Last week we were idly shopping on my favorite street in Geneva, Illinois, and I came across a set of adorable coasters - made of cardboard! I knew I had supplies at home to make my own DIY recycled cardboard coasters. Why spend money if you don't have to? (This post contains affiliate links.) Cardboard coasters are quick and easy to create. Keep them for yourself or give them as a small gift. These might be cute for party favors.   I … [Read more...]

Lately I've been turning a critical eye to the walls in my home. I'm making some changes, but decorative changes can be expensive. If you're also challenged by the high cost of artwork, you'll enjoy this post that shares a collection of economical DIY wall art. Some are my own creations, and some are the work of fellow bloggers. Click on the links below to be taken to the tutorials. One of my favorite projects was creating DIY wall art using … [Read more...]

Summer means spending time outside in the fresh air and sometimes that can be exhausting. Working in the garden, bike rides and long walks, swimming in the pool or at the beach - plenty of physical activity! What better way to unwind and soothe sore muscles than with a luxurious and therapeutic soak in the bath tub?  Add fragrant, homemade lavender rosemary bath salts to your bath for increased health benefits. Bath salts are known to provide a … [Read more...]

For as long as I can remember, I've loved working with paper. It started with doing origami as a young child and moved onto making gum wrapper chains as an older kid. Then in junior high I became enamored with stationery and all the different patterns available. When I managed a fitness club, I loved coordinating colored memos and signs. And now, I love working with book pages and scrap book paper (even though I don't do any scrap booking). Last … [Read more...]

Mother's Day is right around the corner and there's still time to make mom's day special with handmade gifts. My mother is no longer with me, but there's no reason I can't give a gift to my daughters who are moms. While store-bought presents are always nice, there's something special about a gift you make with your own hands. Here are some ideas that you can still create before Mother's Day. Click on the links to go to the tutorials. Bath … [Read more...]