DIY! Burlap and Canvas Family Heirloom Wreath

Trying to capture and preserve my family's heritage is very important to me. It is also difficult. The older generation - the ones who remember World War II, The Great Depression, and beyond that, as it pertains to my family are gone and have been for a long while. So, I take what I can get, what I can find along the way, and do my best to honor and celebrate where I came from.

This Family Heirloom Wreath is one of my favorite ways to remember my family.

Bullies Suck

Bullies are heavy on my mind and heart these days. 

So its time to revisit this post.

Help "Stop the Mean."

Pure and simple...Bullies Suck.

Over the last two years,

my family has had to deal with bullies on many levels.

Yeah, don't be fooled, bullies are not always kids...

there are adult bullies, dad bullies, boss bullies, coach bullies, teacher bullies,

mom bullies, cyber bullies, and blog bullies.

photo/graphic credit

It's Time for a Family Talk About Drinking: Anheuser-Busch Ambassador Program

I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Influence Central for Anheuser-Busch's Family Talk About Drinking Program. I received a promotional item to thank me for me participation. I found the topic of underage drinking to be a timely at this time of the year - graduations, proms, special dances - all signs of growing up, and all circumstances when a child might be presented with challenges and circumstances related to alcohol. I thought parenting little ones was tough...and it is, but compared to the challenges, obstacles, and decisions kids face as they grow up, that seems like a piece of cake!

Moving Away Note Cards (for kids to keep in touch)

I can hardly believe it has almost been one year since we moved from California to Texas...and, no, the transition has not been easy, but we have found a few bright spots, and on of them are the sweet notes my daughter has received from her friends back home.

Outdoor Buffet Tablescape with Boxwood Topiaries

I adore topiaries and was very excited to work with Balsam Hill on creating beautiful Spring decor with their Boxwood Topiaries.

Growing up my family spent most of our time outdoors. We did not have people over for dinner parties - we had them over for barbecues! For my own personal style, I am somewhere in the middle. I love a casual gathering with friends, good food, and fabulous decor...and I especially love when it is outdoors. When the weather is good, I make every effort to be outdoors, and am so excited to share this (gorgeous) rustic chic outdoor buffet - perfect for Spring or Summer..or in this case Mother's Day!

DIY Mother's Day Gift (featuring your kids art!)

Mother's Day is HERE (basically). I know I have no gifts for anyone...and then as I was searching for something else, I found this floursack towel I made last year (or quite possibly the year before) with my daughters artwork...TA-DA! Magical, melt-your-heart cuteness for Mother's Day!

Waffle Iron Potatoes

My family is obsessed with waffle iron potatoes.

Yep, to heard me right...waffle iron potatoes!

I first saw this idea on Chef AJ's facebook page

and we have been making them ever since!

Here is the simple method to making them and some hints and tips!

Road Tripping to Dallas: SoFabU On The Road

I am super excited to be hitting the road to attend SoFabU On The Road in Dallas and I am getting a discounted ticket in exchange for this blog post. I want to share the details of this fabulous event with you...in case you are up for a road trip too. (And hurry Dallas is coming up on 5/30/2015!). Keep on reading the for the scoop!