Mango Salsa

It's just about BBQ and picnic time, if you haven't started already. I am always looking for different fare beyond the hamburgers, hot dogs and potato salad. Don't get me wrong, I love hamburgers and potato salad, but it's nice to have variety. I found this salsa recipe quite some time ago and it's amazing. Not only good with corn chips, its amazing on grilled salmon.

If You CatchYour Kid In A Lie

I'm posting a great video today on the topic of kids lying. We have always had an open book policy in our home, and the kids could come and talk to us about anything - and we tried not to freak out too much. However, it didn't keep them from lying occasionally, usually to keep from getting into trouble. There are many reasons a child will lie to you: this video is awesome in giving some great ideas in dealing with it.

Clothespin Pinwheel

I love pinwheels! I was always the kid that was picking out the pinwheels in the dollar section, when told I could pick whatever I wanted. I would run around the yard with it, watching it spin in the wind I would create, flashing it's colors with each rotation. Even as we speak, I have a large flower pinwheel stuck in the basket of my petunias out on my deck. On a breezy day I like to look out and watch it twirl. That's why I geeked out when I saw these patriotic pinwheels on Martha Stewart the other day. As usual they fit all the criteria for a good craft: Easy, cheap, quick and... easy ;o)

Patriotic Wreath

There are a couple of ideas bouncing around for this patriotic wreath right now, and I loved it so much I had to share it with Memorial Day weekend coming up. This version here is my favorite, with the use of craft foam for the stars. 

This craft has all the perfect elements for me, as I have stated in the past: cheap, easy, and WAY cute! All you need is a wreath ring, yarn, craft foam and a little glue.

How To Pay For Your Vacations

Aaron and I love to travel: if you have been following my blog for any length of time, you already know that. We are not rich people however, so going on trips can be a little tricky for us in the financial department. How do we do it then, you ask? Here are our tips to help us on our way with smiles on our faces.

The Big Island - Hawaii

When most people think of Hawaii, they think of Oahu, with Waikiki beach, Pearl Harbor and The Polynesian Center. We decided to go off the beaten path and visit The Big Island, the island furthest south, and the youngest of the Hawaiian islands. I will give you a quick synopsis of our favorite spots from our 8 day excursion in case you are thinking about going yourself.

Oops!

Aloha! Sorry friends, I forgot to leave a post letting everyone know I was going to be gone for a while. Aaron and I went to The Big Island, Hawaii, with my mother and that is why you haven't heard from me in over a week. I am still alive and well... actually very well after a much  needed retreat. 

Stained Glass Mother's Day Card

I saw this card on Kaboose and thought it was really pretty. It would make a perfect card for Mother's Day this weekend ;o)

Peppers and Wreaths

I spent a couple of days with Jess last week, apartment hunting for next year by day, sleeping on her dorm room floor by night - we had a great time!

Before hunkering down and going to sleep each night, we sat and watched a movie and made some of the tissue paper peppers that I posted last week. It was really fun, and they turned out great! I used them to decorate the stage for Aaron's Cinco de Mayo gig that Saturday. We got lots of comments on how good they looked, so I thought I would share: one of my post ideas in action ;o)

Drink Umbrella Wreath

Okay, I found another thing I am going to make for stage decorations tomorrow for our Cinco de Mayo party. I have a big box of drink umbrellas already, so it should be easy cheesy.

If you don't already have a bunch of these little umbrellas, they are ultra cheep at the party store. Fun, festive, inexpensive and easy - my kind of craft!

Tissue Paper Chili Pepper

OMG!! This is SO cute, I am in love. I think that I am slightly Mexican at heart, because I just love the food, people and culture. With Cinco de Mayo coming up this weekend, I am in full swing Mexican mode - we have a big ol' fatty party planned that Aaron's band is playing at, so fun will definitely ensue.

I think I am going to make up a bunch of these for them to put up as stage decoration.... if I end up having the time to do it I will definitely post pics ;o)

Mosaic Flowerpot

This amazing little pot that I found on Family Fun would be great for either a plant, or use as a catch all for your desk: pens and pencils would look just as great in it as green foliage ;o)

I just love personal gifts for mother's day, and this one would be great.

May Holidays

Happy May Day! The flowers are in bloom, the sun is shining (part of the time any way ;o) and the grass is as green as it's going to get this year. I'm LOVIN' it!!

Here are a few holidays to get you through till the summer hits. Have some fun!