Give Thanks

There was this cutest idea I saw on Pinterest and I decided to kind of make it my own. Now that Halloween has come and gone, I wanted to get my decorations packed up and put away and set the new ones out. I bought the big white pumpkin a few weeks ago and have been dying to be able to put it out. For this craft, I only had to spend $8.00 out of pocket!

Leaves - Dollar Tree: $1.00
Wreath Inserts - Hobby Lobby: $1.25
Sharpie - anywhere - $1.25
Bucket - Dollar Tree: $1.00
White Pumpkin - Michaels: $7.00
Hot Glue & Gun - Walmart: $12.00

I started by writing the phrase "GIVE THANKS" on my pumpkin then going back and tracing a thicker frame on each letter. It can be tricky to get the letters just the way you want since there are grooves but take your time and let it dry in between coats of tracing. 

Then I put the pumpkin in the bucket and hot glued the flowers, leaves and wreath inserts around the pumpkin's base. I found a white insert (not pictured) that I liked better with the colors of leaves and flowers so I used that instead. I found the white insert at Deseret Industries about three years ago!

The final product looks like this and I must say, the lettering turned out better than I thought it would! Happy Crafting :)

Something Wicked This Way Comes - Happy Halloween!!

 

Some people don't care for Halloween and to be absolutely truthful, I used to be one of them. Now, it has become one of my favorite holidays! This year, amidst all the messes and unpacking from moving into my new house, I have found sanity in putting out colorful glitter pumpkins and little glowing skeletons. Right in the middle of about 10 open boxes I took a break to make a new Halloween wreath. I'm almost disappointed that I was proud of my wreath last year... it was pretty sad! This year I took a few extra steps and spent a little bit of money and came up with this beauty!

 

 

We all have few craft odds and ends buried in a box somewhere that can be used, but most of mine I bought new and I'm glad I did - I can't stop staring at my newest creation! Below is a quick description of what I used and where I got it and for how much.  (p.s. If I already have it on hand, I count it as nothing!)

1. Wreath - Deseret Industries

2. Set of 3 Mini Glitter Pumpkins - JoAnn Fabric for $6

3. Spider Web Placemat & Glitter Spider  - Dollar Tree $2

4. Black Ribbon - Marshalls $.50

5. Modge Podge, Brush, EEK lettering - Hobby Lobby

6. Hot Glue and Glue Gun - Walmart

7. Glitter Vase Filler Balls - Shopko $4

8. Glitter Set - Ross

 

Seriously!? Only about $10 out of my pocket and these types of wreaths sell for like $40-$60 in store! I didn't do a tutorial of the steps but it's really self explanatory. I tied the web placemat on the wreath and the spider to the web with black ribbon. Hot glued the little glittery balls and pumpkins as desired. Modge podge'd the glitter on the spider. It was so easy and fun. I played around with a few different ideas but I'm really happy with the way it turned out!    

 

              

I also crafted up some SCARY cute cards to send to my nieces and nephews! Happy Halloween! :)







Happy First Home!

I can't believe I finally did it! I BOUGHT A HOUSE!! Three months later and I have found my first home. It's been a long, stressful haul, but now that the keys are in my pocket, I think it's safe to spread the big news and I couldn't be happier! No more creepy landlords, no more apartments with neighbors above or below or right beside me. No more messy roommates who sneak my favorite ice cream or have 10 billion cats. Just me and my cute little Cockapoo pup!  I understand why people wait to purchase and it would have been nice to have a spouse to lean on as it requires a lot of patience, money, and signatures but it just made sense for me right now and I couldn't be more excited.... and just in time for the holidays, too!

I'm posting just a few pictures of the house as I want to keep my privacy and I also have A LOT of DIY projects and touches that I can't wait to put together. Right now I am living in boxes but I will update you on all the fun steps as they come together!

 

Fab Favorites for Fall

Since yesterday was the "official" first day of Autumn, I decided it's now OK to put away our bikinis and sun dresses and talk about all the warm, cozy, deliciousness that Autumn brings! Leaves changing color, bringing out fuzzy socks, sipping on hot drinks and crisp air all morning, noon and night.

Let's jump right in! I have a "scents" of loyalty to Bath and Body Works. While every once in a while you can find a good steal at Marshalls or Home Goods, I like to stick to the trusty, old reliable B&BW. Their fall line is so scrumptious! Lotions, soaps, scrubs and candles - you can never get enough! Right about now I'm dying to make my annual visit this time of year to see what I can pick up to warm my home.

I can't lie... I get a little excited when I get to put away my shorts and tees and cozy up inside big knitted sweaters and comfy sweats by the fireplace after work. I need to update my wardrobe with some fun new pieces like those pictured from my Polyvore below! Where are your favorite places to shop for fun Fall accessories?

OK... and who doesn't love a great movie party night with themed treats or a heaping bowl of freshly popped popcorn? These are just some of my personal (some kid friendly) favorites that I have to watch every year to get me in the spooky spirit! AMC does a full month of scary movies for those looking to get a thrill and ABC Family does their famous 13 Nights of Halloween for our more friendly and less scary viewers. I love that I can depend on those two channels to supply my entertainment all month long!

And lastly, all the amazing and savory food that we indulge in this time of year. Seasonal favorites start to hit stores like: pumpin spice latte, caramel apple cider, freshly baked pies and pastries with fun leaf or pumpkin shaped sprinkles, and pumpkin and caramel flavored candies like M&M's and Hershey's Kisses. I haven't baked a pie before in my life, but this year....it is gonna happen! One recipe I have mastered that I like to make when the weather cools and is absolutely delicious is homemade maple bars and Mmmmm... Click for recipe!

So whether you love or dread this pumpkin-filled season, it is finally here! I know I'm excited for some of my favorite traditions of wreath making and crafting, picking pumpkins, sipping on hot and tasty Starbucks, spending time with loved ones, watching scary movies and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Feeling extra thankful for all my blessings and wishing you a very safe and enjoyable holiday season!

Back to School 2014

I don't know about you but I kind of like getting ready for back to school and all the excitement! From ordering/purchasing books, registering and school shopping, one can't help but get in the spirit. Plus, that means Fall is just around the corner! I wanted to post about a few fun subjects that will help you get more excited about and dread less this time of year.

These are items that are fun and colorful and will bring a smile to your face while doing homework, studying in the library or jotting down notes in class. Updating your school bag with bright colors and new accessories will get you in a more pleasing mood when it comes to school. Plus, you get to show off all your fancy items at the same time! I ALWAYS have stock pile of good pens and pretty Sharpies to use to bring a little enjoyment to my studies. Adding color and pattern to your study area at home will make for a more enjoyable environment as well, just make sure it is clean and tidy and doesn't cause distraction. Two fun designer looks for this year are Lily Pulitzer and Kate Spade,

Buying a new bag to tote around your books, laptop and accessories is also something every girl looks forward to. Here are just a few ideas of what you might want to try out this year. Jansport, Roxy, Michael Kors....I love them all! Try shopping at your local Ross, Marshalls, or T.J. Maxx for discounts on designer bags!

I have always been an over-dresser. I have a hard time finding comfortable casual styles that don't feel too much like an unprepared, drab t-shirt and jeans look. Polyvore and Pinterest are great sites to give you outfit ideas for this year's shopping haul. I love going through my closet before a big shopping trip and finding pieces that I want to match with something new. Like a new skirt with a top I already have, a jacket to cover my favorite tank when the weather cools, etc.

These were all taken from my Style Board on Pinterest. Follow me here! http://www.pinterest.com/taylerannette/

Healthy Snack: Apple Doughnuts

 

These are seriously delicious. I'm not sure where I got the idea, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who's thought of this before. One night I was having a sweet craving but had just finished a work out and didn't want to splurge and eat a super-duper high calorie treat so I decided made my own. If you know anything about me it's probably that I have a major sweet tooth!

 

 

 

 

Some of the items I used for my dessert are seen above but you can really use any assortment your taste buds desire! This was a delicious, quick fix and even kept well in the fridge for a few hours. 

Dollar Store Steals!

It's true; I am a bargain lover! Whether you're pinching pennies until your next paycheck because of a great shoe sale at the Nike outlet or you just can't stand to pay the outrageous full price for basic items, I speak your language! From parties, to household, to office - there are a billion and one items you can get for CHEAP and no one will ever know the difference. I love a good splurge every once in a while on an awesome ceramic at Hobby Lobby but if I can get it for less and give it some good ol' DIY love then I'll most likely take that route and have a few extra dollars in my pocket! Don't believe me? Make a list of 10 common items you can find at your local grocery mart and find out how much it costs. Then, head to your nearest discount store and see how much money you can save!

1. Tape - Really....

2. Cleaning supplies - I love to stock up when I'm moving, in or out, dollar stuff works just as well as the name brands and you can feel good about only spending $3.00 on cleaning for someone else to move in.

3. Greeting Cards

4. Scissors

5. Gift Wrap - I almost only get my gift stuff here. The total of your gift can increase by $5 - $10 if you pay full price!

6. Christmas Ornaments - sure they are less appealing than those at Hobby Lobby, but I bought probably 5 sets from the dollar store last year and they look cute on my tree.

7. Wine/Dining Glasses - I break these all the time! Good thing they are so cheap to replace!

8. Holiday Décor - I am seriously impressed sometimes by how cute some of the seasonal decorations are.

9. Tissues

10. Pot Holders

11. Soaps & Air Fresheners - These are the SAME brands sold at regular price in other stores, c'mon people.

12. Doggy Bags - I dreaded paying $7.00 for a pack of these at Walmart. I went to a Dollar Tree and found a pack of 3 rolls for $1.00. And it came in cute designs like zebra print and pink dog bones.

13. Balloons

14. Home Décor - You can get some really tasteful frames and mirrors from Family Dollar. Come into my home and see if you can tell which ones I have from there; it's tougher than you'd think!

15. Salt and Pepper Shakers - I saw this same set at Fred Meyer for $5.00 and found it at Family Dollar for only $1.00 and with working lids too!

16. Party Supplies

17. Toothbrushes and Paste - I like to stock up my guest bathroom with toiletries and these are just as good as the ones you would pay full price for to use for a day or two.

18. Candies - We like to stock up for movie nights :)

19. Sandwich Bags

20. Stickers - I am an addict to fun stickers. I use them on homemade cards and envelopes, party invitations,  dressing up plain gift bags, etc.

I LOVE PRINTABLES - Free Printable Budget Worksheet

I LOVE when I get the time to plan out my monthly income, bills, savings, etc. I also LOVE all the fun printable worksheets everyone is coming up with! It's nice to be able to see what I have to spend where and when and also to be able to see where I need to cut back on spending. I created a quick printable that you can easily save and print in just a few steps! With Summer here and trying to plan for vacations, BBQ's, baby and bridal showers, holidays and all other special occasions, this outline will help keep your eyes on your money and feel more confident in each coming month - just click and print!

Sundays at Home

Happy Sunday, all! This Memorial Day weekend has been very eventful. My little sis came up to visit me and also to take engagement pictures with her fiance. I helped her pick out outfits and accessories for the pictures and helped with her makeup. I almost cried! Such a crazy time yet I couldn't be happier for her and her soon-to-be hubby! We've spent the weekend watching movies, taking naps, eating good food and yummy desserts. Last night we doubled to Tucano's, a Brazilian grill (to die for) and Aspen Leaf/Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory - it was delicious! Tonight, Paige made homemade Alfredo sauce and I made oatmeal creme pies. Both turned out perfectly!

I used a tub of cream cheese frosting - sorry! But there are TONS of other recipes out there for the marshmallow creme filling if you have the desire to make that too. I just already had the frosting so I skipped that step but next time I will have to try it out. Either way, it was delicious! I also noticed that my cookies weren't the same color as the cookies in other recipes. Make sure to pack your brown sugar for extra color and flavor. Also, cookies may appear doughy after only 7-8 mins but they will set up after cooling and keep soft for the duration of the next few days so don't panic if they look too soft after coming out of the oven. Enjoy!

Stop Existing and Start Living!!!

 

 

I had this strange epiphany today while reading the quote "Stop Existing and Start Living". I set a goal to lose weight this year and get my dream body and here it is, late May....and no changes yet. I have simply been existing in my body instead of taking control and living a healthy lifestyle. I am active but not the way I need to be to where I want to be. I have a busy schedule so when I talk myself out of going to the gym, (hopefully won't happen again for a while) one of my favorite at-home fixes is the Nike Training Club App. It is AMAZING. If you don't already have it, download it NOW!

A quick summary: you create a custom profile for yourself by telling the program what level you are at - 1. Beginner 4-5 workouts a month 2. Intermediate 2-3 workouts a week 3. Advanced: 3-5+ workouts a week, how many workouts you complete earns new workouts by celebrity athletes. It gives you a short workout that you can choose, shows you a short clip of each move, times each action so you don't have to worry about a stopwatch and most importantly, it kicks your butt every time! If you are interested, take a minute to look it up in the app store and find out more details and get started today!

                  

10 Things to Do this Summer!

 

In some parts of Idaho, it doesn't get warm until June or July and by warm I mean nighttime temperatures above freezing! The time I've spent living in Boise has been amazing and has slightly higher temperatures than other locations I have lived. I set a goal for myself to try and complete this list of 10 things to do this Summer. It's easy to get caught up in laziness and just want to kick back and let Summer slip away. Since my finals finished last week, it's Summer-prep for me right now and all other anxious lovers of the sun! I want to enjoy every moment and have things to look back on and remember which delicious recipes I tried and how hard I laughed with friends on our camping trip! Follow this one or customize your own Summertime advent calendar!

  

2014 Valentine's Gift Ideas

I know that holidays can get  a little confusing and overwhelming. When it comes to Valentine's Day, I have always wondered what kind of gift is appropriate. Is a romantic dinner and a movie at home good or is taking the extra step outside the box on February 14th gonna seal the deal? All I ever want is chocolate and I usually end up having to buy myself the kind I want. But this year, I came up with some inexpensive yet thoughtful and useful gifts for the ladies and gifts for our men! Whether he's a geek or an athlete, all men seem to have a common link somewhere. The guys have it easy on V-day..... WE LIKE EVERYTHING!!

Super Bowl Favorites: Recipes to Sample and Share

I love eating at the party more than I like watching the game; don't we all?! I know us girls do a lot of the prep and cooking and the dreaded cleaning. I've compiled four quick and/or easy snacks to share at your party this year.

The Crockpot Buffalo Chicken comes from The Frugal Girls. It calls for a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing and Frank's Buffalo Sauce. You can find the recipe HERE! Low maintenance and great for sandwiches.

Fried Pickles have been a favorite of mine for years. Many people are leery to try them but you know once they do, they or even you, will fall in LOVE! My favorite pickles are Claussen and can be found in the refrigerated section at your local grocery mart. The recipe comes from Cook the TV and can

be found by clicking right HERE!

The adorable Football Oreos are delicious and deadly. They contain very little ingredients and can make many cookies for little ones but also a favorite among the adult crowd, too. Recipe comes from Six Sister's Stuff and can be found HERE! Save some icing to put in a plastic baggie and squeeze football threads

on after the cookies have cooled completely. So fun and so easy!

The Veggie Cups & Dip are pretty self-explanatory. The Food Corner has a recipe for a brown mustard dip that you may want to try. I prefer ranch or bleu cheese but it may be nice to give the option of different dressings and your guests can choose

their favorite. That recipe can be found HERE! It's light and colorful; the perfect appetizer!