DIY Orchid Burlap Wreath

Dear Reader,

It is officially spring, and here in Michigan it is slowly starting to feel like winter may actually come to a close.  I am putting out spring decor even if there is still snow on the ground, and I crafted a new spring wreath to share.  I like putting materials together that are a bit unexpected, and so a delicate orchid placed on burlap seemed to be a fun pairing.

Materials:
- a wreath form
- burlap ribbon or strips of burlap
- artificial orchids (I purchased ones with a wire stem)
- satin or grosgrain ribbon
- hot glue gun

I wrapped burlap ribbon around my wreath form and attached it using hot glue.  I then shaped and attached the orchids around the wreath using hot glue.  I thought the wreath needed a splash of color, so I then wrapped a lime green satin ribbon around approximately 1/5 of the wreath.  And, that's it.

Super simple? Yes.  Happy with the results? You bet.  Hoping that spring will actually arrive? More than I can say!

I am linking up today with the Link Party Palooza over at I Heart Nap Time and the Strut Your Stuff Saturday at Six Sisters' Stuff. Also, if you are looking for another spring wreath tutorial, please check out my moss wreath from last spring!

Hello February!

Dear Reader,

I hope you are having a good start to your week.  While I'm not a huge Valentine's Day person, I appreciate a reason for celebration in the midst of the quiet, snowy days of February.  Here are a few ways that we have embraced the cold weather (and lots of indoor time) and the ways that we have enjoyed Valentine's Day:

Hello crayon disks (made from old crayons!)

Hello snow ice cream!

Hello great reading!

 Hello sweet brother watching Daniel Tiger with your little sister!

 Hello Valentine's Day treats for the class party (inspired by a Pinterest idea!)

I hope you have a wonderful week, friends!  Linking up today with Lisa Leonard!

Super Simple Cupcake Party

Dear Reader,

As I mentioned in my previous post, our daughter just turned two.  We love celebrating her, and yet a party sandwiched between Christmas and New Year's is a challenge.  I decided on a cupcake themed party as I thought it would be a fun, easy theme to develop, and my little girl loves cupcakes!

Here are a few details from the party:

a balloon garland by the table

cupcake plates and napkins {source: Target}

cupcake sticker books at each child's place {source: Amazon}

cupcakes for dessert - my mother-in-law kindly borrowed
this cupcake tower to use for the party

one of the gifts for the birthday girl
What cupcake party would be complete without Pinkalicious?

These small details were fun to arrange, and the birthday girl enjoyed her party thoroughly.  Success!

Hello Mid-January!

Dear Reader,

I hope you are having a good start to 2014! I enjoy possibilities, lists, hopes and starting fresh, so I am welcoming January for sure.  If I had to sum up the last few weeks in one word: snow. Lots of snow. My six and two year old children have loved it.  The cold temperatures though have kept us in more than any of us would like, so you will also note other activities that have kept January fun.

Hello beautiful snow.

 Hello rainbow loom bracelets.  My six year old son is a total fan.

Hello tea parties and pretend cupcakes with my now two year old.  

She received this set for her birthday (at the end of December) and 

loves to have me sing "Happy Birthday" to her.

Hello organization, inspiration and refreshment.  

Reading Tsh Oxenreider's Organized Simplicity and Brene Brown's Daring Greatly.  

Loving both.

I hope that the week ahead is an enjoyable one, friends!  Linking up with Lisa Leonard today.