Jac o' lyn Murphy

An Otter Regatta

2013-06-19T01:00:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Jel Sert for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Our family has loved

Otter Pops for a looong time.

They were a fun treat for me as a kid,

my husband gobbled them down during the HOT summers of his childhood in Arizona and

our local elementary school mascot is Ollie the Otter so they are at every event!

I am helping with a party for a new crop of Otters,

entering elementary school in the fall.

What better introduction than a festive day with Otter Pops!

I decided to put togther an

Otter Regatta...

Really,

there is nothing better on a summer day than an Otter Pop.

Ice cold, bursting with flavor, bright colors and

did you know that each one is a different Pop Star?

For the big boat race event,

each child picked their favorite character/color by researching them on the awesome site,

www.otterpopstars.com.

We met each member of the Otter Pop Band,

watched their music videos and checked out other fun activities.

We used wooden boat sets and decorated with the appropriate colored sail

then cut their images right off the box!

And believe me, with so many interesting characters, it was not easy to pick a favorite!

Full Name: Louie-Bloo Raspberry
Instrument: Upright Bass

Louie is a Jazz poet whose book of verse The Sweet Raspberry of Yesterday and Other Poems has been translated into twelve languages including Beaver and Cockatiel. Originally from New Otterleans, Louie met the Otter PopStars when they were just a band of street musicians playing for clams and rocks outside "Café Le Bloo" - the spot where Louie does his best writing. Their music touched him so deeply that he put down his pen, grabbed his upright bass and immediately joined in the fun. A friend to nature and all it's creatures, Louie can often be found cultivating his window box garden of purple snap dragons and bandaging up the bite marks on his fingers.

Full Name: Sir Isaac Lime
Instrument: Piano

Sir Isaac is a renowned British scientist and visiting professor at the prestigious Otterdam Institute. He became the keyboardist for the Otter PopStars after joining the other otters for an impromptu after-hours jam session at the Whisker A Go-Go. Sir Isaac is a seasoned concert pianist who has been "tickling the ivories" since the age of four. "I believe that music is an expression of the harmonic vibrations of the cosmos," says Sir Isaac, "And those who think otherwise are just silly."

Full Name: Little Orphan Orange
Instrument: Vocals

Lil grew up in an orphanage in the backwaters of Lake Erie. Literally. There she learned the importance of self-reliance and a positive attitude when facing life's hardships. Lil's big break came when her outstanding voice and plucky, street-smart spirit made her the winner of the Otter PopStars' nationwide Talent Search. "I'm just happy to be one of life's little creatures," says Lil, "The chance to share my joy with the world is more than I ever dreamed of." Talk about being Otternally grateful.

Full Name: Poncho Punch
Instrument: Guitar/Vocals

Poncho has been delighting audiences with his guitar-playing and Latin charm since his first guest appearance on the Mexican soap opera, Fruta De Pasíon. He became a world-wide sensation when his debut solo album went platinum virtually overnight. Poncho continued his rise to super-stardom after forming the Otter PopStars, and is now the object of admiration for millions of fans both young and old. Besides his commitments in the music world, Poncho is the spokesman for several charities and is currently developing a line of comfortable sleep-wear.

Full Name: Strawberry Short Kook
Instrument: Drums/Vocals

For her eighth birthday, Kook received a toy drum set from her parents, who were looking for a way to keep her from wrecking the pots and pans and their last nerve. When the neighbors complained about the noise, Kook took her drums to the beach and played on the boardwalk. She was such an amazing drummer that soon everyone in town was asking, "Have you seen that crazy Kook?" "Si," said Poncho Punch, and together they formed the Otter PopStars. Despite her demure appearance, Kook is in peak physical condition, practicing both Tai Chi and non-fat frozen Yoga.

and my personal favorite...

Full Name: Alexander the Grape
Instrument: Triangle

Alexander is the beloved host of the public television programGreat Moments in Otter History. Alexander is an expert at trivia, speaks over nine hundred languages and knows the origin of every figure of speech currently in use. When the Otter PopStars appeared on his show, Alexander was convinced their music was "history in the making" and was overjoyed when he was given the opportunity to join the group as their triangle player.

Who will win the Regatta?

I don't think you could go wrong with any of them!

For more fun,

check out Otter Pops on Facebook and Chat with the Otter Pop Stars

also on Somewhat Simple, Southern Lovely, Whimsy Wednesday

Ice Cream for Breakfast...

2013-06-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who calls sugar cereal

"Vacation Cereal"
because that is the only time her kids get it.

Well, for our 1st Breakfast of the Summer,

I took it one step further...

and of course they were served in a WAFFLE cone!

Reese's Puffs Ice Cream
(Jack's Favorite Cereal)

Lucky Charms Ice Cream
(Carolyn's Favorite,
but does it count as breakfast when you get up at noon?)

and for me...

Bacon

Drizzled Maple Syrup...

Happy Summer!

To make the various flavors,

we used our favorite Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

and stirred in the cereals, then let set for a few hours in the freezer.
For the Bacon Maple Syrup,
we just sprinkled crumbled bacon on the top and drizzled with Syrup.

Our Go-To Vanilla Ice Cream

In a mixer combine:

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1 1/8 cup sugar

3 cups heavy cream

1 1/2 Tablespoons vanilla extract

1/2 scrapped out vanilla bean

Pour mixture into freezer bowl of ice cream maker and mix until thickened,

about 30 minutes

also on Homework, Project Inspired, Homemade Ginger, Frugal Foodie Momma, Pint sized baker, anyonita nibbles, Whimsy Wednesday, Somewhat Simple, Southern Lovely

The Sweet Summer "Un-candy" Bar?!

2013-06-17T04:00:00.000-07:00

I put together a silly little treat table for my daughter's

Girls' Graduation Pool Party

this weekend,

The "Un-Candy" Bar...

Air Heads Lip Gloss and Lip Balms

(because everyone should be an airhead in the summer!)

Skittles Candles...

and tumblers filled with "Punch"...

(Ok, I couldn't resist a little candy!)

have a sweet summer girls!

(and 2 lucky boys)

also on Today's Creative, Project Inspired, Homemade ginger, Homework, Whimsy Wednesday, Somewhat Simple, Southern Lovely

My Graduation Survival Kit...

2013-06-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

I know, I know,

it is only Middle School Graduation,
but for someone who hates change,

it is a big one!

This is how I will try to survive today's festivities

waterproof mascara, eye drops...

and a HUGE box of tissues

with wise words from

Julie Andrews' (who I love)

Commencement Address,
at my alma mater (that I love)

Really,

how did this little girl grow up so fast?

(Carolyn Murphy, first day of Kindergarten)

at least some things never change...

also on Bloom Designs, Tidy Mom, Shabby Nest, Tatertots and Jello, Its Overflowing, Be Different Act Normal, Too Much Time, Sunday Showcase, Monday Funday, Today's Creative, Project Inspired, Homemade ginger, Homework, Whimsy Wednesday

#thankyou...Instagram Party Stationery

2013-06-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

You can't have a fabulous

Instagram Themed Bar Mitzvah

without unique

Thank You Notes...

Tan and Chocolate notecards,

with rainbow ribbon accent to mimic the

Instagram Logo...

and there is no other way to show your gratitude, but with

#thankyou

at the top!

It looks like it is going to be a summer full of writing for the

Bar Mitzvah Boy...

I love the fact that in this modern, electronic world,

the hand written thank you note is surviving!

See the party invitations HERE

and follow me on Instagram HERE :)

also on Whimsy Wednesday, Someday Crafts, Bloom Designs, Tidy Mom, Shabby Nest, Tatertots and Jello, Its Overflowing, Be Different Act Normal, Too Much Time, Sunday Showcase, Monday Funday, Project Inspired, Homemade ginger

75th Birthday Book Bash...

2013-06-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

The PROTAGONIST, Stephanie,

is an avid reader and

her sister had a NOVEL idea about the THEME of her

75th CHAPTER...

Pretty "books" tied with ribbon...

hold all the juicy PLOT details...

There will be so many CHARACTERS at this CLIMATIC event...

much more on this STORY to come!

also on Whimsy Wednesday, Someday Crafts, Tatertots and Jello, Its Overflowing, Be Different Act Normal

Drinking In the last day of Middle School... Mom's Pre-Graduation Coffee

2013-06-10T04:00:00.000-07:00

Over the last 2 years, we have celebrated The First Day of School

with

Mom's Only Back to School Coffees

(Mama Java1 and Mama Java 2)

Most of my friends have graduating 8th Graders,

and I thought it was only fitting to host

Last Day of School/Graduation Coffee Party

to celebrate.

The end of the school year is so hectic,

and I wanted to make this party special for everyone but easy for me.

Thanks to Safeway's convenience and selection and Gevalia's fabulous coffees,

it was a breeze to put together.

(the Gevalia Graduate!)

Graduation Granolas...

and

Commencement Coffee Cakes...

Gevalia Coffee is the perfect compliment for the simple breakfast foods I purchased at Safeway.

Their cast-iron roasting in Sweden, dates back to 1853.

It is rich, never bitter and comes in so many flavors.

(and I have to admit, I am a sucker for the bright, fun packaging).

I can't wait to reminisce and laugh over the last 8 years.

Everyone is bringing some of their favorite school pictures of our little angels.

I am sure we will be amazed at how young they were (and WE were!).

It is hard to believe how quickly time goes.

I will be sending everyone off with a box from the,

Tower of Tissues,

complete with a quote, that is sure to get the tears flowing...

In the past,

I have handed out small packs for any

Tearful Moms at Graduation.

(here and here)

I decided to super-size them this year...

Well, the party is set,

I hope I am ready to have a daughter in High School.

Wish me luck!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

also on Skip to my Lou, Sunday Showcase, Todays Creative, Project Inspired, 2 cup Tuesday, Homework, A to Zebra, Homemade Ginger, Whimsy Wednesday, Southern Lovely, Someday Crafts, Bloom Designs, Tidy Mom, Shabby Nest, Tatertots and Jello, Its Overflowing, Be Different Act Normal, Too Much Time, Frugal Foodie Momma, Sunday Showcase, Monday Funday

Little Squirts' Last Day of School

2013-06-07T04:00:00.000-07:00

The "little squirts" have just finished their

1st year of pre-school...

Jillian will be bringing a little silly fun to wish everyone a great summer...

also on Tidy Mom, Be Different Act Normal, Its Overflowing, Too Much Time, Monday Funday, Sunday Showcase, Skip to my Lou, Project Inspired, Someday Crafts, Bloom Designs

BRUSHING up our Father's Day Gift

2013-06-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

The kids and I have been mulling over ideas on what to get Matt for Father's Day.

We have a lot of silly little gifts for him revolving around the things he loves:

BBQing, cooking, the backyard, etc.

There are a lot of things that he NEEDS too,

stuff that he NEVER buys for himself...

socks, tshirts, boxers...

But those are not really exciting gifts to give.

We started thinking about how we could make it more fun.
(and I was focused on something EASY and One Stop Shopping!)
My son insisted we get him some sort of "gadget",
(translation:something with batteries or that charges)

He loved the old electric toothbrush he used to have,
Hmmmm...
I just saw a huge display of Oral-B® electric toothbrushes at Target.
We could fill a gift basket with all the things he needs, get him a fancy new electric toothbrush and
tie it all together with...

(tag tied with Minty Dental Floss,
of course...)

and I can get it all at TARGET!

Best of all, I can save up to $25 at Target in-stores, on the endcap in the dental section
and online at Target.com

Now I just need to decided between 2 great products

(who knew electric toothbrushes could do so much?)

Oral-B® Professional Deep Sweep™ 1000

Removes up to 100% more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush. Its deep-sweep motion sweeps away plaque, keeping your mouth feeling fresh. Jack will be thrilled that it is electric and has a rechargeable brush designed to give you triple-cleaning action.

Oral-B® Professional™ Care 3D White 1000 (only available at Target)

Helps prevent and reverse gingivitis for a healthier mouth. It is oscillating and cordless to stimulate your gums and help you remove the maximum amount of plaque with less effort. Rechargeable, designed to give you triple-cleaning action. It’s ELECTRIC!

Wraps around each tooth to clean those hard-to-reach spots.

I don't think we could go wrong with either one...

A great gift for a great Dad because Matt,

"We can't SMILE without you"!

also on Tidy Mom, Shabby Nest, Project Inspired

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Design Dazzle Summer Camp...who wants ice cold S'mores?

2013-06-05T14:20:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to be doing a little

"Camp Counseling" over on Design Dazzle today!

Join me HERE

for a my twist on S'mores!

4th of July Invitations...Get ready to TIE one on!

2013-06-05T04:00:00.000-07:00

Do you realize that the 4th of July is less than a month away?

A fun buch will be

"TIE-ing one on" in the Napa Valley.

some will be Blue...

some will be Red...

but...

I will be drinking WHITE :)

You can tie one on too...

invitations on ETSY

also on Whimsy Wednesday, Southern Lovely, Someday Crafts, Wildly Original, Bloom Designs, Tidy Mom, Shabby Nest, Be Different Act Normal, Its Overflowing, Too Much Time, Monday Funday, Sunday Showcase, Skip to my Lou, Project Inspired, Homework, A to Zebra, Homemade Ginger, Tatertots and Jello

My Summer Hostess Gift!

2013-06-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

My friend Stephanie is a beauty product junkie.
She researches and tries it all!

I recently surprised her with a beach bag full of
Spectacular Summer Skin Supplies
to get her ready for the season.

Because she has everything,
I made her Summer Bath Salts,
that couldn't be found anywhere else but the "Murphy Spa"...

packaged in a

Sand Pail because isn't a Beach Bucket Bath more fun?

(so easy just mix 1 part coconut oil to 3 parts Epsom Salts,

"shovel" a few scoops in hot bath water and soak it in and in it!)

and because she lives on the East Coast,

I knew she didn't have Milo Misting Lotion yet...

This amazing product is currently

available on line and at

Costco Stores in Seattle and Los Angeles.

Not only does it smell amazing, it makes it so easy to moisturize because it is a spray mist.

It absorbs almost instantly and gives your skin a gorgeous glow.

I think I have found my Hostess Gift of the Summer!

Now I am off to Soak and Mist,

I have some for myself too!

also on Homework, Whimsy Wednesday, Southern Lovely, Someday Crafts, Wildly Original, Bloom Designs, Tidy Mom, Shabby Nest, Be Different Act Normal, Its Overflowing, Too Much Time, Monday Funday, Sunday Showcase, Skip to my Lou, Todays Creative, Project Inspired, Homemade Ginger

Life is just a bowl of Cherry Sorbet

2013-06-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the hottest day we have had this year.

Luckily for us, it also coincided with a special delivery of

Sunset Ranch Cherries!

And what did we do with our HUGE bowl of cherries?

Take one guess...

Yes, we made amazing

Cherry Sorbet.

So easy, refreshing and
what unbelievable flavor and color...

and a few opted for the

"Murphy-style Cherry Garcia"...
(just throw in a handful of chocolate chips)

Our Cherry Sorbet

(adapted from The Perfect Scoop by David Lebovitz)

2 pounds of pitted, halved cherries

1 cup of water

3/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons of sugar

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

In a medium nonreactive saucepan,

heat the cherries, water, sugar and lemon juice over medium heat,

stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes.

Remove from heat and let stand until room temperature.

Puree the mixture in a blender until smooth.

Chill thoroughly in refrigerator.

Mix in freezer bowl of an Ice Cream Maker

for approximately 20 minutes.

Place in air tight container and keep in freezer until ready to serve.

Thank you Milanis,

your cherries are the best and the family is even better!

also on Skip to my Lou , 2 cup Tuesday, Project Inspired, Homework, Whimsy Wednesday, Southern Lovely, Wildly Original, Bloom Designs, Tidy Mom, Shabby Nest, Be Different Act Normal, Monday Funday, Sunday Showcase, A to Zebra, Homemade Ginger

Happy Camper...Signature Drink of the Summer

2013-05-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

The people that know me best,

are shocked to hear we are going on a family camping trip this summer.

I am not someone who camps often,

but we promised the kids
(Jack really, Carolyn couldn't care less)
and I am determined to make it great.

In honor of our trip next month,

I have created a simple signature drink for the summer...

Hubert's Strawberry Lemonade,

Citron and a sprig of Rosemary...

shaken not stirred in a thermos!

This should make camping a lot more fun,

and lights out a lot easier!

also on Shabby Nest, Tidy Mom, Tatertots and Jello, Be Different Act Normal, Too Much Time, Its Overflowing, Say G'Day, Monday Funday, Under the Table and Dreaming, Marvelous Mondays, Skip to my Lou, 2 cup Tuesday, Project Inspired, Todays Creative, Homework, Whimsy Wednesday, Southern Lovely, Someday Crafts, Bloom Designs, A to Zebra

Dinner Dilemmas turned F'n Easy!

2013-05-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

Last week was jam packed,

almost every night, all or one of us had an evening event.
Different times, different places.
Dinners were going to be a logistical nightmare.

I had to figure out 3 EASY meals.
I was stressed, out of creative ideas and had about 15 minutes to shop.
Thank you Fresh & Easy,
just like you say in your ads...
you made it
F'n Easy:)

I walked into our local store and this sign was the first thing I saw...

Kitchen To Go and The Joy of NOT Cooking!

Dinner Number 1:

Both Matt and I were not going to be home for dinner,

so the kids needed something they could prepare themselves.

I was determined to find something that would leave me NO mess when I returned.

No pots, No pan, No dishes, No cups to wash, hmm...

I loved how everything was displayed by type of cuisine,

with drinks from that region on the top shelf...

The Grilled Chicken Burritos and Mexican Cokes
(I am a sucker for those Cokes, LOVE the bottles)
went from this...

to this!

Dinner Number 2:

School Open House.

We needed a quick dinner with little-to-no prep time.

We all needed to be out the door by 6pm.

Our Stir Fry Supper

went from this...

to a quick saute in a hot pan...

noodles added...

and topped with teriyaki marinated pork chops...

and I could not resist these

Lucky Buddah Beers...

amazing packaging
and I can't wait to do something with the bottles!

Dinner Number 3:
We were all coming home at different times.

I saw the array of Italian Cuisine and I thought a

"Trip to Tuscany" would be fun...

(I realize Sicily and Tuscany are not the same, just bare with my alliteration!)

I got Salads and Flatbreads
that the first person home could toss and bake,
and it wouldn't need to stay hot.

and a San Pelligrino Soda was the perfect pairing...

Who knew a trip to Fresh & Easy would be a
Culinary Trip Around the World...
with no hassle at all!

Until June 16th get $5 off your purchase of $20 or more,
Click HERE for Coupon.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

also on Tatertots and Jello

The Instagram Bar Mitzvah

2013-05-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

I had the best time planning a recent

Instagram Bar Mitzvah.

Fresh, Modern and #SoMuchFun!...

Months ago, Jason's mom and I were brainstorming party ideas.

She wanted to do something with his favorite things.

As we mulled it over and it suddenly dawned on her,

Instagram would be the PERFECT theme.

Most 13 year olds are on Instagram,
and there were so many ways to incorporate it into the party

It started with the simple
Instagram Logo inspired invitation...

Hashtags would be a major focus,

Glittered Primary Colored Hashtags

(playing off the rainbow stripe in the logo)

floated above the Lounge Area...

His favorite things and nicknames were marked with

#s and @s

to name the tables...

the Neon Yellow and Silver Escort Cards matched

the colors of the linens,

and mimicked his favorite pair of soccer shorts!

As I started to work on the

Candy Buffet,
of course Rainbow was all I could think of.

candies...

gum...

scoops...

#candy,

indeed!

Vibrant Yellow Flowers in Rainbow Striped Boxes

decorated the adult tables...

and bright, festive hurricanes...

ran down the middle of the kids' tables...

As the night went on,

the guests took pictures with their phones and posted them to Instagram with a special party hashtag.

Those pictures streamed on the screen above the dance floor,

along with the pictures from the photo booth.

the party lighting was all in primary colors,

and everything glowed perfectly...

#WhataParty!

also on Southern Lovely, Someday Crafts, I gotta create, Bloom Designs, Tidy Mom. Shabby Nest, Tatertots and Jello, Be Different Act Normal, Too Much Time, Its Overflowing, Say G'Day, Monday Funday, Under the Table and Dreaming, Skip to my Lou, Project Inspired, Todays Creative

A GIANT Summer!

2013-05-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

Favors for a little league team's

Memorial Day

Giants Game Watch Party.

We are all ready for the coming months of cheering on our

Boys of Summer.

Go Giants!

and of course they are on ETSY!

also on Whimsy Wednesday, Southern Lovely, Someday Crafts, I gotta create, Bloom Designs, Tidy Mom, Shabby Nest, Tatertots and Jello, Too Much Time, Its Overflowing, Under the Table and Dreaming

Patriotic Pizza Party

2013-05-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

Wishing you a

Memorable Memorial Day...

(a few scenes from our Pizza Party)

Have a barrel of fun!

also on Skip to my Lou, Today's Creative, Two Cup Tuesday, Project Inspired, Homework, Whimsy Wednesday, Southern Lovely, Someday Crafts, I gotta create, Bloom Designs, Tidy Mom, Shabby Nest, Tatertots and Jello, Be Different Act Normal, Its Overflowing, Monday Funday, Under the Table and Dreaming

The ABC Salad...

2013-05-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

My family has nicknamed our favorite salad

the ABC Salad

(Avocado, Butter Lettuce, Chive)...

I was all set to share this amazing recipe
and have it be the focus of my post but...

then along came

The SaladZinger!

I was sent one to try and I am truly amazed at how great it is.
I am not kidding, it will change the way you cook.

The dressing is the thing that really makes this salad,

it is something about the combo of flavors and them melding together.

I gathered the ingredients...

and instead of having to finely dice the shallots and garlic,

I just put them into the bottom grind cup of the Zinger...

you just twist the bottom and it does all the work

I added vinegar, oil, dijon and anchovy paste to the top,

shook it and let it sit for awhile before serving to let the flavors infuse...

pour it on and you are finished...

Clean up is sooo easy since it is all in one and it's dishwasher safe.

They make other products so you can Zing anything...

I can't wait to try the AquaZinger and VodkaZinger (really!)

They are available at Brookstone and on line Here.

This salad was heavily inspired by THIS RECIPE but for our version:

1 large shallot diced (or in the Zinger)

3 cloves smashed garlic (or in the Zinger)

1/2 tsp anchovy paste

1 tsp dijon mustard

5 Tablespoons white wine vinegar

10 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Combine and let infuse at least 15 min

Drizzle over one head of butter lettuce, one sliced avocado and chives

Happy Memorial Day!

also on Tatertots and Jello, Say G'day, 6 Sisters, Monday Funday, Marvelous Mondays, Sunday Showcase. Skip to my Lou, Two Cup Tuesday, Project Inspired, Homework, Whimsy Wednesday, Southern Lovely, I gotta create, Bloom Designs

Whatever Floats your Boat! Sailboat Centerpieces

2013-05-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

Boats for Baby Showers...

Yachts for a Ladies Luncheon...

Simple Sails for a Gorgeous Wedding...

Centerpieces for whatever occasion

Floats your Boat!

available in ETSY

also on Made in a Day, Bloom Designs, Shabby Nest, Tatertots and Jello, Say G'day, 6 Sisters, Be Different Act Normal, Too Much Time, Monday Funday, Marvelous Mondays, Sunday Showcase, Skip to my Lou, Today's Creative, Project Inspired, Homework, Whimsy Wednesday, Southern Lovely, Someday Crafts

Father's Day is a Picnic with World Market!

2013-05-21T07:00:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of World Market. All opinions are 100% mine.

Father's Day is coming up and we usually celebrate with a few other families.

Because the dads love to "man" the grill,

we let them do that and the moms take care of everything else.

As usual,

I hit World Market for our traditional

Dad's Root Beer Display

(see here and here)

and other fun things we could give Matt and help him enjoy his big day.

There was SO much to choose from,

my head was spinning with ideas for Father’s Day Gifts.

Should I go with BBQ & Grilling, Outdoor Furniture & Decor, Home Bar?

Finally, I thought a Picnic was the way to go...

Something for when the kids call him

DAD...

or POPS...

SIR...

or KING...

Cheers to you Matt.

We also got you a little something to enjoy,

while you watch your beloved San Francisco Giants...

Cost Plus World Market is celebrating this year with a Dad's Day Sweepstakes.

Each week for 4 weeks they are giving away a

$1,000 Gift Card for you and one for your Dad!

You can enter and Nominate your Dad here.

Ok, I know I was there for Father's Day and NOT myself but...

so many things caught my eye and a few may have ended up in my cart too.

There is no better place for Summer Inspiration than World Market!

also on Made in a Day, Bloom Designs, Shabby Nest, Tatertots and Jello, 6 Sisters, Too Much Time, Monday Funday, Marvelous Mondays, Sunday Showcase, Skip to my Lou, Two Cup Tuesday, Project Inspired

A Rockin' Father's Day

2013-05-21T04:00:00.000-07:00

"Don't be fooled by the rocks that I've got"...

They are not real rocks,
they are
Father's Day Party Favors

Mini Solar Rock Lights

for all...

Dads Rock or Dad's Rock...

either way it is true!

also on Homework, Whimsy Wednesday, Southern Lovely, Someday Crafts, Made in a Day, Shabby Nest, Tatertots and Jello, 6 Sisters, Be Different Act Normal, Too Much Time, Monday Funday, Skip to my Lou, Project Inspired

Mermaid Party...what a fun TAIL!

2013-05-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

The mermaids are ready to make a SPLASH this weekend...

They will be swimming and celebrating,

then FIN-ally diving into their fruit salad...

Happy "Mer-morial" Day!

Mermaid Tail Toppers available HERE.

also on Skip to my Lou, Todays Creative, Project Inspired, Homework, Whimsy Wednesday, Southern Lovely, Someday Crafts, Made in a Day, Bloom Designs, Shabby Nest, Tatertots and Jello, Say G'day, 6 Sisters, Be Different Act Normal, Too Much Time, Monday Funday, Marvelous Mondays, Sunday Showcase, A to Zebra

Red, White and BEE-lue with Martha Stewart Jewelry

2013-05-17T04:00:00.000-07:00

I definitely consider myself a beginner at jewelry making.

I know how to open a jump ring and attach charms to chains, but that is about it.

Well, look at what this novice did with

Martha Stewart's new jewelry line!

I was honored to sample the amazing new

Martha Stewart Jewelry line
that is sold exclusively at Michael's.

A box filled to the brim with gorgeous products arrived at my door

and

I could not wait to get started making some fun things to wear this summer.

I pulled out the

Red, White and Blue Jewelry Enamels...

a few of Martha's charms...

and got to work.

It is so easy,

you simply mix the enamel with the activator according to the instructions...

and apply with a toothpick...

then just wait a few hours for the enamel to dry...
that is it!

I attached the charm to a jump ring and then onto the chain necklace with toggle clasp.

(all compliments of Martha)

The sky is the limit on what you can create and the color combinations.
Next time you are at Michaels, browse the Martha Jewelry section you will be amazed.

Thank you Martha,
your jewelry line and I are going to have a

BEE-utiful friendship.

Martha Stewart Jewelry is made by Plaid Crafts

follow them on their blog, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter
for tons of inspiration on everything creative!

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Plaid and the Blueprint Social.
This project and love of Martha Stewart Jewelry are 100% my own!

also on Tidy Mom, TT&J, Six Sisters, Its Overflowing, Too Much Time, Be Different Act Normal, Sundae Scoop, Monday Funday, Sunday Showcase, Skip to my Lou, Project Inspired, Southern Lovely, Someday Crafts

Rock Climbing Favors with a Bang!

2013-05-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

These Rock Climbing Party favors do it all...
Snap, Krackle, Pop
and Light Up...

Pop Rocks and Light Up Carabiners for all the guests,

I know they will have a BLAST hanging out!

also on Bloom Designs, Tidy Mom, Shabby Nest, TT&J, Six Sisters, Its Overflowing, Too Much Time, Be Different Act Normal, Sundae Scoop, Monday Funday. Sunday Showcase, Skip to my Lou, Project Inspired