End of the Year Teacher Gift Ideas!

Growing up with a teacher mom, I know a thing or two about how much teachers appreciate any and all gestures of thoughtfulness. With the school year coming to a close, it's a great time to say thanks to the teachers who have loved and encouraged your kiddos since August.

It doesn't take a huge budget or lots of time to create a small thoughtful token to make a teacher feel appreciated. I've got three ideas at different price points to inspire you. Hopefully this will serve as a jumping off point to get you inspired with teacher gifts of your own!

The $5 Teacher Gift Option 

What teacher (or really person for that matter) doesn't like salty snacks? This is a simple gift that you can do even on a small budget. It's called the "Nacho Average Teacher" basket and I was inspired by this fab blogger gal. 

All you need is a bag of chips, a couple jars of dip or salsa and a cute container and you're good to go. I hit up places like Big Lots and the Target Dollar Zone for little extra touches that make it feel special. You might even have a gift basket on hand or a cute vintage container. 

The $15 Teacher Gift Option 

Inspired by Stephanie at Somewhat Simple, this "Orange You Glad It's Summer" gift basket is perfect for Tennessee teachers! 

You can include anything that your child's teacher might enjoy, but things like flip flops, a cute beach cup and sunscreen come to mind. Also, some snacks to enjoy beachside/poolside.

This gift option could also be customized to your budget, depending on whether you want to spend more or less.

The $30 Teacher Gift Option

Finally, if you want to spend a bit more and make that special teacher feel extra special, a spa gift basket or movie night basket are both great options. 

For a spa gift basket, include things like sheet masks, a yummy-smelling scrub, lotion and even a bath bomb. 

For a movie basket like this one from an adorable blog, maybe include snacks and a Netflix or Redbox gift card or a gift card to a local movie theater. It helps if you happen to know your child's teacher's favorite snacks, but if all else fails grab a mix of sugary and chocolate and you're sure to please someone! 

It's really not about the money. I can remember my mom getting the sweetest handwritten cards from parents and students alike that touched her heart and still grace her fridge to this day.

But if you've had a great teacher (or several) who have gone out of their way to support your kiddo and cheer him/her on this year, I hope you'll take the time to say thanks. As a teacher's kid, I saw firsthand that theirs could be a thankless job at times, but those little gestures of appreciation went a long way.

Simple Fall Decor to DIY

Fall is here and the holidays are just around the corner. This is a great time to decorate your house, but who wants to spend a ton of money? I've got some fun and simple DIY crafts to help you create cute fall themed decorations for your home.

First, I'm re-purposing an old book to make a simple fall garland to decorate a mantle or doorway. Using pages from the book, twine and leaves found in your yard, we will turn items on hand into something straight off the pages of a magazine. I spotted this on Sew Beyond Beautiful's Etsy Shop!

All you need is the pages from a book (the number of pages is up to you depending on the length of your garland), leaves (either real ones from the yard or faux from the floral department of a craft store), and twine to string it up. Glue dots are also helpful for this project, as is a hole punch to make holes for your twine in the pages.

Don't have any old books lying around? Some used bookstores (like McKays where I live) have a "free book" bin out front. I would never destroy a favorite volume, but it's really a way to give an old unwanted book a new life! You could also pick up a novel for a buck at the Dollar Tree.

Next, fall is all about getting cozy with a warm drink. But who likes to leave a coffee mug ring on your furniture? With felt scraps, we can make some cute and cozy fall coasters that not only protect your tabletops but also give a pop of color to any room.

I was inspired by the Crafty Cats with these cute fall-themed coasters! Since I wanted an easier (less time-consuming) option, I chose to make mine out of felt and just glue them together. But this project can be scaled to your taste and craftiness level!

Finally, I am turning some baskets into a lovely centerpiece with found objects from my yard. I was inspired by this gorgeous centerpiece I saw on Better Homes & Gardens....what a great idea!

Especially if you have a set of nesting baskets that are all the same. If you only have random, mismatched baskets, this would still work as long as they get gradually smaller. I only had two so I simplified my centerpiece but the sky's the limit for yours!

Fall decor doesn't have to be stressful. Especially with these simple and affordable projects to bring some fall fun and seasonal coziness into your home!

Spring Cleaning: Non-Toxic DIY Products to Make at Home

Spring is here and it's time to sweep off the porch, throw open the windows and enjoy the sunshine. But what if like me, your home got a little dank and dusty through the winter months?

There's no better time than now to begin your spring cleaning. I definitely need to do mine! Don't you just feel more at peace when your home is tidy and clean? Clutter and grime breeds chaos and stifles creativity for sure.

I'm trying to be healthier and I know that goes beyond just what I eat. So many of the products we buy have harsh chemicals that aren't good for our skin and lungs. I've been guilty of mixing the wrong things while cleaning the bathroom and my home smelled like a swimming pool.

This spring, I'm trying my hand at making some all natural cleansers to use on my home. And I thought I'd share them on the blog too.

DIY Cleaners for the Bathroom

The bathroom is one of those areas in my home that I want to be clean, clean, clean. So I've been hesitant to use all natural cleaners because I was afraid they might not do the trick.

After reading about tea tree oil and its disinfecting properties, I'm going to give it a try.

To create a toilet scrub that freshens odors while cleaning, mix a half of a cup of baking soda with approximately 15 drops of tea tree oil. Pour that into the toilet bowl. Then, add 1/4 a cup of white vinegar and get to scrubbing. The vinegar and baking soda creates a fizz and the tea tree disinfects.

You can also mix some vinegar and tea tree oil in a spray bottle to use for routine cleaning of the seat and tank of your toilet.

The spray bottle of vinegar also works for your shower and sink. I keep a little jar of baking soda near my bathroom sink that I use to exfoliate my skin after washing my face but I learned that if a little bit fell into the sink, I could rub it around to clean that as well.

Cute salt & pepper shakers from the Dollar General Store make a great container/dispenser for this!

Got a cast iron bathtub with rust and stains? Did you know you can use half a grapefruit and some salt to clean it? Sprinkle the salt liberally and use the grapefruit half as sort of a scrubber. Get lots of juice in there and add more salt if needed.

DIY Cleaners for the Kitchen

Clean kitchen countertops with your spray bottle of vinegar and a little water. If you have granite, stone, or marble counters, substitute the vinegar with rubbing alcohol. You can also use vodka and I prefer the vanilla flavored version because of the great scent.

Cutting boards can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Use half a lemon to clean both plastic and wooden varieties. If it has stubborn stains, put some iodized salt on first and scrub that with the lemon to really get it good and clean.

If you need to clean cast iron, use olive oil and salt to make a paste. Then scrub well either with your fingers or a stiff bristled brush. You can rinse with warm water before re-seasoning your pans in a warm oven. NEVER use soap on your cast iron as it removes all the good baked in seasoning. Cast iron cookware can get to 400 degrees after just 4 minutes in a medium oven and it's sterile at 212 degrees.

Got an older fridge that needs some TLC? Use about a half a cup of baking soda mixed with warm water to clean it. The warm water will soften dried on food and stains while the baking soda is a mild abrasive to rub them away.

These are just a few of the simple recipes for cleaning products you can create for your home this spring. When you get ready to work around your home, consider your health and wellness. Choose products that contribute to your family's health and safety...not harsh chemicals that could do harm! Think outside the box next time and make your home really shine!

Simple Easter Decorations & Treats

Spring is here and it's a great time to indulge in some fun and simple Easter treats for the entire family. You don't have to spent a lot of money or go to a lot of trouble. There are plenty of great springtime projects to make and do. 

Check out this fun little round-up and maybe you'll be inspired to get creative this season! 

Pear Bunny Salad

Who better than Betty Crocker for a little inspiration...check out this adorable bunny salad made from pear halves. It's healthy and cute...and super simple to make. You might even have all the ingredients on hand. 

Honey Bun-ny Sweet Treats

Check out this cute tutorial from the delightful blog Eighteen25. Using store-bought pre-packaged honey buns, you can add some colorful twine and a cute tag and voila, such a great little Easter goody. Tuck it into a school lunch or pop it in an Easter basket. 

DIY Glittery Easter Eggs 

I don't care how old I get, I'll never tire of good ol' glitter as a go-to for crafting. And those traditional plastic Easter eggs definitely lend a great surface for it. With some simple glue or mod podge, you can turn neon colored plastic eggs into something that looks sophisticated and fun. 

Chocolate Eggs in Tiny Easter Baskets 

Everything is cuter on a miniature scale. I snagged some tiny straw baskets at a discount store and plan to use them as party favors holding small marzipan eggs at Easter. My local Aldi store had some great varieties of Easter candies and treats. 

Some of my other favorite places to shop for seasonal decorations and supplies include thrift shops like Salvation Army, Goodwill, etc as well as Dollar Tree/Dollar General. You can find some great options without spending much money. 

Happy spring & Happy Easter y'all! 

Simple DIY Flower Arrangements to Brighten Up Your Space

As winter lingers on, there's no better way to brighten up your space than with cheery flowers. And who says you have to spend buckets of money on expensive arrangements when you can DIY. I'm a big fan of grocery store flowers. I'm known to grab a few bouquets and take them apart, mixing and matching colors and types of blooms, and scattering them around in various containers.

And who's to say you are just limited to boring old vases? If a container holds water, it can work as a vase....in my humble opinion. This is why you'll see me using anything from a vintage Ironstone pitcher to a delicate teacup or re-purposed bottle or jar to show off my blossoms.

I was inspired by Vintage Romance Style to turn a Dollar General glass votive holder into something Kate Spade might put her name on. Isn't this adorable? The glass container will run you a whopping $2 and a paint pen or tube of acrylic paint might be another dollar or two. Or if you're like me, you may already have this stuff lying around. So go to town shopping your supplies and make something like this to showcase a few pretty stems.

While you are scrounging around for things you already have, keep an eye out for a straw place mat or cork trivet. These can be used to give new life to a plain old can or vase. Hester's Handmade Home inspired me to try something like this, and what a cute blog it is for all sorts of ideas and projects.

I snagged a few mismatched place mats at my local Goodwill that were perfect for wrapping around a tall glass cylinder vase. This is great for flowers with long stems that need more support in an arrangement.

Finally, I turned an old t-shirt into something a bit more stylish. For a few bucks, I found a cute black and white striped tee at Goodwill. Then I cut it into random triangles and used homemade Mod Podge to adhere it to a clear vase from my stash. Full disclosure, this was inspired by an old issue of Better Homes & Gardens I had been saving, but I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

Here's the original inspiration....

I hope these ideas inspire you to give your next grocery store flowers a little something extra with the containers and arranging. It's all about the presentation y'all....happy blooms!

DIY Fall Home Decor from the Dollar Store

Fall is here and I definitely like to enjoy November as its own separate time, with all the special things this season brings. Leaves crunching under your feet, apple cinnamon everything and Thanksgiving to name a few.

Retail stores are already in the jingle bell spirit, but I like to wait until after Thanksgiving to put out any Christmas decorations. That's just me....no judgement if you already have your tree up.

I like to decorate my home for all the different seasons, especially during fall. However, I don't like to spend a lot of money on decorative items. That's why my go-to for fall decor is my local dollar store. I usually hit up both the Dollar Tree (where everything is exactly $1) and the Dollar General, where things are still fairly cheap but all different prices.

Here are some fun home decor projects you can DIY this fall, and all of it came from the dollar store.

1) Chalk Painted Pumpkins - 

It's hard to believe these cute pumpkins started out as bright, Halloween orange but they did. I was inspired by Kim who has tons of great projects on her blog.

I scored my foam pumpkins at the Dollar Tree for a buck apiece. 

With a little chalk paint (or acrylic paint), you can give them a whole new life. Depending on your style (modern, shabby chic, country, etc), you can dress up your painted pumpkins in all sorts of ways. Plus if you take care of them, they will last from year to year. 

2) Metallic Pumpkins - 

There's something so glam about metallics and I wanted to makeover some Dollar Tree pumpkins with this style as well. I snagged some small, molded resin pumpkins and spray painted them a few different neutral colors, including bronze, camel, and gold. 

These will make a great centerpiece for my fall table!

3) Mini Acorn Chalkboard -

When I saw a cute acorn shaped front door decor at Dollar Tree, I snatched it up right away. Sometimes you have to be willing to see the hidden potential of your dollar store treasures. I wasn't so fond of the cheesy looking artwork on the acorn, but the shape of it was cute and I knew with a coat of black chalkboard paint, it would be a great little memo or message board.

I even found a nearly identical version on Etsy, priced at nearly $30 (shown below)!

4) Dried Bean Votive Candles  -

When I'm creating centerpieces for a table, I always try to incorporate as many textures as possible for visual interest. So for this dollar store DIY I headed straight to the grocery section and snagged three bags of dried beans. Then I found some stemless wine glasses which are perfect for votive candle holders.

You could also use a hurricane glass or another clear container. This has a nice harvest feel to it, perfect for the fall season.

It's fun to get creative and without a lot of financial investment, there's no pressure to make everything perfect. For a few dollars, you can get crafting this fall and add some autumn awesomeness to your home!

Monsters Made with Love

I'm trying to do more things. Well, I'm actually try to do less things but I'm trying to up the quality of the things I am doing. Less obligations and more things that have potential to bring me joy. It's easier said than done, but at least I'm trying. 

One of the things I've been doing is looking for local events to participate in. Things like classes and workshops to get me out of my comfort zone. When I saw a "Make Your Own Monster" workshop with Knox Makers, I immediately signed myself (and my unsuspecting husband) up for it. 

Knox Makers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Knoxville, Tennessee. They rent and share a physical space where members are free to come together to work on gidgets, gadgets, and "otherwise Earth shattering breakthrough novel science." 

This great local org is focused on offering a place where makers can support each other, collaborate and share ideas. 

I saw the "Make Your Own Monster" workshop on Knox Makers' Facebook page and it just sounded too fun to pass up. The workshop was held on a Saturday morning at the Knox Makers headquarters off Chapman Highway. It was one of the first cool Saturdays of the season, perfect for getting into the fall spirit. Taught by Laurie, founder of Monsters Made with Love, the class was really fun. 

First, we chose our monster kits, depending on the size and color monster we wanted to make. Laurie gave us everything we needed to make our monsters, from colorful fleece and sewing notions to stuffing and monster eyes.  

I hadn't done in sewing by hand since my childhood days of making Barbie clothes with my grandma but tapping into that little area of creativity felt great. My husband hadn't done much sewing but he found his way, making a right nice monster of his own (below, right). 

Part of Laurie's spiel is making sure you give your monster a little bit of love and that the first monster you make is for yourself. Then, once you have loved yourself, she reckons that you spread the love to others with each subsequent monster you make. She even made us all give our monsters a little hug. It was pretty sweet. 

I gave my monster flaming orange out of control hair and big pink lips. Her closed eye is winking and her open eye is batting its thick lashes. I even managed to sew on some bright pink toenails. 

If you get the chance to take Laurie's workshop or find a class like this in your area, I highly recommend it. Adulting (I know, I hate that word) can sure suck the joy out of life. It's good to inject a little whimsy back in when you get the chance. 

Check out Monsters Made with Love here. The next monster making workshop in Knoxville is on November 7th. 

Simple and Easy Spring Fashion Accessories to DIY

Spring is here and if you're anything like me, a brand new wardrobe is not in the budget. No worries...there are still plenty of things you can do to liven up your closet for the season. I've got some simple, affordable ways to create fun spring accessories using stuff you may already have.

The secret is finding new ways to use your stuff. Or perhaps re-purposing it to give it new life. Sometimes it just takes looking at things a little differently to get a whole new perspective.

Tie One On: Using Scarves in New Ways

I saw this idea in an old issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine, but based on all the scarves I'm seeing this season, I think it's pretty much on-trend. 

One option is to take a large square scarf and turn it into a handbag. You can make a simple version with just a scarf, or you can incorporate two bangles or hoops for handles. 

This great diagram is from DIYS.com...check out more ideas for scarves here.

And here's a link to the Martha Stewart scarf handbag with bangles...

You can also give life to an old purse by adding a bright silk scarf to the handle, either by wrapping it or just tying it on in a neat bow. I was recently traveling to Washington, D.C. and saw this look in the window of the Kate Spade store in Georgetown...reminding me of yet another way a scarf can really add something special to your outfit.

Get Pinned: Jazzing Up a Plain Jacket

Everything comes full circle, especially fashion. I didn't always understand this fully, or believe it. As a kid and early teenager, my mom would tell me that certain styles looked like things she had as a teen, but I was always skeptical. Now as an adult myself, it's clear how right she was. I guess this is a rite of passage into adulthood...finally understanding there's nothing new under the sun.

As a kid, I had an awesome denim jacket that was covered with pins and brooches. Then for many years, pins seemed old-fashioned or out of fashion. They have certainly gotten a revival though.

Check out this Marc Jacobs version for the low, low price of $895. No but really, cha-ching!

To re-create this look at home, all you need is a denim jacket (or blazer...depending on your style) and an assortment of pins and brooches. You may have some stashed away somewhere, or you can always find pretty a good selection at thrift stores and second hand shops. 

Pin placement is key...try to group your pins together in unique ways and scatter them around the lapel or chest area on your jacket. 

Give an Old Bracelet New Life

I don't know about you, but I pretty much get stuck in a rut when it comes to jewelry. I wear the same few bracelets and necklaces all the time.

But who's to say you can't change things up a bit? Got an old bracelet you love? With a bit of ribbon, turn it into a necklace!

All you need to do is tie a length of ribbon to each end and then knot it in the back of your neck. Too cute, right? This would work for an old charm bracelet, a chain link bracelet or even some beaded styles.

Each of these ideas is so easy to do, and none cost hardly any money. Great for your closet and your wallet! Happy spring accessorizing ya'll! 

Creative Ways to Set a Spring Table

When I was a kid, I used to love setting the table before dinner. Instead of eating in our home's formal dining room, we normally ate around a plain wooden table in the middle of our kitchen. It wasn't fancy china or exquisite linens that I used to adorn our eating surface, but instead my mom's old woven placemats and pottery dishes, beige rimmed in baby blue.

Our meals weren't gourmet, but the act of gathering together was meaningful anyway. Memorable.

“If the home is a body, the table is the heart, the beating center, the sustainer of life and health.” 

― Shauna Niequist, Bread and Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes

I hardly ever get to set the table anymore. My husband and I sometimes eat in the den, on trays in our laps. When we do use our dining table, it's still just the two of us and we rarely put down placemats or light candles. But that's okay with me. Meals don't have to be fancy to matter. When you are gathered with those you love, this is what matters most.

Although, sometimes it's still fun to set a lovely table and spring is a great time for this. Whether you are hosting a large gathering of dear friends or just dining with one or two special someones, there's no reason you can't get creative and set a lovely spring table.

Here are some of my best tips for setting a spring table. I hope it inspires you to get creative and think outside the box at the next meal you host for friends and loved ones.

Creative ideas for setting a pretty spring table

1) Choose a color scheme and stick with it - 

Not everyone loves the typical springtime colors of bright yellow, pink and aquamarine. Perhaps you are drawn to more muted hues. For my latest lovely spring table, I opted to use shades of the Pantone 2017 color of the year "greenery." Green is my favorite color and there are so many shades of it to enjoy, from chartreuse to brighter acid-green shades to pale tones of moss, fern and olive. 

2) Shop your home before hitting the home decor store - 

Unless you're a complete minimalist, I bet you have lots of items around your home that can be re-purposed to create a lovely table setting. Just from where I'm sitting in my home, I see baskets and vases, pitches and glass containers, plus plenty of green plants. All of these things can be used to set a lovely table! 

You don't have to hit the home decor store or spend a penny to set a lovely table. Shop your home, including things you may have tucked away. 

3) Mix and match - 

Few of us have the luxury of owning entire sets of matching china, stemware and silver. If you're like me, you've collected odds and ends over the years. Clear off a space on a table or counter and gather up various plates, chargers, table linens, etc. Pretend you are a magazine editor and look for things that complement each other as you're building your table setting. 

And as Tim Gunn likes to say, "make it work!" So what if you only have three brown transferware plates. Mix them into the lineup with all white dishes for a little unexpected surprise. Got several different patterns of floral china? Unify them with gold or silver chargers. 

Something else I like to mix and match is cloth napkins. I have amassed a great collection of odd silk and linen napkins in different shades of green. These are perfect for a spring table, but can also work during the winter holidays too. 

4) Incorporate natural elements - 

I like to do everything on a budget, so I rarely spend a lot of money on floral arrangements. But a sprig of greenery can go a long way. I've been known to take my scissors and walk around the yard, snipping a few pretty pieces to use in my tablescapes. Even a so-called weed can sometimes look really pretty when presented in the right way. 

5) Leave room for the food - 

We've all seen the picture perfect tablescapes in magazines and on blogs. But I often wonder how realistic these are for actual meals. When setting your table, leave some space for the food. Make sure everything has a bit of breathing room. If people are too nervous to move for fear of elbowing a compote, this can cause undue stress. 

And finally, have fun with it! So what if things aren't perfect. Setting a table before sharing a meal you've prepared is a special expression of love for your family. Be grateful for the moment and don't take things too seriously if your end results aren't magazine worthy. This is real life after all. 

Simple Christmas Decorations for Less than $5

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I just can't believe December is here again...and with it, Christmas. But instead of getting caught up in the hustle and bustle that certain elements of this season can bring, I'm choosing to focus less on the stress and more on the things that matter.

East Tennessee was hit hard by the wildfires that tore through our region recently. Lives were lost, homes and businesses destroyed. And that on the heels of so many other struggles and challenges that our communities are facing. Sometimes, things like Christmas decorations seem trivial or silly.

But I was reminded recently of the greatest mission that any of us is charged with: to be a source of encouragement to each other. That's what I set out to do when I started this blog.

It's not about being perfect, or even presenting the illusion of perfection. It's not about buying all the things, just for the sake of having all the things. It's about simple ways to bring a little bit of loveliness to your world.

And today, we're doing it with Christmas decorations that cost less than $5 each. This is a round up of some of my favorite ideas, as inspired by other bloggers. Because you know, sometimes all it takes is a little inspiration.

First, I've got a simple holiday garland made with items from the health and beauty aisle. Cotton balls and dental floss, to be exact. I threaded a large needle with floss, and strung up some cotton balls. I doubled the floss through each one to hold it in place an equal distance from the next cotton ball.

This great blog was my inspiration. Check out the pretty vignette blogger Kathy created with strings of cotton ball garland hanging from the ceiling. So much whimsy!

Next, turn a plain old white candle from the Dollar store into a cheerful snowman.

All you need is a white candle in a glass jar, a bit of scrap ribbon or fabric (for his scarf) and Sharpie markers. I happened to have an orange one on hand, but you could use whatever color you want for your snowman/snowperson.

A great gift idea for a teacher, neighbor or Secret Santa.

Speaking of great gift ideas, here's another one that also doubles as a cute decoration. Turn any clear glass jar into a Santa-themed candy dispenser. For this one, you'll need some black ribbon and a bit of gold or yellow paper. And red candy! I used cinnamon red hots but you may have a different favorite.

Click here for full tutorial.

All of these ideas are pretty simple, but sometimes the simple things are exactly what we need. Life can be complicated enough on its own. Why make matters worse?

And you don't have to be a blogger or think of yourself as a "crafty" person to enjoy these types of projects. Just jump in. Give yourself permission to try. Tap into some creativity you didn't know you had. It's good for the soul. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season!

Simple Ways to Jazz up a Boring Sandwich

November 3rd is National Sandwich Day, and there's no better way to celebrate the occasion than by enjoying the delicacy that inspired it. Thanks to the Earl of Sandwich, we're all a little better off. 

Would you believe that Americans eat around 200 sandwiches each year? From ham and cheese, to salami on rye, tuna melts and good old peanut butter and jelly, there's no shortage of sandwich combinations to enjoy. 

But don't just eat any old boring sandwich! Try some of these fun and simple ways to jazz up your ordinary lunch. 

Pour on the Sauce

Plain mayo and mustard are a fine starting point, but why not incorporate some other fun flavors? Stir together some store-bought pesto and a little mayo for a rich spread that's great on all sorts of sandwiches. Here are a few other tasty flavor combinations to try on your next sandwich. 

Wasabi + Mayo

Balsamic vinegar + Mustard

Gunshot Sauce + Mayo

Tobasco + Ketchup 

Lemon Juice & Sea Salt + Mayo

Curry + Ketchup

Rosemary + Mustard 

Sour Cream or Cream Cheese + Cilantro 

Relish the Relish

Love tart and tangy flavors? Pickles, olive and relish are a great option for you! Hot and spicy jalapenos can give a kick to plain old tuna salad. Or whip up a batch of homemade olive tapenade for your next boring ham and cheese. Even the humble grilled cheese gets new life with the addition of relish, sun dried tomatoes or olives. 

Spread the Spread

I'm not talking about condiments here...but extra things you can spread thickly on a sandwich to make it even heartier for those cold winter days. Tasty options like hummus (a favorite of mine) or pimento cheese, which can really add some oomph to a boring sandwich. 

Next Level Peanut Butter & Jelly 

I love a good PB&J as much as the next person, but sometimes even this beloved standby needs a little something extra. How about bacon? Trader Joe's has a bacon jam that has gotten rave reviews. Plus, they just got in a new product - Roasted onion and garlic jam. How about that for a memorable sandwich experience? 

Other ideas to give PB&J a boost? 

• Toast the bread first, or make the sandwich and put it in a Panini press
• Instead of bread, use toaster waffles to change things up 
• Try almond, sesame or cashew butter with a tart jam like orange marmalade 

Dress it Up

You may have heard the saying that "we eat first with our eyes" and I believe it's true. Something that is presented in a creative or thoughtful way will always be more enticing than something just tossed onto a plate. 

 Try parchment paper and twine (see first image above) to give your sandwiches a little something special. I picked up some cute plastic napkin holders that would also be great sandwich servers, a bit reminiscent of the British tradition of serving toast. 

I hope your next sandwich is delicious! Happy National Sandwich Day! 

  

Simple & Affordable Fairy Gardens to DIY

Fairy gardens have been a popular creative project for some time, but I haven't tried making one until now. There's something about the whimsy of it all, and the fact that I love tiny, miniature things that compelled me to create a fairy garden of my own. 

The best thing about making a fairy garden is that there are no rules. You can truly let your imagination run wild, and create a whimsical world that will make a great addition to your home or garden space. 

1) Choose A Fairy Garden Container 

The first step in creating your own fairy garden is to choose a planter to contain everything. This can be a traditional terra cotta pot or planter, or you might want to opt for something colorful in a glazed ceramic. I ultimately decided to use a plastic planter because I liked the color, a kind of neutral olive green.

Choose a planter based on your unique style, plus be sure to consider how large you'd like your garden to be. 

2) Select Plants for Your Fairy Garden 

Think about where your fairy garden is going to live (in the shade?, in a sunny spot?) and choose plants that will like those conditions. A good rule of thumb is three to four plants, depending on the size of your container.

Ferns are great, especially smaller varieties. Herbs such as thyme or different types of basil might also make a good plant for a fairy garden. Finally, succulents, coleus and ivy are all great selections. Your fairy garden is yours alone, so choose plants that make you smile! Check out these options, from myflowerland.com. 

3) Select Your Fairy Dwellings

Fairy houses are probably the cutest thing about fairy gardens. Most craft stores and even some garden stores have fairy houses or garden accessories that could work. I decided to use plain, raw wood birdhouses since they gave me the freedom to paint them myself. 

More project inspiration via Today Show!

 

4) Add Fairy Accessories to you Fairy Garden

I've always been a collector of little odds and ends. If you have a junk drawer, now is the time to raid it! You just never know what small bits and pieces you might be able to turn into a fairy garden accessory. Perhaps a broken holiday ornament can get new life in a fairy garden.

Or maybe you have small pieces from kids' toys that fit right in with your fairy garden. And don't forget to search for treasures in nature! Small stones, bits of wood or shells, leaves and pine cones, and dried flowers can all bring a certain magical quality to your fairy garden. 

You may also want to visit your local craft store and see what sorts of whimsical objects they have. Click here to see all sorts of fairy garden accessories available at Jo Ann Craft store. I hope you've been inspired to create your very own fairy garden!