don't know about where you live, but there's a lot of sickness going around. I kind of think it's partly because the weather has been crazy...almost 80 one week and then snowing the next. I cannot believe that it's almost Easter, with all the craziness. But it's time to think about special treats for that very special day, so over the past few weeks I've gathered up some amazing Easter dessert ideas!!

Woman of Many Roles Macadamia Nut Easter Candy Bark
Somewhat Simple Cupcake Poppers
Simply Stacie Mini Easter Cheesecakes
Gluesticks Blog DIY Chocolate Easter Eggs
My Thoughts, Ideas, and Ramblings Bunny Butt Cupcakes
Jenn's Random Scraps Best Ever Carrot Cakes
Dear Chrissy No Bake Peanut Butter Nest Cookies
Mom 2 My Crazy 2 Easter Egg Cookies

And now, I want to feature you! Please join me and my bloggy friends and link up your best projects! See here for the rules - promise that they are super simple!

These lovely ladies join forces with me once a week to feature you!

An InLinkz Link-up

Post settings Labels A Little Bird Told Me Link Party Schedule 3/8/17, 12:01 AM Eastern Standard Time Links Location Search Description Options

Ides of March - A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

2017-03-15T00:01:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends! I'm having a little bit of a crazy week here (I blame Daylight Savings combined with the Ides of March as well as jury duty throwing me off). I don't have any features this week, but I wanted to go ahead and send out the link party. Be sure to check out my cohosts for some amazing features!!!

Please join me and my bloggy friends and link up your best projects! See here for the rules - promise that they are super simple!

These lovely ladies join forces with me once a week to feature you!

An InLinkz Link-up

Post settings Labels A Little Bird Told Me Link Party Schedule 3/8/17, 12:01 AM Eastern Standard Time Links Location Search Description Options

St Patrick's Day Ideas and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

2017-03-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

It's getting close to St. Patrick's Day and that brings out the Irish in everyone. The closest I get to having Blarney in me is a little bit of Scotch Irish (not the same, I know), but my husband is proud of his Irish heritage, and we definitely have 3 little leprechauns who live in my house, full of Irish mischief.

If you're in the mood to celebrate St. Patricks Day, you should check out these Irish ideas - no need to kiss the Blarney Stone to get you in the mood!

Rainbow Play Dough Treat Bags by Natural Beach Living
Rainbow Shamrock Suncatcher by There's Just One Mommy
Shamrock Smoothies by A Fireman's Wife
Doily Shamrocks by A Little Pinch of Perfect

And now, I want to feature you! Please join me and my bloggy friends and link up your best projects! See here for the rules - promise that they are super simple!

These lovely ladies join forces with me once a week to feature you!

An InLinkz Link-up

Amazing Spring Recipes and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

2017-03-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Are you ready to party this week? I've been enjoying the warmer temperatures, and I'm definitely looking forward to spring...and that means I'm looking forward to spring-like food. So this week's features include some recipes that make me think of those warmer temps, even when the weather is acting more like a yoyo than anything.

I'm also going to go ahead and apologize right now for being out of sight for the past couple of weeks. My husband's father has been ill for the past year and he passed 2 weeks ago. We had to suddenly drop everything (my husband was out of the country at the time!) and make our way down to Mississippi where they live. And then, last week, I was on my way back by myself with 3 kids in tow when I would normally be working on my link party features! Anyways, here are the features...I selected these features based on links from the past few weeks.

Ham and Eggs in a Muffin Tin by Simply Stacie
Easiest Cucumber Appetizers by Appetizer Chick
Citrus Pistachio Salad by Lolly Jane
Lemon Sage Shortbread Cookies by All that Jas
Spicy Mango Beef Noodle Bowl by The Perfect Storm

And now, I want to feature you! Please join me and my bloggy friends and link up your best projects! See here for the rules - promise that they are super simple!

These lovely ladies join forces with me once a week to feature you!

An InLinkz Link-up

Pampering Gift Ideas and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

2017-02-08T07:51:00.001-05:00

With winter in its dull humdrum stage when everyone is wondering when spring will be coming, and Valentine's Day around the corner, I thought we could all use some pampering gift ideas to lift us up! These gifts are perfect for a "just because" gift or even a special occasion (like the one coming next week, hint, hint.

I really loved all of these ideas - they range in difficulty from the simple and complex, and should cover a wide range of interests for your loved one!

Embroidered Arm Warmers by Kiku Corner
Baymax Travel Cup Cozy by Raven Would
Homemade Orange Extract by Simply Stacie
Jarred Twix Cookie Mix by the Country Chic Cottage
Orange Clove Bath Fizzies by Bittersweet Walnut Cove
Winter Homemade Scrub by Quirky Inspired

And now, I want to feature you! Please join me and my bloggy friends and link up your best projects! See here for the rules - promise that they are super simple!

These lovely ladies join forces with me once a week to feature you!

An InLinkz Link-up

Quick Fabric Projects and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

2017-02-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

My grandma has always loved to sew. For as long as I can remember, she was always making something - sewing clothes for myself, for her daughters, her grandkids, other people for some spending money...you name it, and my grandma could sew it. She even sewed my mom's wedding dress! I don't claim to be the sewist my grandma is, but I do love to sew and make other things with fabric, and this week I have been really inspired by these fabric project I found in the link party! I'm might just have to try out a few to clear out some my stash!

Retro Bag and Blanket by Sum of their Stories
Fabric Slouchy Hat by The Simply Craft Diaries
Linen Lavender Sachets by Bittersweet Walnut Grove
30 Minute Cowl by Glue Sticks Blog
DIY Upholstered X-Bench by Anik'a DIY Life

And now, I want to feature you! Please join me and my bloggy friends and link up your best projects! See here for the rules - promise that they are super simple!

These lovely ladies join forces with me once a week to feature you!

An InLinkz Link-up

Amazing Vegetarian Dishes and A Little Bird Told Me Little Party

2017-01-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

With the new year, many folks are trying to lose weight or eat more healthy. I know I am! Right now, several of us in my office is having a friendly weight-loss competition. II'm trying to step it up a notch. I'm also trying to convince my family to eat more vegetarian dishes...we're not getting rid of meat entirely, but one meat-fee meal a week is definitely a step in the right direction (and will likely save us some money in the long run. Are you ready to try some new vegetarian recipes?

These vegetarian dishes have inspired me this week! I'm loving sides that can quickly become main dishes like Simply Stacie's Winter Detox Salad or a saute like A Fireman's Wife's Sweet Potatoes, Peppers, and Onions. And main dishes like Olive and Okra's Sweet Potato Burgers and Lentil Tacos from Health, Home and Heart are perfect for dinner.

And now, I want to feature you! Please join me and my bloggy friends and link up your best projects! See here for the rules - promise that they are super simple!

These lovely ladies join forces with me once a week to feature you!

An InLinkz Link-up

Quick Crochet Project for Babies and a Little Bird Told Me Link Party

2017-01-18T06:22:00.000-05:00

Today, I'm only featuring one project...my favorite project. When I was pregnant with the twins, I kept myself from worrying about them by knitting matching hats and sweaters. This little crochet rattle would be perfect to keep a mom focused on a craft rather than worrying about her pregnancy.

It could also make a great gift - thanks for the idea, Howling at the Moon!

And now, I want to feature you! Please join me and my bloggy friends and link up your best projects! See here for the rules - promise that they are super simple!

These lovely ladies join forces with me once a week to feature you!

An InLinkz Link-up

Winter Chowder Recipe Ideas and A Little Bird

2017-01-11T07:23:00.002-05:00

Around here, snow is rare, so this weekend's weather was a big event. Lots of snow and ice in Carolina country!! And since I was sick, all I wanted was some soup. Loads of warm, filling soup. And even better...chowder! This week, I was inspired by these chowder recipes:

Simply Stacie's New England Chowder and Manhattan Clam Chowder
The Perfect Storm's Butternut Chowder
A Fireman's Wife's Broccoli and Cheese and Potato Chowder

And now, I want to feature you! Please join me and my bloggy friends and link up your best projects! See here for the rules - promise that they are super simple!

These lovely ladies join forces with me once a week to feature you!

An InLinkz Link-up

Winter Decor and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party!

2017-01-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

Now that Christmas is over, are you looking for ways to decorate that is still seasonal without being "Christmassy?" Or are you looking for seasonal crafts for your kids to do? I found some sweet projects that are perfect for January - beautiful winter crafts and decor items!

Even though this is a Christmas Joy Wreath - I think that The Perfect Storm's wreath is a perfect transitional piece to winter! Country Chic Cottage's Snowmen Luminaries are also great Christmas into Winter decor. I loved these TP Snowy Owls from Fun Handprint Art - my girls would love to make these handprint crafts! Artsy Momma's Bottle Cap Winter Animals are super cute, too!

If you were featured here on Architecture of a Mom, congrats! Grab a button!

And now, I want to feature you! Please join me and my bloggy friends and link up your best projects! See here for the rules - promise that they are super simple!

These lovely ladies join forces with me once a week to feature you!

An InLinkz Link-up

The Week After Christmas and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

2016-12-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

Hello my friends! If you're stopping by this week to see what I am featuring, I apologize! I'm still in a holiday daze and I'm spending my time enjoying some extended family on this week between Christmas and New Years Day. I hope that you have had a blessed holiday season and I'll be back next week with a nice big round up of the past two weeks' features.But don't let that stop you from clicking around on all the links in the party below as well as last week! Please join me and my bloggy friends and link up your best projects! See here for the rules - promise that they are super simple!

These lovely ladies join forces with me once a week to feature you!

An InLinkz Link-up

Plaster Photo-transfer Ornaments with High Gloss Decorative Edge

2016-12-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

I love personalized gifts and personalized ornaments for our Christmas tree. And even better, if you're looking for a sweet gift for grandparents, why not do a photo ornament? A couple of years ago, I used photo transfer medium to make ceramic photo transfer ornaments. They are so cute, if I do say so myself, but because the photo transfer medium is white, and the photographs were black and white, the ornament was a little old timey and a little washed out. This year, I wanted to make an ornament that had a little "pop" of color - so I came up with photo transfer ornaments with a faux-enamel paint edge and back.

The process is very simple, but there is some dry time to incorporate. Don't worry - you still have time to make one before Christmas!

Click here to read more »

Kids' Christmas Party Ideas and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

2016-12-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

This week brings a flurry of holiday parties at preschools and elementary schools. There are loads of activities to keep the little ones busy (and maybe out of the candy...maybe). It also marks the beginning of Christmas break for many kids. If you are looking for activities for a Christmas party or at home, here are 4 great ideas!

Build Your Own Nativity by Sight and Sound
Paper Cone Santa Claus by Glue Sticks Blog
Clay Pot Reindeer by Views from the VilleChris
Terra Cotta Gingerbread Men from Country Chic Cottage

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And now, I want to feature you! Please join me and my bloggy friends and link up your best projects! See here for the rules - promise that they are super simple!

These lovely ladies join forces with me once a week to feature you!

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Cookies and Bars for your Holiday Cookie Swap - A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

2016-12-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

This week, my girlfriends and I are having our annual Christmas cookie swap, and I can't wait! We make 2 different types of cookies each and then we all have a great variety to take home to our families to enjoy over the holidays. Every year, I look for inspiration - what recipes to make? These recipes definitely inspired me - I can't wait to try them!

Here they are:
Cherry Mash Bars by A Pinch of Joy
Sweet Potato Bars by From Playdates to Parties
Easy Shortcake Cookies by I Heart Vegetables
Chewy Bars by Simply Stacy
Peanut Butter Wafer Cookies by Momma D Jane
Gluten Free Snickerdoodles by Strength and Sunshine

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And now, I want to feature you! Please join me and my bloggy friends and link up your best projects! See here for the rules - promise that they are super simple!

These lovely ladies join forces with me once a week to feature you!

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Nutcracker Sweets Faux Enamel Sign

2016-12-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hi folks! Not only do I have a great way to add a faux enamel sign to your Christmas decor, but my friends and I have come together to do an amazing Silhouette Christmas round up and a giveaway for you!! Say tuned to the end of this post to check it out!

I love the Nutcracker Suite - I have since I was a little girl. And for a while now, my husband and I have been collecting nutcrackers. This year, I decided to have a nutcracker mantel, and I wanted to create a little faux enamel sign to go with it.

You remember how I made an enamel sign out of tile for my kitchen? Well, I had to make a Christmas one, and you won't believe how easy it is to do it!

Click here to read more »

Rosemary and Milk Paint Christmas Vignette

2016-12-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hi folks! I hope that your Christmas season is going well. It's been a little crazy around these parts. No matter how hard I work before the Christmas season starts, I still seem to find myself scurrying around all month long with all my commitments. I guess that's why I'm always attracted to easy and inexpensive ways to decorate for the season! This little Joy vignette is simple - you really can do this in just a few minutes (plus drying time) with things that are lying around your house (and maybe even your recycle bin!). The secret ingredient to making this vignette work? Milk Paint!

Click here to read more »

Kid Friendly Christmas Crafts and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

2016-12-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

If you have kids, you may already be thinking about how to keep them occupied over Christmas vacation. Or maybe you're a teacher that's trying to put together activities for a holiday party. I think that Christmas crafts for kids is perfect - it keeps them occupied and you may even make a beautiful gift for a grandparent (or to keep for next year). I've found a few that I think you will love!

Styrofoam Cup Snowmen by Sight and Sound Reading
Kid's Manger Craft by the Chaos and the Clutter
Snowman Footprint Frame by Consumer Crafts
Pipe Cleaner Snowflake by Sparkling Buds
Salt Dough Christmas Gifts by Practical Mom
Hot Chocolate Snowman by Acadiana's Thrifty Mom
Terra Cotta Santa by Country Chic Cottage
Graham Cracker Nativity by Glue Sticks Blog

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And now, I want to feature you! Please join me and my bloggy friends and link up your best projects! See here for the rules - promise that they are super simple!

These lovely ladies join forces with me once a week to feature you!

An InLinkz Link-up

A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

2016-11-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

Folks, between Thanksgiving, getting ready for Christmas, and business trips, I am wiped out. You may have noticed that I haven't posted much this week...and that's why. I promise to feature posts from last week and this week in my upcoming feature...please forgive me or being too overwhelmed to wrap up something today! Thanks!

And now, I want to feature you! Please join me and my bloggy friends and link up your best projects! See here for the rules - promise that they are super simple!

These lovely ladies join forces with me once a week to feature you!

An InLinkz Link-up

Happy Thanksgiving My Friends

2016-11-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

I don't think I say this enough, but I am thankful for you. If you're reading this blog for the first time or you've been with me for the past four years (hi Mom!), then I am thankful for you. I'm thankful that you let me try new things...

And you're not upset when I fail. You've seen holes in my ceiling, my mess, and my crazy family.

I'm happy that I've been able to share my struggles and blessings with you.

I hope that your day is restful and fun and special.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Christmas Ornament Ideas and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

2016-11-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

Well, with Thanksgiving this week, it's time to start to think about decorating for Christmas. I love making handmade ornaments, whether for our own Christmas tree or as gifts. I'm always on the lookout for new ideas on ways to make adorable new ornaments, and I've found a few ideas to inspire you!

Mess Free Glitter Ornaments from Uno Zwei Tutu
Wood Slice Santa Ornament from Country Chic Cottage
Upcycled Glitter Ornaments from Wesens-Art
Handprint Ornament from Crafts Unleashed

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And now, I want to feature you! Please join me and my bloggy friends and link up your best projects! See here for the rules - promise that they are super simple!

These lovely ladies join forces with me once a week to feature you!

An InLinkz Link-up

Amazing Fairy Tale Retellings

2016-11-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Do you love to read?

I’ve been a bookworm from a young age, but life gets busy, especially with kids and work and home and blog and all the other things that get into our lives. But as suddenly I have 3 school age kids under my roof this year (seriously, how did that happen??) I have realized that I miss books. I miss them so very much. And I’ve found that reading to my kids and showing them how much I love to read is so important. And I’ve realized how much I need books to escape and to recharge my life.

Anyone else feel that way? Please tell me that you love books, too.

I guess my idea of decorating bookshelves reflects my love for books. I style my bookshelves with one rule: fit as many books as possible (as long as I can still find them). No pretty knickknacks. No sorting by color. Don’t even think of making your own blank dust jackets. I may put some pretty things in front or use a heavy art object as a book end, but I must be able to find every precious book. Must. Please tell me you understand that my love of books trumps my love of design. Tell me I’m not the only one. Tell me you're looking for more books to read...and with the popularity of live action fairy tales in the movie theatre, I thought I'd share my favorites right now!

Click here to read more »

Sweet Smelling Recipes for Home & Body and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

2016-11-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

This time of year, it seems difficult to find the time to take care of yourself and your home - am I right? If you're looking for a way to make your home or your self smell delicious, then look no further than these easy recipes for the home and bath! I think any of these can help you relax and maybe make a gift or two!

Citrus Holiday Potpourri by Lolly Jane

Pumpkin Spice Latte Scrub by Views from the Ville

Wild Blueberry Vanilla She Butter Soap by Simple Stacie

Pumpkin Roll Bath Salts by Life n Reflection

If you were featured here on Architecture of a Mom, congrats! Grab a button!

And now, I want to feature you! Please join me and my bloggy friends and link up your best projects! See here for the rules - promise that they are super simple!

These lovely ladies join forces with me once a week to feature you!

An InLinkz Link-up

Tassel Table Runner

2016-11-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

I love buying seasonal decor items on clearance. You would be surprised what you can find. Often, you can find neutral items that could easily be any season. And often, the seasonal items aren't out of season. It's just time for the store to move on to the next season. I took advantage of these clearance items - some faux suede and a neutral table runner to make a tassel runner for Thanksgiving - but really, this runner will likely be a part of my decor for the majority of the year!

A couple of days after Halloween, I hit my Target and hit the decor jackpot. Even though it was still several weeks to Thanksgiving, there was a whole lot of neutral fall craft and decor items. I snagged a couple of spools each of brown and cream faux suede and a table runner for less than $3!

Making an embellished table runner from these supplies is super simple!

Click here to read more »

Architecture of a Mom

Easter Decor Ideas and a Little Bird Told Me Link Party

Easter Dessert Recipes and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

Ides of March - A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

St Patrick's Day Ideas and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

Amazing Spring Recipes and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

Pampering Gift Ideas and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

Quick Fabric Projects and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

Amazing Vegetarian Dishes and A Little Bird Told Me Little Party

Quick Crochet Project for Babies and a Little Bird Told Me Link Party

Winter Chowder Recipe Ideas and A Little Bird

Winter Decor and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party!

Top Posts for 2016

Top 3 recipes:

Top 3 projects:

The Week After Christmas and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

Plaster Photo-transfer Ornaments with High Gloss Decorative Edge

Kids' Christmas Party Ideas and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

Cookies and Bars for your Holiday Cookie Swap - A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

Nutcracker Sweets Faux Enamel Sign

Rosemary and Milk Paint Christmas Vignette

Kid Friendly Christmas Crafts and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

Happy Thanksgiving My Friends

Christmas Ornament Ideas and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

Amazing Fairy Tale Retellings

Sweet Smelling Recipes for Home & Body and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party

Tassel Table Runner