Valentine Wish Bracelet

I made lots of valentines this year but I wanted something I could send to all of the ladies I love and give to the young women I work with at church.  I needed something inexpensive and not too time consuming, so I came up with this heart wish bracelet.

I ordered the open heart charms here off Etsy from Lorettas Beads.  She has hundreds of different charms and beads and other jewelry items.

I had the other items, like red twine, in my stash.

I looped the twin onto the charms, mounted them on some card stock and had a cute valentine ready to share.  The young women last night were so excited about them and I'm hoping to see wrists full of them on Sunday.

Be My Valen(twine)

I whipped up a few valentines this morning and this is probably the EASIEST valentine I've ever done.

I gathered a few things I bought from CuteTape: 

bakers twine (pink, white & red)
gift tags
washi tape
an old clothes pin from my grandma

I simply wrapped up some twine around the clothes pin, made a little tag and I had a quick, simple valen(twine). 

Father's Day Gifts: Photo Booth Bookmark

Each year for Father's Day and Mother's Day we try to make a little something creative for the Grandpas.  Last year we made cutout photo bookmarks.  This year I decided to do something similar.

I took several photos of the kids close up on the porch.

 

 

Then I printed the photos b&w in a strip, laminated them and added a ribbon.  Easy, quick "photo booth" bookmarks.  I made one for my husband and myself as well. 

 

Bribing the Nurses

I had a friend who had a baby last year and she took a basket of candy and goodies to the hospital with her for the nurses.  She called it her "bribe basket."  I thought it was a fabulous idea so I decided to do something similar for my upcoming hospital stay.

After the birth of my first two children I took goodies up to the nurses and a gift for my L&D nurse after the baby and I went home.  This time around, I thought it would be nice to hand each person who comes to help me a little something.  It never hurts to bribe people a little to give you extra special care, right?  I have a C-section scheduled so I know I'll be in the hospital three or four days and I know I'll need lots of TLC.

I saw this idea here at Gillian Greding's blog and I loved it.  I hit up Bath & Body Works when they had a great sale and I scored travel sized lotions, hand sanitizers and body sprays in the Sweet Pea scent.  I never knew there were so many products in that scent!  It smells amazing.

I added a few Dark Chocolate Raspberry Ghirardelli squares {mostly because they had a cute pink wrapper} and some white chocolate Lindt truffles. 

I created little tags that with my EK Success punches that said, "Thank you for taking care of me and my sweet pea" and tied them up with green twine.

I made up 17 of them so I should be able to thank everyone who comes my way.  My bags are packed, her room is ready and I'm stocked up with boxes and boxes of diapers and wipes.  I can't wait to meet my new baby girl! 

Play-Doh Valentines

I've seen cute Play-Doh Valentines all over the web and I knew they'd be an easy, quick valentine this year.  I was still feeling pretty nauseous in February so I was all about simple.

I purchased the Play-Doh in a 24 box for $15.00. 

I found a cute printable label over at Random Thoughts of a Super Mom but I couldn't get it to print clearly for me.  So, I recreated my own.

I printed the labels on card stock.  Then my son just punched out the circles with my EK Success Whale Scallop Punch.  {Love those!}  He glued them on with a tape runner and we were done!

 

I volunteered in his class on Valentine's Day and there was much buzz about the Play-Doh.  They were so much more fun than the paper ones from the store and so simple.

Teacher Gifts

Teacher Appreciation Week was last week and I wanted to do something small even though we are so close to the end of the year.  I also wanted simple and quick.  So, I copied this idea from my friends over at the 2CleverBlog.

 

I found the light bulb jars with screw on lids at Hobby Lobby.  When I went in the glassware was all 50% off so I scored the jars for just $0.75!  At that price I bought ten and decided to do a little gift for all of my son's teachers: classroom, nurse, gym, music, librarian, office secretaries and the principal.
 

I picked up a jar of Great Chef Gourmet Jelly Beans from Sam's Club for $10 and filled all ten jars and still have half of them left over.  I love Jelly Bellies but these were much cheaper and had great flavors.

I even copied her cute tags.  I added photos of my son and phrases like:

Thanks for "bean" a great principal and helping our school "shine."

Thanks for "bean" a great teacher and making me so "bright."

Thanks for "bean" a great librarian and "lighting" my mind with books!

 

 

My son signed his name on the tags and we were done.  Thanks for the great idea, Think!  So cute and so simple.  I love that we were able to show a little appreciation for so many at the school without breaking the bank.

Pink Care Package: Baby Girl!

My best friend found out she was having a girl a few months ago. 

So I did the only thing that seemed natural.  I sent her off a care package of all things pink! 

I included some goodies for her like candy, lip gloss, nail polish, nail files and socks as well as some goodies for the baby like a blanket, snuggle, pacifiers, rattle and a Perfect Piggies board book by Sandra Boynton.  I also included some balloons and candy for her other two children.

Did you know they sell pink hot cocoa??  I found it at Michael's.

 

Teacher Gift

 

On the first day of school I wanted my son to take something to his teacher so I looked on Pinterest and found these cute pencil flowers by Amy over at The Happy Scraps.  They looked easy and cute so I copied her.

My son cut the flowers with my new EK Tools retro flower punch.  I love EK's punches as they are easy and versatile.  I took several of mine on a trip with me last month for a project I was working on.  They're the only brand I've used that I don't have to stand up and press down on the table with.  My kids use my EK whale punches all the time.  Their new punches fold flat which is great for storing them! 

I then used a standard hole punch to punch holes in the enter of each flower. 

Next I stuck some foam in a tin pail I found at the Target Dollar Spot. 

I added some shredded paper, shoved the pencils in and tied on a ribbon.

 Here he is ready to go meet his new teacher.  So handsome.

And here he is handing them to her. 

I thought this gift was perfect as it was cute but it's something she can actually use with the pencils as stems. 

I was in his classroom last week for the Halloween party and, guess what?  They are STILL ON HER DESK! 

Did your kids bring a gift on the first day of school?  If so, tell me what you came up with!

Scripture Journals

A few months ago I was asked to teach the Young Women at church on Sundays.  I have the 16 and 17 year old ladies and I have an hour lesson each week.  This summer we had a lesson about scripture study and so I made each of them a scripture journal to take home.

I found great ideas for the setup of the journal from The Red Headed Hostess.  She sells several great versions of journals now but if you want to make your own, here are her setup instructions.

I started with composition notebooks when Target had them for $0.50 before school started.

I covered the front and back of the notebooks with scrapbook paper using mod podge.

Then I printed the four quotes from The Red Headed Hostess' setup PDF on label paper and stuck them on the inside cover.  I printed off the setup instructions as well as this Book of Mormon/Cell Phone handout from MormonShare.

I wrapped up each journal with tulle ribbon and a bright marking pen (found those in 6 packs for $1.00 at Goodwill!). 

I set up my own journal like this about a year ago complete with her topics, page numbers and table of contents.  I used a leather bound journal as I want mine to last a while.  Writing down what I'm learning and insights has made a difference in what I get out of the scriptures. 

If you want other scripture study ideas, check out The Red Headed Hostess.  Her site is FULL of ideas, printables, how to mark your scriptures, etc.

Back to School Treats

My son started kindergarten this year so I wanted to start some fun traditions.

We decided to make treats for his friends and the neighborhood kids to wish them luck in the new school year.

We found these large rolls of Smarties at Five Below so I bought an entire case.  I printed up the labels and punched them out with my circle and scallop EK Tools punches.  The kids punched them out.  Then I tied on bows with tulle ribbon.

Simple, cute and cheap.  They'd make a great class gift, graduation gift or test week treat.

Photo Bookmarks

For Mother's Day and Father's Day this year I created bookmarks of my kids to send to our parents.  I found the idea over at Creative Family Moments. 

I followed her tutorial pretty close and ended up with some pretty cute bookmarks.  We sent the one of my daughter to our moms and the one of my son to our dads.

I followed the tutorial from her site.  Here's the link to the tutorial. 

I took photos of my kids outside with their hands up in the air.  I printed them 5 x 7 sized to get a good sized bookmark.

Here are the finished bookmarks.  I liked them so much I even made a couple for myself.

Week Long Birthday Celebration

I wanted to send my best friend a fun birthday gift this year.  I'm guessing she doesn't spend much on herself these days so I wanted her to have the opportunity to go shopping and buy a few things herself.

I decided to get her five gift cards and spread out the celebration for a week.

 

I printed this card up.

Then these tags to go on the gift cards.  I bought her gift cards to Target, Sonic, Papa John's, Ulta and Charming Charlie.

I cut envelopes out of patterned paper.

Then I mailed them all off. 

What five gift cards would you have wanted?

70th Birthday Gift

My dad turned 70 this year. 

A few weeks before his birthday I emailed all of the family and asked people to email me something they love about him. 

I thought of putting them together in a book but knew it would end up sitting on the shelf. 

My husband came up with the idea for a collage.  So, I created a document that said, "70 Reasons Why We Love Bruce" with little talk bubbles.  I got almost double the responses but included at least one from each person then printed the total list for him. 

I printed the document 12 X 16, matted it, framed it and shipped it off.

I wasn't able to be there for his party but I was told there was laughter and tears as he read through each one. 

It was a great reminder, as I saw all of the responses coming in, of how wonderful a man he is and just how much he gives to others.  I hope he treasures it.

 

I know many of you have asked for the template and I sent it out to a few.  But, my hard drive has since crashed and I no longer have the file.  I'm sorry I can no longer share it.

Favorite Things Swag Bags Giveaway {CLOSED}

I gave these swag bags to each guest at my Favorite Things Party.

As I filled these bags up with some of my favorite things, I got excited myself.  I don't know about you, but I love a goodie bag!

Let me tell you what was in them and then I'll tell you how you can win one yourself!

Sonny Bryan's Barbecue Sauce.  Sonny Bryan's is the best barbecue in the Dallas-Fort Worth area hands down.  They've been around since 1910 and they've perfected brisket, ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken and sausage.  Their barbecue is my favorite!  They've recently opened three new restaurants in Salt Lake City, Sandy and West Valley, Utah.  They'll cater any size event as well.  You can order this sauce on their website and have it shipped straight to your door!  You can also order smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage.  The send it on dry ice and it's ready to reheat and serve!  My insider tip: heat up your sauce before you serve it directly on anything.  It makes the flavors really come out.  They serve it hot in their restaurants.

Lush body products.  Lush is known for their handmade cosmetics and body products.  They were kind enough to mix up three things for each guest: Lemony Flutter Cuticle Cream, Enchanted Eye Cream, and  Ocean Salt Face & Body Scrub.

Hairbo gummy bears.  Is there any other brand?  Oh, really?  I wasn't aware.  These are the only kind I'll eat.

A File Catty.  I love these files because they come in a case.  I absolutely hate nail files floating around in my purse, scratching who knows what.  They also stay clean this way.  I always carry them with me in my car, in my purse, in my diaper bag.    They come in cute patterns and colors.  You can find them here at Ulta or here at Sally's Beauty.  They both carry them in the stores as well.

A pendant from Art Girl Pottery.  I stumbled upon this artist last year at a craft fair in Chicago and loved her work.  She makes custom and personalized pottery platters, bowls, picture frames, jewelry trays, vases and pendants.  She'll put any design or name on them you want.  You can find and order her pendants here on Facebook or order her other pieces through her website.  I have several pieces of hers and I love that they are unique and I love supporting local artists!  She gave me a variety of pendants so each bag had a different one.  Here are a few she sent for the party:

Here are some of her other beautiful pieces. 

Out The Door Fast Drying Top Coat.  I have two little ones running around.  I don't have time for nails to dry and set.  That's why I love their top coat.  It dries and sets in seconds so you can be "out the door."  And it works on natural or sculptured nails.  They sent us their Northern Lights Top Coat Trio which includes a clear coat, a silver hologram top coat and a gold hologram top coat.  The glitter isn't too flashy, it's very subtle and gives the perfect amount of sparkle to your nails.  You can find these at Sally's or other beauty supply stores.

Lemonheads.  I have a weakness for sour and gummy candies.  I'm like a little kid.  I can resist chocolate when I'm trying to be good.  But, I can't resist Lemonheads!

Stephen's Gourmet Hot Cocoa.  I'm a Texas girl.  Born and raised.  And now I'm living in the Midwest.  And I'm freeeeezing.  So, I drink hot cocoa all winter long.  Several times a day if we've been in and out playing in the snow.  It's a staple around here.  I used to drink whatever was on sale until I stumbled upon Stephen's.  And now I'll never go back.  Their mixes make the best hot cocoa and it is creamy and delicious!  They make all sorts of flavors like dark, mint truffle, roasted hazelnut, candy cane, raspberry cheesecake, white, and peanut butter cup (I know!  It's my husband's favorite).  But, my favs are their french vanilla and their milk chocolate.  So, they sent me those two flavors to share with my friends.  And I stole a few for myself.  They also sell teas, wassail and ciders. Try the caramel apple cider!  I buy them at my local grocery store but you can order online here if you can't find them near you.

A knotted elastic pony tail holder from PlumPosh.  These are cute, comfy, and stylish and don't leave crease in your hair.  She sent all different colors and everyone went home with one.  She also makes all sorts of pretty garters to be used for weddings or baby headbands, fabric flowers, bows, accessories and even baby wipes cases! 

Here are a few of her other creations listed for sale on her Etsy site.

Bath & Body Works Hand Sanitizer.  I love a good sale.  So, when I saw the Christmas scents on clearance for $0.32 each I stocked up.  And I shared them with my party guests.  Having kids, I carry hand sanitizer in the car, my purse, the library bag, you name it.  So, I love these little travel sizes.  My little girl loves their brand of sanitizers because they "smell so good!"

Hollywood Fashion Secrets Lint Removing Sheets and Oil Blotting Tissues.  I carry these little oil blotting tissues in my car and purse as well (I know, my purse sounds like a pit by now, right?).  They are perfect for mid or late day oil build up on my face so I don't have to reapply makeup.  They get rid of that afternoon sheen and make you look fresh again!  Hollywood Fashion Secrets make all sorts of great fashion and beauty helpers like fashion tape, deodorant removing sponges, and clear bra straps.  They've thought of what helps us women look better weather it's keeping our girls up and covered or quick fixes for clothes when we're out and about.  I find my oil blotting tissues at JoAnns and Old Navy around here but I'm sure you can find them all over.

An all natural soy candle from a local artisan.  I buy all of my candles from her beause I love supporting local artists, they burn clean and they make my house smell amazing!  She makes scents to go along with the seasons and she always has something new.

A G2 Roller Ball Gel Pen from Pilot. In purple, of course.  Purple is my favorite color and this is one of my favorite pens.  I love the flow of the ink, the lack of a lid and I love the color.  Writing letters in purple is so much prettier than writing them in black or blue!

There were also coupons to local restaurants for a free Italian beef sandwich and a free ice cream sundae, a coupon for a local nursery, a coupon for my favorite olive oil / vinegar place and popcorn from my favorite local popcorn shop. They gave me their combo mix of caramel and cheese!  The best.  I'm not mailing you the local coupons or the popcorn because I figure by the time this giveaway closes, that popcorn may or may not be getting stale.  And I'd hate for that to happen.  So, I ate yours.  It was delicious.  You'll just have to trust me on that one.

So, who wants all of the goodies listed above???

Leave me a comment below and tell what you'd include in a bag of your favorite things!  If you start to follow me, leave an additional comment and you'll get an entry for that as well.  If your email address isn't linked up to your profile, make sure and leave it for me!

Giveaway ends Friday, March 16th so get your comments in by Thursday night!  U.S. residents only, please.

If you haven't entered the giveaway of my other favorites, you still have until Sunday night.  Go here to read about them and enter.

And the winner is: Suzanne!  Congrats!  Hope you enjoy my favorites.  Email your address to: sometimescreative (at) yahoo (dot) com.

These are truly things that I use and love.  I may have snagged myself a nail file and some hot cocoa but did not receive any compensation for this post.  These opinions are my own.