Harry Potter Party

In my quest to plan a Harry Potter themed Halloween party for the kids I found a great website for decoration ideas, party food, invitations, etc.

It is the most complete and overwhelming list of Harry Potter Do-it-yourself party ideas I have EVER SEEN!

I need to save this. Something tells me I'm going to be referring to it again and again.

This should come as no surprise, it's called The Leaky Cauldron.

Reversible Tote Bag Tutorial

Today I am a sewing maniac. I just finished a bag for my kids piano music and now I've moved on to Hogwart's robes. All to the sound of multiple Roman Candles being fired off. I hope the house is stills standing at the end of the night. There are lots of formerly illegal fireworks out there.

I wanted to post the tutorial that I used to make the piano bag. I had a bit of trauma in the middle. Sewing is NOT my middle name and I had a hard time thinking this one through. Thank GOoDNESS for my seam ripper. But here is the TUTORIAL.

Paper Bag Flowers

I've been cruising Skip To My Lou. I love to just look and admire. There are some excellent ideas on it.

She shares some good ideas. One of them are the paper flowers she got from

Martha Stewart

And of course I think the Wedding Luncheon she uses them on.

Target Coins

I was walking through the electronics section of Target today, when I came across a bag of these:

(These coins have a set amount, but the ones I saw didn't.)

I don't know why this got me excited. I mean they are just gift cards right?

Like gift cards, I can put any amount on it.

Unlike gift cards they are appealing to kids.

I have visions of giving these to my kids for a job well done and them puting them in their piggy banks. The piggy bank I never have gotten for them.

Hey! Maybe they can BUY a Target Piggy Bank with one of their gift coins!

Call me crazy, but I like these. What fun rewards for my kids.

Teacher Gift

This year I struggled a bit to think of a teacher gift. After teaching I ended up with lots and LOTS of gifts that I didn't know what to do with and eventually threw or gave away. So I have two rules with my kids teachers.

1.) It must be disposable. And easily too without any guilt.

2.) If it isn't disposable than it must be a gift certificate. And something they can use. Not to a random place they will never go to.

So I was trying to think of what to get the kids teachers and thanks to my sister I found the perfect idea.

Gourmet Cupcakes.

More specifically, Cupcakes from here:
There is a store locally next to the Quilted Bear in Provo. They are more expensive than a Walmart cupcake, but eating these is an experience. A blissful, private experience....

I mean, just look at them:
I'm not saying I would sell my soul for one of these, but I may consider it.

My favorites are the Coconut and the Raspberry Lemonade.

The one with the cherry is Vanilla and the one with the strawberry is Strawberry Shortcake. Both equally tasty.

Wow, I may need to get another one.

Oh and they also have cake bites and other tasty things. But it's the cupcakes that are worthwhile. I actually eat the frosting. And trust me, that is saying a lot.

I hope I've made you want one, or at the very least will leave me alone while I eat mine.

Wine Glass Paper Shades

Oh how I wish I was having a party or wedding or SOMETHING to try these out for. I want to make these. They sound cheap and easy. I WILL do this.


American Homemakers Post

You can put tea lights in these to light them up. So Cute.

By Jove, I Think I've Got It!

I don't know if anyone else has this problems, but I did, and it was embarassing.

I had an odor problem.

My house stunk. Between the laundry, the mop, the bathroom and the kids, my house just wasn't as pleasant as it could be.

And I wanted it to smell nice.

I played around with several ideas.

In college I had Glade Plug-ins. But no one used those nowadays, so I explored other options.

Scensy seemed to be where the smelly stuff was at. And I would sit at parties sniffing every "flavor" to find one that didn't make me sneeze. There wasn't one.

Disappointed.

So then I looked into air fresheners of various sorts. They just didn't work for me.

I started debating about just getting a Glade Plug-in, when I walked in The House.

Some neighbors moved in and their house smelled nice ALL. THE. TIME.

Yes, THAT is what I want!

So I asked Cliss how she got her house smelling so purty.

And she said GLADE PLUG-INS!

After I recovered from shocking irony, I set about finding a "smell" for me.

She uses "Apple Cinnamon". Which was nice, but not for me.

I tried "Vanilla". But after a few weeks, it just felt like Plain Old Vanilla.

But I think I found My Scent!
(This is not actually "my scent" but the closest I could find.)

Vanilla and Lavender.

Oh sweet heaven I love it!

Kissing Balls

If anyone out there knows how to make Kissing Balls, please call me. I want to make them. I think they are awesome.

I especially like THESE Kissing Balls. Thank you Momma Did It.

Green Apple Centerpiece.

Well this didn't turn out as I hoped. Oh well.

We are redoing our kitchen. I want to use apple or lime green in my decorations. Like the table centerpiece. So I am scouring for simple ideas. And wedding centerpieces are where it is at. So this is my first favorite so far. I'd hoped for a picture, but the link is fine too.

Wedding Decoration - Centrepieces for AHR

But just in case, here's a description. Large round vase, filled with green apples and leafs. There is a ribbon around the top.