Father's Day Grillin' Gift Basket Crate

Thanks to Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser for sponsoring today's post. All opinions are mine alone. #KingsfordFlavor #CollectiveBias

 I can’t tell you how many times people have asked for suggestions on unique homemade gifts for  their husbands, boyfriends or fathers. I admit it can be a little tricky.  As much as he might love that brand new chainsaw, wrapped in a big red bow, it may not be the most creative, personal gift you can give.  I think I may have come up with something that the man in your life might really love - a handmade gift that he'll actually enjoy.

  This great gift basket is not only awesome for Father's Day but for any occasion. Plus, I think that I might have squeezed just about everything but the grill, into this  present.  It just might be the perfect gift for anyone who loves to BBQ.

  Keep reading and I'll show exactly what you need to make this great gift.  

Family Crafts: Watermelon Crate

    You know that summer has officially arrived when school is out for the year. Every June millions of kids count down the weeks until summer break looking forward to the days of sun, fun and most of all, no homework! And while they can't wait until the school free days of summer, parents are scrambling for activities to keep their little bundles of energy occupied for the next few months. Well, we have the perfect project for you and your kids to create together this summer. It's a craft that both you and your children will enjoy.

  Nothing says summer like freshly sliced watermelon. This craft captures the essence of the season with a brightly colored watermelon inspired crate. You can keep all of your kids toys neat and organized in this fun brightly colored container. Best of all, it's easy to make, fun to paint and will keep the kids occupied for hours.

Valentine's Day Heart Canvas Tote Bag with Printable Stencil

  Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite times for crafting.  There are so many ways to be inspired and such a huge variety of projects create.  It’s the perfect opportunity for family to gather and celebrate the idea of Valentine’s Day together.

  One of the most common questions I get from moms is how they can spend more time with their children, especially teenagers.  They want fun, creative crafts that can be done by the entire family. Well, this holiday is perfect for just that. Creating Valentine’s inspired gifts is a project children, teens and adults will all enjoy.

  I have a great tutorial for Valentine's inspired tote bags that couldn't be easier. I’ll show you step by step how to create a functional and stylish Valentine’s Day tote.  You'll be able to find nearly everything you need right at Target. So moms, grab your supplies and gather your family, this will be a craft everyone will love! And isn’t that what Valentine’s Day is really all about.

DIY Geometric Himmeli Hanging Basket

Thanks to Monrovia for sponsoring today's post. My love for Monrovia plants is 100% true! All opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

 One of the hottest trends for the home is Scandinavian design. It's sleek, modern, sophisticated and minimalist. Bare woods and metals are a must. Simplicity is imperative. It's the complete removal of cluttered decor while adding functionality to each detail of the home. I love it simply for the fact that it makes my house feel clean, neat and organized while still allowing me to keep my own unique style. 

  I decided to run with the Nordic theme and bring it to the outside of the house. I wanted to create a unique hanging basket for my front entryway. I decided to put a  spin on a traditional wire hanging basket and thought a himmeli style design would be the perfect choice. .If you aren't familiar with himmeli, you're in for a treat! Not only are they fun to make, but amazing to look at! The geometric shape of the designs is mesmerizing. 

  For this next DIY tutorial I'm jumping on board the Scandinavian design train.  This was one of my absolute favorite outdoor decor projects to create. It's minimal and modern and adds a bit of unique style to a traditional hanging basket. I also found a new favorite hybrid plant, the SuperCal® Petchoa, that I'm absolutely in love with. Keep reading for all of the details on this super easy hanging plant basket tutorial. 

Meat made from plants? See how Impossible Foods is changing the meat industry

So this happened...

  Last September I stopped eating meat. It was something I've always wanted to do but was completely afraid of how it would change my life. I mean let's face it, we base our lives on food. We plan out when we eat, create detailed schedules on what we're going to buy for the week and even plan our social time around it.  But still, I was determined to make a change and totally ready for a meatless, plant-based lifestyle.  And, as the saying goes, There is no better time than now.  Besides, what could it hurt to try? And so I did.
  I ate no meat whatsoever besides the occasional fish or shrimp. Did I miss it? Was there anything I was craving? Nope, not one bit! I was living in a non-sacrificial meatless utopia of delicious, seemingly endless variety, of vegetarian meals. There was literally nothing I was missing, nothing I felt deprived of, until.....summer began to roll around. 

  It seems like in my neighborhood anyone who is anyone owns a grill and, after six long months of indoor living, can't wait to fire it up. No one in my development can resist the lure of the outdoors once the temperatures begin to jump into the 80°'s. The smell of neighboorhood barbeques, blazing with flame grilled patties destined for hamburger greatness, made me totally second-guess my vegetarian ways. But, I was determined not to give in and return to my prior life as a carnivore. There had to be an alternative and I was going to find it if it was the last thing I did. I didn't know how but I was going to stop at nothing until I found a way to re-create the delicious one of a kind taste of flame-grilled beef. Then, just like that, something caught my attention, a message in my inbox.

  The email was from a company on behalf of Impossible Foods. It was an opportunity  to sample an innovative new food product that utilized a revolutionary plant-based meat. Talk about kismet! I couldn't wait to try it. And you're not going to believe what I have to say...

Alphabet Tortillas, Basketball garnishes & Easy cocktails with Bacardi and FruiTea Chillers®

This post is intended for an audience of adults age 21 and older. This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Bacardi. All opinions are mine alone. #SignatureSips #CollectiveBias

  My absolute favorite parties to host are the casual ones. There's no stress, the food is simple and the atmosphere is just fun. Since college basketball is beginning I know there is bound to be at least one party I'll be hosting for March basketball games. I tend to keep game day parties as simple as possible. Usually, I'll have a variety of finger foods and mixed drinks available. Many times I'll just pick up a few trays of food from the local catering store and put them out, buffet style. Although I keep it simple I still always to try to add a little bit of creativity to keep it fun. 

  For today's post, I'm going to show you a few fun ideas for game day style parties. We're going to make alphabet tortillas and basketball beverage garnishes. You're gonna love how easy these are to make and how awesome they look with your game day food!