We’ve talked dresses and skirts plus sandals and flip flops. What else is on your summer to do list? Why shorts, of course! There is nothing like the satisfaction of taking scissors to an old pair of jeans. But why stop there? We like them in denim, sequins, silk and lace, in stripes, florals, dots, leopard, tie-dye, aztec and everything in between. Simply because they’re the essence of summer.

25 DIY Shorts for Summer

1. Daisy denim shorts – This Fashion is Mine | 2. Lace trim shorts – PS I Made This  | 3. DIY cuffed jean shorts – Henry Happened | 4. DIY sequin shorts – A Pair & A Spare | 5. Indian summer – Look What I Made | 6. DIY lace shorts – Project 22 | 7. No sew scalloped shorts – Here’s Looking at Me Kid| 8. Bleached shorts – Oh So Pretty | 9. DIY super easy flowy shorts – Much More Than The Birds | 10. DIY shorts – Short of Something | 11. Old jeans to ombre pants – Dastrict 5 | 12. How to make shorts – Maycie After Five | 13. DIY scarf shorts – Syl and Sam | 14. Shorts – The Work is Getting to Me | 15. Sleep shorts – Pretty Prudent | 16. Lace trimmed shorts – Simplicity | 17. American flag shorts – Ascot Friday | 18. Fringe shorts – A Beautiful Mess | 19. Tie dye denim shorts – The Signature Bow | 20. Leopard print shorts – Cameo Blog | 21. DIY printed Victorian shorts – Trash to Couture | 22. Update cutoffs – Free People | 23. Tie dye shorts – College Fashion | 24. Leopard print shorts – Mr. Kate | 25. Lace shorts DIY – Sincerely, Kinsey

The post 25 DIY Shorts for Summer appeared first on Henry Happened.

This post brought to you by Coastal.com. All opinions are 100% mine.

I finally bought a dress! I’ve decided that moms can, and should, wear dresses on a more regular basis. It was such a treat. It feels like forever since I’ve worn a dress, and honestly, I instantly felt glam.

And yes, curvy girls can do stripes. The empire waist and diagonal pattern work for my shape (I hope!). Full disclosure, I added some control biker shorts to keep the faux baby tummy contained. Add wedge heels, simple hoops and a stack of kid-friendly bangles and you’ve got an easy summer mom uniform.

And I got new glasses! When Coastal.com asked if I wanted to try out a new pair of Designer Eyeglasses, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. My previous pair was about 3,000 years old – all kinds of twisted, scratched and ugly. I wear contacts most of the time so getting new glasses always seemed like too much of a hassle.

But ordering glasses online was amazingly easy. The hard part was picking a style. I loved all of the vintage-inspired Derek Cardigan eyeglasses. The whole line feels very old Hollywood glam. You can upload a photo of yourself to virtually try on different styles and right now most are 30% off.

I chose a pair in a tortoise shell color because I wanted a classic look for everyday wear. Then I had Mark measure the distance between my pupils (hilarious eye gazing ensued) and entered in my prescription. It’s amazing how much more I enjoy shopping when it’s delivered right to my front door.

Now I want to wear my glasses – and dresses – all the time! If you are a dress-a-phobic like me, here are 6 mom-friendly dresses that show off your shape.

Dresses: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

The post WHAT I WORE :: New glasses! And flattering dresses for moms appeared first on Henry Happened.

The hubby and I have a deal. I make the kids’ lunches every day, and he fixes my breakfast. So when I roll out of bed there’s a yummy smoothie waiting. Which is perfect since he dashes out of the house insanely early, usually before the chaos of getting 3 the kids dressed and ready begins. Left to myself, I end up scarfing down the kids’ leftovers, a terrible habit any time of day. Instead I’m getting tons of vitamins (especially vitamins A and K for those dark circles) and antioxidants.

I’m totally late to the chia seed show, but better late than never. I love that they don’t have to be ground up like flax seeds – that was a major roadblock. Who has time to grind seeds? And these guys have tons of fiber to keep you feeling full. And don’t get me started on the chocolate and coconut milk. The result is so much more creamy (and decadent tasting) than a typical fruit shake

Chocolate Coconut Chia Smoothie

1. Berry smoothie – Here Comes the Sun. This berry smoothie is a great way to bring fruit into the diet of those who don’t like them, or even to replace a meal.

2. Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie – Oh My Veggies. The best remedy for your chocolate and peanut butter cravings, mixed into a healthy and nutritious cup.

3. Blueberry spinach smoothie – Alaska from Scratch. An easy way to convince anyone to eat spinach: with the delicious taste of fruit covering it!

4. Pineapple smoothie – Set the Table. Great for kids and adults alike, this smoothie is made with pineapple, mango and almond milk.

5. PB blueberry banana smoothies – PDX Food Love.  Filled with energy, this smoothie is a great way to replace a whole meal. Plus it’s ready in about 30 seconds.

6. Raspberry smoothie – Call Me Fudge. Raspberries, strawberries and bananas can be quickly turned into a smoothie, with the aid of milk and honey.

7. Breakfast banana date smoothie – Happiness Made From Scratch. Smoothies are a great breakfast replacement – and you can even eat them on the go! This one has all the ingredients to make you want one every morning.

8. Stoplight mango green smoothie – Minimalist Baker. A three color smoothie is so exciting for kids! Make it by pouring layers of delicious smoothie on top of each other.

9. Mango banana breakfast smoothies – Offbeat & Inspired. This smoothie comes in tropical flavor, perfect for summertime. And it’s a good way to practice clean eating!

10. Fantasy melted chocolate ice cream – Oatmeal With a Fork. All the delicious taste of melting ice-cream, with none of the guilt! This healthy version is made with almond butter and cocoa powder.

11. Morning protein smoothie with Brazil nuts – The Vedge. Vegan and filling, this is the perfect smoothie for breakfast or when you need an energy boost.

12. Apple cherry smoothie – Amazing Paleo. Not only does this have an amazing color, but it also tastes like cherry candy! Except there’s no sugar inside, other than from the fruit.

The post RECIPE :: Chocolate Chia Smoothie + 12 more fast, healthy smoothies appeared first on Henry Happened.

Since you guys loved Sam’s cement letters, here is another fun project if you were brave – and strong – enough to pick up a 60-pound bag of cement. They don’t seem to sell this stuff in small, easy to manage sizes (at least not that I found). So don’t be afraid to ask for help at the hardware store! Because I’m pretty sure me struggling to heft this crazy heavy bag into my trunk was comical to say the least.

Back to the candles! Are you hosting a 4th of July party? These DIY votive holders are the perfect table decoration. Not only are they a festive shape, but they also give off a nice glow and do double duty a table weight. Awesome, right?! Yes, I’m here to help, folks.

DIY Cement Star Votives

Supplies needed:

• Quick dry cement
• Glass star bowl found at The Dollar Store
• Candle votives
• Parchment paper or Saran Wrap
• Cooking spray

First, coat the inside of the glass star bowl with cooking spray. Then line it with parchment paper or Saran Wrap. I tried both and they worked about the same.

Mix up a small amount of cement according to the directions. I’d recommend raiding the recycling bin for a disposable plastic container to mix in. Fill the glass bowl with cement, making sure to get into the points of the star. This stuff starts to set pretty fast so don’t wait too long to insert the votive in the middle. Move the votive around a bit to create a space big enough for it to be removed.

Smooth out the top of the cement with a trowel or spatula. Then cover the top of the cement with Saran Wrap or parchment. It makes a nice rippled texture that looks more polished than just a plain surface.

Let the cement dry and then remove it from the bowl and tear away the paper. Don’t try to get the cement out by pulling on the paper. Turn the dish on its side and pull from the votive area. Just make sure the cement is fully dry so that it doesn’t crumble.

Now I’m thinking I have to host a BBQ just to show off my new decorations. How are you celebrating the 4th of July?

The post DIY HOME :: Cement Star Votives appeared first on Henry Happened.

Guess what Mark got for Father’s Day? Yep, a hammock! This one was on sale and I couldn’t resist. But I’ll admit it might have been a wee bit selfish. Because I am more than a little excited to collapse into it. Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a hammock in the living room (see first pic)? Ours might end up somewhere a bit more out of sight though – I want it to feel like an escape.

Because moms definitely don’t get enough alone time – someone always needs to be fed or changed or driven somewhere. We can’t even go to the bathroom by ourselves! While I love my kids and being with them, I find myself craving time away from everyone. Where no one is crying to be held or yelling that someone stole a toy. Just quiet. The idea of swinging in the shade, staring up at the clouds and trees, relaxes me. Add a book (I just got this one in my PopSugar box) and a chocolate chip cookie and I may never get out.

How do you make time for yourself?

1. Cakies| 2. Joyful Abode | 3. Going Home to Roost| 4. Wave Avenue| 5. Design Sponge| 6. Country Woman Magazine| 7. Design Tripper| 8. Trust Your Blood | 9. 2 Friends & 2 Cities

Quaker® Chocolate Chip Cookies allow me to be indulgent while still providing the power of Quaker® oats to fuel me for whatever the rest of the day might hold.

Share how celebrate your me-time and go to Everyday Health for more fun stories.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Quaker®. The opinions and text are all mine.

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 Hat | Shirt | Bermudas | Bag | Sandals

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I have an awesome gift for Dad that you can make super last minute. Since you guys love bracelets (who doesn’t?) why not make some for Dad? After seeing these J. Crew rope bracelets for guys I couldn’t resist a trip to the hardware store. Apparently it has become my mission to add more bling for guys, first with gold leaf cufflinks and now bracelets. And once we started making them, we couldn’t stop!  The hardware elements make them more macho and wearable I think. Would your guy wear bracelets? I hope so because I have 3 easy styles you can make for Father’s Day!

DIY Rope Bracelets for Dad

Supplies needed:

• Rope in fun colors
• A selection of small s-biners or hooks
• Compression sleeves in 3/8-inch or 1/4-inch – you can find these in the plumbing area
• Thin wire or embroidery thread
• Lighter
• Scissors
• E-6000 glue

J. Crew Brass Bracelets

Thread the compression sleeve onto the rope. The 3/8-inch size fits one layer of rope and the 1/4-inch size will hold 3 wraps. Measure the rope length on your guy, giving it enough room to slip on and off. Cut the rope and burn the ends together. Apply E-6000 glue to the burned area and then move the compression sleeves to cover it. Let dry overnight.

Here’s a slightly different version that uses a 1/4-inch compression nut, which fits two rope loops.

Carabiner bracelet

Measure your guy’s wrist, then double it and add about an inch. Cut the rope and make a loop knot on one side of the S-biner or hook. Wrap the cord around and bend the ends over the other side of the S-biner. Check the fit and cut excess rope, leaving about an inch to bend over the S-biner. Burn the ends of the rope and then wrap with wire or thread.

Infinity knot bracelet

Make an infinity knot – or whatever other type of knot you like – in the center of your piece of rope. Tie the ends of the rope to each side of the bracelet to make it adjustable. Try it on your guy if possible to check the fit and trim excess length. Then burn the ends of the rope.

Let me know how Dad likes their bracelets! Happy Father’s Day.

The post DIY JEWELRY :: 3 Last Minute Rope Bracelets for Dad appeared first on Henry Happened.

Bourbon is such a classic guy drink. And it happens to be Mark’s favorite (notice that the bourbon bottle is almost empty). He is always thrilled with a gift that stocks his bourbon collection, and I enjoy picking one with a pretty label because there are about a zillion brands to try. So in honor of Father’s Day we’ll be buying some bourbon and enjoying this tasty, not too sweet summer drink. If you’re not a bourbon nut (I’m not) the ginger and bubbly club soda nicely mellow things out.

The inspiration for this drink came from Rachael Ray’s magazine. Her show drives me a little insane but her magazine is my foodie favorite. Possibly because she always has a plethora of drink recipes. Love that in a gal.

Bourbon Ginger Fizz

makes 1 glass

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 Tbsp black peppercorns
• 2 slices fresh ginger
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 cup club soda

First make a simple syrup with the sugar and 1/2 cup of water. Simmer them together until the sugar dissolves. Take the pan off the heat and add the peppercorns and ginger. Let it cool and then strain. Fill a glass with ice, add 1 tablespoon of the syrup and then the remaining ingredients. Garnish with a slice of lemon.

Cheers to Dad!

The post RECIPE :: Bourbon Ginger Fizz appeared first on Henry Happened.

We talked yesterday about 25 summer sandal ideas, and today we’re gonna get those pretty soles ready to show off. Have you experienced the dreaded “flip flop feet” ugliness? Yeah, not pretty. Last summer after wearing flip flops at the beach for a week I got a crack in one of my heels and it was awful. My poor feet definitely needed some TLC after the wear and tear of salt and sand. You’ve got to take care of your feet!

Here’s my Friday night at-home ritual for keeping things soft and pretty. Bonus – the better you take care of your feet the longer you can go between pedicures. That said if you can make time to relax in the pedicure chair every week, more power to you!

3 Steps to Softer Feet

1. Soak

First, you need to prep those toes. The best way to soften calluses is to soak them in warm water. Add something acidic – like lemon or orange juice – to help do the job. I like to sit on the edge of the tub – or heck, take a long bath – to soften things up. The bowl is pretty but I know it will inevitably end up all over my floor. And if you plan to repaint your toes, then take off all of the old polish before you soak.

2. Scrub

Once your feet are good and soft, go to town on them with a simple salt or sugar scrub. This doesn’t have to be (and probably shouldn’t be) fancy schmancy. Sugar with a little oil will do a nice job of removing dead skin and cleaning things up. And your best investment of the year will be a pumice stone. Work on the hard calluses and heels with this guy. Even better, keep it in the shower and do a little scrubbing every time you’re in there.

I’m not a fan of callus remover creams or those scraper tools because I’ve found that as soon as you use them the calluses come back thicker and harder than ever. Plus you risk getting a little over zealous and causing injury. And since the goal is less time on maintenance it’s better to just stay away from those.

3. Moisturize

Did you guess this was coming? Coconut oil! Slather those feet with this awesome moisturizer or whatever thick cream you have on hand. You can wear socks for a while to let it soak in. Some folks sleep with their socks on but this feels icky to me. I prefer to let my toes have a chance to air out. Then if you want to paint your toes, go for it. This I leave to the pros though because I’m woefully uncoordinated. And I find that I can get by with a pedicure about once a month if I keep the maintenance up.

And that’s it! Do this regularly – at least once a week – and you will have pretty feet all summer long. Now go rock some sexy sandals!

The post DIY BEAUTY :: 3 Steps to Pretty Feet All Summer appeared first on Henry Happened.

Is everyone ready for months of showing off your toes? Wearing cute sandals with a bright red pedicure is one of my favorite things about summer. With flip flops being so darn cheap (and generally kind of plain) they are just asking for a little embellishment. And that means – you guessed it – tons of DIY projects! From glitter and bows to studs and rope, everything can potentially embellish last year’s shoes into something new and trendy:

25 Chic DIY summer Sandals

1. Reinvented PVC Sandals – Dear Reina | 2. DIY flip flops – By Wilma | 3. Beaded flip flops DIY – Trinkets in Bloom | 4. Flip flop refashion – Make it & Love it | 5. Jeweled sandals DIY – Papery & Cakery | 6. DIY bow sandal – Swell Mayde | 7. Glitter sandals – Glitter & Glue | 8. DIY raffia pompoms – Henry Happened | 9. Making flip flops – Dream a Little Bigger | 10. DIY flip flops – In Stitches | 11.  Extraordinary flip flops – Sweet Charli| 12. Leather fringe sandals DIY – SK | 13. Flip flop refashion – Make it & Love it | 14. Give your flops a new look – Morena’s Corner | 15. Make your own summer sandals – Annekata | 16. Arrow sandals – The Etsy Blog | 17. Key West flip flops – The Mother Huddle| 18. Macrame braided slippers with rhinestones – Minted Strawberry | 19. DIY summer sandals -Kelly Hicks | 20. Restyled flip flops – A Well Traveled Woman | 21. DIY Shoe – A Little Tipsy | 22. 20 minute flip flop project – Tatertots & Jello | 23. Tribal wrap sandals – I Spy DIY | 24. DIY Alexander Wang inspired gladiator sandals – Gillty Pleasure  | 25. DIY flip flop makeover – Wholly Kao

The post 25 chic DIY summer sandals + flip flops appeared first on Henry Happened.