September 2020

Well, while we’ve been experiencing near-record heat here in Phoenix, with the weather that most of the country has been having, it seems like this Valentine’s Day will be perfect for cuddling up with someone you love, watching your favorite romantic movie and sharing a giant size box of chocolates.

Perhaps you have something a little more grand in mind. A getaway for you and your significant other to a posh hotel or dinner at a 5 star restaurant. Well, we’ve teamed up with a group of amazing bloggers for a $550 Giveaway to show our readers a little love and to try and help one lucky winner make their Valentine’s Day wishes come true!!

We’ve provided lots of different ways to earn entries into our Hearts and Hugs $550 Giveaway. The more ways you enter the better your chances of being the BIG giveaway winner. Plus, along the way, you’ll also be delighted to discover amazing posts about all things Valentine’s Day from this group of talented bloggers. Did you see our Cherry Chip Cookie recipe?  There’s also some fun  crafts to make, romantic date ideas on a budget, valentine’s decor and even a few gift suggestions.

Also, make sure to follow my Valentine’s Day Pinterest Board for even more great ideas!

Follow Valerie (Occasionally Crafty)’s board Love day on Pinterest.

Alright, so what are you waiting for?! Go enter now to win $500 Cash and start thinking about how you could play cupid with all that cash !!! Good luck and Happy Valentine’s Day! Here are the Participating Blogs:
Be sure to stop by the blogs often this week as there will be so many great posts you won’t want to miss. Plus, the more times you enter the better your chances of winning the $550 Cash Giveaway!!!

I haven’t posted anything for awhile.  It’s not that I’m not crafting- I am.  It’s just that everything I have made has been from someone else’s blog.  I am seriously suffering from a lack of creativity.  I’m a good copier- just not that great at coming up with things on my own.  That being said, here’s something I put together for my sister-in-law, who just had her second baby. If you have ever used baby washcloths, you may feel like I do:  they are so soft for a baby’s skin, but really flimsy.  I decided to try to combine the best of both worlds and make my own.  I used a soft flannel fabric for the front and terry cloth for the back. A couple of these washcloths, plus some fancy baby soap, and I’ve got a great gift that’s part handmade, part store-bought (but usually appreciated!)  Did I mention my husband’s family is very crafty?  The women in the family are all wonderful sewers and very creative people.  I on the other hand, make what I can make, and that’s just how it is. I have some great Christmas crafts to complete.  They might not be my own ideas, but I will post them anyway.  Maybe you will find a link to something you haven’t seen before.

If you’re visiting from a blog hop- welcome!  Leave me a comment and I’ll return the blog visit!

Well, while we’ve been experiencing near-record heat here in Phoenix, with the weather that most of the country has been having, it seems like this Valentine’s Day will be perfect for cuddling up with someone you love, watching your favorite romantic movie and sharing a giant size box of chocolates.

Perhaps you have something a little more grand in mind. A getaway for you and your significant other to a posh hotel or dinner at a 5 star restaurant. Well, we’ve teamed up with a group of amazing bloggers for a $550 Giveaway to show our readers a little love and to try and help one lucky winner make their Valentine’s Day wishes come true!!

We’ve provided lots of different ways to earn entries into our Hearts and Hugs $550 Giveaway. The more ways you enter the better your chances of being the BIG giveaway winner. Plus, along the way, you’ll also be delighted to discover amazing posts about all things Valentine’s Day from this group of talented bloggers. Did you see our Cherry Chip Cookie recipe?  There’s also some fun  crafts to make, romantic date ideas on a budget, valentine’s decor and even a few gift suggestions.

Also, make sure to follow my Valentine’s Day Pinterest Board for even more great ideas!

Follow Valerie (Occasionally Crafty)’s board Love day on Pinterest.

Alright, so what are you waiting for?! Go enter now to win $500 Cash and start thinking about how you could play cupid with all that cash !!! Good luck and Happy Valentine’s Day! Here are the Participating Blogs:
Be sure to stop by the blogs often this week as there will be so many great posts you won’t want to miss. Plus, the more times you enter the better your chances of winning the $550 Cash Giveaway!!!

Last week I showed you how to make Felt Flower Rosettes. Here is another simple felt flower that packs a punch! I call it a flower burst. First cut a strip of felt. The longer the strip, the thicker your flower will be. The thicker the strip, the longer your petals will be. Cut slices into your strip almost down to the bottom. If you want more of a base for your flower, don’t cut as far down. If you want bigger petals, make your cuts wider. Then begin rolling your strip keeping the uncut side down. Place a little bead of hot glue every 1/2 inch or so to help keep it in place. This is what the bottom of your flower will look like. Turn over and fluff your flower burst to your liking! Isn’t it easy and pretty?

I haven’t posted anything for awhile.  It’s not that I’m not crafting- I am.  It’s just that everything I have made has been from someone else’s blog.  I am seriously suffering from a lack of creativity.  I’m a good copier- just not that great at coming up with things on my own.  That being said, here’s something I put together for my sister-in-law, who just had her second baby. If you have ever used baby washcloths, you may feel like I do:  they are so soft for a baby’s skin, but really flimsy.  I decided to try to combine the best of both worlds and make my own.  I used a soft flannel fabric for the front and terry cloth for the back. A couple of these washcloths, plus some fancy baby soap, and I’ve got a great gift that’s part handmade, part store-bought (but usually appreciated!)  Did I mention my husband’s family is very crafty?  The women in the family are all wonderful sewers and very creative people.  I on the other hand, make what I can make, and that’s just how it is. I have some great Christmas crafts to complete.  They might not be my own ideas, but I will post them anyway.  Maybe you will find a link to something you haven’t seen before.

If you’re visiting from a blog hop- welcome!  Leave me a comment and I’ll return the blog visit!

As I mentioned in my last birthday post, I’m all about throwing cute parties on a budget.  I’ve collected some of  my favorite birthday party decorations as inspiration for your next party!

A backdrop can make all the difference to your table.  Here’s one I found here, but you could easily duplicate this yourself with some cardstock and thread.
This next idea comes from this etsy shop.  It’s adorable, but if you want to do it yourself, you could easily just layer two plastic tablecloths, gather the top one in sections, and cover your gathers with cute bows.

She created this cute table by folding over part of the plastic cloth to create a ruffle, then taping it to the table.  

How about using those plastic tablecloths on the ceiling instead of streamers?  Simply cut it into strips and hang!  Inspiration from Cafe Mom here I also love these washi tape party glasses from Craft and Creativity

I hope all this party inspiration has the wheels in your head turning!  I know I can’t wait to try some of these for our next parties!

Don’t forget to come back tomorrow morning for another giveaway!  All the giveaways can be found here.  Good luck!