Birthday Party Ideas Unique and Fun + HM #245

Find unique, fun birthday party ideas for every age. Linkup @ Home Matters – recipes, DIY, decor, more. #BirthdayParty #BirthdayPartyIdeas #HomeMattersParty

Birthday Party Ideas Unique and Fun + HM #245

We’re celebrating birthdays!  The gals of Home Matters have collected some awesome birthday party ideas from themes to decorations, to checklists, recipes, and more. We hope you will be inspired and have some fun!

 

Birthday Party Checklist from Denay @ Confetti and Bliss

 

Simple Harry Potter Party Ideas from JessecaOne Sweet Appetite

 

Little Witch’s Tea Party on a Budget from PaulaFrog Prince Paperie

 

How to Make a Killer Cake for a Theme Party from LorelaiLife  With Lorelai

Birthday Party Ideas Unique and Fun Blog Hop

Click through all the Hosts and Co-hosts blogs to see the complete Themed Roundup!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


 

A Home Matters Themed Roundup

Last Week’s Theme: Back-to-School

Next Week’s Theme: Cakes & Desserts



Welcome to the weekly Home Matters Linky Party. A great place to come, share your blog posts, and make new friends.

We would love to have you visit our blogs and follow us on social media!

Hosts

Lorelai @ Life With LorelaiFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Donna @ Modern On MonticelloFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Co-hosts

Sahana @ VikalpahFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Emily @ Domestic DeadlineFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Nina @ Vintage Mama’s CottageFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

 

Check out more posts from the Hosts and Co-Hosts on our
NEW Pinterest Board, All Things Home Matters!
And, please do follow…

Follow All Things Home Matters Board on Pinterest.

 

Each week, we like to feature some of the awesome posts shared at last week’s party. We hope you will be inspired by these creative and talented bloggers who share their best recipes, DIY projects, crafts, home decor, organization ideas, and more. Enjoy!

Check out this week’s features below.

 

Pineapple Malibu Slushie Recipe from Ann @ Ann’s Entitled Life

PIN here

How to Repurpose a Piano into a Bar / Drinks Cabinet from Anita @ Unique Creations by Anita

PIN here


Back to School Organization and Time Management Printables from Susan @ Crafting a Family

PIN here

Gluten Free Slow Cooker Tangy Turkey Meatballs from Kristy @ Kristy Still

PIN here


Salted Dark Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies from Tracey @ The Kitchen Is My Playground

PIN here



 

Thank you to all who linked up at last week’s party. We look forward to seeing what you will be sharing with us this week!

Remember that every feature is shared on all Host’s and Co-Host’s blogs, as well as on the Home Matters Linky Party Pinterest Board! Don’t forget to follow…

Follow Home Matters Linky Party Board on Pinterest.

If you were featured this week, Please Grab our Featured Button to display proudly on your blog post, featured page, or sidebar! Share the joy…

Are you ready to Party?

The linky party starts when Friday begins and closes when Monday ends, EST.

We at Home Matters love meeting new people and discovering new blogs. Help us grow this party by sharing a link on your post or grabbing our party button for your sidebar or party page.

Stop by and VISIT as many OTHER BLOGGERS as you can. Leave them a message, and share their talents on social media.

Be sure to Please USE our Registered Hashtag

 

Home Matters Linky Party Guidelines:

We are thrilled that you came by to link up today! Here are a few rules that hosts and co-hosts of the Home Matters Party follow, and we ask that you follow them, as well.

  1. Please link up no more than THREE posts each week–try to make sure that they are new links that you have not shared here previously. (Exception: Holiday/Seasonal specific posts may be shared once per year.)
  1. Please take some time to poke around and visit some of the other links.
  1. Please take some time to check out your hosts and co-hosts on social media.
  1. We appreciate the variety of blogs on the www; however, the Home Matters Party is for links on matters of the HOME. Please link accordingly.
  1. We ask that you do not add other Linky Parties, Blog Hops, or Giveaways–unless you begin the party with a new project, recipe or post.
  1. On the same note, please do not add links of an extremist, political or strong controversial nature. (The hosts and co-hosts read each and every blog post linked and will contact you directly if you have linked something that does not fit into the realm of the party.)

With your help, we can continue to grow the Home Matters Party! Thank you!

Find unique, fun birthday party ideas for every age. Linkup @ Home Matters - recipes, DIY, decor, more. #BirthdayParty #BirthdayPartyIdeas #HomeMattersParty Click To Tweet

 

We are looking for Co-Hosts. Help us Rock this party!
If you are interested, please

Click Here for DETAILS!

 

Link Up!

By joining the Home Matters Linky Party you are giving permission for all hosts and co-hosts to use and share any part of your post, including pictures, for party promotion, as featured posts, in party photo collages, on blogs, and across social media, etc. All credits will be given to the original source. Also, you will receive a weekly email reminder regarding the new week’s Home Matters Linky Party.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


Thank you for joining in the fun and excitement at the Home Matters Linky Party. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. We look forward to chatting with you in the comments.

 

Don’t have a blog, but want to Remember to Party With Us each week?
Forgot to leave your email while linking up your post?
You can still sign up for our Email Party Reminders. Click below for a form…

 

 

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Share using our Hashtag!

 

Leave me a comment… I’d love to hear from you!

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Contact Lorelai at Lorelai@LifeWithLorelai.com

     

Decorating Tips and Ideas + HM #228

It’s National Decorating Month! Find awesome decorating tips and ideas. Plus, link up at Home Matters. #DecoratingTips #DecoratingIdeas #HomeMattersParty

Decorating Tips and Ideas + HM #228

It’s National Decorating Month! And, no matter your style, here are some helpful tips and ideas to creating a beautiful atmosphere in your home. The gals of Home Matters have a fabulous roundup all about decorating this week, so be sure to check it out!

 

12 Common Decorating Mistakes and How To Avoid Them from LaurenBless’er House

 

5 Tips for Mixing Fabric Patterns from AnnOn Sutton Place

 

Decorating 101: How To Style Vignettes from  Lauren @ Bless’er House

 

12 Tips on Choosing the Right Paint Colors from  Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai

 

Decorating Tips and Ideas Blog Hop

Click through all the Hosts and Co-hosts blogs to see the complete Themed Roundup!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

A Home Matters Themed Roundup

Last Week’s Theme: Easter Dinner, Decor, and Games

Next Week’s Theme: National Pecan Month



Welcome to the weekly Home Matters Linky Party. A great place to come, share your blog posts, and make new friends.

We would love to have you visit our blogs and follow us on social media!

Hosts

Lorelai @ Life With LorelaiFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Ashley @ Sweetpea LifestyleFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Donna @ Modern On MonticelloFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Co-hosts

Sahana @ VikalpahFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Emily @ Domestic DeadlineFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Nina @ Vintage Mama’s CottageFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

 

Check out more posts from the Hosts and Co-Hosts on our
NEW Pinterest Board, All Things Home Matters!
And, please do follow…

Follow All Things Home Matters Board on Pinterest.

 

Each week, we like to feature some of the awesome posts shared at last week’s party. We hope you will be inspired by these creative and talented bloggers who share their best recipes, DIY projects, crafts, home decor, organization ideas, and more. Enjoy!

Check out this week’s features below.

 

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots from Jen @ Cincy Shopper

PIN here


Mango Pineapple Smoothie Bowl from Nicole @ Mama of Many Blessings

PIN here


DIY Tiered Raised Garden Bed from Anika @ Anika’s DIY Life

PIN here


Classic Ambrosia Salad from Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground

PIN here


Tiered Tray Decorated for Easter from Lori @ Dining Delight

PIN here

 

Thank you to all who linked up at last week’s party. We look forward to seeing what you will be sharing with us this week!

Remember that every feature is shared on all Host’s and Co-Host’s blogs, as well as on the Home Matters Linky Party Pinterest Board! Don’t forget to follow…

Follow Home Matters Linky Party Board on Pinterest.

If you were featured this week, Please Grab our Featured Button to display proudly on your blog post, featured page, or sidebar! Share the joy…

Are you ready to Party?

The linky party starts when Friday begins and closes when Monday ends, EST.

We at Home Matters love meeting new people and discovering new blogs. Help us grow this party by sharing a link on your post or grabbing our party button for your sidebar or party page.

Stop by and VISIT as many OTHER BLOGGERS as you can. Leave them a message, and share their talents on social media.

Be sure to Please USE our Registered Hashtag

 

Home Matters Linky Party Guidelines:

We are thrilled that you came by to link up today! Here are a few rules that hosts and co-hosts of the Home Matters Party follow, and we ask that you follow them, as well.

  1. Please link up no more than THREE posts each week–try to make sure that they are new links that you have not shared here previously. (Exception: Holiday/Seasonal specific posts may be shared once per year.)
  1. Please take some time to poke around and visit some of the other links.
  1. Please take some time to check out your hosts and co-hosts on social media.
  1. We appreciate the variety of blogs on the www; however, the Home Matters Party is for links on matters of the HOME. Please link accordingly.
  1. We ask that you do not add other Linky Parties, Blog Hops, or Giveaways–unless you begin the party with a new project, recipe or post.
  1. On the same note, please do not add links of an extremist, political or strong controversial nature. (The hosts and co-hosts read each and every blog post linked and will contact you directly if you have linked something that does not fit into the realm of the party.)

With your help, we can continue to grow the Home Matters Party! Thank you!

It's National Decorating Month! Find awesome decorating tips and ideas. Plus, link up at Home Matters. #DecoratingTips #DecoratingIdeas #HomeMattersParty Click To Tweet

 

We are looking for Co-Hosts. Help us Rock this party!
If you are interested, please

Click Here for DETAILS!

 

Link Up!

By joining the Home Matters Linky Party you are giving permission for all hosts and co-hosts to use and share any part of your post, including pictures, for party promotion, as featured posts, in party photo collages, on blogs, and across social media, etc. All credits will be given to the original source. Also, you will receive a weekly email reminder regarding the new week’s Home Matters Linky Party.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Thank you for joining in the fun and excitement at the Home Matters Linky Party. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. We look forward to chatting with you in the comments.

 

Don’t have a blog, but want to Remember to Party With Us each week?
Forgot to leave your email while linking up your post?
You can still sign up for our Email Party Reminders. Click below for a form…

 

 

...

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Share using our Hashtag!

 

Leave me a comment… I’d love to hear from you!

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Sign up today, and don't miss anything! Enjoy EXCLUSIVES, FREEBIES, and FUN.

 

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Contact Lorelai at Lorelai@LifeWithLorelai.com

     

Easter Dinner, Decor, and Games + HM #227

It’s time for Easter dinner! Let’s celebrate with yummy recipes, decor, games. Plus, linkup at Home Matters. #Easter #EasterDinner #EasterDecor #HomeMatters

Easter Dinner, Decor, and Games + HM #227

It’s time to celebrate Easter! Let’s have some fun with delicious, beautiful, and creative food ideas, decor and decorations, and even some fum games and activities. Surprise your family and enjoy the  Easter roundup from the gals at Home Matters. You might even check out my Easter Edition – Sidewalk Chalk Tutorial it’s perfect for Easter!

 

90+ Easter Brunch Recipes from Surup @ Hike – N – Dip

 

Simply Perfect Vanilla Shortbread Bunnies from JinaPink Picadilly Pastries

 

Three Minute Easter Fluff from TrishMy Recipe Magic

 

9 Easter Cocktails Every Bunny Will Love from Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai

 

Easter Dinner, Decor, and Games Blog Hop

Click through all the Hosts and Co-hosts blogs to see the complete Themed Roundup!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

 

A Home Matters Themed Roundup

Last Week’s Theme: Noodles, Noodles, Noodles!

Next Week’s Theme: National Decorating Month



Welcome to the weekly Home Matters Linky Party. A great place to come, share your blog posts, and make new friends.

We would love to have you visit our blogs and follow us on social media!

Hosts

Lorelai @ Life With LorelaiFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Ashley @ Sweetpea LifestyleFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Donna @ Modern On MonticelloFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Co-hosts

Sahana @ VikalpahFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Emily @ Domestic DeadlineFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Nina @ Vintage Mama’s CottageFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

 

Check out more posts from the Hosts and Co-Hosts on our
NEW Pinterest Board, All Things Home Matters!
And, please do follow…

Follow All Things Home Matters Board on Pinterest.

 

Each week, we like to feature some of the awesome posts shared at last week’s party. We hope you will be inspired by these creative and talented bloggers who share their best recipes, DIY projects, crafts, home decor, organization ideas, and more. Enjoy!

Check out this week’s features below.

 

Sloppy Joe Nachos from Brandi @ Home Cooking Memories

PIN here


Easter Bunny Racers from Erin @ My Mommy World

PIN here


Classic Green Bean Casserole from Tracey @ The Kitchen Is My Playground

PIN here


Pastel Easter Brunch Tablescape from Bird @ Bird’s Party

PIN here


DIY Farmhouse Chick Feeder Candy Dispenser from Tiffany @ Tee Diddly Dee

PIN here

 

Thank you to all who linked up at last week’s party. We look forward to seeing what you will be sharing with us this week!

Remember that every feature is shared on all Host’s and Co-Host’s blogs, as well as on the Home Matters Linky Party Pinterest Board! Don’t forget to follow…

Follow Home Matters Linky Party Board on Pinterest.

If you were featured this week, Please Grab our Featured Button to display proudly on your blog post, featured page, or sidebar! Share the joy…

Are you ready to Party?

The linky party starts when Friday begins and closes when Monday ends, EST.

We at Home Matters love meeting new people and discovering new blogs. Help us grow this party by sharing a link on your post or grabbing our party button for your sidebar or party page.

Stop by and VISIT as many OTHER BLOGGERS as you can. Leave them a message, and share their talents on social media.

Be sure to Please USE our Registered Hashtag

 

Home Matters Linky Party Guidelines:

We are thrilled that you came by to link up today! Here are a few rules that hosts and co-hosts of the Home Matters Party follow, and we ask that you follow them, as well.

  1. Please link up no more than THREE posts each week–try to make sure that they are new links that you have not shared here previously. (Exception: Holiday/Seasonal specific posts may be shared once per year.)
  1. Please take some time to poke around and visit some of the other links.
  1. Please take some time to check out your hosts and co-hosts on social media.
  1. We appreciate the variety of blogs on the www; however, the Home Matters Party is for links on matters of the HOME. Please link accordingly.
  1. We ask that you do not add other Linky Parties, Blog Hops, or Giveaways–unless you begin the party with a new project, recipe or post.
  1. On the same note, please do not add links of an extremist, political or strong controversial nature. (The hosts and co-hosts read each and every blog post linked and will contact you directly if you have linked something that does not fit into the realm of the party.)

With your help, we can continue to grow the Home Matters Party! Thank you!

It's time for Easter dinner! Let's celebrate with yummy recipes, decor, games. Plus, linkup at Home Matters. #Easter #EasterDinner #EasterDecor #HomeMatters Click To Tweet
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Link Up!

By joining the Home Matters Linky Party you are giving permission for all hosts and co-hosts to use and share any part of your post, including pictures, for party promotion, as featured posts, in party photo collages, on blogs, and across social media, etc. All credits will be given to the original source. Also, you will receive a weekly email reminder regarding the new week’s Home Matters Linky Party.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Thank you for joining in the fun and excitement at the Home Matters Linky Party. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. We look forward to chatting with you in the comments.

 

Don’t have a blog, but want to Remember to Party With Us each week?
Forgot to leave your email while linking up your post?
You can still sign up for our Email Party Reminders. Click below for a form…

 

 

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Share using our Hashtag!

 

Leave me a comment… I’d love to hear from you!

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~Lorelai

 

Sign up today, and don't miss anything! Enjoy EXCLUSIVES, FREEBIES, and FUN.

 

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Contact Lorelai at Lorelai@LifeWithLorelai.com

     

9 Easter Cocktails Every Bunny Will Love

A collection of 9 recipes for festive Easter Cocktails that every bunny will love. Celebrate in style this spring with these fun holiday themed drinks.

9 Easter Cocktails

Every Bunny Will Love

 

I love celebrating holidays and making them special. Decorations, great food, and family traditions are always fun. But sometimes, it seems, the holiday focus is more geared around children. So, today, I am putting some adult into Easter with some fun and tasty Easter Cocktails for those who are 21 and over.

You will be amazed at how clever and simple these recipes are. I can’t wait to wow my guests.

Bunny up to the bar and give these holiday cocktails a try!

Click on the Cocktail name below the photo to get the recipes.

Cottontail Martini from Michael at Inspired by Charm

Buzzed Peeps Easter Cocktail from Melissa at The Farm Girl Gabs

Cotton Candy Margarita from Darcie at Such The Spot

Speckled Egg Mimosas from Erin at Style Me Pretty

Chocolate Creme Egg Easter Cocktail Shots from Laura at Little Stuff

Cotton Candy Champagne Cocktails from Kirbie at Kirbie’s Cravings

Peeptini Easter Cocktails from April at April Golightly

Easy Chocolate Creme Egg Martini Recipe from Katie at A Fork’s Tale

Carrot Mimosas from Kare at Kitchen Treaty

 

There is a recipe for every bunny, whether you are looking for something elegant and stunning or sweet and adorable, we’ve got the Easter Cocktails for you. I hope you have a lovely Easter celebration!

Are looking for some other fun ideas or maybe even new traditions for your family this Easter? You will definitely want to check out these awesome Easter Ideas…

Easter Jelly Bean Prayer Poem

 Sidewalk Chalk Tutorial

What every you do, have a Happy Easter!

 

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Share using our Hashtag!

 

Leave me a comment… I’d love to hear from you!

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Sign up today, and don't miss anything! Enjoy EXCLUSIVES, FREEBIES, and FUN.

 

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Contact Lorelai at Lorelai@LifeWithLorelai.com

     

Football Decor – DIY Goal Post Toilet Paper Holder For The Big Game

This post, Football Decor – DIY Goal Post Toilet Paper Holder For The Big Game,  has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MegaGame #CollectiveBias

Give your bathroom a mini-update with football decor for the big game. Make a DIY Football Goal Post Toilet Paper Holder that scores!

 

Score With Football Decor For The Mega Game!

DIY Football Goal Post Toilet Paper Holder

 

When planning for the big game, you need to put a few plays into motion.  Of course, you have to clean the house and have plenty of seating and space for viewing. Maybe you even have a few party games going to excite the fans. But part of the mega fun of game day is having festive decor to boost the party atmosphere. It is a no-brainer to decorate the main entertaining areas of your home, so today, I am sharing an idea for that little room everybody needs and nobody wants to discuss. I am solving a problem every hostess worries about.

As a hostess, you strive to meet all of your guests’ wants and needs and make them as comfortable as possible so they can enjoy the party. You worry about the little things… you know, like having a guest run out of toilet paper and searching through your cabinets and drawers for more. YIKES! Right? Nobody wants to be in that situation.

Block That Punt!

Block the punt with two easy mega plays that will gain you a first down in guest comfort.

  • First, stock up on Quilted Northern Ultra Soft & Strong® Mega Rolls.

Mega Rolls go the distance in keeping the rush to flush covered. These fuller rolls mean you have to change them less often. More yardage than other rolls and guaranteed to fit your standard holder — that scores an extra point!

  • Second, make your own Football Goal Post Toilet Paper Holder.

This football decor for your bathroom is both festive and functional. Parties for the mega football game can go on for hours on end, and let’s face it, the more guests the better. So, even with the large mega rolls, you don’t want to have a bath tissue fumble. Your guests will not have to search for a new roll, they will be in plain view — 2 point conversion!

So, huddle-up and I’ll give you the play-by-play.

DIY Football Goal Post Toilet Paper Holder

Materials:

  • 1/2 Inch Schedule-40 PVC Pipe
    • 2 x 5-1/2 inches
    • 1 x 18 inches (I cut mine at 15 inches because I had extra height with a coupler).
    • 2 x 8-1/2 inches
    • 2 pieces of custom length to use as feet and will fit inside your base
  • 1/2 Inch Schedule-40 PVC Fittings
    • 1 Tee (slip fitting, no threads)
    • 2 Elbows (slip fitting, no threads)
    • 1 Side Outlet 90-Degree Elbow (slip fitting, no threads) **NOTE – if you can only get a Side Outlet Elbow that has two slips and one threaded, you will need to get a 1/2 inch coupler to convert the threaded port to slip. That is what I had to use.
    • 2 Caps
    • Football Turf
    • Basket (a crate will work, whatever you have)
    • Yellow Spray Paint
    • Scuff Pad
    • Alcohol
    • Old Newspaper
    • Other Football Themed Items
    • Sandpaper (optional)
    • Primer (optional)

 

 

Tools:

  • Plastic Pipe Cutters
  • Measuring Tape
  • Pencil

 

 

How To:

  1. Plan your project. The measurements above are what I used for mine, but depending on your base and space you may want yours smaller or larger. Test it out, and create a plan.
  1. Remove any stickers from pipes or fittings.
  1. Measure your PVC Pipe and mark where to cut with a pencil.
  1. Cut the pipe using your cutters (a hacksaw will work too).
  1. Once all lengths are cut, you can start assembling the goal post.
    • Slide the two 5-1/2″ pipe pieces into the horizontal ends of the Tee with the perpendicular open end facing down.
    • Add the Elbows to each end, with the open ends facing upward.
    • Slip the 8-1/2″ pipe pieces into the upright ends of the Elbows.
    • Place a Cap on the end of each upright.
    • Attach the long 18″ pipe length into the downward opening of the Tee.
    • Slide the Side Outlet Elbow onto the bottom of the long pipe. (If you need to attach a Coupler to the threaded port of the Side Outlet Elbow. Attach the Coupler to the pipe).
    • Place your additional varied size pipe pieces to the final two opening of the Side Outlet Elbow. These will be your feet to make the goal post stand and do not need to be perfect as nobody will see them.
  1. Scuff the pipes and fittings so the paint will adhere.
  1. PVC Pipe and Fittings are stamped. You will want to turn all the pieces so the stamping is placed at the back of the goal post. The feet should be positioned coming out the front of the goal post.
  1. Squeeze the pipes and fittings together so they are tight.
  1. Gently wipe the pipes and fitting with alcohol to remove any oils from your fingertips. This will help the paint adhere better.
  2. Spray paint the goal post (check the tip below). Let it dry thoroughly.

 

 

Call the Blitz Play

TIP for Spray Painting:

Sack that blushing quarterback before he gets started.

Always apply spray paint in short bursts. Do a light coat just to fog the surface. Let that stand for a few seconds to get tacky then apply more, again in short burst of paint. Never hold the nozzle down for a steady spray, as that leads to blushing (a milky or hazy appearance and low gloss when dried).

 

 

Assemble the Goal Post Toilet Paper Holder Football  Decor:

  1. Place the constructed and painted goal post inside your base of choice (I used a basket that fit on top of the toilet tank).
  2. Stuff the basket with old newspaper to fill the space.
  3. Tuck the Football Turf over the newspaper and inside the basket sides. (I used football turf drink holders, and ripped the seem so they would lay flat).
  4. Decorate with other Football Decor. (I drew a football play on a small sandwich board style chalkboard, added a couple of penalty flags, and a cutout football).
  5. Add a Quilted Northern Ultra Soft & Strong Mega Roll to each upright.

And there you have it. Your bathroom has a mini update with football decor providing mega impact, and you and your guests are all set for the kickoff.

 

 

Score a touchdown — add Quilted Northern Mega Rolls to your Target shopping list and stock up for the #MegaGame ! For more Quilted Northern Inspiration click here. And, DO NOT MISS the awesome Cartwheel Offer — an additional 10% off at Target!

Find even more by following Quilted Northern on Facebook / Twitter / YouTube
Enjoy the Big Game and have some Mega Fun!

 

 

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Share using our Hashtag!

 

Leave me a comment… I’d love to hear from you!

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Sign up today, and don't miss anything! Enjoy EXCLUSIVES, FREEBIES, and FUN.

 

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How-To Make A Killer Cake For A Theme Party

Well, here you are, and I am sure you are just dying to find out How-To Make A Killer Cake! Rory turned 21 recently, and she wanted to host a Murder Mystery party for her friends. The party was a blast, and this cake one of the highlights.

 

Make A Killer Cake

Slay your guests with presentation and flavor!

 

I have to tell you, this amazing killer cake was one of the easiest cakes I have ever made. It is my very first “poke cake.” I did cheat a little and use a box mix and a couple cans of frosting. But with my little additions, the flavor soared, and the presentation was phenomenal.

Whenever I make a cake for Rory, I have to switch out the oil in the recipe for applesauce. It’s a special dietary thing, but it does take out most of the fat from the cake batter! You simply replace the oils with the same amount of applesauce. Easy. I also added a teaspoon of Vanilla Extract to the batter. We love that amazing vanilla flavor. Because I wanted to have nice thick layers of cake, I used two box mixes.

After I baked the cake (according to the box directions) and let them cool, I use the handle end of a wooden spoon to stab holes into each layer. Be sure to NOT go all the way through the cake. Making the depths of the holes differing depths is nice.

Making the Red Ganache

Making ganache is really very easy, but wow, is it delicious! You will need a double boiler. If you don’t have one, use a metal or oven-safe glass bowl set over the top of pan of boiling water.

Ingredients:

  • 1 – Bag of White Chocolate Chips
  • 1 – container Heavy Cream
  • Red Food Coloring (one for baking is best, it offers more intense color)

Directions:

  1. Boil the water in the bottom pan of the double boiler, and turn the heat down until it keeps a gentle boil.
  2. Add the bag of White Chocolate Chips
  3. Add Heavy Cream, a little at a time to desired consistency
  4. Stir almost constantly, as you do not want the chocolate to burn.

Spoon the red ganache into each hole, and spread some on the top of both layers. Frost the top of your bottom layer and stack the top layer onto it. Frost the top of the cake, then move onto the sides. Add more frosting as needed to cover the red ganache.

I funneled the ganache into a squeeze bottle, but you can use whatever you have, even a spoon will work. You want to drizzle the ganache around the top edge of the cake. Go slowly and use enough ganache for it to drip down the sides of the cake creating a dripping blood effect. Once you have gone all around the cake, fill in the top of the killer cake with the bloody red ganache.

Just before presenting the cake, thrust a large knife into the center. Your guests will ooh and aw over this Killer Cake! When you cut it to serve, you will see the red ganache has dripped through the middle of the cake — it’s a bloody good effect.

 

Red Ganache Recipe – printable

5 from 1 reviews
Red Ganache for a Killer Cake
 
Cook time
Total time
 
If you are dying to make a Killer Cake, you've come to the right place! This recipe will slay your guests at your next Halloween or Mystery Party. The Killer Cake uses this Red Ganache.
from:
Type: Dessert
Ingredients:
  • 1 - Bag of White Chocolate Chips
  • 1 - container Heavy Cream
  • Red Food Coloring - Add until you have desired color. (A food coloring for baking is best, it offers more intense color)
Directions:
  1. Boil the water in the bottom pan of the double boiler, and turn the heat down until it keeps a gentle boil.
  2. Add the bag of White Chocolate Chips
  3. Add Heavy Cream, a little at a time to desired consistency
  4. Stir almost constantly, as you do not want the chocolate to burn.
3.5.3208

 

I hope you have a hauntingly fantastic Halloween or a slashingly spectacular Mystery Party. But most of all, I hope you will thoroughly enjoy this Killer Cake!

 

Looking for other Halloween recipe ideas? Try these:

Halloween Night Chili Recipe

 

Candy Corn Cookies Recipe

 

 


 

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Apples For Everything – It’s Apple Season!

The fall season is a great time for remembering those cherished moments with family and friends. I am sure some of those memories include apples in some way — apple picking, baking with apples, crafting, or even an aromatic body scrub or bubble bath.

I am lucky enough to be a part of the Apple Event for #SoFabSeasons along with many other fabulous bloggers. I’m so happy to be sharing all of the Apple themed posts today from many wonderful members of the Social Fabric community. There is something for everyone. I know you will enjoy!

 

DESSERT RECIPES

Home and Garden Cafe – Apple Pie Coconut Ice Cream

Joy’s Life – Apple Pie Dessert Pizza

Kitchen Concoctions – Toffee Apple Pie Cookies

The Bandit Lifestyle – Delicious Apple Fritters Perfect for Fall

Roasted Beanz – Easy Crustless Almond Raisin Apple Pie

Wondermom Wannabe – Clean Eating Apple Crisp with Caramel Sauce

Anti June Cleaver – Mini Dutch Apple Pear Pie to Get You Ready for Fall

Basic N Delicious – Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake

Mostly Homemade Mom – Caramel Apple Pie Fudge

Little Blog in the Country – Pressure Cooker Canned Apple Pie Filling

Diana Rambles – Apple Spice Dump Cake

The Tip Toe Fairy – Apple Plum Skillet Cobbler

Five Marigolds – Sweet and Savory Salted Caramel Apple Dip

Intelligent Domestications – Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake & Apple Cream Cheese Icing

Home Maid Simple – Easy Apple Crisp

More or Less Cooking – Best Apple Fritter Coffee Cake

My Big Fat Happy Life – Skinny Caramel Ice Cream

An Alli Event – Apple Bundt Cake with Praline Frosting

Tobin’s Tastes – Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip

Ginger Casa – Delicious Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble

Sweet Sensations – Apple Cobbler with Oatmeal Muffin Crust

A Labor of Life – How to Make Delicious Apple Roses

Julie Is Coco and Cocoa – Fried Cinnamon and Sugar Apple Rings

Polka Dotted Blue Jay – Mini Carmel Apple Bites

Finding Sanity in Our Crazy Life – No Bake Oatmeal Apple Pecan Cookies

Being Tazim – Strawberry Apple Crumble Vegan and Dairy Free

Upstate Ramblings – Caramel Apple Cake

Lily the Wandering Gypsy – Fresh Apple Donuts with Bacon, Caramel Pecan Glaze

Rebecca Lately – Baked Apple Recipe

Simple Food 365 – Light and Fluffy Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Mama Plus One – Homemade Apple Cider Donuts

Bento Lunch (dot) net – Caramel Apple Pudding Parfaits

 

MORE APPLE RECIPES

Broken TeePee – Salmon and Rice Noodles on Apples, Carrots & Zucchini

Revel & Glitter – Autumn Cranberry Apple Pear Salad

Happy Go Lucky – Bacon Cheddar Apple Dip

Honest and Truly – Delicious and Easy Mini Apple Pancakes

Smiling Notes – Healthy Apple Pie Oat Pancakes

Creative Southern Home – Apple Bread

Beyond Mommying – Apple Bacon Grilled Cheese

Momcrieff – Apple Pancake Rings for Breakfast or Snack

Tiaras and Tantrums – Favorite Autumn Apple Snacks

Injenious Life – Gluten Free Applesauce Muffins

Everyday Party – Simple Caramel Apple Cider

A Paper Arrow – Apple Bread for the Fall

Happy and Blessed Home – Delicious Apple Recipes

Mom Saves Money – DIY Dehydrated Apple Rings

Gluesticks Blog – Baked Apple Chips

Life With Lorelai – Caramel Apple Crumbly Bread Recipe

Ava’s Alphabet – Baked Apple Pancake

Life with Lovebugs – Spiced Applesauce and Oatmeal Muffins

For the Love of Crust – Homemade Crockpot Apple Cider

Oat & Sesame – Maple Your Applesauce

Southern Mom Loves – Cheddar and Apple Goldfish Snack Mix Recipe

My Life Cookbook – Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Bread (Gluten Free)

 

ACTIVITIES

Tales of Mommyhood – Apple Picking Favorite Family Activity

Mama Luvs Books – Apple Picking in Rhode Island

Kori at Home – Apple Tot School Unit with FREE Printables

Jenny at Dapperhouse – DIY Apple Basket Sorting Game

To & Fro – Tips for Apple Picking with Your Family

 

CRAFTS

Little Mama Jama – Apple Stamping Sensory Activity for Preschoolers

Creative Ramblings – Fabulous Fall Wood Apple Sign

Woods of Bell Trees – Quilted Apple Pillow

For What It’s Worth – Apple Themed Party with DIY Apple Craft

The Kennedy Adventures – Paper Plate Apple Craft

Babs Projects – Apple Scented Potpourri Pouches

Great Contradictions – Apple Themed Candy Bar Wrapper Printables

 

BEAUTY

Momerish – Apple Pie Sugar Scrub Perfect for Fall Pampering

 

Can you believe all these incredible Apple themed posts? Bookmark this page so you can come back and try out all the recipes, crafts and activities with you and your family!

Check back next month when Social Fabric features posts with a pumpkin theme. You can always search the hashtag #SoFabSeasons to find more of what you’re looking for!

How do you plan to use apples this season?

 

 

 

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Throwing An End-of-Summer Party

Give summer a last hurrah by throwing an end-of-summer party! Find great tips and ideas from our regular contributor, Megan Wild.

 

Tips for Throwing an End-of-Summer Party

Say Good-bye to Summer with a Festive Bash!

 

Summer is starting to wind down. It may seem like it’s only been here for about three days, but you can still squeeze a few small drops of summertime fun out of it! While Labor Day has already passed, we still have a few more weeks of reasonable temperature left, so get your friends together to go out with a bang!

Go With a Summery Theme

You don’t have to choose a theme, of course, but it does make the whole party feel a bit more cohesive. Tropical is a pretty clear choice, too, but you can always branch out some. Beach themes, rainbows, flowers or even something different, like fairies, can make for a really fun summer party.

Even if you don’t want to do an actual theme, try to pick a color scheme to stick to. It’ll wow guests without making too much extra work for the hostess (or host)!

Make Use of the Summer Produce

The end of summer is prime time for a few choice food options. Melons are always a big hit now, and tomatoes are ripe for the plucking. This is also the best time of year for things like zucchini and peaches. Try making dishes with these options, like Watermelon, Blueberry & Feta Salad, or perhaps some of these End-of-Summer Recipes. A seasonal produce guide can help you plan your menu for the summer party, especially since produce that’s in season will be cheaper!

Make Serving Simple

The key to simple self-serve is to space things out. Try and place things around so that people can pick and choose where they’d like to go. A table by the grill, one near the fire pit, drinks by a flower bed and a few appetizers close to the door or gate should do it. It keeps everyone from having to crowd around one area and gets the conversation flowing as everyone has a chance to talk.

You can even set up a kids’ area near some toys to keep the little ones entertained! If you plan to have lots of kids for a birthday party or some other family-friendly event, make eating fun, too! A big box of crayons and a tablecloth made of paper means little ones can spend their time playing instead of asking for the next activity.

Create the Right Atmosphere

There are really two aspects to creating a fun-going atmosphere: music and lighting. No matter what, you can’t go wrong with lanterns and string lights, or even this DIY Solar Lamp. When evening starts to set in, break out a few candles, and don’t be afraid to use the citronella ones! If you already have outdoor lighting, such as solar-powered garden lights, those should help add a dreamy atmosphere to your fun.

Of course, lighting isn’t everything. Music sets the mood before sunset, and even before you can see the festivities! Birthday parties should be fun, with dance music for adults or kids’ music to get little toes tapping. A swanky garden party will sound elegant from the driveway with classical instrumentals, and a laid-back barbecue will always be fun with a classic rock playlist.

Keep Bugs at Bay

No one likes to spend a party swatting away mosquitoes or fishing bugs out of their drinks. The end-of-summer always seems to be when the bugs get the most aggressive, as well, so do what you can to keep people bug-free. The most common idea is citronella candles, and they do work wonderfully. However, you can also offer other options.

Put out Bug Umbrellas, paper cupcake wraps to cover drinks, and try to incorporate some insect repelling herbs, like mint and rosemary, into the food. Insects don’t care for those smells, and it’ll help drive them away. Besides, there’s nothing as good as a honey-mint drizzle over fresh fruit salad! You can also check out these 35 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes.

Show off the Last of the Flowers

While autumn does bring some beautiful colors, nothing really beats the flowers from summer. Use this last shindig as an excuse to show off the last of the blooms around you.

If you’re lucky enough to have plenty of flowers still in the garden, plan to have some of the gathering spots around them. Place food and drinks near your late bloomers to draw people close to them. If your flowers aren’t nearby, then snip off some blooms and place them around. A few small, scattered arrangements add an air of whimsy without making the florals seem over-the-top–a perfect touch for your summer party.

Label It!

Many people don’t automatically announce a food allergy, especially if it’s not life-threatening. Others might be trying to stick to a specific diet. For those reasons, try to label things. It doesn’t have to be laborious, but some kind of simple system can be very helpful. A few different groups of things like “Vegetarian,” “Vegan” or “Allergen-Free” can save everyone an enormous headache, and keep them all safe. If that doesn’t fit with your setup, try a simple menu instead.

An end-of-summer bash is the perfect way to say goodbye to the warm weather. Remember to consider it from the guests’ point of view. The biggest factors are food, music and entertainment. Everything else is just gravy. So get outside and soak up the sun!

 

~Megan

Visit Megan at her blog, Your Wild Home!

 

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5 Reasons To Love Coffee & Free Printables

Love coffee? Me too! I am a total coffee addict, and apparently, our regular contributor, Michelle James, is pretty hooked as well. She has created a couple super cute and really fun printables just for you.

 

5 Reasons To Love Coffee

& Free Printables!

 

Hello once again. Are any of you coffee drinkers? I don’t think I am alone in my coffee-loving ways, or there wouldn’t be a Starbucks on every corner in the USA (except for mine, of course).

I didn’t like coffee until I was an adult. It was too bitter, and I couldn’t stand it. In fact, I still can’t drink my coffee black. I wish I could because I would avoid all sorts of sugar and calories. But, I don’t drink too many cups each morning, so I am hoping I am ok.

My husband introduced me to the power of the liquid coffee creamers. LOL!  I have to say, it makes coffee addicting for non-black coffee drinkers like myself.

So, here are the 5 Reasons To Love Coffee

  1. It smells so good brewing in the morning.

Don’t you love to wake up to this comforting smell? Even before I drank coffee I always loved the smell of it.

  1. There are many different brands and blends to choose from.

If you walk into a grocery store you will find many different brands and blends of coffee. If you do a little research you can find that some are more acidic than others, some are stronger than others. There is also the choice of whole beans or ground. So many things to think about and try to find just the right one for you.

  1. Coffee Shops Are Everywhere (except in my town. Insert sad face)

If you are a brand name coffee drinker, maybe you purchase only from coffee shops. There are so many, and they have their own specialty coffees that are so popular right now. I love it when I visit a city and can try out a new coffee. Yumm!!

  1. You can choose cold or hot.

I love it when we go on a road trip, and I can run through the drive up and get a great iced coffee. On a hot day, when you don’t want the hot…go for the cold.

  1. Fluffy coffee anyone?

My friend Peggy calls the decadent, full of calories, sort of along the lines of a coffee milkshake, coffees fluffy coffees. And she is right. They are super good. Every year when we go shopping in Minnesota, we stop in the afternoon and get some fluffy coffee. It fills me up until dinner, and I can keep on shopping!  It is the perfect treat.

 

So, there you have it. The 5 reasons to love coffee. At least in my opinion.

My youngest son is a coffee lover as well. I created this Coffee Station for him, when he went to college. It was perfect for the small dorm room.

Here, are two free printables I created for you to print, frame, and enjoy!  The download link is at the bottom of this post.

 

If you would like to see more great furniture makeovers and more free pintables hop over to my blog and check them out!

Download your free coffee printables:

Coffee Is Always A Good Ideaclick here

No Life Before Coffeeclick here

Until next time,

~Michelle

 

 

 

Visit Michelle at her blog, Michelle James Designs!

 


 

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DIY Wooden Beach Marquee Sign

Are you ready to hit the beach? Our regular contributor, Michelle James, has a fantastic DIY project to set a beachy tone in your home.

 

Wooden Beach Marquee Sign

A Beachy DIY Project for Your Home

 

Wow!  I can’t believe that March is over and spring has sprung.  Well…it’s going to spring here in Iowa soon, I hope.  This weather is why my friend Maureen loves the beach so much.  Well, who doesn’t?  She decorates in a beach theme all year except for Christmas and St. Pat’s.  I love her house.  We created this Beach Inspired Sofa Table for her home, and it turned out so cute.

This was a little surprise I created for her to add to her beach décor.

Wooden Beach Marquee Sign

I don’t have a complete tutorial, but I think it is enough for you to create one if you like.  I have been offering these types of signs in my classes, and people really seem to enjoy them.  I love the glow of lights in the house in the evening, and these types of signs don’t disappoint.

I started with a plain wood sign made from lath and 1×2.  My husband puts these together for me.

Then, we water down some latex paint to create a paint we can roll on, but almost has the consistency of stain.  We were staining them, but rolling the paint looks better and is a much faster process when you have to make large quantities at a time.

One of the pictures below is the stained version we used to make.

I cut out the BEACH letters on my Silhouette.  I am getting pretty good at finding a font, then making the letters exactly the size I want for the board.  I cut them out of cardstock, then trace around them with chalk.  This was the sign we made for Valentine’s Day, but it shows the chalk traced letters.  I use chalk because it is easy to see on the brown background, and it comes off easily when we sand later.

Then, using acrylic paint, paint in the letters and any other design you want.

After it is painted and dried, I use a sanding block and give it a good sanding.  This gets the extra chalk off the wood, and it gives it a nice rustic, distressed look.  I love that!

Then, I mark the spots where I want holes drilled.

This is the painted BEACH sign with the pencil marks for the holes.  We are using strings with 35 lights, so I double and triple count to make sure I have exactly 35 marks for holes.

Then working from the back, you push the lights through the wood and work your way up and down the sign, until all of the lights and all of the holes have been filled.

There you have it!  Super easy and it looks great.  I like to lean mine on the table against the wall, and I have the perfect spot for them.

Well, I hope you have enjoyed this post.  Please share, and stop by my blog and say hello!

See you next time!

Michelle

 

 

Visit Michelle at her blog, Michelle James Designs!

Do you have any fun ideas for a marquee sign?

 


 

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