WISHful Thinking: Free Printable

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How adorable is this FREE 8X10 printable? It will make the perfect addition to Munchface's big girl room collage AND I think I'll frame it in an upcoming project for God baby's shower... 

Like it? Love it? GO GET IT HERE.

Stay tuned to find out how I'll use this beauty!

Doing Small Things with Big Love

Happy Saturday, islanders!

This time last week, I was one of ten volunteers at DC's First Annual Prom Dreams event!  Hosted by Uplifting Sisters, this event provided young women the opportunity to shop for formal wear (a dress, shoes, shawl, purse and even jewelry) at no charge!

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Wait, volunteering? To help people shop?! Sign me up!  I love an opportunity to help others AND I'm *like* great at shopping... Especially when there's no budget in mind!

I got a shirt! I got a shirt! I got a shirt!

It was an awesome event!

Every Prom Dreams participant brought their positive attitude, met their personal shopper(s) and left with a fabulous outfit.  The real power of this event, however, wasn't found in the material things but in the love each volunteer showed the prom dreamers. 

Far too often, women tear women down; we breed insecurities amongst each other.  Imagine the impact!  Each prom dreamer had a room full of other women tell them how beautiful they are and a person dedicated to the search for the perfect dress... 1-on-1 empowerment.  1-on-1 encouragement.  WORDS can't describe it.

*Insert tears, giggles, good times and lots of smiles*

The PEOPLE made this event a success.

FYI - we took 10 shots... I acted goofy on the last one and THAT is the one that was posted to the website. MY LIFE.

Not to mention amazing accessories and dresses didn't hurt!

:::

Mother Theresa said it best,

"We all cannot do great things but we can do small things with great love."

Make today a LOVELY day!

Frugal Friday: $3 Mini Party Hats



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Happy Frugal Friday, islanders!

**The following project was completed for less than $3!!**

I have officially started crafting for Munchface's Baby Doll Bakery birthday party in August.  I KNOW it's early but hear me out!

I have weddings, client events, God Baby's baby shower and church activities ALL in addition to the typical mommy business.  Clearly, I have a lot going on so it's easier if I do a few things here-n-there.  I let Munch pick her theme and, when I'm sure she's done changing her mind, I designate a tub (or box) and fill it with party stuff over time.  This party-in-a-box technique ensures when it's PARTY TIME, I'll just have to set-up, to cook and, in this case, to bake... O, don't ACT like you forgot already!  Remember? I'm creating a bakery display which means I have to BAKE all kinds of goodies(at least the things I don't buy for super cheap from Walmart and my baker-friend)! 

So, moral of this story: Don't judge me or my crazy party planning antics, lol.  Now, onto the tutorial...

Doll (or mini) Party Hats

1. Gather supplies

- Scrap book paper (Michael's is having a sale - 7/$1)

- Scissors

- Ribbon (each hat requires 24" so get 1 roll from the Dollar Tree)

- hot glue/gun

- Pom Poms for topper (from The Dollar Tree)

- Optional: embellishments

2. Print this doll party hat template. Cut the hat template out.

3. On the back of your scrapbook paper, trace the template.  Each sheet makes 6 hats.

4.  Cut out the hats.

5.  Fold your paper (to eyeball where the seam/glue will be) to see how the hat will look.

6. Place hot glue along the seam.  Fold your paper (they should overlap).  Hold in place for 5-10 seconds.

7.  Place a glob of glue around the top.

8.  Place your craft pom-pom on top. Hold for 5-10 seconds.  Admire the cuteness.

9.  Cut 24" of ribbon.  Fold in half and cut again

(each side of your hat should have 12" of ribbon).

10.  With the hat seam to the back, glue your ribbon to the inside of the hat.

DOLL HAT COMPLETE.

... Unless you went to Michael's and purchased a Martha Stewart paper punch that was 40% off and want to play with it... IN THAT CASE, you can embellish it with ::shrugs:: *whatever.*

Munchface was so excited she found models around the house to wear the hat BEFORE they were complete:

Aren't they adorable?  If I wasn't getting chef hats for the guests, I'd make headbands with mini party hats and fabulous party streamer (or tulle) ruffles along the bottom. OoOo wouldn't they make cute party decor? or CAKE TOPPERS?  Let's talk about the possibilities here!  I mean, SERIOUSLY!

See!  It pays to do things early.  You might just... UH, create more work with your fabulous ideas?

::looks around the room for someone to agree::

OK.  Maybe it only happens to me?

Have a FABULOUS frugal Friday!

Linking up:

 

Throwback Thursday

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Lately, I've had several people (who I never knew read my blog) contact me expressing how they really enjoy frequent visits to the island.  While it is weird to get feedback when I'm just talking to my imaginary friendsVERY exciting, I can't help but feel the need to refresh the content on the island... Ya know, lift up the sofa cushions and find a $5 bill (WHICH happened to me last week - made my LIFE)...  We'll still have our DIYs, recipes, crafts and stuff BUT I'm going to sprinkle in some LIFE too.  

  

I also hope you guys comment and tell me more about YOU! 

Now, back to my original announcement:

It's Throwback Thursday!

Yep.  It's Munch in all her beautiful, dimple-faced, bald glory... Happy and smiling... She was 9 months in that pic and YES, she had all those doggone teeth in her mouth!  Can I just tell you, her Dental check-up (in February) went something like this:

Dentist: Mrs. Keese, how many adult teeth does Zion have?

Me(in my know-it-all mom voice): 1.

Dentist: NOPE! *walks X-rays over* She has 5 adult teeth. 4 molars and, judging by the development, she's had them for about 2 years.

YEAH, YOU HEARD IT. That would be a 3 year old with molars.  MY LIFE.  O and apparently she is a 1 in 1,000 case.  Little weirdo. 

She was such a big girl about getting her grown-up teeth sealed and I truly believe it's because she's had that SAME happy-go-lucky attitude all her little life.  She also knows when she's stumped me and brings up these molars far too often:

"Daddy, can you WATCH me to make sure I brush my MOLARS real good?" - Munch

"MOMMY, my MOLAR just bit my cheek!" - Munch

Again, my life.

I haven't seen this picture in FOREVER... Today, I think I'll just let it serve as a cute reminder to smile until it hurts and laugh until I pee a little uncontrollably as often as possible.

Happy THROWBACK Thursday :)