The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, it feels like Spring and Easter is going to be here in less than 2 weeks!  My kiddos and I decided to do something fun and have a few friends over.  We are sharing with you our Kids Easter Table and Craft today!  Joining me are some fabulous friends!

Thanks so much, to my regular readers, for joining me today and for coming back on a regular basis.  I just love having you and LOVE your sweet comments and ideas!  Welcome to those of you coming from one of my friend’s blogs that have shared today, or maybe you’re just here visiting for the first time. I’m so happy to have you and I hope you come back often!  I’m so grateful that my friend, Annie from ZevyJoy organized and hosted this blog hop for all of us moms to share with you!

I love creating a tablescape.  It’s one of my favorite things to do.  And my kids, now that they’re a little older, have looked at it as something fun to help with now instead of it being a chore, which I’m grateful for.  So I let them really get involved with this idea we discussed.  They wanted to invite a few friends over to play and have lunch and create an Easter tablescape.  Instead of sharing a craft alone today, our “craft” is actually the food that we created.  It was too fun!  I love getting my kids involved in baking, cooking, or entertaining on any level.

We used everything we already had, which included this wrapping paper, that we cut into 6 equal pieces and used as placemats, over a white tablecloth.  Kids make a mess no matter how hard they try and these “placemats” are cute, inexpensive and can be tossed in the garbage afterwards.  Winning!  And you’d think out of all my buying hoarding of cute napkins (as a result of standing in a Home Goods line too long and throwing one of each in my cart, of every holiday and season), that I’d have some cute Easter ones to match.  Nope. But these blush heart ones from Valentine’s work perfectly, I think.

I used clear mix ‘n match dessert pedestal dishes (for carrots and ranch dip), small beaded white plates for finger sandwiches and fruit, mix ‘n match blue and aqua egg plates for rolls and desserts….

…cute pink crown glasses, and then these darling little bunny straws from the Target Dollar Spot (aka the Sucker Spot, as my hubby calls it LOL!).  I buy it all!  These are irresistible though, don’t you think?!

I had just picked up lilies from the supermarket a few days prior, so those were our main centerpiece.

I did go and buy daisies at the store since I had forgotten more toilet paper the day before, but they were only $5 for a bunch.  Daisies just seem so innocent and child-like, don’t they?  And they’re so perfect for a kids Easter table at Spring.  They looked cute here in a couple of milk bottles I had in my “stash”.  (Please don’t think I’m a hoarder haha!  I just love to entertain so I have stocked up on so many things over the years.)

We grabbed some cute bunny fwends and put them along the table…

…and please tell me you saw these cute bunny place card holders in the Target Dollar Spot too!  I may have grabbed every single one they had left just a few when they first came out for an occasion such as this.  So glad I did! (wink)

I made some quick bread dough and had the kids help me roll and twist it out and make these easy, cute bunny rolls.

I just love the little tail on them!  The kids loved those!

We also made these pretzel chicks but mama forgot to get a picture of all of them finished {face palm} but you can see the very first one on the left to get an idea and we got the recipe and instructions from this recipe.  My kids love anything with pretzels and did this all on their own.  They really enjoyed it.  They’re 9 and 11 so it was perfect for their age and skill level an didn’t need my help at all.

The third treat, or “food craft”, we made were these adorable bunny cupcakes.  They baked them without my help, (just my supervision), frosted them, added the ears and face with marshmallows and candies…..

…and gave them a little tail.  We chose to use strawberry boxed cake mix, since that’s what we had in the pantry.  It didn’t occur to me until I “taste-tested” it, as every mom must do, that biting into this bunny and revealing its pink insides might be a little gruesome.  Hmmmmmm…..at least it was strawberry cake mix and not red velvet, right?!  Yes, they noticed and thought it was gross which meant it was hilarious and that conversation went on and on.  Moving on….

Let it be known that I almost didn’t buy this ginormous glittery white bunny last year because I was trying to be good and convince myself that I had plenty of glitter bunnies.  I’m so glad I dismissed that thought.  He’s just so cute and perfectly sparkly in my dining room, especially during our little Kids Easter Lunch.  Our last touch was…

…finding our glittery “Happy Easter” banner from PB Kids last year.

It’s like icing on the cake!  And we were all ready to have our friends over.  Or were we????

Beckham had one last fun idea… Just like we drew hearts with sidewalk chalk at Valentine’s, he wanted to draw Easter Bunny paw prints all up the walkway and up to the front door.  Ummmmm….adorable!  I love that kid!

He’s so clever and I just LOVED that idea so so much!  The kids pulled up and immediately got excited over these paw prints and couldn’t wait to see what we had for them inside.

They all played and had a great time and had plenty of sugar to keep them full of energy for quite a while!

Here are some fun shopping links below of Easter tabletop or party items, for your convenience.
(You can read my full disclosure here.)

I’m so pleased you could join me today!  I would love it if you subscribed at the top of the page in order to receive my weekly emails of all my latest posts and hear about your next month’s calendar and freebies.  You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to see what I’m up to in creating a home and lifestyle of inspiration!

Now, please continue on to see my fabulous friends joining me today to see what they share!  Don’t forget to pin away!

Kid’s Easter Table by Summer Adams

How To Dye Eggs With Food Coloring by TIDBITS | Easter Wreath by Shades of Blue Interiors | Easter Egg Decorating Idea – Mini Floral Bunny Ears by A Burst of Beautiful | DIY Easter Sign – Hello Peeps by My Sweet Savannah

DIY Bunny Napkin Rings by Craftberry Bush | A Kindred Easter with Kindred Vintage & Co. | DIY Metallic Easter Eggs with Maison de Pax | Spring Garden DIY Easter Centerpiece by Elliven Studio

Bunny Ears Bags and Free Printable by Ella Claire | Free Printable Easter Cards by Boxwood Avenue | Simple Modern Easter Tablescape by Cherished Bliss | DIY Vintage ‘Happy Easter’ Eggs by So Much Better With Age

Printable Watercolor Easter Banner by Nina Hendrick Design Co. | DIY Bunny Garden Easter Basket by Zevy Joy | Easter Cake – Paleo Coconut Pineapple Cake with Topper by Nesting With Grace | Moss Wrapped Candle by Design, Dining and Diapers

I hope you’re enjoying your Spring!

xoxo,

The post Kids Easter Table and Craft appeared first on Summer Adams.

I love stationary!  I especially love receiving notes or cards in the mail.  It makes me sad to see hand-written notes become sort of a lost art.  On some Sundays, I’ll sit and write a card to someone that’s been on my mind to say “thank you” or “I’m thinking of you” or “I’m so sorry to hear about….” or “Excited for you…” because everyone loves to know they’re thought of.  After buying a LOT of expensive stationary over the years, I decided I could quickly and easily create those lovely lined envelopes myself that are just like the ones I’d been spending a fortune on.  So today, I thought you’d enjoy this chic DIY lined envelope tutorial as well and figured I’d share the fun.

First, use a pencil (in case you accidentally mark your envelope) to trace around your envelope on to the paper of your choice.  This might be scrapbook paper you already have!  Get out that stash of scraps or paper you never ever use!  Or, you can go to your local craft store and buy a bunch of fun papers you like, for any occasion or season (depending on what you’re making this for).

Second, just measure 1/8″ towards the INSIDE of that paper shape and cut all the way around the sides and bottom and 1/4″ along the sticky edge part of the top flap (see pic above).  You want the paper to be smaller than the envelope.  Insert into envelope and make sure it looks right.  Cut accordingly if more is needed.

Third, turn over and just use a permanent glue tape runner to glue just the top part to the flap.

Do you see how I trimmed more on the top to show the sticky part (or part you’d lick) and less on the rest of the edges?  Turn it back to the right side up and just press the paper onto the inside of the envelope.  Voila!  Easy right?!

It’s so fun to find coordinating papers!  This dot one (found at Hobby Lobby) had these fuzzy dotted papers and I loved the texture it gave.

If you like a less chic look and more of a rustic look….

…maybe you’d like this faux-wood paper?  You could even make a cute card to go inside!

I didn’t take pics of the finished envelopes, but these are the papers I used to make fun little Valentine-themed envelopes and sent real “Valentines” in February to a few loved ones.

You can find all different colors of solid notecards and matching envelopes at your local craft store (I bought a white pack and a blush pack for now) and play around with paper you have at home that needs to be used OR buy some new fun coordinating papers!  I found a TON of papers, like these above, in my stash at home that I thought would go well together!

I even printed out the words “Thank you” in a pretty font using MS Word on to my card (more on this toward the end of the post) and then I just cut around some flowers on the paper and glued it on the card.  Simple but cute right?!  More paper above from my stash.

Then, I decided to take some of that leopard paper and glue it to just the front of a plain notecard and trim it to fit.

I went back and glued the corners better so it felt like one card.

I turned it into a very chic but simple plain notecard!  It can go with anyone of these lined envelopes I made!

You could even grab a fun metallic marker like I did and write your own note inside.  Or any pen or maker will do!

NOTECARD IDEA:  I also took a bunch more of those plain blush notecards, measured the size (all the way open) of the height and width, changed the paper size to custom and adding that measurement.

Then I  just added a png file I made in Photoshop that said “Thank You” (also shown in that pic earlier in the post) to the bottom part/front part of the card, and printed it out and folded it over.  I’m sharing that png file for free with you above!  Just right click and save to your computer!  This “png file” doesn’t have a background (it’s transparent) so you can place it on top of any color paper of print and it won’t print any white.

Pretty cute isn’t it?!  I even cut out a small heart for fun and glued it on top of the card.

And to get a little fancier and add some more fun, I used THIS melted wax seal to close the envelope. Sometimes I add a cute round label or some washi tape, depending on how I’m giving or sending the card,

Isn’t this so fun?!  Now, pin this to Pinterest so that you have it for later (hover over the pic and you’ll see  “PIN IT” appear) and go grab your supplies and get busy!  Have a blast and feel free to leave me a comment below and let me know what you think!

Here are some affiliate links I’m linking below for your shopping convenience! They’re things you’ve seen here in the post as well as some of my favorite things in my office that you don’t see here. (Office reveal coming this week).

I would love it if you subscribed at the top of the page in order to receive my weekly emails of all my latest posts.  You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to see what I’m up to in creating a home and lifestyle of inspiration!

xoxo,

The post Chic DIY Lined Envelope Tutorial appeared first on Summer Adams.

Spring is upon us and I can hardly wait!  As I’ve put away all things Valentines and started freshening up my home for Spring, I knew I wanted a new wreath for the front door.  I searched the internet and went to all the well-known home decor stores and came up with nothing!  Everything I saw was either very fake and cheesy-looking OR decent but way overpriced.  I knew what I wanted so I decided to make my own.  Here’s how to make a faux boxwood and magnolia wreath!

Materials:
(5) stems faux boxwood
(1) faux magnolia flower stem
(1) round branch wreath
Hot glue gun
Wire cutters

I love boxwood but preserved boxwood on my front door would only be exposed to the sun and other elements and turn that ugly olive green and be quickly ruined.  I decided to use faux boxwood stems BUT I had to find pretty ones and not the cheap plastic kind.  I went to Michael’s because I like their stems the most and I love all of their new basic stems they just started carrying.  I think faux eucalyptus would be so lovely as well!

These lovely, lighter boxwood were perfect and they were not at all super plastic-looking.  They were on sale for 40% so that was a bonus.  I was trying to make this wreath for a fraction of what I’d seen in other stores.  I wasn’t interested in the $80 wreaths I kept seeing all day when I was out shopping.

I also LOVE magnolia flowers.  I see magnolia trees everywhere here in Dallas and I have always loved them, so I knew I wanted to add one. But again, I had to find a real-touch magnolia stem that was high-quality and really pretty.

I also found this one at Michael’s and got if for 40% off.

I had a round branch wreath already that I found at a garage sale for 50 cents but you can find them for $5 at any craft store (or less with a coupon).

Cut the stems off with your wire cutter and start sticking them down in between the branches, working your way around the wreath (I went counter-clockwise, or to the right).  Make sure to cut a couple of inches below the last stem so that you can really stick it all the way into the wreath.

Once you’ve gotten all the way around, leave a small empty spot for your magnolia stem.  Cut it short and take off the 2 leaves that are further down the stem.  Use hot glue to attach them to that bottom left corner or wherever you’d like to place it.  Continue around the wreath with your hot glue, AFTER you’ve decided that you like where you’ve placed all the stems, and just add little dobs of glue where the stem is tucked into the wreath.

You don’t need the hot glue for all the faux boxwood if this wreath is going inside but because this is going outside, I wanted to protect it from the elements and make sure it was secure.

I placed my wreath on a pretty door hanger and I just love it!

It’s simple but elegant and welcoming.  I really love the stems and don’t feel like it looks fake and cheap.  The total cost for me was about $23 because I already had wire cutters, hot glue gun, and the $5 wreath. Again, if I hadn’t already had the wreath it would’ve only cost me a couple more dollars but the other store wreaths I looked at were $80 so I’m very pleased with the money I saved AND I truly like this wreath better than the others I’d seen.

Here are the supplies and shopping links if you want to order these items from the comfort of your home.

Wreath Door Hangers:

Front Door Mats:

Urn Planters:

If you loved this idea but do NOT want to make your own wreath, here are some lovely options:

I’m so glad you stopped by and stay tuned for lots of fun Spring decor ideas over the next few weeks that I’ll be sharing!

I would love it if you subscribed at the top of the page in order to receive my weekly emails of all my latest posts.  You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to see what I’m up to in creating a home and lifestyle of inspiration!  See you soon!

xoxo,

*affiliate links used

The post How To Make A Faux Boxwood & Magnolia Wreath appeared first on Summer Adams.

It’s 2017 and I can’t believe it still!  Is it just me or did 2016 come and go with the blink of an eye? It was a good but busy and big year for us.  We moved from Las Vegas, Nevada back to Dallas, Texas…a very good move for our family.  With lots of fun DIY’s in our Vegas home, soon came packers and movers and then a home in Dallas to decorate.  There have been many projects and lots of entertaining and holidays.  I’ve shared several of them on the blog with you so I thought it’d be fun to round up the top 10 blog posts of this year and share them and re-live some of the fun!  So here they are…the Top 10 Posts of 2016!

Simple Bathroom Solutions That Make A Statement

While in our Vegas home, I shared how my DIY shelving transformed an awkward space in our master bathroom next to our tub.  I also shared a bunch of other bathrooms and how they used simple storage solutions to transform their spaces.

Framed Wallpaper Panels

This has been one of my favorite (and your favorite) DIY projects.  I love framed wallpaper panels if you’re not wanting to commit to a whole wall or room OR if you’re renting like we are and know you’re moving soon.  I think you’ll love my tutorial, as well as the other rooms and examples I shared.

Back To School In Style

I loved sharing our back-to-school dinner party with you!  I’m so glad you loved it too.  Visit this post to see what I made my family (this was a surprise dinner for my family) and how Brooklyn also went back to school in style.

Harvest Haven Fall Tour 2016

This was my first year of putting together this annual blog hop.  Visiting all of these beautiful fall homes was the best way to kick off the holiday season!

Autumn’s In The Air Fall Tour

Another fall tour but this one included one of my favorite tablescapes.  Blush mercury glass and glitter pumpkins with fresh white roses….it doesn’t get better than that!

Advice For My Daughter

This is my MOST visited blog post this year.  It’s MY favorite and I’m so so glad it is YOUR favorite!  It was written from the heart and means more to me than any other blog post I’ve ever written.  From homemaking to self-esteem, fashion to courage…..it has it all in one post. Stay tuned for another blog post this year that I’m writing for my son.

Winter Wonderland Party With Pottery Barn Kids

One of my FAVORITE parties of all time for my kids!  And I had the help of my friends at Pottery Barn Kids! Check out our Winter Wonderland Party and how you can throw your own!

Holiday Living Room Tour

This was one of my personal favorites because it included one of my new trees this year.  It was blush and gold and I loved it!

Home For The Holidays Blog Tour

My second Christmas tour was so fun because it included our new lovely “Winter Wonderland” tree.  Come check it out and make sure to pin it for next year!

How To Make Sparkly Marshmallows

When one of your posts goes viral quickly and you see it pinned over and over on Pinterest, that’s when you KNOW it’s a favorite!  That would be the case for this one.  These sparkly marshmallows almost look too pretty to eat but they are delicious!  Not only is it a fun treat during the holidays, but it’s perfect for all winter!

I don’t know about you, but I think 2016 was fantastic!  It was full of fun projects and memories and I learned so so much.  I hope you did too!  Whatever your plans are for 2017, I hope they bring many happy times together with the ones you love and I hope you are successful at whatever you do! I would love it if you subscribed at the top of the page in order to receive my weekly emails of all my latest posts.  You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to see what I’m up to in creating a home and lifestyle of inspiration!  Hope to see you soon!
Please visit my other favorite blogger friends {below} and see what their top 10 posts were.  I hope you’re pinning away because there is more than a year’s inspiration between all of us, ha! So many fabulous and inspiring ideas!

xoxo,

Instant DIY Pure Vanilla Extract by TIDIBTS | Farmhouse Breakfast Nook Reveal by Nina Hendrick Design Co | Real World Organizing: How to Keep Your House Tidy by The Happy Housie | How To Clean Your Home In 30 Minutes A Day by StoneGable | Modern Farmhouse Paint Colors by A Burst of Beautiful | Summer Tour of my New House by So Much Better With Age

Before and After at our House by Zevy Joy | How to Build Industrial Shelves by Beneath My Heart | Is the Family Room Your Shining Star? by Decor Gold Designs | My Fresh New Blue Kitchen Reveal by The Wicker House | How to Frame a Bathroom Mirror by Cherished Bliss | Dramatic Kitchen Renovation without Removing Cabinets by Designthusiasm

Why Won’t My Hydrangeas Bloom by Kelly Elko | Sherwin Williams Poised Taupe – Color of the Year 2017 by Setting for Four | How To Make A Farmhouse Mason Jar Chandelier by Shabbyfufu | U-Pick Apples Free Printable by Paint Me Pink | Christmas Home Tour 2016 by Town and Country Living | How to Organize Every Space in Your House by Just a Girl and Her Blog

Paint Color Home Tour by Maison de Pax | My Home Tour by Nesting with Grace | DIY Sign for Fall by House by Hoff | Floral Printable Birthday Gift Tags by Live Laugh Rowe | How to Build a No Sew Teepee by Julie Blanner | How To Design A Room You Love by Life On Virginia Street

How To Get A Beautifully Organized Closet On A Budget by Fox Hollow Cottage | Entryway Essentials by Lindsay Hill Interiors | Summer Home Tour by Migonis Home | 13 things to do before you list your home by Style House Interiors

Decorated Office/Craft Room by Sunny Side Up | Summer Home Tour 2016 by Finding Silver Pennies | How to make a tufted headboard by Place of My Taste | Tips and Tricks for an Organized Pantry by Not Just a Housewife | Back To School In Style by Summer Adams Designs

The post Top 10 Posts of 2016 appeared first on Summer Adams.

Welcome!  Grab a cup of tea and pull cup a chair for today’s posts (and get your pinning Pinterest finger ready haha).

As I started off this new year, a few weeks ago, I made resolutions (like we all do) and also wrote down things I wanted to learn how to do and goals I wanted to achieve.  It got me thinking about what a big year 2015 was and all that I learned.  We had a LOT of fun too!  So I went back through my blog and decided to share with you the posts that were YOUR favorite!

1.  Dirty Diet Coke 101  Some of you had never heard of my FAVORITE drink.  I gave you the recipe and a fun, free printable to gift your friends and your feedback was so fun!  I’m glad I can share my love (aka addiction) of Diet Coke with you and an added kick.

2.  “14 Days of Valentines” have begun!   Valentine’s Day, as well as the 13 other days leading up to it, is one of my most favorite times of year.  I LOVE love!  I’m a hopeless romantic.  I also love making it fun and full of reminders for my kids that we love them so much.  Sharing my 14 days with you and what our tradition is was something everyone loved.  If you search all my Valentine’s printables, you will find that I’ve made a BUNCH and they are FREE for you to enjoy as well!

3.  Have Courage & Be Kind  The new Cinderella movie was not only one of my favorite classics remade, and remade well!  But it brought a reminder for all of us to be a little kinder and braver and to stand up for what is right; to stand up for ourselves.  I shared a heart-warming experience with my daughter that a lot of you related to.  Thank you for your feedback.  This has been one of our most-pinned and most-visited posts and has circulated Pinterest and Facebook.

4.  Knock-off Swig Cookie Recipe  If you haven’t had a Swig pink sugar cookie, you are missing out!  The St. George original has made national, even global recognition and I share the perfectly exact recipe.  I love how many tags and texts I received that people were making them and LOVING every bite.

5.  Sneak Peek!  As we moved from one side of town to the other, I gave you a sneak peek into my new home (aka a really cute rental while we are living here in Vegas) and showed you that you can spend little money but with a good eye and organization and sticking to neutrals, your rental house can feel like a cozy home.  Thank you all for your generous feedback!

6. DIY Wooden Box Centerpiece  One of my personal favorite DIY projects AND apparently yours too!  I love all your pictures after you’ve followed the plans and instructions for this fun and easy project!  Everyone needs a wooden box that they can change up all throughout the year with flowers and candles, pinecones, etc.

7. MINT To Stay Strong  As a friend of mine successfully finished her rounds of chemotherapy, she approached me and asked me if I’d be willing to make a cute thank you tag along these lines that she could give all of her fellow chemo friends that would be there continuing their treatments after she left.  It was so thoughtful of her and I was honored to do this.  SOOO MANY OF YOU have touched my heart with your connection to this and being able to use this as well.  I’m so glad and I hope this finds you well and healthy!

8.  Easy DIY Hall Tree  My solution to covering such an awkward built-in alcove was fun for us all!  I shared how EASY and AFFORDABLE this was to put together.  And…It can be unscrewed and taken with you to your next home!  Isn’t it fun to share our projects with one another?!  This hall tree has been a topic of conversation many times when people come to our home and fun to switch up for each season and holiday.

9.  Master Bath DIY Shelving  Another popular solution to an awkward space in my home!  Every morning I wake up and look at it and am sooooo grateful I did this!  Thanks for enjoying it with me and being inspired to make your own!

10.  Chalk Painting Upholstered Furniture  Ok, this is one of my very favorites!!!  It was a sentimental and gorgeous piece, easy, and STUNNING transformation!  It’s been really fun to see this one circulate all over social media.  THANK YOU for sharing and I’m thrilled that it motivated you to try it out for yourself!

11.  Ice Skates Christmas Decor   Hands down my FAVORITE craft this year!  And boy did we all have fun with this one on Instagram as my friend Rhonda and I (check out her gorgeous blog and online store at Hailstorm Home) shared our ice skates we made and invited everyone to go #iceskatingintotheholidays with us and share all their ice skates and other Christmas decor with us.  Such a blast and can’t wait for next year!

12.  Mini Gingerbread House Mug Huggers We all got a kick out of this one!  NONE of us wanted to buy the cute Anthropologie version of these for $10 but we all wanted them haha!  So, I figured it out and uploaded my template.  It was hard at first but after having the template it was a piece of cake and soooo cute!  Friends loved these as gifts, too, around the holidays in a hot cocoa mug.

THANK YOU for following along with me as I share a part of my life with you!  It’s been fun learning together and hearing your feedback!  Best wishes to another great year and MANY fun projects and memories made in your home!

xoxo, Summer

The post Top Posts of 2015 appeared first on Summer Adams.

Ok, so I saw these “Home Sweet Home Mug Toppers” (below) at Anthropologie and HAD to have them for my Hot Cocoa Bar.  However….I went to the store and they were $10 for 2!!!!  {eek!}  I love you Anthropologie but I just can’t.  I’ll spend $75 for a blouse LOL but not $10 for 2 mini gingerbread homes.  (As I type this and sarcastically say that out loud, I realize how absurd that is hahahaha.  Oh well.)
I thought I’d pull out my favorite Gingerbread recipe (below) and make my own.  Now, there was a lot of trial and error. The house was too long and wouldn’t sit right on the mug, I assembled the top before the sides were dry and strong and it fell apart, the cookie needed to cool and harden before assembling or it would break. Ya know…those kind of things.  I figured out the exact proportions that would work, measured, and then sketched them and turned them into a pdf file just for you!  Because 3 hours of trial and error needs to be for the greater good right?!  ;-p  Before figuring it out, I was all ready to march over to Anthro the next day and just spend the darn $10.  But once I learned what worked, it was easy!  Let’s do this!

BEST Gingerbread Recipe EVER
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon all spice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons water

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, all spice, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and baking soda together until the mixture is smooth. Blend in the flour and water to make a stiff dough. Chill at least 30 minutes or until firm.  Roll out dough and print out and cut out the following paper patterns for the gingerbread house template:

Mini Gingerbread Mug Hugs

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Cook for 6-7 minutes.  Remove and let cool completely!

Royal Icing (this is like glue):
1 pound powdered sugar, sifted
2 large egg whites, or substitute 4 teaspoons packaged egg whites and 1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract

Once cookies are completely cool, assemble sides and front of house and “glue” with icing.  let dry for an hour before attaching roof and candy.  Use glitter sugar, crushed candy canes…stuff that adds a pretty touch but is lightweight.  Remember, these are little so you are NOT going to be adding heavier candies to it.  Let dry for another 1-3 hours before adding to your mug.  Soooooo delicious and cute!

Wouldn’t this be a cute idea with some hot cocoa packets and mugs for your friends, family, or neighbors this holiday season??

Also, make sure to go back and visit my post on my HOT COCOA BAR for the free printable you see above in the frame.

AND!!!  If you are not wanting to measure and cut, here are some shopping links below that include the mini gingerbread house cutter.

Have fun and enjoy!!

{Sharing some photos below of the process….}

The post Mini Gingerbread House Mug Huggers appeared first on Summer Adams.

Hey everyone!  Boy, do I have a fun Christmas decor idea for you!

If you follow me on Periscope, you were probably with me last night online (or maybe you watched my replay) while I made this easy and fun pair of Ice Skates.  Can you believe I found them on Craigs List for only $10?  After adding some fake sparkly snow, sprays, and sparkly ribbon it turned out so cute and I just love they way they look hanging on my hall tree.  If you missed my Periscope (@sheleavesasparkle) you can watch below or follow me on Katch (http://katch.me/shesparkles78).  I’ll show you exactly what I used!

Watch my periscope here —-> https://ktch.tv/3Z10

Go find some used ice skates and make your own!  You can add all sorts of embellishments and ribbons to match your holiday decor Happy crafting!

xoxo, Summer

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Normally, I’m the first one I know to get my Halloween decor up BUT this year I’m sooo late!    I just NOW finally have it all up which means I’ll only get to enjoy it for a couple more weeks.  Eek!  Better late than never, right?!  Come with me and I’ll take you on a little Halloween tour in my home!

A few years ago, I switched my Halloween decor from oranges and purples and greens to just black and white. I am a neutral-lover right now, when it comes to the color palette in my home, and I want it to stay the same for the holidays.  I love walking in and my home feeling  calm and tranquil, not busy and loud with color.  I LOVE color, but right now I’m just enjoying my neutral phase

That glittery witch’s boot (above) is glittery and sparkly.  I bought it at Rod Works years ago and it’s still one of my favorite pieces.  I added the embellishments. I also bought all of the sparkly candle strands there also.  I use them throughout my home year-round.

I love this witches broom!  I was tempted to make my own this year (after my last one fell apart in a move) but then, again, I walked into Rod Works and they had one on sale!  How cute is this Broom Parking Sign?!  I am sharing it with you for FREE (for personal use only) and all yours to use in your home!  Right click on the image below and save to your computer.  Then, you can print it in any size and add it to a frame. Pin it if you love it and share!

I made my own Halloween banner by adhering scrapbook striped paper onto chipboard pendant flags.  I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut out the center embellishments.  I hole-punched tiny holes in the bottom points and used jewelry wire and black tear-drop jewelry beads to add a pretty touch.  Small paper bows and fun black pom-pom strands are from Michael’s.  Did you see these cute “Spooky” blocks at Target?  Only $3 in the dollar spot!  

The pumpkin and owl were finds from the Dollar Store and the cute sign is from Rod Works and the sparkly skull is from Target.

 The bird and silver pumpkin are Dollar Store finds.  Mercury glass candlesticks are from Home Goods.  Chalkboard is from Rod Works.  They still carry them.  I love adding a lot of chalk art around Halloween!  And it’s good practice and feels just a tad easier each time I do it.  But honestly….I am NO artist and have horrible handwriting so the struggle is REAL (and painful…i mean, major hand cramping when I’m done – LOL!).

Now…on to my buffet vignette….

I love candy apothecary jars! Go to Party City and they will have candy in all colors for whichever Holiday or theme you are decorating for!  I made these apothecary jars from a tutorial HERE.  I had everything at home except for the cute finials on top.  It was so easy!

These cute spider web fans were at Michaels and then I added the center embellishments.

No Halloween would be complete without the Wicked Witch from Oz!

Easy Halloween decor idea:  Grab a cute bowl and add Spanish Moss.  Set a real or fake pumpkin on top.  Bam!  Easy AND cute!  The bats I found at Rod Works also (can you tell I love that store?  And no, they are not sponsoring this blog.  I just love them!)

If you follow me on instagram, you know how much I love my chalkboard bucket lists!  This one was so fun and I just love my little shabby chic black crow that I embellished. He was only $1 at the Dollar Store, but I made him look like a million bucks!

I mean…he’s just sweet!  As long as I don’t think about the movie “The Birds”!  hahaha

A full view of the Bucket List….

Halloween never comes and goes without me wearing my most FAVORITE witch hat!  I changed out all the embellishments this year and made it a little more elegant and shabby chic.  I’m sort of in loooooove with it!!!!

I made this print a few years ago but can’t seem to find it on my computer anywhere!  I’ll have to recreate it and share it with y’all soon!  How cute are these sparkly little witches my mama bought me?!!  They’re just the most adorable pair ever!

Of course, Mr. Skeleton had to get a little embellished too or else he’d be too plain for this vignette!

Oh!  That cute basket…I found it at TJ Maxx and I can’t remember where I found the black feather wreath but I did add the ribbon and jewels.  So, that’s my buffet.  Very elegant and shabby chic right?!  I sure do love it!

I love this little sitting area.  I had this chair recovered that was passed down to me by my Great Aunt Wanda and I always loved it growing up (I just preferred it not to be in red velvet…wink wink).  Can you believe that I found this adorable little “Boo” pillow for $3 at the 99 Cent Store?!!  Shocking, I know.  And I love it.

When we lived in Utah briefly (years ago), I found this darling polkdot witch at TaiPan Trading.  The other side says “The witch is out” but let’s face it….it’s more fun when she’s in! Ha!

Now, this is a birdcage I found 5 years ago junkin’ one day in Waco (I feel like all my good finds start with, “One day while junkin’ in Waco, TX, I found…).  I embellished the top with this cute “BOO” mini plaque, an old doorknob back plate, lots of ribbon/lace/burlap and then…ANOTHER cute crow ha!  No surprise there right?

Isn’t it fun???  I used my ivory ruffle blanket as a sort of placemat or skirt around the cage. The chandelier in side is an ornament I found at Christmas time.

I even gave this guy a little accessory and banner of his own.  I put burlap down and shredded book pages and a nest to give it this cozy look.

I almost forgot about this banner that I found in September from Home Goods!  It was the perfect thing to string across my ornate hutch.  And remember all of those pumpkins that were on my table from THIS post?  I just added them inside my hutch and around my mantel and buffet.

I did this chalkboard art for fall in general.  I wanted to change it for Halloween but THEN remembered that it took me over an hour and I was like…never mind that! LOL!

This Tea Station of mine HAD to have a quick makeover for Halloween!  Again, all stuff I had in my home…you just have to start grabbing things and being creative!  I’m pleased with how it turned out!

The last thing I’ll share with you is this cute idea I like to do all year long.  Large cloches (that glass dome) are GREAT for decorating.  You can put it over a small topiary, a birds nest, a sign, a candle…anything!  I like to use it this way to in the kitchen to double as decor AND a fun way to serve and display beverages for a party or just any time!  I had these out for our Family Movie Night and my family went crazy over it! Just grab some Stewart’s Orange Cream Soda bottles, tear off the wrapper, tie on a cute little ribbon, and then use a dry erase or Sharpee marker to draw a jack-o-lantern face on it.  I found this darling placemat at my local Smith’s Grocery Store.  So fun!

Well, that’s it for now!  I still need to decide what exactly I’m doing for my entry way and then I’ll share that as well.  Thanks so much for coming with me on this short little tour!  Share with me some of  your favorite decor ideas for Halloween!  And don’t forget…if you loved these ideas, PIN and SHARE!

xoxo, Summer

The post Halloween Home Tour appeared first on Summer Adams.

Valentine’s Day has passed and I’ve taken down all things red and pink with hearts. Time for that Easter and spring decor to come out. I’ve gathered so many over the years, it just livens my home and feels so bright and happy and fresh. I love spring colors (and rabbits) and I’m always on the hunt for more!

So for today’s post, I decided to give you a tour of pieces all over my home that I’ve brought out of storage. I’ve provided links where I can so that you can shop online for them (if they’re still in stock by the time you read this) if you like them as much as I do. Online shopping is great, not just for the bargains you can get at https://www.raise.com/coupons/lowes or other websites, but it means you can quickly find a great range of decor items in a short amount of time. You’ll see in this post which retailer I love the most but make sure to give them all a try, they might have exactly what you’re looking for.

Alright, I’ve gone on enough about buying decor, let’s get to showing you my prized Easter & Spring collection:

I absolutely LOVE this bunny wreath I found at Hobby Lobby for 24.99 and then 40% off! I’ve had several strangers knock on my door asking where I got it

Last year during Spring Break, I was at home in California and went to my local wholesale florist and found this darling greenvine bunny and wheelbarrow. I grabbed some faux flowers and added some lace burlap ribbon and think it’s just so cute in front of my fireplace.

I also found this cute moss greenvine basket at the same florist BUT you can find similar items HERE at Pottery Barn this spring. I was there a couple of nights ago shopping and saw them. They’re lovely! I found the cute ceramic bird at Hobby Lobby and the cute metal chalkboard stand back in good ‘ole Waco before we moved from my dear friends at Paper & Lace.

Speaking of Pottery Barn, I walked out of the store and completely forgot to purchase these gorgeous rabbit pillows (here) so I jumped online when I got home and ordered them. Aren’t they precious??!!

This bunny is one of my favorites! I found him at LaurieAnna’s Vintage Home 2 years ago in East Texas. If you haven’t been there, you are missing out!! Oh how I miss living in Texas and all of the amazing shopping! You could plan a girls shopping trip just for Canton Trade Days and LaurieAnna’s alone!

I’m obsessed with this sweet German Glass Glitter Bird Box. I found it at a local boutique here in Henderson, NV.

Any guess where these beautiful german glass glitter bunnies are from? Yep, Pottery Barn…and extremely affordable! Remember….german glass glitter tarnishes over time. Some people like that look and some don’t. I like mine to tarnish just a little and then I spray them with a sealer so that they keep some of their sparkle and yet still have that vintage aged look.

With all the lovely sunlight I get in my home, it makes it hard to take a picture of this gorgeous glitter “Happy Easter” garland.

It’s from Pottery Barn Kids and here’s their cute picture of it close up.

This darling banner can not be found in stores (although maybe on Etsy) because my sweet mother surprised all of us daughter with them last year! I love the bunny silhouettes and fuzzy tail. My mom is always making the cutest things!

Now…what do y’all think of these cute canvas glitter Easter baskets? I found them at Home Goods. I love them BUT it means that we say good-bye to our darling Pottery Barn Kids Easter baskets I’m torn….what should I do??? Help please!

I wish I could tell you where my mother found these soft vintage bunnies but neither of us remember . She bought a bunch of them and gave them to each grandchild for Easter one year. They are the sweetest and softest little bunnies. The birdcage pillow I made. There are such fun fabrics out there this time of year and pillows are easy so get your sewing machine out real quick and whip up some cute accent pillows!

I love adding a spring wreath to my mirror to add that perfect touch! Spring represents new life and things blooming so I love anything floral or green this time of year! I found this cute wreath at Hobby Lobby for just $9.

Another Hobby Lobby find. I should tell you….whenever we move for my husband’s job, the first thing I ask is, “Is there a Hobby Lobby there?” If he says yes, I go! I can’t live without a Hobby Lobby!!!!!

I love this touch of nature with the combination of the white faux aspen candleholder (Hobby Lobby) and this greenvine ball that I found in some Texas boutique. Notice I like to decorate in 3’s (or odd numbers). Always helpful when you are placing decor around your house. And being an adopted Southerner…the phrase “bless your heart” is part of my everyday conversation so my sweet friend, Natalie, made it and sent it to me from Texas when we moved here to Vegas. Love it!

Here’s a fun tip….take a cupcake stand and put a small rabbit or bird inside to add to your spring decor. I normally pick some grass from outside and add it first andy then add the bunny on top. BUT….we have “fake grass” here in our neighborhood in Vegas {tear} so there is nothing to pick. You can also add a couple of Cadbury Eggs too, which I think is really darling,

One of my absolute FAVORITE new finds this year has been this darling bunny/damask hand towel set from Williams-Sonoma! As soon as I saw it in their catalog, I hopped in the car and ran to their store. Aren’t they precious?!!! Just $19.95 for the set.

Invest in some little inexpensive bunnies that you can place all around your house for a subtle hint of spring and Easter.

And buy some little birdies too because they’re adorable! I like to keep these up all year long! Hobby Lobby and TaiPan have them often…so does Pier 1 Imports and Michael’s. Just pick them up when you see them. Frame is from Home Goods.

It just has “spring” written all over it right?! This frame is from LaurieAnna’s Vintage Home.

This sweet little burlap bunny garland was from Target last year and I soooo wish they’d bring it back this year!! But they didn’t….why oh why? But they do have one HERE that is similar and a few cute others.

More bunnies! I found this little guy at Home Goods, along with these cute canisters.

I created this little vignette on my dining table with a serving tray from IKEA and did you know they have online shopping now???? HALLELUJAH!!! I put some shortbread cookies on a glass cake stand with cloche from Hobby Lobby, which I often have with my afternoon tea. I found this lovely vase at Michael’s in their home decor section and then grabbed some lovely faux floral to go inside.

We end the tour at my table. I loved these Williams-Sonoma Embroidered Bunny Napkins and Bird’s Nest Napkin Rings (sold out online) and decided to splurge. They just took my breath away.

I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing all these beautiful bits of spring and Easter decor! And I hope it’s inspired you to keep your eyes open for all of those things that you can slowly add to your home that make you smile and make it a place where you are happy to be and want to welcome people into to visit. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming and all at once. Start with a few things and keep adding every year. Open those windows, do some spring cleaning/organizing/purging and add loveliness to your home.

Wishing you the happiest spring and Easter season! xoxo, Summer

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Whenever I meet a new friend and I find out that they love Diet Coke as much as I do, well….they get a special delivery from me.  This is a Dirty Diet Coke Kit!

If you haven’t had a Dirty Diet Coke, you are missing out!! It’s got coconut syrup, fresh lime wedges and a little cream.  It is literally Heaven in liquid form!!!  I heard a girl ask, “What’s the deal with you girls and your Dirty Diet Cokes?”  Well, when you don’t drink alcohol, you might feel as passionate about a Dirty Diet Coke as some are passionate about their wine LOL!  It had me at first sip (wah wah wah).

Right-click on the picture (left) and add to a Word Document of you can download the
pdf here —->  “Dirty Diet Coke” Tag

AND……Because I love my friends who love Dirty Diet Dr. Peppers too…..HERE YA GO!

pdf here —–> “Dirty Dr. Pepper Tag”  

Of course, this can be Diet or regular!

Now go make yourself a Dirty Drink and enjoy as you sip and say “aaaaaaah”!  Don’t forget to share with your friends because “Good friends share their Diet Coke”!  (Thus the reason for the heart tissue because I felt it showed a lot of love and if you know me at all….it is a gift from the heart.)

Enjoy!

xoxo,

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