Easter Surprise Straws DIY

I saw these fun straws at Target, and before I knew what I was going to do with them I took them home. (Currently in the Target easter section for $3 per canister.) These were going to be put to use, no matter what.... I obviously had to grab some jelly bellies while I was there as well so when I dumped the contents of my Target bag on my table when I got home, it occurred to me that they were made for each other;)

Use straws that are wide enough to slide down your favorite small Easter sweets (3/8 in.). 

(Jelly Beans, Tic-Tacs, Nerds, etc.)

Use bright washi tape  to cover and seal the ends. Make sure it is sticky enough to stay put.

These are fun to stick in easter straw for a party display or just hide them in deserving Easter Baskets.

Can't wait to surprise my little ones with these in a few weeks! 

You could also use just the green ones filled with green treats for a St. Patrick's Day DIY.

Some St. Patrick's Day DIY's you don't want to miss:

Pretty much everything on Studio DIY, but especially these Lucky Poppers.

Lindsey of Pillow Thought created an adorable St. Patrick's Day Scavenger Hunt for Small Fry.

One Charming Party created free printables for bags of gold.

Thoughfully simple has an adorable St. Patrick's breakfast idea for your little ones.

Loved Say Yes to Hoboken's Shamrock Tea Bag DIY.

Have any St. Patrick's Day or Easter DIY's to share? My pinning fingers are ready!

Make//Wear .02 - Satin Scarf Bow Ties DIY

{image: Lily Jane Collins}

This is a DIY I have had in my inspiration folder for months, and finally got around to making a few. Its a fun and inexpensive way to add some color punches (take note: avoiding the word color pop) to your wardrobe. I bought a 1/4 yard of two different satin color fabrics. SEW OR NO SEW. The full instructions are in the graphic above and you can download full instructions here.

You can wear these two ways. The first version is demonstrated above, and the second is demonstrated in the inspiration photo above. I love both versions and would change it up depending on the occasion.

Hope you enjoy this, and as always, if you attempt it, please share your photos! Would love to see:) 

Catch the most recent make//wear DIY here.

Wooden Engraved Conversation Hearts {DIY}

Once you start burning wood you can't stop. It gets addicting. I went through a whole pack in ten minutes.....got a little carried away I guess...

You can pick up a pack of wooden hearts at Hobby Lobby or Amazon.

The wood burner is from JoAnn Fabrics.

You can wrap them up in small vellum envelopes and tie with Bakers Twine.

Its very easy to use and makes for a fun way to make conversation hearts that will last for keeps;)

For the rest of this season's v-day DIY's check here.

P.S.  A huge thank you to Design*Sponge for including IHOD in the best of Valentine's Day DIY's!

DIY Spa Skin Care Treatments with Michelle Pino

Hi friends! I am off to NYC for the weekend for NYFW (that is...if the blizzard up there doesn't get to my plane first!), and I am thankful to Michelle (an expert at spa treatment), to guest here on IHOD, and share some easy DIYs to do some at home skin care inside and out! 

Skin is the largest organ of the human body, but is often overlooked in terms of helping our skin flourish. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars and a whole day at the spa, follow this simple recipe to give your skin a little extra love. People will notice. You will feel rejuvenated. It’s the perfect combination.

What are you ingesting?
What we eat, drink, smoke and breath affects our skin. By infusing some regular mineral water with fruit and herbs you can give yourself some extra vitamins and minerals that will hydrate your skin and soothe your digestive system.

Meyer Lemon Mint Water
Ingredients

1 gallon water
6 Meyer lemons, juiced and zested, with seeds removed
10 sprigs of mint

Preparation
Mix all of these ingredients together in a large bowl or pitcher. Then put it in a refrigerator and let it chill for six hours. The lemon and mint will infuse the water, giving it a delicious flavor. After six hours, strain the concoction through a fine mesh strainer. Serve with lemon slices and a sprig of mint.

How’s It look on the outside?
After you are refreshed with your Meyer Lemon Mint Water, you can revitalize your skin on the outside with a nice body scrub. There are planty of scrubs out there that will work just fine, however, you want to be sure your are exfoliating your skin as well as stimulating other senses. For example, lavender calms the senses and helps a person relax.

Spirit of Lavender
You can mix one cup of sea salt with ½ cup of lavender oil to make an extremely fragrant body scrub. You may need to experiment on the right ratio to create the perfect scrub. You don’t want it to be gruel on your skin. Make it more like wet sand. To apply, spread the scrub on your body using small circular motions. This will exfoliate dry dead ski leaving you with a natural and healthy glow!

One thing that often keeps women from giving their skin a spa treatment is the time and expense that is involved. It seems like most women simply do not have the time or money to spend heading to a spa to get a skin treatment. However, no woman should allow these limitations to keep her from pampering her skin. You can follow these amazing do-it-yourself skin treatments at home to get that healthy glow that others will notice and envy.

This article was written by Michelle Pino. Michelle currently works at a luxury spa in central New York where she enjoys helping others indulge in spa treatments. However, Michelle also loves to share ideas with those who aren’t at the spa..... baking, exercising and spending time with friends and family!

"CHEWS TO LOVE" Gum wrapper printables

CHEWS TO LOVE:

Ingredients: Courage, Action, Resolve

Long Lasting Flavor.

Nutrient Facts: Serving Size: 1 Chew, Percent Daily Value: %100

Chewsing provides daily nutrients for the heart, protects it from invasive vices, and improves the environment. Chews Carefully.

^ This is all contained on the printable wrappers, which print three to a page!

It's a fun alternative valentine to gift to guy and girl friends alike, and offer a little inspiration to their  week:) Print the wrappers here.

*Print on cardstock for best results!

For other V-day ideas, check out recent DIYs.

To see the three current giveaways going on over on the fan page, visit here!

Make: Mini Package Valentines

Let's admit it, you either love or hate Valentine's Day. 

Before I even had a lovah, I enjoyed this holiday simply for the handmade goodies my sisters and I would exchange and seriously the best candy options of the year (next to Easter of course).

Valentine's Day is exploding over here. When you are a blogger, holidays come early so that you can share the fun ideas in time for your readers to get a hold of their own supplies;) Hopefully my sisters aren't viewing this post...

Supplies:

Mini Envelope Pack (similar)

Red and White Twine

Felt Hearts (similar) 

Candy confetti (grocery store or etsy)

White Mini Clothespins

Love Stamps (now available at your local post office)

I found most of my supplies at Hobby Lobby but have linked to places you can buy online!

You can really stuff whatever surprises you feel like in these little packages.

If you need more Valentine ideas, you can find more here.

I have a week of fun heart themed ideas and giveaways coming your way soon, so hopefully you are on the positive side of viewing this holiday;)

Love, Anna

Make // Wear .01: DIY Gemstone Bracelets

Now before we get into all the Valentine's Day fun, I wanted to share an easy rainy day bling project to fight away the winter boredom:) Since this is the week to introduce new series, I am going to start labeling my DIY accessories the Make // Wear projects...

Supplies:

Chain (long enough to wrap around your wrist 1-2 x.) - MJTrim or Etsy are great online sources for  cable chain.

Gemstone beads - 1 inch wide. You can find these at any craft store. I found mine at an antique market.

Lobster Clasp

Jump Rings - 10 mm should be fine.

Wire - use the same color of your chain and make sure it is thick wire.

Pliers

Instructions:

1. Measure your chain and divide into two equal lengths. If you are doing a double wrap around divide where it would hit behind your wrist. You can divide chain with a pliers or metal snips.

2. Measure out your wire and loop one end tightly around the end of the chain with your pliers. Place your bead through the wire and tightly cut and wind the other end around the second chain strand.

3. Add your lobster clasp and jump ring using your pliers to bring both chain ends together.

Pretty simple if you have the right supplies. I have a whole set of colors I am dreaming of making. Birthday gift for the year:) If you would like a similar necklace, you can check out the DIY cable necklace set  and apply accordingly.

For a full list of DIY projects, visit the thumbnail gallery. 

P.S. Amazed by all the responses to yesterday's One Truth post. Working on getting back to all of you. Thank you so much for your responses! x

Gift Handmade: Silk Bauble Necklaces

My favorite look from Fashion week was this gal below. So bold and so unique. I am not sure where you can buy such lovely necklaces but I will show you a way to make one of your own for less than $10. How does that sound? You can totally make as long and as bold as you want! I have more plans for these:)

Supplies:

Dupioni Silk Fabric - 1/4-1/2 yard in each color (Joann's or etsy!

Wooden spheres - Varying sizes (found in wood aisle of Hobby Lobby sold by the bag)

Needle and Thread (optional)

Directions:

1. Cut fabric in strips wide enough to cover wooden spheres once over and a little more to give. (4-6 inches depending on size), and the length of the yard.

2) Twist and wrap a knot 4-6 inches from edge of your fabric.

3) Add a sphere, wrap around and twist to knot. Repeat desired amount of times. If your necklace is longer you will need to stitch to lengths together.

Optional: Add gold jump rings around each knot for additional glam.

*Edges will fray so trim at the ends or spray fray check!

Very simple and a very fun statement. Gift these to your accessory loving friends! 

Would love to see pics if you make them!

P.S. Check out Design Love Fest today for the scoop on Blogshop ATL and pics of the decor results. (Love those girls:))

Advent Pocket Calendar DIY

I told him to pull something out of the pockets, and he went straight for Day 23!

He told me it said "Good morning Gabriel one two six." Not exactly, but close enough;)

Did you have an advent calendar growing up? We had an ornament one that we would re-stuff with the same ornaments every year just for the fun of opening those doors each day. My mom had a Jesse tree for us as well. I wanted to continue the advent countdown with my family so I actually made this advent calendar a few years ago. This is the first year little Gabriel really understands what Christmas is ("a big birthday party for Jesus"), so Gabe and I are looking forward to introducing him to all the wonder Christmas can bring.  I filled these pockets with sweets and a daily gospel passage. By Christmas Eve, the whole nativity story will be read. Its a simple way of keeping the advent focus of preparing for the best day of the year! (Advent actually means coming in Latin, so its a whole four weeks to prepare for the "coming" of the King.) I hope he comes to love this tradition. 

Supplies:

Burlap Fabric (28 in. wide x 44 in. long folded in half)

24 Muslin Drawstring Bags  3.5 x 4.5 in. (find some here or here)

Red cardstock or linen paper

Circle or scallop punch

Hole punch

Wooden rod (3 ft.)

Ribbon

Gold ink (optional)

Instructions:

1) Fold your burlap in half and spread your pockets evenly across in rows.

2) Hot glue the sacks on the back edges (place paper or something inside so it doesn't glue top) to fabric.

3) Punch the red paper with a shape you like, and add number stamps (or hand draw).

4. Hole punch the scallop circles and loop through and tie to each bag in sequence.

5. Decorate your muslin bags. I used the end of a pencil and carved a triangle to stamp gold patterns. 

6. Place calendar over wooden rod, tie ribbon on each end and hang wherever you like!

7. Fill with surprises of your choice. If you would like to use the daily gospel readings, I made a printable sheet you can download for free here. 

Do you have a fun advent calendar post you want to share? Leave the link:)

Hope you all have a happy advent season!

Love, Anna

Happy Thanksgiving! + A Pear to Spare Table Setting

We have some family in town that has to leave tomorrow, so we are celebrating our thanksgiving today! I already smell like bacon and celery...an odd combo. Anyways, thought you might like a peak at what our table settings will look like. I just spray painted some mini pears and pumpkins for the place card holders and used an exacto knife to cut a slit for the name tags.

I have two pairs of chubby little hands helping me in the kitchen today while my husband hangs Christmas lights. These are the things that fill my heart to the brim, and that I am most thankful for. Wishing you all a very blessed thanksgiving with loved ones!

Love, Anna

Rhinestone Bib Necklace DIY

Last week was a whirlwind, and I can't believe we have arrived at thanksgiving week.

Little V is finally on the mend, but now Gabe is down. Lets see if we can all make it to thanksgiving dinner in one piece! No matter what, I am cooking lots of food. Its the meal I have been looking forward to all year! ;)

This is a DIY that you can make to dress up your holiday party outfits. You can even wear it over a casual round neck blouse with jeans. Many fun options:) I just used some left over rhinestone appliques I had on hand, but you can use any applique shapes or trims.

Supplies:

Fastener 

Needle and thread

Fabric with white felt backing

Rhinestone trims or appliques with iron on backing (find a bunch here)

hot glue

Instructions:

1. Measure and cut out your bib shape and wrap around your neck to make sure it fits! You can create any type of shape on the ends as you like.

2. Sew your two part fastener piece to each side of the bib (on the rounded edges) Test to make sure it hooks well.

2. Cut up your rhinestone appliques into small pieces, and arrange around your fabric.

3. Hot glue the pieces to secure (stays really well with iron on backing and doesn't show)

Hope this gives you some new alternatives to your Christmas lineup:) 

P.S. Updated the IHOD Gift Guide post with ALL of the exclusive discounts for the featured items and sites. Some of the codes expire soon so don't miss your chance on some great deals!

IHOD Holiday Gift Guide 2012

Its finally here:) This year, I decided to tackle the IHOD Gift Guide despite my common sense telling me to let it go and save the time. I knew the hours it would require, but to me, this is a way of giving back to the handmade community I was once a part of, supporting small business America, and giving my readers a big fat Christmas Gift. I couldn't let it go. I have to say, I am so happy I plugged through. I have a feeling you are going to love this one!

I really hope this proves to be a helpful guide to you this Holiday Season in making your hours of waiting in line shorter and your time with your loved ones a little more special. The guide is jam packed with affordable gift options and exclusive discount codes. You will also discover many handmade gift and recipe ideas from brilliant bloggers to add a personal touch to your gifts this season.

Special thanks to these pretty amazing ladies who made this all possible:
Andrea Dozier- Andrea Dozier Photography
Kiersten Frase- Oh My Veggies
Jenny Batt - Hank and Hunt
Amanda Marshall -  Marshall's Abroad
Natalie Pirvey - Creme de la Craft
Leah Bergman - Freutcake
Morgan & Carrie - Ampersand Design Studio

Full list of discounts you will find throughout the guide:
Minted - 10% off any holiday purchases. Obtain code here.
Rifle Paper Co.- 10% off the featured section with code IHOD10.
Eloise Renouf Prints - 15% off entire site with code IHOD15
Judy Kaufmann - 15% off the I love my city print with code CITY15
Paper Fashion - Free shipping on all orders with code PAPERHOLIDAY
LeMode Accessories - Free Shipping on all orders over $40 with code IHOD
Skoope Home - 10% off sitewide with code IHODGG10
BLANQI - But a long fit Black Bodystyler, get a second bodystyler free
Mochi Things - 15% off entire order with code IHOD15
Loren Hope - 15% off Red Stud Earrings with code IHOD15
Jerseys Freshest - 10% off Mitten Card with code IHOD12
Waiting on Martha - 15% off Initial Necklace with code IHOD15
Gaby Burger - 15% off Tessa Necklace with code IHOD15 until Nov. 19th
Jen Ramos - 20% off with code LOVEHOLIDAY until Dec. 2nd
Velina Bracelets - 15% off Cicely Bracelet. Email erica@velinabracelets.com for code
The White Ribbon - 10$ off Gold Ballet Flats with code IHODGOLD
Design Darling - 15% off Gold Foil Notebook or Gold Lacquer Tray with code IHOD15
The Silver Acorn - 25% off your purchase with cold Silver25 until Dec. 25th
A Sensible Habit - 15% off canning stamp with code IHOD15 until Jan. 31st
Printing Grounds - 15% off Tea Towel Set with code IHOD15
Twig Creative - 20% off wooden cameras with code IHOD20
Hilary Frazier - Free shipping on Pink or Blue Felt Booties with code HFFREESHIP
Bla Bla Kids - 10% off site with code IHOD10 until Dec. 19th
Freja Toys - 10% off site with code EXTRA10 (check out Christmas sale) until Dec. 30th
Natty Bratty - 10% off Felt Bows with code IHOD10
Oompa Toys - 12% off for new customers with code 124IHOD until Dec. 31st
A Summer Afternoon - 10% off Wooden Tool Bench with code IHOD10
Soap for your Soul - 10% off Shave Brush or Shave Soap with code IHOD10
Hella Slingshots -15% off with code HELLASLINGSHOTS
Ruby Rockwell - 15% off entire site with code RRW0106
Roxy Marj - 15% off Spotted Envelopes with code IHOD15
Chi Chi Dee - 15% off Turban Headband with code IHOD15 until Dec. 12th
Banana Splits Boutique - 10% off sitewide with code IHOD10
Fort and Field - 20% off sitewide with code IHOD20
Olive Manna - 20% off sitewide with code IHOD until Dec. 31st
Besotted Brand - 30% off Initial Wax Seal Stamp with code IHOD30

I hope you enjoy, and please by all means, share the gift guide with loved ones and friends. It would be so much appreciated! Let the Holiday Season begin:)
Love, Anna

Handmade Gift Giving! For the Gents: DIY Man Throw

When I was younger, my family would all do their best to make each other handmade gifts or give something we already had. The memories of these Christmas gifts have long outlasted the others. Maybe that is why gifting handmade is so near and dear to me.

I know its early, but I am bursting with ideas and projects to share and encourage you to gift handmade to your loved ones this year:) And guess what, its all aimed to save you money too! Today is for the menfolk...

{Red and white ribbon c/o Midori}

Man throw: A blanket that is soft, warm, and manly enough for them to take camping with them.

Materials: Fabric, Thread, Sewing machine

Level: Easy

Cost: $25

I found this fabric at Joann Fabrics. Its a suede/fleece double sided fabric that is blanket ready. If you bring your 50% off coupon (print it online) you can get two yards for $25.  

Instructions: To finish it as a blanket, simply fold over the edges (1/2 in.) and line with pins. Sew your hem all the way around. And your finished! Easy right? (*You can always try fabric glue for the hem if you want to opt for a no-sew version.)

Looking forward to sharing more projects with you!

P.S. I now have Holiday Gift Guide advertising info available to view online. Email me for the link! :)

DIY Couples Costume: Holly Golightly & "Fred"

I had a lovely reader request I do a Holly Golightly Sleep Mask DIY from Breakfast at Tiffany's. Little did she know, that was my costume last year for Halloween:) I realized I never posted the DIY so if you need a last minute, easy, and fun couples costume idea, here you go! This is a great alternative to the popular black dress costume from the movie. 

Please note: this DIY is for the costume version of the mask not sleep version;)

Materials:

Thick cardstock

Tiffany blue fabric (cotton or satin)

Gold Metallic Velvet Trim (1/2- 3/4 inch)

Gold Braided Trim

Gold Ribbon (I used wire ribbon)

Gold Glitter Glue

2 Big blue rhinestones (can find in the childrens craft section)

Instructions:

1. Using a tape measure, measure the width of your left temple to right temple. This will be the width of your mask.

2. On your thick cardstock paper, draw a line the same width. Draw your mask shape based of this. Cut out and place over your fabric. 

3. Draw around the mask shape leaving a two inch space so that your fabric will fold over the back. Cut out the fabric piece.

4. Tightly pull and wrap fabric over the cardstock cut out and hot glue the folds on the back. Do this slowly so there are no air pockets or wrinkles. 

Cut your eyelid shapes and repeat fabric and glue instructions. The extra edge on the fabric will be glued to the mask.

5. Hot glue your rhinestones where you want the eyes to be. (Widely placed.) Hot glue the eyelid shapes over the blue rhinestones so that the bottom of the rhinestones peek out slightly.

6. Measure out your metallic velvet trim to fit the width of your eyelids and cut. Cut slits along the edge for the eyelash effect. Hot glue to the rims.

7. Glue your gold braided trim around the edge of the mask.

8. Use the gold glitter glue to make the eyebrow arches. Let dry thoroughly.

9. Measure out your ribbon and cut two equal lengths long enough to tie around the back of your head.

Hut glue between trim and fabric or staple to the back along the edge.

And you are done! I still have the mask in tact to pull out for future use.

For the Rest Holly Golightly's Costume:

Trench coat or Mens button down shirt

Black leggings

 Ballet Flats

Gold Tassel Earplugs:

2 Gold Tassels (from upholstery aisle at Hobby Lobby)

OR Gold Tassel Earrings DIY

For Paul "Fred" Varjack's Costume:

(Fred where's about the same thing the whole movie)

Tweed Jacket,

Skinny Tie (We couldn't find one in time)

Trousers

A pack of cigs

Parted and combed hair

This couples costume was for the Young-Old Hollywood Party we threw last year.

We had such a blast. I will have to show you sometime when we dressed up as Pocahontas and John Smith...probably our all time fave.

What are you going to be for Halloween this year?! Do you dress up?

DIY Audrey Inspired Cape

{Leather leggings: Nordstrom, Lace tunic: c/o PBJ Boutique, Shoes: Zara: (Similar)}

I admit, that capes are a very intimidating thing. You know what else is intimidating? A sewing machine. Well I am on a roll today friends of kicking intimidation in the face. You know what inspired me? Audrey Hepburn (of course)....

Mind you, I agree that nothing can beat fur and organza.....or Audrey. I translated this design to a version I felt I could actually wear in the coming months.

Materials:

1 yard fabric 

(Tweed is great because you don't need to sew a lining.)

4 yards Velvet Ribbon - 1 inch width (Find at Hobby Lobby or MJTrim)

2 Buttons

2 Hook and Latch Clasps

Fabric Scissors

All instructions included on the infographic:) If you want to print or email, download it here.

I have let you all off easy so far with super simple DIY's. This one is intermediate, but I know you can conquer it. A cable knit sweater material or even full velvet would be fun too. I have grand plans for some mini versions for Veronica:D Will keep you posted on that one.

Have a happy weekend ahead!

Love, Anna

In case you missed it on IHOD:

From my Kitchen: Two Favorite Fall Cookie Recipes

True Beauty Files: Outerwear Layers

$75 Shopping Credit to Deloom Giveaway

Just throw on a tee: The latest from Stylement.

Double Shop Scoop: Hatch Collection + Bellissima Jewelry

P.S. I have Holiday Gift Guide News coming soon you won't want to miss!