12 Olympic Party Ideas - Kid Friendly Fun

My husband who always thinks my themes for parties are a bit over the top, suggested we have a Winter Olympics opening ceremony party tonight.  What a fun idea!

Maybe some of my party planning is rubbing off on him! Here are some lovely ideas from other bloggers to get you ready!

DECOR

Make an Olympics Banner from a Dropcloth

Make an Olympic paper chain.  Perfect craft for the kids!

Easy torches  set the mood.

Patriotic Free Printables set the tone.

FOOD

Serve patriotic healthy snacks



Fun and tasty Cheetoh torches



Awesome Pretzel olympic rings





Everyone needs a medal



ACTIVITIES


Play a game  during commercial breaks!


Or two, during the next commercial break!


Keep the kids busy with this fun project by Activity Village



Fun coffee table game - ring toss!


Are you doing anything to celebrate the Olympics?

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Sweetest Pin -Valentine's Day Decor Love Letters

Love is in the Air, and Valentine's Day is approaching!  

I just love all of the amazing decor ideas on Pinterest!

This lovely Love Letter's project by 

Beyond the Picket Fence is one of my favorites.

It is unique, and uses found treasures to spell out the word Love.  This is something I can see displayed year round!

What do you think?  What have you been working on lately?

My Thrift Shop Finds & Sweet Pea Antique's in Camp Verde, Arizona

My newest series!  I have a big confession, I used to never set foot in a thrift store.  Being a bit of a germaphobe, I used to feel quite uncomfortable in thrift shops.  Although, I am better I make a beeline straight to the furniture and home ware sections. 

However, after seeing so many amazing transformations on blogs and pinterest, I had to check it out.  There are some amazing things out there!  I can't look at something the same anymore without thinking what it will look like with a little spray paint on it!  Here's my mug tree I revamped with some spray paint!

A few weeks ago, I was up visiting my husband's 98 year old grandmother in Camp Verde, Arizona.  While I was there, I had to stop at my favorite Antique shop: Sweet Pea Antiques.

It is the cutest antique shop, and there are so many different types of antiques for sale.  The amazing thing is their prices!  Everything is quite lovely, and quite affordable!

I was given a message from my husband, don't spend too much before I stepped out the door.  But, I still had to look!

I came up with these amazing finds, and you know what...  I got them all for $6.00!  That's three items, and I was out the door for 6 bucks.  You can't beat that!

The three part bowl is a perfect mate to a silver rimmed serving bowl I found at Goodwill right before Christmas.  It was the perfect serving bowl for my first Christmas dinner I hosted at my home.

I was short on serving spoons, and thought this one adds character to these bowls!  

(Now I can almost host a Downton Abbey party!)

And the cat...look for it on my Valentine's Day Mantle very soon.  

As soon as I saw it, I knew it would a perfect addition for my Valentine's Day decor.  My husband saws it is definitely not a Valentine's decoration.  I beg to differ!  I love the colors.

What have you found recently while antiquing/thrifting?  I have more to share, soon!

Sweetest Pin - Easy Valentine's Craft for the Kiddos

Everyone has Valentine's Day on the mind.  I have seen so many cute ideas on Pinterest.  Trying to figure out what to do for your child's class party?

This cute idea by Alpha Mom is creative, inexpensive and you probably have the materials already at your house.

I bought red pipe cleaners for Christmas, and never used them.  Now I have a use for them!  I stock up on pencils at the dollar spot at Target.  My kids love pencils, and they are great party favors.  She includes the printable on her blog.

I also love that these are not candy.  I don't know about your kids, but mine get super hyper by just a couple of pieces of candy.

What do you think?  Are you working on any crafty Valentine's Day décor, cards, etc?  I would love for you to share!

Did you see last week's the Sweetest Pin- I love these paper Chevron Garlands by My Sister's Suitcase.

10 Colorful Kitchen Ideas & Remodeling Tips

I was so inspired by the following beautiful kitchen and dining spaces, that I had to share them with you!  I love introducing color in my home.  The following kitchens have beautiful, crisp white walls, cabinets and furniture accented with fabulous jewel tones.   

These are all items that can easily be achieved, without breaking the bank.  By just updating a few simple things, you can make a huge impact.

Disclosure, I never used to be a fan of white cabinets. They are now my favorite- I love how neutral and light they are now.  Our new house has them, I will be sharing my home with you soon!

At the end, see below for my kitchen remodeling tips.  Things to think about prior to renovating your kitchen and pulling out the pocket book!

Nicety Live Journal

I love the clean lines, paired with the rustic furniture 
and decor in the space.  
I love the blue wall paired with deep pink light fixture.




The Design Files

Simple, clean colors and lines with a simple addition 
of aqua barstools.  Get tired of the colors of the stools?  It is so simple and cost effective to switch them out later.  Or better yet, just repaint them with a fun new color!

Tone Melone Design

Lovely warm accents set against the clean, white kitchen.  The mixed chairs add character and charm.

For Interieur

Lovely accents of pillows and table accessories brighten up the simple, white palette.



Midwest Living

I love these barstools and this color set against the white cabinets and amazing carrera marble counters!  I also love how the accessories tie it all together.  I think I need these barstools in my kitchen!



Better Homes and Gardens - Home Beautiful

Fun pop of color with barstools.  Can't decide on a color, 
buy one of each of your favorite colors!



Caught in Grace

A lovely and colorful buffet in the kitchen.  What a fun and cost effective alternative from kitchen cabinets.  
I love this color set against the white brick walls.



House Beautiful

This green island looks like a furniture piece, and provides a stunning accent in this kitchen.  The bold pattern on the ceiling makes this space unique.  
The decor and accessories tie it all nicely together.



Country Living

Retro touches in this kitchen make it so cheery and fun.



Barbara quasescarlet

Colorful color pops make this otherwise 
plain and simple kitchen, shine.

Tips Before you Renovate your Kitchen

1. Kitchen remodeling is one of the best things you can do to improve your home's resale value.

2.  You can expect to recoup 90%-98% of your investment on the sale of your home.  The higher number is based 
on low budget remodels.  
No need to spend a ton of money updating.

3. I love color, but making your kitchen cabinets a unique, bold color might hurt your resale value.

4.  Instead, select accessories, furniture and decor with fun, bold colors.  These are easy to chance as tastes change, and make it much easier to resale your home.

5.  If you still want colored cabinets, keep it to the island or lighting, etc.  Keep the rest of the kitchen neutral, like the white as shown in all of the images above.

6.  Kitchen remodeling does take time, and is disruptive to every day life.  Plan to eat out, or make microwave meals for awhile.  Take a deep breath and remember 
it is all worth it in the end!

What is your favorite kitchen?  Have you remodeled your kitchen?  I would love to hear your thoughts!

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Sweetest Pin - Chevron Valentine's Day decor

I have seen some beautiful Valentine's ideas - and I love this beautiful chevron decor by My Sister's Suitcase.

See their fabulous and easy tutorial to make a statement to your decor.  Did I mention how gorgeous yet simple this is? I can never resist ombre.

How are you decorating for Valentine's Day?

Thanks for stopping by!

My January Mantle

My January Mantle

I have been having fun decorating my fireplace mantle. Since this is the first time I have had a fireplace, I have realized how fun it is to decorate it!

How do you decorate for January?  What colors best fit cold weather (ok it was 80 degrees yesterday, here in Phoenix) and no major holiday.

My Christmas decor was silver and cream.  Here is my Winter Mantle.  I am still in love with the silver, and I decided to tie in a blue color, keeping some of the silver elements.  I think the colors are perfect for January.




I started with my Great-grandmother's vintage table runner. I just love the blues, greens and browns in the table runner. I draped it across the top, since I don't have a distinctive mantle.

I added my Great-grandmother's vintage blue vase.  I pulled some tan berries (that I used for my fall decor) to tie in the runner with the rest of the decor.

Before I had a fireplace, I had no idea how much fireplace tools are.  I fell in love with this Tool Set from Crate & Barrell.  But, for $199, it wasn't in the budget.  I kept my eye out at many different stores, but either didn't like the style or price tag.

 

I was thrilled to find some great deals.  I went to my local antique stores and Goodwill in search, and score I found some great deals!

I would love to hear your thoughts.  Have you found some great deals lately?  Where is your favorite place to find deals?

Linking Up!

Tater Tots & Jello Classy Clutter