Photo a Day May: Weeks 4 & 5

Hi guys! I hope all of you are doing well. Thank you so much to all of you who have reached out to me over the last couple of weeks. It’s been a challenging time and extremely difficult for me to talk about. If you haven’t noticed, I have a very hard time getting personal. It’s a struggle for me to open up. Nevertheless, it has helped immensely to know that so many people are concerned. There are so many good people in the world, and I feel so blessed to have so many of them in my life.

I’ve still been doing the Photo a Day May challenge. I didn’t get around to posting last week, so this week will be both weeks 4 & 5. If you missed weeks 1, 2, or 3  you can see them HERE, HERE, and HERE.

Here’s a reminder of each day’s topic.

30-Days of Summer Fun Activity Board

This week is the last week of school for my kids and I can’t wait for summer to begin!!!

Last year I created – a 30-day Summer Activity Board: 30 activities with your family to fill those summer days with fun!

It was such a blast last year, that my kids are anxious to do it again!

So I know this is a repeat post, but many of you weren’t around last year at this time, so I hope you’ll forgive me.

30 Days of Summer Fun

The activities are pretty basic and versatile, so you can change things up to fit your family.

Silhouette CAMEO Tote Giveaway & Promo

The Silhouette promo this month is a good one!

I have the blue one and love it!

Three Different Stenciled Signs

This morning I was on a local morning show here in Utah called Studio 5. They sent 5 different bloggers the same Martha Stewart stencil set, and asked each of us to come up with something. I decided to make some stenciled signs with three of the different stencils included in the kit.

If you want to see all five of the projects,

Photo a Day May: Week 3

If you follow along with me on Facebook, then you know that I’ve been unplugged since last Thursday. I had some stuff come up in my personal life that took me completely by surprise and kind of turned my life upside down. I’m still sorting through some things, so I’m not completely “back” yet. However, I’ve still been doing the Photo a Day May challenge, so I wanted to take a few minutes to share those with you.

If you missed weeks 1 and 2, you can see them HERE and HERE.

Here’s a reminder of each day’s topic.

Vacation Destination: Newport Beach

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Newport Beach for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

One of my neighbors and friends absolutely LOVES Newport Beach. Every year she and her family vacation there. She comes back telling me how beautiful the beaches are, how lovely the weather is, how the food was absolutely delicious, and so on.

Tried & True: Grandma’s Banana Bread

Why is it that Grandma’s always have the best recipes?

My grandma has the most delicious banana bread EVER! And today I’m going to share the recipe with you.

You can click HERE to download the recipe card or click on the picture below.

Ruffled Tablecloth

My friend has been going to expos lately, and wanted a tablecloth for the “checkout” table to make it look nicer. She had found a ruffled tablecloth online, but it was over $150!

So she asked me if I could make one for her.

Photo a Day May: Week 2

Continuing with the Photo a Day May challenge, here’s week 2.

If you missed week 1, you can see it HERE.

Here’s a reminder of each day’s topic.

Taking a Break From Ruffles

Hey guys! Just wanted to pop in for a quick second to say “hello”! I started working on a new sewing tutorial for you guys, and it’s taken a little longer than I anticipated (mostly due to children not napping like they usually do).

 

Anyway, assuming I can finish tonight (husband is gone so there’s a very good chance), I should be sharing a new sewing tutorial with you guys SOON!

I posted this picture yesterday on Facebook, but if you missed it there here’s a sneak peek:

Those ruffles just keep going and going (5 1/2 yards is tough to work with BTW)!

 

I’m excited for the finished product and I think you will be too!

{Giveaway}: Coral Lace Watch from Heart Always Jewelry

Lace = loveliness!

I am absolutely thrilled to share with you guys

Bakery-Size Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Have I got a delicious recipe for you today!

It’s one that I get asked for all the time, but I only give out sparingly. So now you guys know how I feel truly feel about you. (You know I love you, right?)

Don’t let me down…these cookies must be enjoyed, mmkay?!

What really makes these cookies extra special is the ginormous size of the cookie!

Photo a Day May

Many of you have asked that I share more about ME on my blog. Sometimes it’s hard to open myself up, but I always love connecting with you guys, so I’m going to start sharing more.

Have you heard about Chantelle’s photo a day May challenge?

I love this idea and decided to jump on board. I decided that each Sunday this month I will share with you those weekly pictures on the blog as well.

Guest Post Tutorial & Giveaway: {Plated Wire Pearl Ring by Shelly Homemaker}

Hi there!

I'm Michelle, some call me Shelly, and I blog over at Shelly Homemaker

I am so excited to get the opportunity to get to share how to make this ring with you today,

Easy Sewing Project: Spring Infinity Scarf

I don’t know about where you live, but in my neck of the woods spring is upon us! I love that it’s warming up and we can head outside. As the temperature goes up, I no longer need my thick, warm winter scarves.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t use some lightweight, airy ones instead. I love wearing a scarf as an accessory, so I made myself a spring infinity scarf!

This was such an fast and easy sew!!! Only 1 seam!!!

Inspirational Printables: {Be You & Apple/Seed}

It’s been almost two weeks since I attended SNAP! the conference. It was a blast!! I got to meet so many amazing people and had so much fun. It was definitely the perfect girls’ weekend. I’m sure you’ve all seen lots of posts about it, in fact, there’s an awesome linky party over on the SNAP! blog where you can read over 130 recaps.

My post is going to be a little different. I wanted to share with you two things that I felt were the most important things I learned at the conference.

1. Be You

The theme of the conference was “Be You”.  Amy of The Idea Room was the kick-off keynote speaker and was the perfect way to start the conference off. I was so moved by her words and related so much with what she said. One quote she gave is one of my very favorite quotes, so I wanted to share that with you.

Amy Cornwell designed