Summer Mason Jars

Summer is almost here...

and mason jars are in!

 

Pick up a personalized jar of candy for your child's favorite teacher at the end of this school year!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CutesyCutLabels

 

Having a wedding, baby shower....????

Use some mason jars to decorate!

 

What you can put inside to make it look cute on the tabel:

Flowers

Candles

Gemstones

Sand & Sea Shells

Candy

A single cupcake

etc....

 

What you can do to decorate the outside:

Hang them from tree with a candle inside

Spray paint the outside with pastel colors

Add ribbons, bows, or more of CutesyCut

personalized labels!



 

More mason jar uses for the hot summer:

 

 

 

 

 

 Fill with some ice cream,

sorbert,

root beer floats,

frozen yogurt,

sweet tea,

lemonade

etc...

                                                    The options are unlimited!!

View the images below to get some more ideas for yourself this summer!!

Be sure to share what you came up with!!

 



Go to: CutesyCutLabels



Don't FORGET MOM!

Mother's Day is this SUNDAY, May 11th! Don't forget to do something special for Mom this weekend! I have compiled a few easy ideas to surprise MOM with! They aren't very expensive and will delight her to no end!

#1: THE OLD STANDBY
Face it, women love flowers! Stop by your local grocery store or hardware store and grab Mom a bouquet of fresh flowers or a potted plant for her house or garden! Include a sweet card and you have a colorful and thoughtful gift straight from the heart!


#2 MOVIE BOX
Stop by the Dollar Store and grab a fun bucket, basket or container and fill it with goodies for Mom to have a Movie date! Include her favorite candy, soda, and a $25 gift card to a nearby Cinema!


#3 FANCY DANCY
If you know your Mom LOVES to get her hair done or have her nails done grab her a gift card from her favorite salon or nail shop! Slip the gift card into a thougthful greeting card and you have one really useful and special gift for Mom!

FILL US IN: What do you get your Mom for Mother's Day???

Painted Pear Studio

There is a shop on etsy that really speaks to my heart. The way the shop is set up is eclectic yet very comforting! Meet Jaime from the Painted Pear Studio! She is a mom, crafter and has a heart as big as Massachusetts.

Her shop features homemade soaps, fun and colorful paper flowers and some really unique cork placemats and fun goodies for the home.

www.etsy.com/shop/paintedpearstudio

 

 

 

 

I spoke with Jaime about her lovely shop:

 

How did you get your start on etsy.com?

 

Jaime:

 

It was back in 2009, so I'm not exactly sure what happened, but I wish I would've done it sooner! It was definitely to escape my reality as a Business Consultant, and Etsy just threw fuel into the fire of my passion to be an entrepreneur and work with my hands. Ever since I was little, I've always been interested in arts and crafts (I later majored in Art in college!). In the early 90s, I went to craft shows with my mom who sold her handpainted items. My first sales on Etsy (in my other shop) included my hand printed cork place mats. Eventually a part of me wanted to sell the soap I made, so I started doing that. Paper flowers came into play when I started looking for a niche based on a medium I loved-- paper! With so many things going on in one shop, I had to focus and make it all more cohesive, but that isn't a bad thing. It mixes things up because there's always something different to do. One day I might spend my whole 'work day' making soaps either for a customer or for my own use, and another 'work day' is making a bouquet of paper flowers (they make great teacher gifts!).

 

 

Not only is Jaime a crafter but she's a mom helping to bring some

 income into her busy household!

 

 

Jaime:

 

Today, 5 years after I opened my Esy shop, I have 4 children and am a WAHM with our small business. I quit my 'daytime job' with the Business Consulting, and I consider my Etsy shop as a part time job to supplement our income. I'm a one-woman show in my Etsy shop, spending 20+ hours a week running every aspect of it, and my monthly goal is the equivalent of my kids' school tuition and little extras like my kids' swim lessons or those extra expenditures like birthday gifts and vacations. My mom always tells me she wishes e-commerce existed back when we were selling at craft shows!

 

Stop by Painted Pear Studio for great gifts for Mother's Day, Teacher Appreciation, Birthday gifts and lovely items to dress up your own home! Try the lime soap, it's FANTASTIC! (link below)

 

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/101546449/3-bars-of-organic-honey-and-pure-lime?ref=shop_home_active_9

Floral Easter Cake

There is nothing better than a yummy piece of cake at a family event! This floral cake is gorgeous for Easter or any spring gathering!

Believe it or not this cake is easy to make!

**Make an 8 inch round cake by the instructions on the box, bake and let cool!**

For decorations you need 2 icing tips! First of all to make the basket weave pattern you need a tip.
It looks like this and is a Wilton #48.

For the green leaves you need a leaf tip. Wilton #352

 

Start icing the cake around the sides to look like what you see when you look at a brick wall. Each row of bricks or basket weave start at the center of the row before. The lines down help you to line up your rows! Practice first, then go for it!

 

 

 

Once you have the sides done the top is EXTREMELY EASY! All the flowers on top of this cake were purchased! Visit your local Hobby Lobby or Michaels and get PRE-MADE Wilton flowers!

 

They come in packages like this:

 

Lay out the flowers on top of the cake as you desire and then use your green icing and tip #352 to fill in all the blank spaces with leaves!

 

VOILA! Perfect cake for Easter or any SPRING occasion!

Easter Baskets on a Dollar

Having 3 kids is expensive especially when holidays roll around, check out this simple guide to make this Easter's basket fun, colorful and inexpensive!

HIT THE DOLLAR SECTION:

Stores like Dollar Tree, Target's Dollar aisle and Dollar General have some great options for Easter baskets that every kid will love! Grab a few of these items listed below!

Bubbles
Ring Pops
Fruit Snacks
Hot Wheels Cars
Sidewalk Chalk
Plush toy
Coloring books
Puzzles
Plastic jewelry
Socks
Water Bottles
Plastic eggs to fill with spare change, gum or candy

**Dollar Tree even has baskets you can use again and again!
 How cute is this for just $1


HIT THE CONSIGNMENT SHOP:

Places like Kid to Kid or Once Upon a Child have great bargains on clothes anytime of the year but stop in there for a cute Easter dress, dress shirt or pair of sandals for the kiddos. Chances are they won't wear a fluffy Easter dress more than once, so grab one cheap!


GRAB A NEW MOVIE:

One thing our Easter Bunny likes to splurge on is a new DVD for the kids! Hours of entertainment and fun for the adults too! Add one of these favorites to your kids basket this year!

FROZEN
CARS 2
TINKERBELL's PIRATE FAIRY
DESPICABLE ME 2

 

HAVE A GOOD IDEA TO FILL AN EASTER BASKET?

COMMENT BELOW AND LET US KNOW!

 

Top-O-The-Mornin' Cake

INGREDIENTS

1 package white cake mix (regular size)

2 packages (3 ounces each) lime gelatin

1 cup boiling water

1/2 cup cold water

TOPPING:

1 cup cold milk

1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix

1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed

Green sprinkles

Prepare and bake cake according to package directions, using a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish.

Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water; stir in cold water and set aside.

With a meat fork or wooden skewer, poke holes about 2 in. apart into cooled cake. Slowly pour gelatin over cake. Cover and refrigerate.

In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes (mixture will be thick). Fold in whipped topping. Spread over cake.

Decorate with sprinkles. Cover and refrigerate until serving.Yield: 12-15 servings.

For more fun and festive IRISH recipes click here:

 

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/wearing-o--green-cake

Easy Gift Giving Ideas

Have you forgotten a co-worker's birthday? Need a gift for your mother-in-law's birthday? Does your child have a friend who's birthday is "today?"

Here's a few quick gift ideas that will make everyone smile!

Easy Gift #1:
DVD of a new release
Box of popcorn
Box of goobers or raisinettes
6 pack of soda
Throw in a gift bag... DONE!

Easy Gift #2:
Gift card or certificate for manicure/pedicure.
People magazine
cheap pair of flip flops
Wrap in a cute box... DONE!

Easy Gift #3
2 Ribeye Steaks
2 baking potatoes
1 bottle of wine or a 6 pack of beer
Keep refrigerated of course and give the gift of a great dinner...DONE!

Easy Gift #4
Rainbow loom kit
small tackle box with compartments
Pack in a box or bag....DONE!

Easy Gift #5
Bubble Bath
Magazine
Bottle of Wine
Grocery Store bunch of flowers
Great for getting back on  your wife's good side or impressing a girlfriend....DONE!

St. Patrick's Day Yummy Food

St. Patrick's Day is fast approacing and here are some cute and easy ideas to add a little IRISH to your table this March 17th!

 

 

 

 

RAINBOW CAKE

Make any of your favorite boxed cake and ice with vanilla icing! Then add skittles in the shape of a rainbow on top....marshmallow clouds and you have a tasty rainbow cake!

 

 

White Chocolate Dipped Oreo Cookies

Simple mint oreos and white melting chocolate make these yummy treats. Just use a double boiler to melt the chocolate, dip oreo cookie and then sprinkle with green and white decorations. Let cool and ENJOY!

 

Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Tomorrow is the BIG Day and if you haven't found anything for that special someone, we are here to help! The Southern Girls have put together a quick and easy gift guide for MEN and WOMEN! Ready...Go!

WOMEN: If you are in search of a great thoughtful gift for a woman...look no further! Here are 5 easy to pick-up gift ideas just for HER!

1. Every woman loves flowers! Stop by your local Grocery store (Kroger, Albertson's, etc) for a great selection of flowers at reasonable prices. Grab a heart balloon and a box of chocolates and you're good to go!

2. Wine! Can't go wrong with a nice bottle of wine! Grab some thing sexy like CHOCOVINE's Chocolate wine! Pick up a cute card and VOILA!

 

3. If you're looking to impress on another level purchase a pair of tickets to a local event: Wine Tasting, Concert, Rodeo, etc. Place in a cutesy card and you will win major brownie points!

 

 

4. Sometimes if you're parents you never make time for yourselves....for this Valentine's day buy a room at a local swanky hotel and suprise her! Wouldn't it be great to get out of the house for a night? You don't have to go on Valentine's day, pick a night when you have a sitter....it's the thought that counts!

 

5. For the girl that has everything simply take the time to write a note, plan a date, initiate a scavenger hunt, grab her favorite take out and a movie, have a pizza making dinner together, buy a couple of balloons and write love notes and tie them to the bottom...let them float around the house. EASY thoughtful gifts any MAN can handle!



MEN: If you're searching for something to get your MAN, look here for some great ideas!

5 easy gifts for that guy in your life!

 

1. We all know that men...love women. So give him the gift of time doing something that he wants to do. Buy him tickets to a Sports event, Nascar race, concert, rodeo etc...show a little interest in what he likes and he'll return the favor.

 

2. GOODY BASKET! Men love to eat...so grab his favorite beer, candy, beef jerky, peanuts, etc and fill a basket full of his favorite things! He'll love it for days to come!  Buy one at beergift.com!

 

 

3. Make him a special dinner! Cook things you usually don't and take special care in the presentation. Decorate the table, make some chocolate covered strawberries, have a sampling of wines to taste! Again...men love to eat! Take the time to make something special he likes and make a homemade card to go with it!

 

4. Gift card giving is kind of out of control these days, but what I do love about them is that you can get just the perfect one for your man to buy what he wants. Whether it's Bass Pro Shops or Old Navy... practical gifts are sometimes welcomed!

 

5. So if you want to go all out and really impress your Man....buy him a hot air balloon ride, or a Nascar experience driving lesson, grab some tickets for an upcoming Cruise or plan a road trip vacation for two!

 

Have some fun this Valentine's day! SPREAD THE LOVE!



THE LITTLE MERMAID COCKTAIL

Watch how this drink is made: http://youtu.be/1Y8P55dMaKc

 

THE LITTLE MERMAID COCKTAIL "Sirens Song"
1 oz. (30ml) Orange Vodka
3/4 oz. (22ml) Blue Curacao
3/4 oz. (22ml) Midori Melon Liqueur...
3/4 oz. (22ml) Pineapple Juice
3/4 oz. (22ml) Malibu Coconut Rum
3/4 oz. (22ml) Spiced Rum
1/2 oz. (15ml) GrenadineSee More

VALENTINE'S DAY SOUTHERN STYLE

Drop by our shops and find a variety of fun Valentine's Day gift tags and gifts-to-go! It's not too late to order!!!

GREAT TAGS FROM JD PAPERIE!

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/174536781/custom-lip-tags-xoxoxo-33-colors-to?ref=shop_home_active_3

https://www.etsy.com/listing/174497173/i-mustache-you-to-be-my-valentine?ref=shop_home_active_1

FUN GIFTS FROM MYSTERY BOX COTTAGE!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/119186141/valentines-day-surprise-valentines-day?ref=shop_home_active_2

https://www.etsy.com/listing/175199299/valentines-day-surprise-valentines-day?ref=shop_home_active_8

Heart Prints

This is a fun and easy craft for kids of all ages and all you need are just a few supplies! Great to fold up for Valentine's Cards for family and friends, teachers, or Mom or Dad!

What you need:

Toilet Paper Rolls or Paper Towel Rolls

Acrylic Paint

Paper Plate

Sheets of Card stock paper

 

 

 

Take your toilet paper roll and fold down in the middle to make the heart shape and tape in place! Just like the picture below!

 

Let the kids dip the end in paint and then press it like a stamp onto their sheet of paper!

They will have a great time using different colors too!

 

For the dots on mine I gave the kids a pencil with an eraser and they dipped the eraser in the paint and then made the dots on their paper!

 

So cute, so easy and acrylic paint is WATER SOLUBLE!!



 

 

Cheesecake Popsicles

Another frozen snack that you will definitely enjoy!

 

 

Cheesecake Popsicles Ingredients:

(8) 5-ounce Dixie Cups popsicle sticks

8 sheets graham crackers, crushed

2 tablespoons butter, melted

2 (small) packages cheesecake instant pudding mix 4

 cups milk sliced strawberries and blueberries

 

Instructions:

Crush your graham crackers into small pieces, using a food processor, blender, rolling pin--whatever you've got! Stir in melted butter to combine. Combine pudding mix and milk, whisking together until smooth. Add a small layer (a spoonful or so) of pudding mix to the bottom of your cups. Next, add a layer of your graham cracker "crust" (again, about a spoonful). On top of your graham cracker crumbs, layer in a few sliced berries. Fill cups up the rest of the way with the remaining pudding mix. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze until set.

Frozen Yogurt Bites

My kids love a frozen treat and this one will not disappoint.

All you need are a few flavors of your favorite yogurt. I use Kroger brand and my kids love every flavor.

You will need a few zip lock bags and some scissors along with a cookie sheet lined with foil.

Just fill the ziplock with yogurt and snip one of the bottom sides off a little.

Squeeze drops onto the foil lined cookie sheet and then take to the freezer to freeze...obviously!



They are nice and hard in about 2-4 hours and will pop right off the foil. Store in an air tight container or freezer bag. Serve frozen!

I have a deep freeze to use this can be modified to work in a standard freezer as well!

They are cold, yummy and healthy!

Cute Lunch Notes

At 35 years old I remember my mom leaving me notes in my lunch on special occasions like my Birthday or Valentine's Day.

 

Print this page and send a few notes to school this week in your kiddos lunch! 

 

I found these on momsbyheart.net and I think they are adorable!

Valentines Day Print

Wait... the gift giving season is still not over!

Valentines day will be here in exactly six weeks....

 

So here is a gift from us to you!

 

PRINT IT ♥ CUT IT ♥ FRAME IT ♥ GIFT IT

 

 

 

 

With a cute frame, this will make a cute Valentine's gift!

 Then  be sure print one for yourself, for a little Valentine's day décor at home or work!

NEW YEAR, NEW TAGS

In need of adorable custom made tags for Birthday, Valentine's Day, New Baby, Wedding, etc? Look NO further! Come check out JDPaperie and Gina's new tags and keepsakes!

 

 

www.etsy.com/shop/jdpaperie

If your family is expecting a new baby in the family this year, you HAVE to buy one of these adorable keepsakes from JD Paperie.

 

I bought one for my nephew and put it in a floating frame and his Mom and Dad LOVED it! It's perfect to hang in a nursery and remember all the fun details of baby's birth!

 

Gina will customize them for you and they are so very beautiful in person!

 

Spring and Summer brings sunshine and WEDDINGS! Grab some tags for your wedding party, party favors etc! They are all handmade with lots of love!