Extreme Domestication

Christmas is here! 2014

2014-11-30T10:44:00.002-08:00

Been busy busy busy decorating this weekend. Found this adorable candy cane sign at Today's Patio. The metal tin is from Designer Blvd. I've been loving my wagon and plan to use it for all holidays. Have a blessed season!

*************Flip Flop Wreath

2014-06-21T15:31:00.003-07:00

I have seen a ton of these flip flop wreaths on Pinterest and they are so cute for summer.

You will need:

18" MDF wreath

piece of ribbon

hot glue

E6000 glue

19 flip flops ($1 store has them)

Bow/ribbon for the front

Newspaper as a drop cloth

First tie a ribbon between two holes (should already be pre-drilled) in the wreath in order to have something to hang the wreath on

Make sure you lay out all your flip flops on the wreath on the newspaper before gluing. I tried to follow a color pattern but it did not work that way so I had to do a nonsensical pattern instead. Glue with a dollop of hot glue and a dollop of E6000. The trick is to glue the heel of the flip flop to the wreath, not the middle or else it does not look right (like I have seen on other wreaths).

Add your bow to the front and you're done

************** July 4th Porch Decor and DIY Firecrackers

2014-06-21T15:20:00.005-07:00

I saw this wagon at Rodworks in Gilbert, AZ and I had to have it! It will be a great addition to every holiday display. I had the chalk board and drew the American flag. I found a few flags, sparkly star sprigs, patriotic flowers, and garland and threw everything in the wagon. Use books to prop decor up higher.

This is my wagon combined with my DIY wood firecrackers from last year. See http://extremedomestication.blogspot.com/2013/06/july-4th-yard-decor.html for those.

I had a bunch of tulle spools that I used that I thought would be perfect for some DIY "firecrackers." All you need is some scrapbook paper, glue stick, a paper cutter, and some feathers, marabou sprig, or sparkly accessories to put in the top.

Happy 4th 2014!

********************Happy Easter 2014

2014-04-07T01:03:00.003-07:00

Despite my busy crazy life in graduate school, as a wife, mommy, and caring for my home, I still think of all the time I wish I had for more crafts and subsequent updates on the blog. I honestly have not decorated since Christmas (hence the lack of anything!) My poor little 7 year old was begging for me to put out some Easter stuff, so here is this year's table display. I hosted a bridal shower and bought some Cherry Blossom fresh cut branches from Costco for $9.99, which made the display more real and not too cute-sy (technical term ya know). They look better up close and would be awesome for a high end wedding centerpiece. My niece said a friend of hers actually hot glued on more little pink flowers, which is a great idea. I didn't have time to do that this time around. Nonetheless, the display turned out cute :)

The whole she-bang. The tricycle is actually a wine rack.

My simple 36 inch wreath uses full tulip bouquets from Michael's and burlap ribbon

Lanterns are always there, I just put some eggs in there.

The little egg tree on the right and frame in the middle are from the $1 store

Happy Easter!

*************Merry Christmas 2013!!

2013-12-16T20:39:00.001-08:00

This year I wanted to do a themed card. I love our pretty family pics, but themed ones are so fun! The kids are obsessed with The Incredibles so we decided to put on some super suits and run around Mesa. Thank you to the man who pretended to text someone when he was actually taking our picture. Hey buddy, you might not want to laugh and stare while you're "texting." Oh and I highly recommend you park right in front of a wedding hall like we did. It gave the wedding guests something to stare at during the cocktail hour. I cannot believe I got my husband to agree to this, but somehow I did. Anyway, the kids had a blast, we had a blast, and I LOVE the way they turn out. Kara May was our talented photographer! Christmas card and letter courtesy of Dean Works on etsy.com.

**************Got leftover Thanksgiving mashed potatoes?

2013-12-01T16:34:00.000-08:00

If your house is like mine, you eat all the left over turkey within a day or two after Thanksgiving and then you are left with all these side dishes that get thrown out. My Grandma used to make this dish called "Super Supper." It is very kid and husband friendly!

You will need:

mashed potatoes 3-4 cups prepared

1 pound cooked ground beef

1 can of corn (or use leftover corn from the feast!)

1 can diced tomatoes (DON'T DRAIN)

1 T sauteed minced onion

1 tsp salt

1 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 cup shredded cheese

Mix together all ingredients except cheese. Put in 13 x 9 inch dish, cover with cheese and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until browned and bubbly. Enjoy!

****************FREE Elf on the Shelf Note

2013-11-30T18:22:00.001-08:00

Here is your free Elf on the Shelf introductory note! I saw one on Pinterest/Etsy but it is $10. This is one I whipped up tonight. Leave this with your elf to start off the season and remind your kids to be good this year :). Right click "open in new tab" to print

Halloween Outdoor Curtains & Halloween Wreath

2013-10-06T17:49:00.001-07:00

I am obsessed with outdoor curtains lately! I wanted some spooky striped Halloween curtains for my front porch. I was shopping for cheap fabric when I had an amazingly cheap idea! These curtains were only $8 to make! I bought 4 black rectangular table clothes and 4 white rectangular clothes. I stitched 2 black and 2 white together using my sewing machine (I am sure you can use glue as well if you do not sew). They look super cute without being super expensive, and since they are plastic, they can hold up against the rain.

Here is the wreath I made to match my black, white, and orange Halloween color theme. I used tulle (2 spools each color) and the largest green wire wreath I could find. It is made by cutting 12 inch strips and tying them on with knots. I also used orange netting and a spider for the bow.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Coloring Pages

2013-10-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

Happy October break! The kids and I are coloring today and I was sick of the coloring pages I found online because we colored the same ones last year. SO I attempted to draw my own! They are by no means a masterpiece, but we had fun with them.

Candy Gift Bouquet

2013-08-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

One of my co-workers had a birthday recently and we all decided to chip in for a gift for her. A candy bouquet is a cute way to give candy and gift cards. I have seen some really creative and cute ones! We chose to use silk flowers and Werther's original candy.

You will need:

Silk flowers (2-3 colors, different types)

coordinating feathers

candy of your choice

skinny wooden dowels (cake decorating isle or by the popsicle sticks)

hot glue gun

extra stems from the silk flowers

vase

vase filler (I used Easter grass)

ribbon

gift cards

wire cutters

1. Fill your vase with the grass. Start adding in silk flowers randomly

2. Take a flower off a stem or use a dowel and trim to the right height for your vase. Glue the gift card to the stem. Stick those in the back

3. Glue your candy in a row on another extra stem or wooden dowel. Stick these in randomly in your vase

4. Glue some feathers to the extra dowel and stick those in randomly. Tie a ribbon around your vase and you're done!

July 4th Yard Decor

2013-06-30T07:18:00.002-07:00

Note to self: do not do this craft outside in July in Arizona. Besides my heat stroke, I had a fun time making this "dynamite" yard decor. Ever notice how outside decorations are so small (besides the big blow up figures)?? The scale of this project is quite large, so it will surely be noticed from people driving by!

You will need:

8 foot fence post from Home Depot (and a husband to cut it)

5 feet of thick rope (Home Depot)

Red, white, blue, brown, and clear spray paint

painter's tape or Cricut to create design

wood glue

a drill with 3" wood bit

3" screws

plywood

raffia or ribbon

1. Cut 8 foot post to 3.5, 2.5, and 2 feet sections. It would help if your husband could temporarily drill the posts upright into the plywood or else you will be holding them and trying to paint at the same time.

2. Figure out the design you want and start taping. I did stripes for one post, Chevron for another, and polka dot for the last. For the stripes, paint the whole thing white, tape with painter's tape, then paint with blue. For the Chevron, I painted the whole thing white. Then I cut out several zig zag strips (came with the cartridge that comes with the Cricut) and taped those to the post, then paint in between with red. For the polka dots, I painted the whole thing blue. Then I cut out a big circle and used the surrounding paper for my polka dot stencil. I free-handed a white border to make the red stand out against the blue.

3. Have your husband drill a 1-2 inch deep hole into the top of the posts. Squirt some wood glue in there and stick in your rope. I heavily frayed the ends of the rope that are hanging down to look like the dynamite is lit.

4. Cut out a 2x2 foot plywood piece for the stand and paint it brown. Use 3 inch screws to screw them into the base from underneath. Tie some raffia or ribbon around them and you are done!

DIY Tall Shower Curtain

2013-03-09T15:40:00.001-08:00

We have all seen tall shower curtains in model homes. I have been wanting to get one up in my guest bathroom, but I wanted it to be removeable, because I do like to change up my house ever so often. I decided to use a curtain rod and clips so that I can easily take down the curtain once I am sick of it, but the rod will remain. Everything was purchased at Ross, except the toggle bolts, which were from True Value.

You will need:

-Curtain panel

-Curtain rod that you can adjust (rod that slides inot a rod with variable widths)

-Drapery clip rings

-Toggle bolts 1/8" x 4"

-Curtain hold bakc if desired

-Drill

1. Pull out half of your curtain rod. The half without the finial will be flush against the wall.

2. These are the toggle bolts that you will use to attach your rod to the ceiling. Do not use the screws that come with the rod. The toggle will go inside the drywall and then flip oepn once inside, securing the rod from falling out or the screws from coming loose.

3. Bend your curved portion that holds the rod so that it looks like a scoop or an umbrella end.

4. Drill in the bolts, put clips on rod, place your rod and secure. Clip on your curtain. I had my husband add a hold back on the wall so that I can swoop it over (I like the look). Plus I added a tassle.

5. Voila!

Spray tan anyone?

2012-12-10T20:38:00.001-08:00

Loving this Elf on the Shelf business these days!! Having so much fun topping the previous day's ideas.

Christmas Decor 2012

2012-12-01T15:42:00.000-08:00

I decorated my house for Christmas Thanksgiving weekend. I added even more ornmanets and sparkly sprigs this year (again). Every year I decide to do a little more. Next year I want to experiment with mesh on the tree. I made an outdoor mesh garland that I will be posting soon.

Added some green swirly sprigs this year to the topper. I love these things. I bought what felt like a million of them and this lady was just staring at me with an odd look on her face as I piled them high in my cart at Hobby Lobby :)

This is the tree I used for my daughter's 5th birthday that had rainbow ornaments on it.

I spray painted some old candle sticks for the mantle. The curly ribbon on them is actually for wrapping paper. Giant ornments are on top. I bought new "elf" stockings from Target this year. So cute! I took a bunch of tulle and tied it to my existing garland

Filled my lanterns with ornmanets after I saw this on Pinterest. I used a bunch of batting in the bottom for "snow" or else I would have had to put in a lot more ornaments. Turned out so cute with the bows.

Christmas Card & Newsletter

2012-11-30T08:48:00.002-08:00

I saw an adorable newsletter on Pinterest this year. It was so unique and to the point with cute little graphics to boot. I attempted to make one myself, but that was a disaster! SO, I contacted my usual gal who does my cards for everything and had her make me one. You can have her make you one by visiting http://www.etsy.com/shop/deanworks?ref=shop_sugg. She had actually never seen a Christmas letter like this, so hopefully she will start selling them in her shop along with her amazing cards.

Happy Christmas, Merry Everything!

Spooky Juice Boxes

2012-10-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

I saw these adorable ghost/mummy juice boxes on Pinterest, but all I had was black duct tape so I figured I would make a bat!

You will need:

duct tape ($1 store has them)

juice boxes

scissors

hot glue

googly eyes.($1 store)

1. Wrap your juice boxes in tape. I never cut my tape until it was all the way wrapped. For the top, make sure you cut out a squarewhere the strawgoes

2. The wings were tricky. I tried many different ways and the best way was to fold a long piece in half, cut in in the shape of the wings, then tape it on the box. Cut out some teeth, then glue on your eyes and straw on the backside.

Here is my finished bat and ghost/mummy. I put these in my daughter's lunch along with a sandwich cut with a ghost cookie cutter. She loved it!

All decorated for Halloween!

2012-10-11T13:55:00.004-07:00

Here is my 2012 Halloween entry table display. The small skull, spooky gauze, spider web filling and ribbow around the lamp shades were all from teh $1 store. The large skull from Target

I used some plastic cups to elevate my skulls

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Yard Display

2012-10-11T13:10:00.002-07:00

All decorated for Halloween! How about you? As I was shopping I realized that Halloween decorations have become so expensive. My daughter wanted some ghosts in the yard, so I wrapped my scarecrows in christmas lights and covered my them with an old white t-shirt and some "spooky gauze," which you can buy at the dollar store. I cut out black eyes with felt.

My finished ghosts. Cheap and easy and after Halloween I can simply "undress" them to create my Thanksgiving/fall display

Free Halloween Printable

2012-09-30T15:02:00.001-07:00

I found this cute printable online. This would look great hanging over a mantle on on a side table. Select the largest size, save to computer, upload to walmart.com or other photo printing service and have it shipped to your home. Or you can print on card stock on an 8.5x11 paper. I bought the frame, mat, and feather boas (2 mini ones tied together) from Hobby Lobby. You can also pull in decor from around your home. I just happen to have a black and white decorated room, so I added 2 canisters from that room. I also removed my candles from my candle holders that are always there and placed some pumpkins on top.

This piece is actually a frame from my B&W room. I made the decoration out of cardstock. Accordian fold some paper to make two discs, then glue down. Cover up the center with another piece of paper and add some sparkly letters. Tie a ribbon on the top finial and you are done.

The other framed pieces are a handprint spider from my daughter and feet ghost from my son. This is a great way to incorporate sentimental pieces.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/77760688@N08/7015923645/sizes/k/in/photostream/

Revive Old Patio Furniture

2012-07-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

This post is nothing new. Many people have painted their patio furniture to give it an update. My husband flips houses and found these chairs in a backyard. The Arizona sun beat them up pretty good. There were some hideous cushions also, but I will spare you the photos of them.

You Will Need:

Spray primer- 2 cans per chair

Spray pain- 2 cans per chair

Make sure you paint in a well ventilated area and wearing a mask would be extra safe. I primed each chair with thick coats, let dry for 15 minutes, and then added my color. I added cushions and decor I already had. Whats funny is the table base was free also from a house my husband had. He built and stained the table top. So this whole seating grouping cost me $20 in spray paint (minus the decor and we already had the wood and cushions)!! I suggest looking on Craigslist for some free/cheap furniture. This time of year is very popular for those listings. Good luck.

Unique, Beautiful Girls Hairstyle Ideas!

2012-07-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

My niece Maddi always has the CUTEST hairstyles. My sister-in-law Tricia is very talented when it comes to little girls hair. She did this cool design on my daughter. She mixed a basket weave with a french braid to keep the bangs back and then french braided and twisted the rest into an updo. She gets her ideas from http://www.princesshairstyles.com/. The styles will take lots of hairspray and practice. I would love to see what you end up with!

Want the softest cookies ever?

2012-07-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

My grandmother used to do this trick all the time when I was little. It really helps when you over-bake cookies, leave them out too long at a party, or simply want super soft cookies. You simply stick a piece of bread in an air-tight container with the cookies and overnight you will have deliciously soft cookies. People would look at me like I am crazy, but it works.

This works because the MOIST bread gives up its water vapor into the air, then the DRY bread gains the water from the moist air.

I think I am going to try this trick for stale cereal and chips!

Host a Rainbow Party!

2012-05-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

My daughter's 5th birthday was March 13th. All of her school drawings consist of our family and rainbows. I spent many evenings collecting ideas on the internet, Pinterest, and going shopping to spark ideas in my head. I found a great quote from Maya Angelou about rainbows that I wanted to incorporate into her party. A poster is a great way to bring in some color and add a unique element. I have a few how-to pictures of the poster and the rest are other shots from the party.

For the poster, you will need:

A poster (Dollar Tree)

Glitter (Orange, Purple, Green)

THICK Rip Rap from Hobby Lobby (Pink, Yellow, Blue)

Modge Podge

Paint brush

Measuring tape

pencil

Cricut and paper to cut your words out -or- you can go to a scrapbook store and pay to use their die-cut machines -or- buy ready to use letters

Hot Glue

Stampin Up Dimensionals or small raised foam double-sided mounting squares (Michael's-scrapbook isle)

1. Measure your columns so that you have 6 (you will draw 5 lines). I messed up and had an extra column.

2. Paint one column at a time with Modge Podge. COVER in glitter. Let dry. Repeat in bald spots.

3. The order I used for my colors was orange glitter, pink rip rap, purple glitter, blue rip rap, green glitter, yellow rip rap

4. After I stuck the letters on for the quote. I hung the poster over my island using ribbon glued on the back side. I tapes tons of streamers to the ceiling for the backdrop along with another rainbow paper garland.

I found this Christmas tree at Hobby Lobby for $6 (down from $70)! A green tree can be used for many holidays and parties. At Christmas, I will use it to go with my candy theme. At St. Patrick's Day, I will decorate it will clovers and rainbows. At Halloween, I can put eyeballs and Frankenstine decor on it. You could also use it for a boy's birthday party for an Alien or Monster theme.

The rainbow ornaments were made by hot-gluing pipe cleaners onto a piece of felt, adding cotton balls, and then cutting around the finished rainbow. They can be used again for St. Patty's Day or a summer party.

The lollipop favors were in the wedding isle at Michael's. I also bought some $1 store bins and put out some dots candy strips. I saw the awesome rainbow fruit tray on pinterest. I covered a cookie sheep in rainbow tissue paper to cut down on buying another platter.

The beautiful cake was made by my sister-in-law. $1 store straws stick out the top. The 5 is a wooden one that I covered with glitter and Elmer's glue.

Hopefully, you can come up with some fun ideas. Rainbow party ideas are endless!

Rainbow Necklace

2012-03-24T09:56:00.007-07:00

I made this necklace for my daughter's birthday outfit. We had a rainbow party and I came across this charm on Etsy. How cute is a piece of rainbow cake!!?? I wanted to make my own necklace, because everywhere you go they want $40 for a child's necklace, which is too expensive in my book. I paid $6.79 for the cake charm and $6.25 for the rainbow gumball beads (also on Etsy. I already had the pearls, wire, and crimping beads, but you can buy inexpensive kits at Walmart or Michael's to get those.

You will need:

Rainbow cake charm www.Etsy.com/shop/jessieraye?ref=ss_profile

Rainbow 12mm "gumball beads" www.Etsy.com/shop/fizzypops?ref=seller_info

Pearls or other beads to alternate in between other beads

tiny silver beads to alternate in between other beads

Needle nose pliers

scissors

beading kit with wire, crimping beads, and clasps ( I like the hook kind or the toggle so my daughter can take it on and off herself. The lobster clasp she can't do on her own)

E6000 glue and a toothpick

1. Figure out the pattern you want. I wrote my colors in order that I want to use them, knowing I will add a silver bead, pearl, and another silver bead between each color

2. Here I layed them out in order to get a view of what it will look like.

3. Cut about 1.5 times the length of the wire you want. I compared my length to a necklace my daughter already had that I liked. Put two crimping beads on the end of the wire, then one of the clasps. Loop the wire around the clasp, then slide the two crimping beads over the folded wire and clamp tightly with your pliers.

4. Here I am reinforcing the crimping beads by painting them with E6000 glue and a toothpick. I don't like to use crimping beads covers because in my experience, folding the crimping bead so it will fit inside the bead cover makes the crimping bead weaker. Also, the glue will help prevent the necklace from breaking and all the beads flying off.

Then, I added several silver beads to begin because this is the part that will be in the back of the neck. It will save you money because you won't be using up all of your expensive beads. I was able to make two necklaces with my gumball beads (I had to buy two cake charms). Make sure you have the same amount of beads on either side of the charm! It might take several trys to get it right to it your desired length.

5. Thread your entire necklace. Don't forget to put the cake in the middle. Add one final crimping bead to the finished end. Leave more wire than you see pictured! I made it too short and it was really hard to get my final clasp on there. I like to put a crimping bead to tightly clamp the threaded beads so they are not loose, then I put my second crimping bead on, then the clasp and then clamp. Then glue again. Let the glue dry for 24 hours, then the necklace is ready to wear!

The Lorax Cupcakes

2012-03-18T22:01:00.003-07:00

I took my daughter to see The Lorax this past week and I couldn't help but notice that the trunk of the Truffula trees looked like those yummy Pirouette cookies that I love! And of course the bulk of the tree resembled cotton candy. This project was not hard at all and so cute and colorful. But what else can you expect from Dr. Suess?

You Will Need:

Cake Mix

Cotton Candy

Pepperidge Farm Pirouette Cookies

Frosting

Neon food coloring

Red M&M's

Green scrapbook paper (not pictured)

Scissors or a Cricut

1. Bake your cupcakes like you normally would

2. Let them cool completely

3. Mix in some food coloring into your frosting

4. Frost the cupcakes

5. Dip one end in the frosting (to secure the cotton candy) and stick the clean end into the center of the cupcake

6. Stick a bog blob of cotton candy onto the top of the Truffula tree. Form the tree by twisting little pieces into spikes

7. Add your "fruits" (M&M's) that fell from the tree at the base

8. Use your Cricut to cut a piece of grass or just use scissors to cut a long strip with one jagged edge. Wrap around the cupcake at the base.

These would be great for a Dr. Suess party or just a fun thing to do with your kids. Word to the wise: the cotton candy will shrivel with air exposure, so if they are for a party, you will have to make them the morning of the party, not the night before.

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."

-Dr. Suess