It is getting HOT here… I mean very HOT!

So I am sharing with you 25 delicious, cool, yummy Summer Treats

that you can enjoy with your family!

Here we go!

1

It is getting HOT here… I mean very HOT!

So I am sharing with you 25 delicious, cool, yummy Summer Treats

that you can enjoy with your family!

Here we go!

1

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade…

Two cups of it please!

recipe by dineanddish.net

2

Lemonade Stand Popsicles

Oh they are so pretty!

recipe by Somewhere Splendid

3

Mango Orange Yogurt Popsicles

You had me at Mango!

recipe by 6bittersweets.com

4

Berry Yogurt Popsicles

recipe by skinnytaste.com

5

Honey Yogurt Berry Pops

Sweetlicious!

recipe by Joylicious

6

Watermelon-Mint Popsicles

It sounds yummy to me…

recipe by Eating Out Loud

7

Lemon Ice

Perfect for a hot Summer day!

 recipe by  The Idea Room

8

Frozen Jello Pops

Anything with Jello deserves a try!

recipe by For the Love of Food

9

Rainbow Pudding Pops

I’ll be making these for my Anni’s Birthday PARTY next week!

recipe by Sandy Toes and Popsicles

10

Non-alcoholic Margarita

…Yes your kids can have a cup of it.

 recipe by nonalcoholicfrozendrinkrecipes.com

11

Nutella Fudge Popsicles

Did you hear Nutella?

recipe dayli waffle

12

Root Beer Float Pops

Let’s get the party started!

recipe by Erin Cooks

13

Banana Cream Pie-sicles

Darn these look good

recipe by momtastic

14

Peachy Coconut Popsicles

I love coconut!

recipe by Mother Thyme

15

Caramel Popcorn Quick Pops

Pure fun!

recipe by ZOKU

16

Strawberry Lemonade

Classic!

recipe by marthastewart.com

17

Raspberry & White Cherry Yogurt Pops

…Creamy!

recipe by Verses from My Kitchen

18

Strawberry, Kiwi & Lime Frozen Yogurt

Healthy and delicious!

recipe by The Mother Huddle

19

Kiwi Orange Cream Pops

Must try!

recipe by Desserts for Breakfast

20

Samoa Popsicles

Shut the front door! Come on!

recipe by My Baking Adicction

21

Honeydew Popsicles

So fresh!

recipe by Pass The Sushi

22

Peaches and Cream Popsicles

My kids love peaches…

recipe by Brooklyn Supper via Babble

23

 Non-alcoholic Sangria

Yes!

recipe by thekitchn.com

24

Strawberry-Orange Sorbet

What about just four ingredients?

recipe by Delicious Shots

25

Sunshine Pops

These pops are made with layered fruit syrups.

Yum!

recipe by marthastewart.com

So there you have them…

25 Refreshing Summer Treats!

So Cool!

See you later at 6:30 over at the Show Me Extraordinary Link Party!

Happy Wednesday!

Desirée

If you are new to my blog I want to welcome you!

I hope you stay in touch with me and

Subscribe to The 36th Avenue via Readers.

This is the perfect Father’s Day gift! 

Last month my kid’s School Principal got transferred to a new School.

I have to admit that we were all heart broken and we still are.

That man is a hero!

Anyways, we made for [...]]]>  

This is the perfect Father’s Day gift! 

Last month my kid’s School Principal got transferred to a new School.

I have to admit that we were all heart broken and we still are.

That man is a hero!

Anyways, we made for him these cookies that I got to share over at Tatertots and Jello last month.

Here they are:

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Let’s start with the recipe:

1 Cup { 2 sticks } butter, softened.

3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar

3/4 Cup Packed Brown Sugar

1 Tb.  Vanilla Extract

{ Yes I said 1 tablespoon}

2 Eggs

2 1/4 Cups Flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 Box { 3.4 oz } Vanilla Instant Pudding.

1 Cup Milk Chocolate Chips

20 to 25 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Let’s get ready !

 We are going to start with the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

After you peel them cut them into fourths.

Don’t chopped them… You don’t want them to fall apart!

More peanut butter cups you put… more your cookies will taste like peanut butter.

Sorry if you are on a diet… Oh my! Here is your temptation.

As soon as you are done cutting put your Peanut Butter Cups in the freezer and leave them there while you make the rest of the cookies.

This will make them firm and they won’t melt away when you add them into your dough.

Let’s make the cookies!

Preheat your oven at 375ºF. 

1. Beat soft butter, brown and white sugar and vanilla in a large bowl.

2. Add the eggs, beat well until creamy.

3. Then add the rest of your dry ingredients including the instant pudding.

{ This is the time when my kids say… Can we have some? }

Next add and stir in the chocolate chips.

And now it is time to take out those delicious chunks of  peanut butter cups and add them to the batter.

Stir it gently with a wooden spoon.

Don’t over do it you want to see and bite into those small chunks later.

Let’s Bake!

Drop the batter by teaspoons onto a cookie sheet.

I bake mine for 8 minutes. The first batch always takes like an extra minute.

DO NOT OVERCOOK!

Cookies will get harder as they cool down.

When they are baked remove them from the cookie sheet to a wire rack.

They smell so good!

We made these cookies last week for our children’s school principal.

We adore him!

We put them inside of a glass jar and I placed a coffee filter between the lid and the ring that goes around it.

Then I closed it and there was the cute ruffle!

Because it was a special occasion we even added some extra Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in a smaller jar and I used a cupcake liner to decorate the lid.

 I punched out some hearts and I made this free printable for the tag.

You can click here to get your own. I made them in a bunch of colors.

This would make a perfect gift for any peanut butter lover!

Think about Father’s Day, neighbors, or even End of the School Year… you name it.

Easy, tasty, affordable and cute!

That’s what I call delicious!

Happy Tuesday My Friends!

Besos!

Desirée

If you are new to my blog I want to welcome you!

I hope you stay in touch with me and

Subscribe to The 36th Avenue via Readers.

 OK my friends…

picture source

Today I am turning 37 and I want to thank you for making my 36th year

one of the best years of my life.

 OK my friends…

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Today I am turning 37 and I want to thank you for making my 36th year

one of the best years of my life.

The 36th Avenue is more than a blog to me it is the celebration of a year of change.

I was not the happiest 35 year old woman… if I tell you the truth I was miserable and the day before my 36th birthday I said ENOUGH.

I realized lying down in bed that I was tired of waiting, of looking at life through someone else’s eyes…

I wanted to dream my own dreams,

I wanted to create my own things,

I wanted to explore and become me again.

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Just like that The 36th AVENUE was born at the same time I turned 36.

I wanted to have a place that would always remind me that we can become a better version of ourselves.

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I wanted it to be a place where every woman and  man { I wonder how many men are here… two? } could find and share inspiration.

I wanted it to be a place where we could walk together and share not just our creativity

but even a piece of who we are.

I wanted to share my heart with you and you changed me for the better in the process.

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You have made this last year so special…  a moment in my life that I will never forget.

I believe with all of my heart that The 36th Avenue has grown this much in a year because of you…

because of your desire to share with me.

We have done a bunch of great things together!

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Now I am looking forward to be 37!

I will post later on about my theme for this year… Darn it I can’t wait to live it!

In all honesty I want you my readers to know that I love you guys…

Thank you so much for loving me back!

Thank you for opening your arms and hearts to me…

I never knew I had so many friends all around the world.

So today while I blow out my 37 candles I will say

Thank You to you all because you made my 36th year wishes come true!

Click here to print this gorgeous free printable by irocksowhat.com.

Happy Tuesday My Friends!

Besos!

Desirée

If you are new to my blog I want to welcome you!

I hope you stay in touch with me and

Subscribe to The 36th Avenue via Readers.

Hello Sunshines!

I have a super easy project for you:

DIY Salt & Pepper Shakers using Mason Jars.

OK, this is a project that literally took me under 5 minutes to make

and since I [...]]]>  

Hello Sunshines!

I have a super easy project for you:

DIY Salt & Pepper Shakers using Mason Jars.

OK, this is a project that literally took me under 5 minutes to make

and since I am a jar junky it was free.

Yes… FREE! 

Are you like me that always has some awesome jars on hand?

You never know when you are going to need these babies!

MATERIALS

All you’ll need to complete this project are two small jars,

{ I think they are about  6 to 8 oz. Jars… You can find them at Wal-Mart }

…a small nail, a hammer and a marker.

{ Isn’t my hammer cute? }

I eyeball everything, if you don’t feel comfortable doing so

use a marker to determine where you want the holes to be.

Make three holes for the pepper and about six for the salt.

After you have marked where the holes are going to be use the nail to make them.

Now add the salt and pepper…

You are done!

Do you want to know something cool about these salt and pepper shakers?

 They are perfect for camping or picnics!

Think about it…

Just change the under lid for one without the holes so it dosen’t spill…

when you are ready to use them put the lid with the holes back!

Come on!

…Is this awesome or what?

I think I am giving myself a sticker!

For more ” Shut The Front Door” Jar ideas make sure to check out

15 Great Ideas Using Jars

Happy Monday My Friends!

Desirée

If you are new to my blog I want to welcome you!

I hope you stay in touch with me and

 Subscribe to The 36th Avenue via Readers.

I am sharing this project over at these awesome parties!

I knew I was a mother way before I was pregnant or before I held my sweet Saydi for the very first time in my arms.

…I remember sitting in front of a boring computer over 12 years ago

when one [...]]]>  

I knew I was a mother way before I was pregnant or before I held my sweet Saydi for the very first time in my arms.

…I remember sitting in front of a boring computer over 12 years ago

when one of the sales people at the furniture store where we worked gave me a poem to read.

I could not hold my tears while reading the gorgeous message of that poem.

…Would you read it with me today?

We pray for children

By Ina J. Hughs

We pray for children

who sneak Popsicles before supper,

who erase holes in math workbooks,

who can never find their shoes.

And we pray, for those

who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire,

who can’t bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers,

who never “counted potatoes,”

who are born in places where we wouldn’t be caught dead,

who never go to the circus,

who live in an X-rated world.

We pray for children

who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions,

Who sleep with the cat and bury goldfish,

Who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money,

Who squeeze toothpaste all over the sink,

Who slurp their soup.

And we pray for those

who never get dessert,

who have no safe blanket to drag behind them,

who watch their parents watch them die,

who can’t find any bread to steal,

who don’t have any rooms to clean up,

whose pictures aren’t on anybody’s dresser,

whose monsters are real.

We pray for children

who spend all their allowance before Tuesday,

who throw tantrums in the grocery store and pick at their food,

who like ghost stories,

who shove dirty clothes under the bed,

and never rinse out the tub,

who get visits from the tooth fairy,

who don’t like to be kissed in front of the carpool,

who squirm in church or temple and scream in the phone,

whose tears we sometimes laugh at

and whose smiles can make us cry.

And we pray for those

whose nightmares come in the daytime,

who will eat anything,

who have never seen a dentist,

who aren’t spoiled by anybody,

who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep,

who live and move, but have no being.

We pray for children

who want to be carried

and for those who must,

for those we never give up on

and for those who don’t get a second chance.

For those we smother…

and for those who will grab the hand of anybody

kind enough to offer it.

{ By Ina J. Hughs from We Pray for Children, 1995, William Morrow publishers }

picture source

When I went home that day I could not take away the words of this poem out of my head.

I wanted to hold a child, I wanted to protect them, I wanted to hear them laugh,

feed them, help them grow and kiss them good night.

That day I learned that being a mother has nothing to do with giving birth

because being a mother is a matter of the heart.

I firmly believe every women in this world can be a mother.

I actually believe motherhood is the finest expression of love.

I actually believe every woman in this world can go through the pain of labor.

I mean… some of us get to experience the long 40 weeks, the swollen legs, the back pains, the sleepless nights

and the 40 pounds that come with a pregnancy. Boo!

However for some other mothers the waiting period can be 40 months, 40 years or perhaps a lifetime.

Some of us instead of swollen legs and back pain get to experience swollen eyes and heartaches.

Some of as feel the weight of forty pounds in a deep emotional way.

You see… all of us go through the pain of labor in our own unique way!

For me personally motherhood is a gift born in the deepest part of our souls

not in a delivery room.

So this post is for every mother…

…For you that have woken up in the middle of the night by the cry of a child,

and for you that go to bed every night crying and wondering if you would ever have one.

This post is for you that at times feels like your identity got lost between bottles, diapers and messes…

and for you that miss the mess and wonder how a home that once was filled with noises today is so quiet and empty.

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This post is dedicated to all of us that see and hope for a better world through the eyes of a child.

For us that eat dinner twice a day.. once at the table and another time while cleaning the plates of our kids.

{ Hmm… that sounds too much like me. }

This post is for us that can relate to this quote bellow…

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This post is for every woman that is a teacher, judge, lawyer, nurse, driver, coach, cheerleader,

chef, maid, daughter, friend,  mother and herself all at the same time.

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This post is for you wonderful moms!

I want to wish you all beautiful mothers a special day…

Please know that you are loved, that you are needed, that you are incredible…

know that the world is a better place because of you!

Oh one more thing please remember this!

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Happy Mother’s Day!

{ I love this picture of my mama and I }

Desirée

I want to introduce you today to one of those people…

fabulous Kari from U Create.

I’m sure most of [...]]]> Sometimes you get to meet people that for one reason or another inspires you in a very special unique way.

I want to introduce you today to one of those people…

fabulous Kari from U Create.

I’m sure most of you, if not all of you know by now how talented she is.

 However today I want to introduce her to you as a friend of mine,

 as someone I look up to, as someone I respect as a blogger

and more importantly as a woman and as a person.

Here she is… Meet beYOUtiful Kari.

…i am

My scrap lampshade is the first project that I am showing you with those super cute fabrics!!

I am [...]]]> As I’ve been working on the accessories for our laundry room, more and more I love the fabrics that I chose for it.

My scrap lampshade is the first project that I am showing you with those super cute fabrics!!

I am in love with this lamp… it makes me happy!

Before I go ahead and show you the tutorial I want to talk about the fabrics for a few seconds.

One of my sweet readers, Sara Erickson, asked me this last week: 

“Just was wondering where you got your fabric from? 

 I hope you don’t mind my asking…it’s just SO hard to find the modern/pretty ones…

I don’t even know how long I’ve spend searching for some that is that pretty!

Thanks!!”

Sara my love, I don’t want you or anyone else to search forever so here they are:

Most of the fabrics came from the fabulous Verona Collection

by Riley Blake Designs.

These fabrics were the inspiration for the entire space.

I wanted to add some more patterns with a modern twist.

These other fabrics from the Hullabaloo Collection by Urban Chiks for Moda were perfect!

These last two by Michael Miller had the beautiful coral tones that add brightness to the space.

By the way white daisies are my favorite flowers!

I purchased all of my fabrics over at one of my local fabric stores here in St. George, UT.

{ If you are ever visiting down here I would love to take you. } 

Now, don’t panic since you can purchase these fabrics on line.

 Search for the names and you’ll see a list of great places that sell them.

OK… back to the Fabric Scraps Lampshade!

Let’s share a tutorial… shall we?

MATERIALS

I used fabric, Washi tape, paint and of course a brush and scissors.

TUTORIAL

1

The first thing you’ll need is a lampshade.

The point of a project like this is to be thrifty… an old shade would be perfect.

I bought mine back when we were living in Oregon, for $1 at our local Thrift Store.

Please, promise me that you won’t cut your precious hands.

I used an exacto knife to help me remove the original fabric.

You want to take all the fabric out!

2

I didn’t like the gold color inside of the lampshade’s frame so I painted it with this

delicious Flamingo Pink by Martha Stewart.

I love this color and the paint quality is excellent!

3

After the paint dried it was time to have fun!

I cut strips of fabric of about 1.5 x 4.5 inches and I tied them around the top ring of the lampshade.

Play with the fabric so the pretty side of it faces you.

4

The vertical strips of fabric are going to be longer.

The length will depend on the size of your lampshade.

Make the strips about 3 inches longer than your lampshade, this will give you room to tie the knot

comfortably.  Using scissors cut and split the ends of each strip in two, just like this…

Then place the fabric on your lamp shade and tie the split ends  under the ring

and then flip the strip of fabric over.

Do the same at the bottom.

Repeat the process on top of each vertical piece of metal.

By the end your shade will look like this!

Do you like it?

5

If you are new here you should know I’m a freak!

{ You should also know that it is contagious }

I could add the light bulb and be happy with it but as I always say

” The details are what really makes the ordinary EXTRAORDINARY! “

I used some Washi Tape to spice up the light bulb.

Cute… huh!

NOTE: I am using a low heat light bulb for this lamp…

Safety always comes first!

Here you can see it at night…

So there you have it… Make a bunch of knots.

Use those pretty fabrics that you already have…

…and create something that lights up your own world.

So fun!

Talking about fun, it is Friday my friends and

the weekend is almost here… let’s enjoy it!

Besos!

Desirée

If you are new to my blog I want to welcome you!

I hope you stay in touch with me and  Subscribe to The 36th Avenue via Readers.

Hello!

I am ready to party and show you some EXTRAORDINARY links from last week’s party…

Let’s give some Stickers!

This Bib Necklace and these Earrings are as cute as a button!

Yellow + Navy is simply delicious and perfect for Spring [...]]]>  

Hello!

I am ready to party and show you some EXTRAORDINARY links from last week’s party…

Let’s give some Stickers!

This Bib Necklace and these Earrings are as cute as a button!

Yellow + Navy is simply delicious and perfect for Spring and Summer Time!

Darling!

I am giving my Michele from The Scrap Shoppe Blog the…

Let’s keep the navy going…

Have you seen this striped skirt by Southern Lovely?

Yes… it is lovely indeed and the tutorial is also great!

I am giving Lindsay the…

This next project is so much fun!

Check out these DIY Newspaper nails from Loving This Life.

I love the comic print!

I am giving Melissa the…

52 Mantels shared this super cute aqua and pink nursery!

There is so much love and detail behind this room…

Make sure you visit and see the rest of the pictures.

I am giving 52 Mantels the…

The…

goes to Laura’s Bits and Bobs for making an ordinary t-shirt an EXTRAORDINARY one!

Take a look… she is sharing the tutorial.

I am finishing Sticker Time with this Teen Room Makeover by fabulous Kim

 from Creative Blog.

I love the fact that this room says BOY out loud.

The colors, the decor, the industrial feeling of it is awesome!

I am giving Kim the…

…and Kim I also think you ROCK!

Now… don’t go it is time to PARTY!

SHOW ME EXTRAORDINARY!

You know what to do…

If YOU made it share it!

IF YOU DIDN’T MAKE it DON’T SHARE it!

PLEASE DO NOT LINK ROUND-UPS.

Links to SHOPS OR GIVEAWAYS WILL BE DELETED

PLEASE Button up HERE

and let others know that they can party here!

Have fun and inspire me to create a new STICKER!

If you are new to my blog I want to welcome you!

I hope you stay in touch with me and

Subscribe to The 36th Avenue via Readers.

As I mentioned a few days ago we have a few birthdays coming up this month.

I am especially excited about my Anni’s birthday.

She is having a Pajamas Late Night Owl Party

and of course we have to have milk and donuts as [...]]]>  

As I mentioned a few days ago we have a few birthdays coming up this month.

I am especially excited about my Anni’s birthday.

She is having a Pajamas Late Night Owl Party

and of course we have to have milk and donuts as part of it.

For the longest time I have been tempted to purchase those super cute little milk bottles that I see all over the place.

 Being Mrs. Thrifty Me I could not make myself to do so.

I wanted to give a try to transform the small Starbucks jugs  into mini milk bottles

and I am here to tell you that this took me just a few minutes.

I made 12 bottles for a little over $12… now that I can handle.

I ended up using these Archer Farm bottles because they were on sale.

Let me show you…

1

I peeled off the plastic wrapper.

Time: About 10 seconds.

2

I spray painted the lid.

Time: About 30 seconds.

3

While the lid was drying I poured out the latte, { we don’t drink coffee in our home } washed the small bottle and I poured some milk in.

I put the lid back on, tied some baker’s twine around it, and I  placed the straw in place.

Time: About 150 seconds.

As easy as one, two, three!

In about 3 minutes and for about $1… not bad!

These small milk bottles are adorable and perfect for any breakfast.

Give it a try!

Now I better go… I have an Anniversary to celebrate!

I hope to see you all this evening at 6:30pm during the Link Party!

Besos!

Desirée

If you are new to my blog I want to welcome you!

I hope you stay in touch with me and  Subscribe to The 36th Avenue via Readers.

I am sharing this projects over at these fantastic parties!

Hello Everyone!

As many of you know during the weekend Matt and I were working on our little laundry room.

After doing the labor work { the counter-top} I needed a fun project and I made this little EXIT sign

that will go right on [...]]]>  

Hello Everyone!

As many of you know during the weekend Matt and I were working on our little laundry room.

After doing the labor work { the counter-top} I needed a fun project and I made this little EXIT sign

that will go right on top of our laundry room door. 

I know most of us know how to make a sign but I want to focus more on how to give your signs character and texture.

TUTORIAL

1

Get your wood.

I like to use pine for my signs. I use 1×6 or 1×8 depending of the sign.

This one is 1×6 and is about 18″ long.

First, paint the undertone you want for your sign, this is the color that will show after you do the sanding.

Make sure you let this first coat dry thoroughly because you don’t want the second color to blend with this one.

As you can see in the picture there is a lot of paint there.

I don’t use a plate. I just throw the paint right on top of my wood.

If the color of your paint is too dark { like mine was } add some white until it looks perfect for you.

2

After your patience has been tried and the first coat is dry you can apply the main color for your sign.

I chose coral for mine.

Yummy!

You want to do a couple coats of your main color until you don’t see any of the first color.

I did a total of two… This is how mine looked after one coat.

3

The next step is to apply the stencil.

I love to use vinyl stencils because they stay put and you can make any design you want.

You can find or purchase this EXIT stencil here.

If you have never worked with  vinyl stencils before you can click here for a full tutorial of how to do it.

Remember to tap the paint instead of brushing side by side.

It took two coats of white paint for the letters also.

4

To be safe let the paint dry and then peel the stencil off.

I love this part!

5

Now that your sign is all dry, it is time to make it EXTRAORDINARY!

Use sand paper to distress it.

Slowly sand the areas where you want the first color { turquoise } to come through.

The more you sand…the more rustic it will look.

This is another reason why I love to use stencils because you can distress your entire sign,

something you can’t do when you apply vinyl.

We are done!

…I am loving the coral!

Thank you all for visiting with me!

Besos!

Desirée

If you are new to my blog I want to welcome you!

I hope you stay in touch with me and  Subscribe to The 36th Avenue via Readers.

I am sharing this project over at these fantastic parties!

I love gifts!

I love to give them, I love to receive them, I love to make them.

In our home May is a crazy month!

We have Mother’s Day, our Anniversary and not just one but 2 birthdays.

I love gifts!

I love to give them, I love to receive them, I love to make them.

In our home May is a crazy month!

We have Mother’s Day, our Anniversary and not just one but 2 birthdays.

Gifts are on my mind!

…It took me a few weeks however to put this list together!

The reason why is because I wanted to give you 25 amazing, cute, affordable and easy gifts.

 Things that you would really want and love to give.

Things that your friends, family and neighbors would love to receive.

I hope you like them as much as I do!

1

Mama mía!

I love these DIY bracelets!

I mean capital LOVE!

tutorial by Blog A La Cart

2

DIY Wooden Necklace

Modern, easy, fun, colorful… I want one!

 tutorial by agirlwhomakes.com

3

Oh goodness!

Give this to the chef of your home!

tutorial by beeinmybonnetco.blogspot.com

4

Bottle Cap Flower Magnets

What a cute idea!

This would make a wonderful Mother’s Day gift.

tutorial by Positively Splendid

5

DIY Multi-Strand Scarf

Be still my heart!

tutorial by Rabbit Food for My Bunny Teeth

6

 These Camera Key Chains are so fun and I think they would be easy to make!

 source

 7

Tiny Polaroid Magnets

Aww!

tutorial by Ambrosia

8

DIY Spa Treatments

Yes please!

tutorial over at marthastewart.com

9

DIY Handmade Journal

I make these journals all the time and give them for birthday presents.

Everyone love them!

Check out my  tutorial here.

10

Make a Spoon Ring!

I give this project a 10…

This is BRILLIANT….

Check out the tutorial over at Through the Front Door.

11

Pop Can Key Chain

Genius!

 tutorial by Diary of a Crafty Lady.

12

Shrink Film Necklaces

What I love about this project is that the possibilities are endless…

Your imagination and creativity is the limit!

my tutorial here

13

Braided Belt

Simple and perfect!

tutorial over at marthastewart.com

 14

Citrus Coasters

Oh Happy Day!

Love everything about these fruity colorful felt coasters.

tutorial at The Purl Bee

15

CD Case Holder Picture Album

Shut UP!

My mom would love to receive this with family pictures.

Proud grandma can even carry it in her purse!

 tutorial by Weddingbee

16

 Ombre Soaps

…delicious!

tutorial by Soap Queen

17

 Picture Puzzle

Cute gift… cute decor!

tutorial by How Does She?

18

Homemade Jam

 Sweet!

I love a good jam!

Funky Time is not just sharing the recipe but the free printables!

tutorial by Funkytime

19

DIY Lace Pottery

Gorgeous!

You are going to be amazed of how easy it is to make this pottery!

 tutorial by Strictly Simple Style

20

Custom Stencil Washable Mugs

You may remember these mugs from my kitchen.

You can monogram it, hand free paint it or come up with a cool unique design.

Make it and give it!

my tutorial here

21

R is for: Ric Rac Rose Ring!

Love the color, love the look, love the tutorial, love it all!

tutorial by The Ribbon Retreat

22

Give some DIY Washi Tape to your Crafty Friend!

Adorable!

 tutorial at Nifty Thrifty Things

23

This Homemade Laundry Detergent would made a sweet  

welcoming Home Gift for any new homeowner!

tutorial at Great Oak Circle

24

DIY Mod Podge Photo Canvas

Clever!

tutorial by The Sassy Pepper

25

Shrinky Dink Bracelet

This bracelet was made with  ink-jet printable Shrinky Dinks sheets.

I love the vintage look!

tutorial at Country Living

They are EXTRAORDINARY!

If you have a minute you may also want to check 25 Handmade Gifts Part 1.

and these 20 great wrapping ideas

Happy Monday!

Desiréee

If you are new to my blog I want to welcome you!

I hope you stay in touch with me and  Subscribe to The 36th Avenue via Readers.

Happy 5 de Mayo to everyone and especially to the Mexican community!

Check out these Sombrero Cookies by Random Thoughts of a Supermom.

Oh my!

They are awesome and really easy to make! 

Visit [...]]]>  

Happy 5 de Mayo to everyone and especially to the Mexican community!

Check out these Sombrero Cookies by Random Thoughts of a Supermom.

Oh my!

They are awesome and really easy to make! 

Visit Kelli’s blog, Random Thoughts of a Supermom for a full tutorial.

Let’s have a FIESTA!

So fun!

I must be crazy!

I did my Craft Room, our Kitchen, our Dining Room and now it is time for the darkest and smallest room of our home:

The Laundry Room Makeover.

I love a good design challenge and [...]]]>  

I must be crazy!

I did my Craft Room, our Kitchen, our Dining Room and now it is time for the darkest and smallest room of our home:

The Laundry Room Makeover.

I love a good design challenge and I feel this room is just the perfect one!

Here is my inspiration board!

The fact that there are no windows in our laundry room and 

the fact that therefore there is no source of natural light makes this the ultimate color challenge.

How to bring light using color?

Three Easy Ways!

 1

Metallics, Glass and Mirrors

Use colors and materials that reflect light.

Metallic accents, glass and mirrors are perfect choices.

The picture above shows silver tones for a reason.

Golden and bronze tones will make a space warmer.

For a dark space, silver tones are perhaps a better choice.

I chose two bathrooms without windows to show you how silver metallics will make

a room lighter verses gold tones.

Silver Bathroom

Gold Bathroom

Do you see what I am talking about?

2

Cool Colors

Darker the room more I would advice to stay also in the cooler side of the color wheel,

especially when it comes down to the wall and furniture colors.

White, blue, gray, cool greens { with more blue than yellow in the formula } are perfect choices.

From design-seeds.com

Warm colors such as orange, red, tan and yellow as the main color choice

 will make the room look darker.

They are fun colors but they work better in a natural lighted room.

Check this out!

If you are like me and  you love warm colors as much as cooler ones

I have good news for you!

Use the cool tones on your walls and main big pieces such as doors and furniture.

To balance the cool tones you may want to use  warm tones with your  accessories.

 Light yellows, pistachios, salmons and red tones are delicious!

 Deep brown tones in baskets and hardwood floors will look great also.

This image below has pretty much the color palette of my Laundry room.

Notice how the big background is a light gray, the main and larger feather is blue { aqua }…

{ picture source }

Here is another combination using cool tones as the main color or background

and a warm tone { yellow } as the accent.

So fun!

From design-seeds.com

I want to point out something here…

What makes this image above so bright is not the yellow umbrella but the background.

If instead of the ocean the picture had a warm sunset the yellow would have not just disappeared

but actually it would have toned down the entire picture.

No way?

Let me show you..!

When warm tones are in the background and cool tones are the accents this is what happens:

Gorgeous and darker!

picture source

One more… warm as the main color {background} and cool as an accent.

picture source

Told ya!

Pretty cool… Ha!

Watch for those background main colors!

Think of your walls as the sky of a landscaping…

as the gorgeous background at the end of the horizon.

Choose wisely the color of your walls!

Light-bulbs

picture source

What?

Well… the opposite of darkness is light.

White is your friend!

Make sure in a dark room you use white or ultra white soft  light bulbs.

Pleeeease stay away from yellowish warm lighting.

Not good!

Bad!

Really bad!

Let me show you the same bedroom with three different types of light-bulbs:

warm, neutral and daylight.

Ready?

Warm Light Bulbs

Neutral Light-bulbs

Daylight Light-bulbs

pictures source

That is the power of a light-bulb for you!

You can see more room and light combinations here.

So there you have it three simple tips for dark spaces.

1. Silver, Glass and Mirror Accents.

2. Cool backgrounds with a little bit of warm light accents if you like.

3. White Light-bulbs.

Pretty Easy!

Now I better go and finish my laundry room.

…By the way the walls are done!

{ to see more about these items click here }

Happy Friday My Friends!

Desirée

If you are new to my blog I want to welcome you!

I hope you stay in touch with me and  Subscribe to The 36th Avenue via Readers.