Hurry!! $30 of FREE Paper Coterie Credit for Y.O.U.

Every year for Christmas, my husband and I exchange one “treasure” gift. This year, I totally won the sentimental contest. {whoot, whoot!} -I didn’t do a post on it, but  it was peeking out in a picture from... [Read more]

14 Love Notes

It’s true what they say…”it’s the LITTLE things that matter most!” Every now and then I write little love notes to my husband and my kiddos to tell them how amazing I think they are or a simple... [Read more]

Time to get Organized – Easy Menu Planner

As a professional teacher on an indefinite motherhood sabbatical, I live by sticky notes.  If I am being honest with myself, it’s more of an addiction.  A cheery yellow sticky note posted on my fridge makes that to-do... [Read more]

Checking Them OFF Your List! 8 Printable Gift Ideas

Christmas Day is hurdling towards us as lightning speed! Have you remembered everyone on your list? It can be overwhelming, can’t it? Did I remember Susie’s school teacher? What about Mr. Jones across the street? Did... [Read more]

Give it some Personality!

 Print This Post I have kitchen help…sous chefs…cuisine connoisseurs. I know, I’m one spoiled girl. Two extra sets of hands…they are amazing! So, as a token of my appreciation I want to give them... [Read more]

Gorgeous Book Box Tutorial

Happy Thursday, HowDoesShe Gals!! I’m so excited to introduce another FAB guest writer today! Let’s welcome Kendra from Key Lime Digital Designs: Momma and Wife by day and Blog Designer by night. Please pop by her... [Read more]

A Family of Santas

Have you noticed the trend of hand-print art this year? It melts my heart to see little hand prints turned into all kinds of things. Last year, my sweet friend turned my son’s hand print into a Santa. I honestly choked up... [Read more]

Say It Your Way Vinyl Package GIVEAWAY!

-UPDATE-this giveaway is now closed. The lucky winner is Waldessa, who said, “I love the joy to the world nativity scene. Thanks for the giveaway.” Congratulations and enjoy all your vinyl goodies! Thank you to everyone... [Read more]

Merry Christmas! Here is your FREE Christmas printable!

MERRY CHRISTMAS! You asked…we listened! You LOVED the Halloween printable banner so much you wanted a Christmas one! I’m glad because so did I! Chickabug came through with some serious Christmas charm in the perfect... [Read more]

Homemade Rolling Stamp Wrapping Paper

So Thanksgiving is over- now I get to start talking about Christmas, right?  Our tree is up, the carols are playing, and I know I’m not the only one making plans! Today I want to share with you a fun way that we thought... [Read more]

Who doesn’t just love a sweater when it’s cold outside?

I’m a knitting junkie. It started many years ago with a wonderful idea in the back of my head. Here it is! I wanted to decorate a small Christmas tree entirely with mini sweaters, each of them unique and knitted by me.... [Read more]

Twinery giveaway!

UPDATE!!! We have a WINNER! ROBIN…come on down! I will be in touch via email. She said, “Just commented on the yummy sweet potato souffle recipe. And I would also use this yummy twine to decorate tissue paper... [Read more]

Holiday Gift/Decor Ideas!!

Need a Christmas gift/decor idea? No worries, we have a few! But first, have you seen the Martha Stewart Crafts Paint line and stencils? OH-MY-GOODNESS! The colors are so rich and yummy and they come in five fantabulous finishes:... [Read more]

TONS of DIY Gift Ideas!

1. Magnetic Paint Board 2. Easy 2×4 Snowman 3. Simple Picture Frame Earring Holder 4. Customized Soap Dispenser 5. Easy-to-Sew Therapeutic Sacks 6.  Layered Soap with Recipe 7. Ric Rac, Felt & Burlap Accessories (can... [Read more]

3 Ingredient OREO Truffles

First off, let me say that these are some of the richest, most delicious Oreo truffles ever. My roommates and I would make these in college for our girl’s night. We could eat them all back then, between the 6 of us…surprised... [Read more]

The Mighty Wonders of the Silhouette

You know how much we love the Silhouette Machine here at HowDoesShe?! Did you know that it can help you design custom scrapbook pages, cards, apparel, vinyl decor, etch glass, sketch designs, temporary tattoos, stencils, and more?!... [Read more]

How To Give a Chocolate Orange as an Apple

I made this for my daughter’s teacher at the end of the school year, but you could use it at the beginning of the school year or for Teacher appreciation week, or even for your kids to get them excited about school- whatever... [Read more]

Black Licorice Caramels

We are about to embark on a wild candy making ride! This, my friends, is one recipe you HAVE to try out this Fall! I remember making these delicious caramels every Halloween since I was a little girl. Just for the record,…... [Read more]

How to Make a Sock Bouquet

Men are not easy to buy gifts for! My dad has always had the same list of things on his wishlist. It includes black clip boards, black note books, black socks, nuts, and a few other very practical items that aren’t too... [Read more]

A FREE canvas?! It’s true!

One of our favorite sponsors is once again offering a free 8×10 canvas (or $50 credit on any sized canvas) to our readers.  I recently used my discounted canvases, from Canvas People, to create my powder room picture collage.... [Read more]

8 Pretty Packaging Ideas!

Birthdays Weddings Graduations Teacher-appreciation Thank-yous Bridal showers Baby Showers …the opportunities to give gifts arise SO often, am I right? OH, and if you have children…and those children have friends….and... [Read more]

Picture Frame Earring Holder (Tutorial)

For years I had kept my earrings in this little, lined metal box. They would get tangled and I would get frustrated. I tried the earring holders that stood on the dresser, but I would always tip it over. Then, one day, I graduated... [Read more]

Super Cuddly Body Pillow

Still hunting for that perfect Fathers Day gift, Ladies? Well here’s another idea to add to the list. This one is super basic and something the kiddos can help with! We all know how much Daddy appreciates gifts from the... [Read more]

16+ DIY Gifts For Grads!

May is nearly over and it’s time for those loved ones in our lives to don their graduation caps and gowns and to celebrate closing one chapter in their lives! We all know someone who is graduating is some form…whether... [Read more]

Simple Monogram Pillow

Aren’t we all searching for little ways to add a personal touch to our home? I know I am always wanting to add a little something here or there. If I could choose my #1 favorite way to spice up a room it would be in the... [Read more]

Iron in Style

Hey there Ladies! It’s time to pull out your sewing machines again! You are about to get the perfect excuse to buy that darling fabric you’ve been dreaming about! Maybe no one else does that.. but I have a mental filing... [Read more]

Messy Car Solution

Now you can’t tell me that you’ve never had a problem with keeping your car clean. I feel like I am constantly embarrassed when people step in my car and there is trash on the floor, toys on the seats, empty cups in... [Read more]

8 Clever Homemade Gift Ideas!

Happy Tuesday, HowDoesShe Gals! 8 Clever Homemade Gift Ideas Will you imagine with me..just for a moment? Close your eyes. Wait, open them! You need to read. Um….well, imagine with your eyes open for a second. That can be... [Read more]

Alphabet Letters in Objects! Scavenger Hunt Turned into Letter Photo Art

Speaking of spring {because it’s coming soon…hopefully…} Last spring I was able to visit my uncle’s farm with my family. We lived there when I was younger and a lot of things have changed since I’d... [Read more]

What would you do with them? 3 pink bumps! {{video}}

I saw my friend making these ribbon tulips and thought they were darling.  I got so caught up in her showing me how to make them that I forgot to ask her what she did with them.  {{Next time I’ll have to bribe her to... [Read more]

10 Things to do with a block

We posted these last year when we had a few followers (thanks to our moms…they were our first followers).  We wanted to make sure you saw the fun things you can do with a simple block. So on with 10 things to do with a... [Read more]

7 Last Minute Gifts and Goodies

Hi HowDoesShe Gals! Did you know that I was DONE with my Christmas shopping back in November? I mean, the MIDDLE of NOVEMBER! Bought, wrapped, and ready. So WHY have I been running around for the last month buying this, making... [Read more]

All Santas should wrap this way…fast, easy and adorable!

Santa!  Take notes. When I was growing up I always loved it when Santa wrapped all my presents so I could open one present at a time.  This seemed to make Christmas last longer rather than just having all the presents under... [Read more]

Layered Soap Making

Did you hear us SCREAM when we were invited to contribute to Disney?!  EEK!!!! Truly, such an amazing honor! No pressure, right?! I had to push my creativity for something extra special.  This is what I came up with: Layered... [Read more]

11 Sweet ‘N’ Simple Holiday Printables

Happy Holidays, HowDoesShe Gals! The days are counting down so quickly! Christmas is almost here. We’ve been so busy going to Christmas parties, school concerts, visiting with friends, and stuffing our faces with the most... [Read more]

Jack Frost’s NOT Lost…easy Christmas Neighbor Gift!

Have you ever played ‘Don’t Eat Pete?’ It’s a fast candy eating, deep down gut laughing toddler game that brings the entire family together. We posted a different version of this Jack Frost’s NOT... [Read more]

2×4 Snowman…easy, fast and he doesn’t melt!

2×4 Snowman. I thought we needed more 2×4 love.  It’s been a while. If you need some more 2×4 ideas…you are in luck. 2×4 decor galore! Gift giving at it’s finest,  from scraps of wood. ... [Read more]

Gift Ideas Galore!

I am so excited to show you all the things I ordered for gifts…all for FREE! (excluding small shipping charge)   I am happy with how everything turned out.  Take a look:     I stole Alison’s idea and had my... [Read more]

Perfect stocking stuffer!

What is the perfect stocking stuffer? Homemade Playdough! It is SO easy to make and SO much better than the stuff you buy at the store. This recipe makes the softest, sqUISHiest, longest lasting play dough…EVER! You can... [Read more]

Free Christmas Gift Giving Printables

You knew we would have a special gift in store for you? Right?! Never doubt us! We have been collaborating with the one and only chickabug to create a gift giving set exclusively for you.  We hope these help make the your holiday... [Read more]

Where does Santa shop?

Where does Santa shop? If I were Santa (wait, am I?), I would shop at Amazon.  I know I have briefly mentioned my love affair with Amazon, but now I am going to tell you WHY? 1. Convenience.  No running around all over town... [Read more]

Advent Awesome!

Have I ever mentioned how I LOVE advent calendars!  Why?  Maybe because of all the great memories it brings back from my childhood.  My mom always bought me and my siblings our own cardboard chocolate advent calendar.  OH!... [Read more]

Ribbon Snowman Hair Clip

Snowman Hair Clip Tutorial I have been waiting for this for WEEKS!  I recently stumbled across this adorable shop and HAD to buy my girls matching Halloween spider clips…EEK! Aren’t they cute?  Both the spiders... [Read more]

Bucket O’ Chalk

Oh you sad soul.  White, plain and boring. Did I mention I got you from the dollar store? All you need is some ‘fluff’, some love and of course, some vinyl! I needed a bucket to put some of the homemade chalk into. A... [Read more]

Dollar Store Mug…solving problems!

At our house we had one ‘special’ mug in the house.  The girls claimed it to be special because it was pretty and made everything ‘taste’ so much better. Well, the problem with that was there was only... [Read more]

How to Make a Plexi Frame!

How to make a plexi glass frame! You’ve seen these in the stores, now it’s time to make one. Items needed: 1×12 x14 pine board…I routered the edges of this one, but that is optional 4 hex caps 4 screws 1... [Read more]

Make a Friend Board

With Jen over at Tater Tots and Jello doing all this subway art…I was beginning to feel a bit left out! I needed some family gifts that had a bit of meaning to them so I thought I’d hop on the subway art bandwagon. So... [Read more]

Vinyl Decoration

A little seasonal Vinyl Decoration. This post is dedicated to the love of vinyl.  It’s easy, fast, festive and not clutter’y'! One thing about having a cutter is that it’s easy to add a little seasonal decor... [Read more]

Christmas in July – You won’t want to miss this!

I am one of those crazy girls who plays Christmas music the day after Halloween.  So, when we were asked to participate in ‘Christmas in July’, I was beyond thrilled. And, I might have even sung ‘Deck the Halls’.... [Read more]

Grandma’s SWEET Treats!

Grandma’s SWEET Treats! Every Grandma needs a cookie jar…or a candy jar…or an anything SWEET jar! I found these fun jars at Target and thought I would personalize them with a little vinyl, Once it is applied... [Read more]

Men and Pistachios…

Father’s Day Presents What to get?!  What to get!?  Isn’t that always the question!?  Father’s Day Presents are hard. This year we decided to put a creative twist on a very traditional gift…I found chipboard... [Read more]

A Bit of Magic Potion!

As a gift for my daughters I gave them: Plaster of Paris Wax paper Cups and some food coloring I found the Plaster of Paris from Lowe’s after searching all of the craft stores.  It was around $7 Kind of a weird present... [Read more]

Hello Therapeutic

How Does She…keep her toes warm? Let me introduce you to one of the cutest girls I know, who just happens to be my adorable cousin Lara. You can’t help but love this girl!  Lara has the most fun loving personality... [Read more]

Hate Ironing?! I do.

Gift for him Now let me start this post with a warning:  This post just might not be for you.  Especially if you have a perfectly clean home, polished children, laundry always done, makeup on by 8 am, and dinner on the table... [Read more]

2×4 to Sweethearts and Why I’m Lucky

Idea #3 2×4 to Sweethearts What a fun way to display your kids!!!  I actually had them paint a picture of themselves and we hung them on the blocks, but they weren’t dry and the paint dripped and then you couldn’t... [Read more]

4 Dollar Store Frames…and you thought one turned out cute?

Four Dollar Store Frames You thought one frame turned out cute…how about FOUR! Check out the ‘Please Remove Your Shoes’ Post if you missed it. 1.  These are four frames I found in the dollar section at Michaels. 2. ... [Read more]

My Favorite Things with a 2×4

Pretend all these kids are mine and it would really be my favorite things…I had to borrow photo’s because I needed matching ones for the picture.    Didn’t it turn out so cute!?! This was just made out of... [Read more]

Clip Board Tutorial! Make it cute.

Clip Board Tutorial! Make it cute.  My daughters are always stealing my clip board!  Yes, I do have a clip board and yes I do use it{even in public}.  I wanted to reclaim my treasure so I got these clip boards at the dollar... [Read more]

Gift Giving Organization

Doesn’t it seem like there is ALWAYS a gift giving event? Do you ever forget about a ‘gift giving’ occasion until the day of? Or do you just NOT have time to get out and buy for the occasion? {Um, I’ll... [Read more]

Please Remove Your Shoes!

Please Remove Your Shoes How fun is this!  I always feel awkward asking people to take off their shoes when they come inside….now I don’t have to (at least not as much)!  This is a Please Remove Your Shoes sign/frame... [Read more]

Fun ways to say Thanks!

I know we said we weren’t going to post on New Years Eve, but I did anyways!  We were in the process of making them anyways and I wanted to share this idea with you before the kids go back to school!  Thanks in the inbox: The... [Read more]

Are you getting your free Photo Canvas and Photo Calendar?

Are you getting your free Canvas and Photo Calendar? Canvas People is offering a free 8×10 canvas to every household!  We tried it and look how cute it turned out!  You do have to pay shipping, but $14.95 for a $55 canvas…that’s... [Read more]

Family Dinner Questions #1

30 Family Dinner Questions #1 Here are questions that encourage family talk!  We believe in families and we know the power of getting to know each other better.  So what we’ve created for you are 30 questions that... [Read more]

9 Ways to use a candy cane!

What to do with Candy Canes!  9 ideas on how to use Candy Canes  This first one is a tutorial on chocolate dipped candy canes.  If you have extra chocolate left over from the Oreo Cookie tutorial this will be perfect for you! 1. ... [Read more]

Need a last minute gift? These are perfect and super cheap right now!

Need a last minute gift?  Here are some great deals I found on magazines!  A magazine is a gift that keeps on giving!  Just wrap up a picture of the magazine they will be getting starting in January!  I ordered a subscription... [Read more]

Christmas Wrapping – Reusable, Adorable and Green!

I always enjoyed it when our Christmas presents were wrapped and everyone took turns to open one present at a time.  This seemed to make Christmas last longer rather than just having all the presents under the tree unwrapped. ... [Read more]

1 Magnet Board Done 2 Different Ways!

Advent Calendar and Birthday Board.  Julie had this great idea to turn a magnet board into two things!  She did the front side an advent calendar and the back side a birthday countdown!  She used the same frame and same metal. ... [Read more]

A Clean Teacher Appreciation Gift

Teacher Appreciation Gifts We had a few requests for more teacher gift ideas so here you go! This practical teacher gift idea is always needed!  Now you can personalize it for your teachers. I have seen a few different tutorials... [Read more]

Oreo Sucker Holder!

Now that you’ve made your Oreo suckers…here is your sucker holder tutorial! If you missed the tutorial on how to make click here to make Oreo suckers 1.  Modge Podge your 4×4.  I did all the sides, but the... [Read more]

Vinyl Post…Finally!

I got this bowl at the dollar store and made it super cute!  All it took was a little red permanent vinyl. Have fun with all your projects…we want to see pics. What personal cutter do we recommend? Silhouette. ... [Read more]

Fun Frugal Family Christmas Tradition #10 – Book on Tape

I came across this idea from the idea room and loved how it could fit in our 12.5 days of frugal Christmas Traditions. Take a look at Amy’s Post and you’ll see how fun it would be to do this! You could choose your... [Read more]

Snowman Gift Box

Greetings new friends! I’m Becca from Blue Cricket Design! It’s such a privilege visiting all of you! I’m your typical girl next door! I married my High School Sweetheart over 8 years ago and together we are experiencing... [Read more]

Don’t buy another gift card until you read this…

WAHOO Cheaper Gift Cards!   I wish I would have known about this site years ago!  This site offers Discounted Gift Cards...  They buy them from people who don’t want them and then sell them for cheaper. We checked into... [Read more]

Teacher Gift Idea

12 Days of Christmas! We had this idea to give our kids’ teachers a bunch of school supplies that they needed with some treats for a gift for Christmas.  My friend Jen took it one step further, and added to it  much... [Read more]

Two thoughtful gifts under $1

Two thoughtful gifts under $1 Here’s a shout out to gifts that are cheap, useful and VERY thoughtful! The first year my husband and I were married we were the typical newly weds, going to school, no income and blissfully... [Read more]

Easy to make magnet board…(for about $1)

Easy to make Magnet board! I think I’ll have my daughter make this for her friends for Christmas. 1.  I got this piece of metal at a metal shop.  Look up metal shops in your area and see if they can cut you a piece. ... [Read more]

Homeade Gift Ideas for every age

I love giving homeade gifts!  I don’t do it as much as I like, but I just love watching the receiver open their gift that I know I have spent long hours making all the while thinking of them.  The problem is, kids don’t... [Read more]

Christmas Gift Idea – Grandparents & Family

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love PhotoStamps. They’re perfect for every occasion! Most recently I ordered them for my twins birth announcement. There is something so sweet about seeing a personalized picture... [Read more]

Make a ‘Thank You’ Plate for Santa!

What’s the estimated amount of cookies left out for Santa on Christmas Eve? 84 MILLION! Whoo Weee!  That’s a lot of cookies! We think Santa needs to be thanked…so we are having our kids write ‘Thank You’... [Read more]

Free Calendar, tote bag, photo magnets, note books…

Look how fun this  Free calendar is! Missy ordered one from Vista Print - it turned out so cute!  It was very easy - She  just uploaded one picture for each month and then added all her family’s birthdays. They... [Read more]

TODAY ONLY!!! Cyber Monday Deals and Last Chances!

Today is your LAST CHANCE to get in on the following deals: We love the holidays…there are a lot of cheap/free items that companies are giving this year.  We wanted to make sure you know about some of the best!  We are... [Read more]

Christmas Gift Idea Spouse- Music {Plus coupon code for free music}

I am in crazy love with Michael Buble {this is no secret to my husband}. He has a new cd out called “Crazy Love” {yes, I am pretty sure he named it after me}. I want it. BAD. I love all of his ‘standard’... [Read more]

#7-10 10 Thing to do with a block!

CLICK HERE FOR IDEA#1-6 Idea #7 Blocks 1.  Paint the blocks (easy) … 2.  Put the ABC vinyl on them (easier)…I used the ‘Narkism’ font 1.8×1.8 in dark brown. Need vinyl?  Contact your vinyl lady,... [Read more]

Look What We found for FREE!–8×10 Canvas

Canvas People is offering one FREE canvas! Get Your First Canvas on Them. Free 8×10 Canvas Print or $55 off Larger Sizes. I ordered one of these last week and wanted to make sure it was legit before promoting it. Well it... [Read more]

#20 Neighbor Christmas Gift – Pancakes

I got this bowl at the dollar store and made it super cute! All it took was a little red permanent vinyl.  If you need information on vinyl…here is the 101 Permnant vinyl works wonders on boring white bowls:) One hint... [Read more]

Christmas Gift Idea – Kids

I am a HUGE fan of Leap Frog toys.  I love toys where imagination is the key, but I make an exception when I feel they are learning important skills.  My son learned the alphabet from the Talking Words Factory.  I’m... [Read more]

Christmas Gift Idea – Grandparents

How fun to preserve the little hands of your kids!  A fun idea for a handprint craft from The Snail’s Trail.  Just think how long your kids would be engaged cutting out all these handprints!   What are your fun ideas... [Read more]

Christmas Gift Idea – anyone older than 16

What a fun gift!  Anyone who drives would love this.  I would love one to put all the kid’s DVDs in so I wouldn’t have to deal with all the cases in the car.  It takes a little sewing know how, but the tutorial... [Read more]

Christmas Gift Idea – Kids

After posting such a practical kids gift idea last week, I decided to post the gifts that my boys asked for the most and were the most excited to receive.   For my 6 year old - a sword.  Every birthday and Christmas for the... [Read more]

Christmas Gift Idea – Spouse

I thought this was a very thoughtful gift idea from somewhat simple.  She made a little book that had one page for each month.  On each month she said what they were going to do for their date together that month.  This would... [Read more]

Christmas Gift Idea for your Spouse – UGG

I know what you are thinking, slippers…really… how boring.  Not if you get the right ones.  Slippers were not created equal I tell you. I don’t like wearing my shoes around the house, and I also don’t... [Read more]

Christmas Gift Idea for Grandparents

What grandparent do you know that doesn’t love receiving pictures of their grandchildren?  The problem is, they don’t usually have room for a picture frame, but they can always find room (fridge) for a place to... [Read more]

Christmas Gift Idea for Kids

Toys for Christmas are always a big hit at first, but usually the excitement for the toy dies after a couple days.  But sometimes you score and get something that is used over and over.  I’ve been trying to think of... [Read more]