I am really moving toward the brown paper bag ideas since we can’t recycle traditional wrapping paper. Is that a weird thing right there? Which one is traditional? Paper bags or wrapping paper? Thoughts to ponder. That is about all of the time I can commit to that!

If you need to keep the kids busy while you are wrapping, bust out the Christmas Charades.

If you need a little liquid pick-me-up, peruse our Christmas Cocktails. 

If you just need some creative bow tying tips (these are REALLY cool!), check out how to tie a perfect bow.

Finally, if these ideas aren’t enough for you, we have 8 more creative gift wrapping ideas just in case.

Before you head over there check out these wonderfully inspiring Christmas wrapping ideas!

Inspiring Christmas Wrapping Ideas

Randi from Dukes And Duchesses has these 3 Creative Gift Wrap Ideas ready for you. The simple stick tree and Santa packages are my favorites!

When your site is called “Mod Podge Rocks Blog” a DIY Confetti Christmas Gift Wrap is right up your alley. Isn’t this adorable? Honestly, I think this one is an easy one and it won’t end up on your Pinterest fail list.

At A Spoonful Of Sugar, they have created a fool proof was to spice up your Christmas packages with this Washi Tape Wrapping Paper.

Have a little balsa wood around? These little Christmas Tree Gift Topper by Make and Tell will make your presents stand out.

Well, it just wouldn’t be a complete Christmas wrapping round up without Christmas Unicorn Gift Bag Tutorial. Am I right? Thank you to Tikkido for helping us check this one off our list. Now to find that horn!

 I really adore this Christmas Chalkboard Packaging by Bonnie Christine. What a cute idea! I will be adding this one to my list of Christmas wrapping ideas for next year for sure. I don’t think I will be finding this paper tonight. Ya win some, ya lose some.

These Easy Gift Wrap Gift Tag Stickers by Homey Oh My are a genius idea. I really love this and it would work wonderfully with my brown bag paper idea, too! I am off to go cut some pine boughs and salal. Oh, wait. I need to tell you about the rest of these first!

Amy at The Idea Room has one of my favorite ideas with her Creative Christmas Gift Wrap . I adore that these are reusable and almost kid proof for those who want to take a peek ahead of time. 

These Cupcake Liner Ornaments Homemade Christmas Wrapping Paper by Stacey at The Soccer Mom Blog are so kid-friendly. Just buy some cute little cupcake liners and you are more than half way there. This is another great option for those paper bags!

Are your kids driving you batty and they need something to do? Have them make some of this Homemade Wrapping Paper Sponge Stamping by Confessions Of An Overworked Mom. Honestly, have them start in July and then when December comes, you won’t even have to think about it!

Pretty up your brown paper packages with this DIY Ribbon Tutorial by Hearth And Vine. Cute, right!?!?

This is so darn cool. Each one looks totally unique and this Tie Dye Wrapping Paper technique by Diana Rambles can be used year round.

Ok,Nellie Bellie. I see your How To Make A Gift Bag tutorial, but I am deathly afraid that this would turn into a disaster for me. Honestly, I think this would be a good one for my crafty daughter. I might end up with ribbon and torn paper that looks like an oven mitt.

Brittany Goldwyn is a goddess of Custom Gift Wrap DIYs. Isn’t this pretty? Again, I think I would have to work on this one when the kids aren’t around. Ya, I need some serious mama craft time for this Christmas wrapping idea.

 I am literally printing off this Printable Paper Bow Template by Thrifty Jinxy as I type this. Isn’t it genius??! Bless those who make printable for us.

Just in case one wasn’t enough for you. We have another Christmas Unicorn Gift Wrap Idea by My Heavenly Recipes here for you. Enjoy!

At first glance, I thought this was going to be a tutorial about how to make a glittery deer head. HOWEVER, check out the Free Printable Wood Grain Wrapping Paper by Tikkido! Another creative genius making our lives easier. Mwwwwah!

Anytime a package is reusable, I am a fan and now you can learn How To Paint A Snowflake Gift Pouch by The Things We’ll Make.

AAnother great idea that would transfer to our brown paper bag dreams. This Holiday Lights Gift Wrap Tutorial by Burlap And Blue is ridiculously cute and even I could do it!

This Santa Gift Bag Idea by That’s What Che Said is so cute and I put it at the end because, honestly, this is one I want to receive. Thank you super crafty people for giving us such awesome Christmas wrapping inspiration in the eleventh hour!

Pin it for next year:

The post 20 Awesome Christmas Wrapping Ideas first appeared on BonBon Break.

This coffee table made out of wood crates is so versatile and functional. It is easily moved due to the locking wheels, also it serves as a great little storage space. You can also change out the centerpiece, whether it be flowers, potpourri, or Holiday decorations.

The post Crate Coffee Table first appeared on BonBon Break.

The post DIY Upholstered Bench first appeared on BonBon Break.

Here is why this is SO fascinating to me. Three months ago, I hurt my shoulder and was in a sling. Laundry was impossible for 3 weeks, but it HAD to get done, right?

We taught our kids (ages 4 and 7)  how to sort their clothes and put them away. It has worked like a charm. For the items that need to be folded, we can accept what the 4 year old can do or our 7 year old can earn a dollar for helping her fold.

Yes, I had to let go my image of perfectly folded and placed clothes, but the kids are doing it, they are proud and…drum roll.

When we came back from vacation and I was sorting with the 4 year old, she said, “Mama, when we were in Hawaii, you did ALL of the laundry…and no one even said, ‘Thank you.’ Thank you Mama. That was so nice!” I am not making this up. I won’t lie. I went into the bathroom and shed a tear. I wrote it in my silver lining journal. Wow.

So when I saw this video, I thought, “YES! Even more efficient!” We have a tiny space as well and a limited budget. This would be AMAZING.

What is YOUR favorite feature?

PIN IT FOR LATER

READ MORE FROM THE MOM CAVE:

• 5 Tips To Make Decluttering Fun
• 10 Unusual Uses For Lemons
• Improve Your Front Door Curb Appeal For Under $20

The post This Mom Rocked her Tiny Laundry Space for Under $400 first appeared on BonBon Break.

The post Seam Finishes without a Serger first appeared on BonBon Break.

PIN IT FOR LATER:

The post DIY Star Wars Shelf and Hyperspace Wall first appeared on BonBon Break.

The post DIY Matchbox Car Garage first appeared on BonBon Break.

During that time, I was at peace while I quickly realized my physical and mental strengths and limitations.  I finished my training in six months and ran my first ever marathon in 4 hours 1 minute and 7 seconds.  Six years and two babies later, I’m ready to feel that peace and get to know myself again.  I’m finding that it’s a whole new set of physical and mental strengths and limitations now though.  As I take this journey I want to share 5 Tips for Mom Runners that are getting me through the physical and mental trials.

5 Tips for Mom Runners

 1.  Set realistic and measurable goals

I didn’t decide on January 1st that fateful year that I was going to run a marathon.  Instead, I set a goal to train to run a 5K in two months.  Through my training, I realized a goal pace that I could be comfortable with and I modified my goal to finish the 5K under a certain time.  Even if you’ve never run a day in your life, training for a 5K is doable.  It’s just a matter of setting your mind to it.

2.  Be consistent

Figure out a time in the day that works best to get in a run and try to run at least three times per week.  Between my husband’s and my schedule, the best time for us right now is directly after work.  This entails some planning on my part, seeing as I leave my house by 6 am with both girls.  I make sure to pack everything I need the night before and leave it by the door before heading up to bed.

3.  Don’t feel guilty 

I’ve learned that the worst kind of guilt is Mom Guilt.  It literally, makes me lose myself because I become so fixated on the needs’ of my girls.  Let’s be honest for a second thought. The best mom is the one that is happy and healthy.  Running for me creates that balance that I need for my sanity.  It releases stress for me and I’m working towards my pre-babies body at the same time.  The biggest take away is that a happy mama is a good mama.

4.  Talk about your goals with your family and friends  

Once you put it on the table that you are aspiring to do something, it holds you accountable.  It took me a good two weeks before I told my husband that I was training for a marathon.  His response, “that’s a long way.  You’re going to need some new kicks.”  You’ll be shocked at how supportive family and friends can be.  You might even inspire someone to become your running buddy.

5.  Cut yourself some slack

As mothers, we’re already running in fourteen different directions so if it’s a day to run and you’re battling a cold, then take a rest day and modify your training schedule.  You need to do what works best for you and your family.

In the end, all that truly matters, is that you are finding time for yourself.  The bonus is that you’re going to start feeling better, which in turn will give you more energy.  So, this New Year carve out some time for you and take time to run.

ABOUT JENNY: Jenny is a wife, mother and reading specialist in a low income city school district.  She is also the the founder of thenymelrosefamily.com – a lifestyle website sharing crafts, recipes, diy and party planning projects perfect for those looking for something quick and easy.  With two girls under the age of five, Jenny’s projects are toddler friendly and the perfect opportunity to create a special moment with your family.

Follow Jenny via Google+ // Facebook // Pinterest // Twitter // Instagram // Youtube

CONTINUE READING IN THE MOM CAVE

The post Tips for Mom Runners first appeared on BonBon Break.

One word: organization.

When the triplets were babies I had to write out their feeding, sleeping and pooping schedule on a graph just to make sure that everyone’s needs were met, and nobody would starve to death.

These days, my organizational needs have changed. With four kids in school, what organization looks like for me is a system of having a place for everything, and everything in its place.

I have created a list of organization tips that have helped in raising our higher order multiples plus one.  In sharing these tips, I am not asserting that I have a 100 percent success rate by completing any or all of them each day. But, I can attest to the fact that when I do follow through with these ten organizational tips, my life becomes a lot easier.

1. Wake Up 30 Minutes Before the Kids

My husband has been suggesting I implement this tip for years, but sadly, I am not a morning person.  When I do follow this little gem of wisdom, I can take a shower and make my coffee before the kids march down the stairs like a herd of elephants. This technique just starts the day off on the right foot.

2. Do one load of laundry every day

You may be thinking, “yeah, but she has a family of six, and I only have a family of four, and so I don’t need to do laundry every day.”  Wrong.  If you do not keep up with a load of laundry a day, those clothes accumulate, and then you end up with five loads of laundry on the weekend.  That is just not right.

3. Lay kids clothing out before bed

My kids are terrible at picking out their outfits. I find it extremely helpful to have each child help me lay out an outfit each night and require them to put the outfit on before they come downstairs for breakfast.  This is a time saver and hassle reducer.

4. Meal planning

Meal planning, that nasty little chore that falls right in between a visit to the dentist and constipation in my book.  Meal planning takes time, preparation and organization. What it lacks is everything that comes so naturally to life like laziness and spontaneity.  When I meal plan, I feel like supermom.  Meal planning not only saves time during the week, but it saves money because you buy only the ingredients you need for the week instead of the ingredients you think you may need.  Here are my pre-planned meals for this week:

Monday: Beef Stew

Tuesday: Baked Ziti and Chicken

Wednesday: Calico Bean Pot

Thursday: Tacos

Friday: Homemade Pizzas

Saturday: Chicken Nuggets and Baked Beans

(since mommy and daddy are going out)

Sunday: Spaghetti Bolognese

My kids help me prepare a part of the meal some nights. They love to put together salads, and it saves me a lot of time. Sundays are cook with mommy days, and I trade off letting one of my children find a recipe, plan it out and then help me make it. (Check out our kitchen for more GREAT ideas!)

5. Have kids pick up toys before bed

By the end of the day, the playroom and bedrooms are both disasters.  Sometime before bed we have the kids clean up their mess so we can start the next day off clean. Having kids pick up their toys teaches them responsibility and organization early on. Some nights we forget to have the kids pick up the playroom, but bedtime blitz is a good habit to get into.

6. After school goal chart

We put together a chart so our children would have some boundaries, guidance, and direction when they get home from school.  We all have learned by now that kids NEED boundaries and direction to be happy and successful individuals.  If the children complete their after school responsibilities WITHOUT COMPLAINING each day of the week, they earn ten Lego dollars.

Here is what the chart looks like:

7. Divide and conquer after dinner responsibilities

For ten years, my husband and I have been in charge of dinner dishes. Recently, we have divided up all the dinner dishes tasks for the children to do each night. The 10-year-old rinses dishes and puts them in the dishwasher. The 6-year old triplets clear the table, wipe the table down and vacuum. My husband and I sit in the family room with a glass of wine and remind each other how long we have been waiting for the day when our children would help around the house.

8. Move coats and shoes to the garage

It only took us eight years to figure this out, but now that we have discovered this little organizational delight, our lives are changing for the better.  For years, we have struggled about where everyone would house their shoes and coats.  Kids shoes were shoved in a cubby system that crowded my laundry room.  Coats were hung haphazardly on a coat rack by our front door that one of the kids would tip over on themselves from time to time.  For someone who enjoys organization and tidiness, the shoes and coats were disaster situations.

My husband stopped by Home Depot and picked up a fairly inexpensive shoe shelf and coat hanging system.  Everything has been built on a small person’s level so there will no longer be an excuse when I see coats on the floor and shoes scattered everywhere.

9. Duct Tape Parking Spaces

My husband and I devised a plan to create parking spaces for the four bikes and five scooters we have.  We went to Home Depot and picked out a duck tape for each child in the style that matched their personality created parking spots using their special duck tape, so there is never be a question of where to put their bike away.

10. Sort snail mail

As soon as I lay eyes on our snail mail I immediately begin to sort through it and recycle what we don’t need.  I have a place for my bills, a place for my catalogs and a place for my coupons, etc.  This is helpful because if you do not sort through the mail each day you will end up with a gigantic pile of paper on your dining room or kitchen counter within days.  In addition, a few years ago I painstakingly called each company that was sending me a catalog I did not want to receive and asked them to remove me from their mailing list.  This significantly cut down on my mail and saved a few trees in the process.

A place for everything and everything in its place.

The most important part about being organized is having a proper place for everything in your home. Everything from toys and school backpacks to homework and outerwear all need a place to live.  If you don’t have a place for something, find one. If you can’t find a place for something in your house, then it isn’t that important, and you should probably donate it.

If you want your life to feel more organized, your home is a great place to start.

PIN IT FOR LATER:

 This post was written by Megan Woolsey exclusively for BonBon Break Media, LLC

The post 10 Simple Ways To Stay Organized At Home first appeared on BonBon Break.

All the while they were running new electric and updating old electric and using old outlet holes that have previously been cut and cutting new holes in new drywall.

With all of this comes putting in outlets…the right way. Our friends from The Space Between have come up with an easy way to have clean looking outlets and so much more. Check it out here…

We want to tell you more. It seems so basic, right? However, you know how tricky it can be getting these DIY projects straight and tidy.

My latest endeavor was a simple desk. I thought I would save a TON of money re-creating a desk I saw at IKEA and I couldn’t have been more wrong. During my first attempt, I spent $180 on materials.

The IKEA desk was $110. After re-evaluating the project, I returned some of the supplies back to the hardware store and did a little shopping on Amazon. Low and behold, I ended up making the desk for $80 and 2 days worth of work.

I do love it, but I wish I had one of Karah’s brilliant tutorials instead of trying it from scratch.

(Affiliate link ahead, but you can get a REALLY awesome book.)

If you want a little inspiration, check out her book “DIY Wood Pallet Projects: 35 Rustic Modern Upcycling Ideas to Personalize Your Space.” She is SO creative and her easy “how-to’s” will save you the grief I experienced with my desk project. I would also recommend perusing her site to see her homes in Aruba, Key West, and Curacao. Check out the house tours and you will fall in love!

YES, YES. Here’s the link for the outlet holes, but keep on reading. This post is CHOCKFUL of DIY goodies – or you can go focus on that outlet. We get it. You are on a mission.

Continue Reading

Other Easy DIY Projects

If you are looking for other DIY projects to tackle at home check out some of our other favorite pallet projects like the Crate Coffee Table (OMG, so easy and it’s an instant coffee table!). Perhaps you are more a DIY Upholstered Bench – SUPER EASY.

On the other hand, organization might be your thing right now. I know we have been attempting to Marie Kondo things, but I also know that she did NOT have kids when she wrote that book, but we have tips from moms who know how to get the job done like 10 Simple Ways to Stay Organized at Home.

We wish you well and hope you get alltheprojects done with ease!

Pin it for later:

CONTINUE READING MORE POSTS LIKE THIS IN THE MOM-CAVE

The post The Trick to Perfect Looking Outlets first appeared on BonBon Break.

The first set of capes I made were costume satin, but I learned quickly that the time spent making capes decreases exponentially when you use felt. Seriously, it’s my favorite fabric for sewing. It’s inexpensive, pinning is optional, and it’s totally washable. Doesn’t get better than that.

My biggest concern with boys and capes are the ties. Cape-wearing activities can get a little (or a lot) crazy and sometimes involve acrobatics. Adding things tied around the neck to that mix just doesn’t seem wise to me. Thankfully, my sister had a genius plan to avoid neck tying but keep the superhero feel – elastic armbands. Perfect.

So these capes are extremely budget-friendly, pretty darn safe and super fun for kids of all ages. They have become our go-to gift for birthdays and are perfect for the ever-changing preferences of little ones. Best part? They are equally fun for boys and girls. And when I tell you that ANYONE can make them, I’m totally not exaggerating.

What you need:

18×24 piece of felt
6-8 inch piece of ribbon
2 small pieces of elastic
felt scraps
coordinating thread

What you do:

1. Along the short side, fold felt over approximately 1″ and pin. Sew seam with the outer edge of presser foot aligned with the raw edge of the folded fabric.

2. Using a bodkin (a safety pin or crochet hook would also work), insert ribbon through tube created. Gently pull through until bottom edge of ribbon aligns with the felt edge. Pin place and then sew back and forth over felt and ribbon 3-4 times.

3. Continue to pull the ribbon through, gathering the fabric as you go. Pin in place when the top edge of ribbon reaches the fabric edge. Sew as with the other side.

4. When you’re done, the top (neck) edge of the cape will look like this.

5. Flatten out the gathers on one side of the cape. Pin on elastic – one end at the base of the fold, about 1/2″ inch from the outside edge, the other about 4″ down, 1″ from the edge.

6. Sew each end making two seams, each with 3-4 passes of the machine. This should keep the elastic secure.

6. Repeat with opposite side. The front side of the cape should now look like this on each side.

7. With front side of cape facing you, fold the top under to place your applique. These can be any shape or letter that you want. I generally freehand them but you could definitely create a pattern using clip art and text on your computer.

8. Pin top part of applique to bottom (if using two layers) and sew around to attach.

9. Pin applique to cape and sew.

10. And that’s it! You’re done.

See? Super easy! And if you don’t have a sewing machine, you could definitely do the stitching by hand – there isn’t much of it. Good luck and happy cape-making!

The post Superhero Cape Tutorial first appeared on BonBon Break.

There is no shortage of fall awesomeness on the internet right now. Everywhere you look, someone is doing something absolutely amazing with mason jars. If only there were enough surfaces in my house to encompass all the beautiful things I want to make.

Here you’ll find a list of some of my most favorite fall mason jar DIY projects. There’s something for everyone here from delicious things to eat to rustic decor to sweet treats. I feel like we use mason jars like crazy around here but some of these ideas are totally new to me. I’m loving it.

Fall Mason Jar Vases – Anything & Everything

Pick of the Patch Mason Jar Gift – Shaken Together

Paper Bag & Mason Jar Decoration – My Country Blog

DIY Pumpkin Jars – The Scrap Shoppe

Mason Jar Mini Cakes – Maurine Dashney

Canning Jar Ring Pumpkin – Yellow Bliss Road ***FEATURED CRAFT***

Fall Table Centerpiece – Chanty 2 Chic

Burlap & Feather Wrapped Mason Jars – The Happy Housie

Mason Jar Pumpkin Payday – I Gotta Create

Washi Tape & Mason Jar Rings Wreath – Made from Pinterest

Orange and Aqua Fall Mantle – Cherished Bliss

Upcycled Owl Candy Jars – Club Chica Circle

Rustic Fall Centerpieces – Love of Family & Home

Fall Scented Simmering Pot – The Happier Homemaker

Thankful Jars – Positively Splendid

Chili & Cornbread in a Jar – Nest of Posies

No Bake Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake in a Jar – Cincy Shopper

Corn Husk Wrapped Mason Jar Vase – Garden Therapy

Thanksgiving Hostess Gift {Spice Mixes} – Family Bites

Thanksgiving Fall Table – AKA Design + Life

Have a fantastic fall mason jar craft of your own? We’d love for you to share it with us in the comments.

CONTINUE READING CONTENT LIKE THIS IN THE MOM CAVE

Pin it for later:

The post DIY Fall Mason Jar Crafts first appeared on BonBon Break.