Planting Pumpkins ((a how to))

You may remember our little pumpkin patch from last year. It was so fun watching them grow and it saved us a ton of money when fall came around. We even had enough to share with family and friends. This year I'm hoping to have enough to have a pumpkin pickin' party at our house. Maybe a cookout with friends and every family goes home with a pumpkin. Sounds fun huh?

Honestly, this is so easy. If you have even just a little bit of ground space, then I really encourage you to give it a try!

Step 1: Take a shovel and make mounds of dirt bigger than a basketball but smaller than a hoola-hoop. {I know. That's the best I can do.}Be sure to space them about a shovels length apart.  And yes, this can be done in your Rainbows.{wink}

Step 2: Poke 4 little holes around the top of the mound and put a pumpkin seed in each hole. 

Step 3: Cover each seed with a little dirt and them water them regularly! 

That's it! And after about a week and a half, you will have this...

When they've sprouted, add a little straw to the top of each mound. Be sure to continue to keep them watered and enjoy watching them grow!

Right Where He Wants Me

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I left the house in a mad rush to get to the fabric store. Sitting at the red light I was things of my future. What career path will I take next? Will I ever make enough money to put the girls through college? etc. The light turned green and I began to roll forward. It was like God whispered,"look left Autumn." I did and I had just enough time to hit the breaks and stop so that some crazy didn't crash into the side of our car with my two little girls in the back. Just enough time. The man in the car had gone right on red when clearly the sign says not to. My body was aching from tensing up. I took a deep breath and went on my way. 

As I was merging on the interstate, I began to thank God for his goodness. For his whisper. This led into the same prayer I find myself always praying. Asking for guidance and direction in my career and future. 

Then it hit me. I am where He wants me to be. He wants me to be present. Be content. My job is to be a mama to my two girls, and a wife to my husband. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. It's what I've prayed for so long. To have the opportunity to stay at home with my girls. And as soon as my prayer is answered there I go asking for what's next. How silly of me.  

After another deep breath, I had this overwhelming sense of relief. I don't need or have to worry about what's next. God's already taken care of that. 

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about it's own things. Sufficient for the day is it's own trouble."

Matthew 6:34

Photo Hanger ((diy))

Simple. Pretty.

July Giveaway Winners

The winner of the $10 Target gift card from Jennifer of Spoonful of Sunshine is Tracy! Tracy said her favorite part of summer is catching lightning bugs and riding bikes. 

The winner of the adorable earrings from Morgan of Momma to Binks & Bubble is Alison! Her favorite color combo of the summer is coral and aqua. Mine tooo!

Congrats girls! I'll be emailing you so you can claim your prize!!

Thanks for entering and supporting this months sponsors.

XOXO

Library Tote ((diy))

My little girl is so excited about getting her very own library card. To say that she loves books is an understatement. I've been waiting to take her to get her own card until my husband could go because I may or may not have a huge fine under my name for some non returned books in high school. So, the hubs has to sign for her card. {lowers head in shame}

I wanted her to have a special bag to carry her books in. So I made her this...

and I would love to share the how with you!

I bought a canvas bag from Michaels. Then I found some really great Martha Stuart all surface paint on sale for 50 cents each and a cute little set of stencils on clearance as well.  

When I got home I ironed the bag to get the wrinkles out and then used the triangle sticker to create a bunting look. The paint dries fairly quickly which is great because I'm a little {a lot} impatient when I'm creating something. 

The bunting was cute, but it needed a little something else. So I used a scrap of fabric by Sara Jane {my favorite} and cut out a heart. Then I stitched it onto the bag. I didn't use anything to adhere the fabric. Just thread. This could be done easily by hand.

She loves it! I'm even thinking of adding a little pocket to the inside to keep her card in. 

XOXO

5 Fun DIY's for You and Your Littles

DIY PLAYDOUGH

{Find it Here}


DIY TERRARIUM

{Find it Here}

DIY MEMORY GAME

{Find it Here}

DIY OCEAN FINGER PUPPETS

{Find it Here}

DIY COLORED PASTA

{Find it Here}

I'm constantly looking for fun ways to spend the day with my little girls. If you would like to see what I find, be sure follow me on Pinterest!

July Sponsor Giveaway {Momma to Binks&Bubble}

Morgan from Momma to Binks&Bubble has been so kind to offer up a pair of earrings from her shop. Which by the way is amazing. She is constantly cranking out new and adorable lovelies. So simple. So sweet. The winner gets to choose one of the colors above. Too bad I can't enter. 

Stop by and say hello to Morgan!

blog//shop//twitter//facebook

All you need to do to enter is leave a comment below sharing your favorite summer color combination. That's all!

If you're interested in more chances to win, you can follow Morgan's blog, follow her on twitter, become a fan of her facebook page, and/or tweet about this giveaway! 

I'll choose a winner on Friday!

July Sponsor Giveaway {Spoonful of Sunshine}

Remember Jennifer over at Spoonful of Sunshine? She's such a sweetie with a great heart and I'm really glad to be getting to know her. Jennifer is giving away a $10 gift card for Target! I mean who doesn't love Target? 

Go visit Jennifer and show her some love!

blog//shop//twitter

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment sharing your favorite summertime activity. That's it!


If you would like more chances to win, you can follow Jennifer's blog, follow her on twitter, or tweet about this giveaway. If so...leave an additional comment for each.


I'll be choosing a winner on Friday! Be sure to check back later today for another sponsor giveaway!!

HoHoHo! Christmas in July

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Honestly, Christmas will be here before we know it. So, I'm offering a little Christmas in July SALE! Use code HOHOHO for 15% off throughout the month of July. 

The shop is freshly stocked with new pretties. So go on. Help yourself to something lovely. Or save your money and buy me that sweet bike in the picture! And the boots, and the dress, and her hair.

Banana Cream Pudding ((a recipe))

Banana pudding is one of my all time favorite desserts. Especially in the summer.

Here's what you'll need to make a big bowl of this delicious treat...

*1 small package of vanilla pudding mix

*1 1/2 cups of cold water

*1 small can of condensed milk

*3 cups of heavy whipping cream{found in the dairy section}

*1 box of vanilla wafer cookies 

*3-4 bananas

Blend the water, pudding mix, and condensed milk in a large bowl until it's mixed well.  Then place it in the fridge for about 3 hours. After the mix has set up, mix the whipping cream until it forms peaks. This may take 3-4 minutes. Then fold it into the pudding mixture. The color will be a nice cream color. 

Put a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom of your bowl{or jar}.

Then slice bananas on top of the wafers.

Add some of the pudding mixture. Then repeat.

Crush a few cookies to sprinkle on the top.

Looks delish huh? 

Everything's better in a mason jar! Am I right?

7 Fun Things To Do With Your Kids That Won't Cost You A Penny

1. Build a Fort

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2. Have a Carpet Picnic

3. Play "Going to the Movies"

4. Take a Nature Walk

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5. Feed the Bunnies and Birds

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6. Make Mud Pies

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7. Paint with Water

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What ideas do you have for free summer fun? Share with us!