Easter Craft: Bunny Swag Bags

I made bags for the youth at church.  I love how much personality the embellishments add and I'm sure when the kids open them to find candies, their faces will light up!  These bags are the perfect gifts for teachers, friends, neighbors... really, they're great for anyone you'd like to make smile.

I saw an inspiration pic on Pinterest:

Source

Things I Love: Baby's First Easter Basket

Howdy, Islanders!  Remember when I started our newest series, the Things I Love series?  I mentioned in this post what it's all about.  Basically, it's a series full of things I come across that I find to be good enough to share with you, my beloved Islanders.

I've been compiling guides for new parents.  Remember the 13 things to do for new parents (here)? To clarify, I am not a new parent but I have transitioned into the role of awesome auntie pretty frikkin' amazingly well and I've come to realize that I have some ideas others - aunts, uncles, cousins, god parents, grandparents, friends, family, new parents, etc. - might find useful.  Wait, you forgot I am an auntie?  Let me share an obligatory picture of my magically delicious nephew, MaseFace:

Yes, he is that amazing in person and yes, he smells as good as he looks.  Anyhoo, I finally finished my neph's basket and I wanted to share a few unique ideas for baby Easter baskets.  It's not like the babies understand enough to really appreciate them or like parents expect anything for their baby on Easter... there's really no pressure with this one.  I promise.  You can't go wrong.  Surprise new parents with something sweet for their little ones and you're sure to be the [insert your title here] of the year!

Here are a few baby basket ideas that are sure to be a hit!

DIY Tiara Headband Using Paper!

ISLANDER BONUS ALERT!!  

Yesteryday, I mentioned that I made DatMyHoney's tiara and a few of you recognized the tiara from other photos.  Today, I'm finally sharing how I made it!  Yes, I'm coming to you live from blogland on the WEEKEND!  Whaaaaaat?

Supplies:

- Headband

- Cardstock in your choice of color for crown

- Felt

- Scissors

- Hot glue

- Optional: embellishments

Step-by-Steps
1.  Cut a rectangle 6" x 3" out of the cardstock.  Cut the points of the tiara.

2.  Create the tiara shape by holding the tiara with the points up.  Glue the ends to 'close' the loop.

3.  Use the paper punch to cut a 2" circle to create a base for the tiara.  Glue along the bottom of the tiara and place on top of the circle. Hold for 15 seconds

4.  Glue a small piece of felt to the bottom of the circle. Glue the felt to the headband.  Be careful with placement to ensure your tiara rests where you'd prefer on the princess' head.  Glue another piece of felt to the bottom of the headband.  As a visual, your headband should be 'sandwiched' between two pieces of felt.

5.  Embellish the tiara with gems or stickers to fit your preference or theme.  I used a number 3 sticker from a pack I purchased from the Dollar Tree.  I also incorporated tulle and ribbons to create a cape look that matched her birthday outfit.

Eh, it was ok.  It was done but it was missing something:

After a few gemstone stickers, we were ready to rock!

I even made a small pink Batgirl symbol to take it over the top:

You may recall seeing the tiara I made for Gilly.

I used a doily as the base and gold card strock for the tiara.

Munch's Halloween costume had one attached to a clip.

I even made a mini verson for her corsage on the playing card peplum top she wore on Halloween.

This tutorial is easy and could be incorporated into your next event in a number of ways:

- Create tiaras instead of party hats for your next princess event.
- Make a tiara for photo booths
- Make matching tiaras for your little girl AND her doll
- Use a larger version in your centerpieces
- Use them in photo shoots for infants or birthdays
- Frame one in a shadow box for room decor

Get creative, the possibilities are endless!

Cheers to a ROYAL day!

Super Princess Party - The Fashion.

If you know MyHoney, you know she's a fashionista.  Sheena found MyHoney's bat dress at H&M and added sparkle pink tulle to make it fit the theme.

She found adorable black sneakers with textured and sparkle details.  As a final touch, Sheena upped the hero styling with pink sneaker wings made by an etsy seller.  The wings' detailed design is adorable and is sure to take your hero's footwear to the next level!

Affordable Gifts for the Guys In Your Life

Well, I've been making mental notes of things to buy for Hubbs and guess what, Islanders.

This dude told me he doesn't want me to buy anything.  He is planning to get sneakers this weekend and doesn't want me to buy him a doggone thing.  After I've planned to get him the wallet he's complained he's needed, the massage-thingee he said he wanted, the shaving kit from Ulta and more... I hate when he does this!

I'm not crazy for feeling some type of way about that, right?  I mean... he always does this... every holiday.  He gets what he wants and I appreciate whatever I get.  I shouldn't be surprised but I am.  I shouldn't be annoyed but I am.

I guess we'll make the most of the gifts in our stockings huh?

If you still have the opportunity to shop for the guy(s) in your life, check out these goodies; they're sure to make your special guys smile.

Cologne

I've bought some top-notch colognes for Hubbs (I thought he'd cry when I splurged on Creed one birthday, it was as if I'd read his mind, lol).  I also, however, love a great smelling affodable scent.  In the case of Dunhill for Men, I haven't found one review that doesn't give this scent praise.  I've decided to get a small bottle for the man's stocking and I think it might become an annual gift for him - a new cologne to try.

Solar Charger

In my post for the girls, I shared the camera lenses that could change the cell phone camera's life for good.  If you're shoppng for the outdoors man, check out this solar-powered cell phone charger that costs less than $30 on Amazon!

It's so COOL and perfect for guys like my brother who fish on a boat or work on foot patrol or outdoors!

Man Cave Accessories

Every man wants to have his own space.  My guy THINKS the basement is his but, in actuality, he has an area where he plays video games.There's always something you can get for your guy to feel like he has an area dedicated to him.  I've rounded up a few man "area" accessories I'm sure the guys would love:

Mini Refrigerator

They have the basic mini fridges that start at $30+ and then there are the cool mini vending machines like this one:

Wall-Mounted Beer Opener

Hubbs doesn't drink beer often but he does have a sip when his friends are over to enjoy a game... I think he'd like a wall-mounted bottle opener.  In a man cave, it would be cool, right?

I also like how the one above catches the bottle tops so there's no pile of tops on the floor (...or would that only be my guy who would leave the tops to pile up on the floor?).

Personalized Drinkware

I don't know about you but guys always seem to have their favorite water glass or coffee mug or whiskey glass.  I grew up in a house where my dad had a designated water cup.  We all knew not to touch the cup and I remember, after we made friends during our visit to Costa Rica, how excited Hubbs was when our new friends gave him a personalized mug.  Something about monogrammed everyday items just make people happy.

Check etsy or Amazon for great deals on personalized drinkware and more!

Cigar Subscription

Sign-up for a monthly sampling of cigars for only $19.95!  I would give this gift with a cigar cutter or other cigar accessory and a note that explains the subscription.

Roku 3

Cable?  Ain't nobody got time fo' dat, lol.  The Roku3 device is the leading streaming device that, for many, has replaced their primary cable provider.  At only $85, this is perfect for the movie buff or TV junkie.  O and it beats out its Amazon, Google and Apple competitors.

For the stocking, I like to get Hubbs some smell good, some funky socks (Nike compression socks and dress socks) and some of his favorite candy,

Happy gifting!