High Flying Flag

I know what you’re saying, “Another post about America?” Yes—I’m too excited about this one not to post it. I’ve sufficiently posted about my USA obsession, so you can imagine my joy at getting our very own flag in front of the house this year.

 I’ve always dreamed of having a flag in my front yard. I managed to whine long/loud enough this year and convinced my husband to install it just in time for the 4^th of July! It’s not a tall flag pole in a circular drive that I originally dreamed of in college (maybe someday), but it’s quite wonderful. After we hung it up on the 4^th I couldn’t stop looking out the window to sneak a peek at Old Glory proudly waving in the front yard. It makes me a very happy girl! Now if only I could convince someone that we should hang it all year and not just on holidays. I’m still working on that one. In the meantime, I'm counting down the days until the next holiday.

Reunion

Last week we went to a family reunion and it was wonderful! I had such a great time catching up with family—most of whom I hadn’t seen in years. It was such a treat. I was especially glad to see my two best friends/cousins from childhood—Stephanie and Traci. We three girls spent countless hours playing house, Barbies, and dress-up. It was so great to see them—I only wish we could have visited longer! You are looking great, gals! Hope to see you again—sooner rather than later!

Flag Day

Happy Flag Day! During the Revolutionary War, on June 14th, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the good old stars and stripes as their official flag. Happy Birthday American flag!!


Anyone who knows me knows that I am nuts about all things America. I heart U.S.A. Since I’m in a crafting mood lately (migraine therapy?), I wanted to show my appreciation by making a flag craft! Here is the flag wreath I made. Isn’t it adorable? She’s a grand old wreath if I do say so myself! I found the tutorial for this wreath on my friend, Allison’s, fabulous craft and food blog. Thanks, Allison and Five Crafty Sisters! 

Bright Sun-Shiny Day

You know you work too much when…

You live in a city with 300+ days of sunshine a year, but your doctor tells you that you have a vitamin D deficiency and should spend some more time outside.

Note to self: Spend less time in the office and more time at the pool or beach. I'll let the D stand for DONE! You don't have to tell me twice.

Mr. Wiggins

This is a view into my back yard. Notice anything special? If you look closely you will spot my new best friend…

Here is a close up in case you missed him. I’d like to introduce to my new bunny rabbit friend. I've named him Mr. Wiggins.

Isn’t he darling? You can’t see his cute cottontail, because he’s sitting on it, but believe me—it’s adorable. We met a few weeks ago when I was outside one morning watering my plants. I heard a rustle in the bushes and I looked over to see a tiny, precious, wild bunny rabbit. I went over to introduce myself, but my new friend was quite shy. He took off in a sprint and actually fell into the pool! He was actually quite a good swimmer, but his little rabbit arms were too small to get over the edge to get out. I screamed and started yelling, “Don’t worry bunny—we will save you!!” I was practically hysterical. No bunny was going to die on my watch! I was this close to jumping in the pool to rescue bunny when my husband grabbed the pool skimmer and picked him up out of the pool! Phew! Bunny was saved! And I guess you could say the rest is history. He now lives behind the water feature on our pool and has quickly become my little “pet.” The good news is that he now stays very far away from the edge of the pool. Now that’s a smart bunny.  

May Flowers

Contrary to popular belief, things actually do grow in the dessert. April and May are my favorite time of year in AZ. Not only is the weather perfect—not too hot, and not too cold—but the desert is looking good! Everything is in bloom! Our normally brown landscape is covered in bright yellows, pinks, and orange. Here are a few lovely flowers around my yard.

However, my most favorite desert flower is the saguaro cactus blossom. Once a year, the “heads” and “arms” of our dear saguaro cacti are covered with these gorgeous white flowers. They look like they are wearing Easter bonnets or giving bouquets to their cactus girlfriend. I love it! It’s the cactus way of saying, “Hey, I may be prickly on the outside, but I’m just a big softie on the inside.”

Spring Fling

I learned how to make this adorable plaque craft last Halloween and I was instantly hooked. I made several for Christmas, and I recently made one to add to my Easter décor. 

It’s so cute and so easy, so I thought I’d share the DIY instructions with everyone. The great thing is that you can make one for any holiday. It would also make a cute decoration for a kid’s room--using a child’s name and favorite colors. You can purchase the supplies at any Michael’s, Jo Ann’s, or Hobby Lobby for about $5 - $7.  Can't beat it!

Here is what you will need:

• Wooden board and letters
• Scrapbook paper
• Spray glue
• Ribbon
• Glue gun
• Mod Podge
• Glitter 

Step 1: Sand down any rough edges on the wooden board and letters. Paint the edges of the board and letters. The front of the letters will be covered with glitter, so you technically don’t have to paint them, but I put a quick thin coat on the front of the letters in case any part of the wood shows through.

Step 2: Spray a light coat of spray glue (I used Easy-Tack) onto the board and glue the scrapbook paper to the board. No need to cut the paper down to size—just apply the entire piece of paper with the excess hanging over the edges.

Step 3: Time to glitter the letters! I used Mod Podge and a paint brush to apply glue to the letters, and then applied a fine glitter. (Martha Stewart’s glitter is my personal favorite.)  

Step 4: This is the best trick ever! To remove the excess paper from the edges, simply take sandpaper to the edges and lightly sand off the excess paper. It leaves a perfectly clean edge. Genius!

Step 5: I know what you'r thinking--who wants glitter all over their house? Well, not to worry! I have a solution to keep that glitter where it is meant to be. After the glitter has dried, spray the letter with aerosol hairspray and let them dry. It keeps the glitter stuck to the wood and not stuck to your floors. 

Step 6: Using a staple gun, attach ribbon to the back of the plaque.

 Step 7: Using a glue gun, attach the letters to the front of the plaque.

  

And voila you are done! Happy Spring!

93 Million Miles

In the words of Teen Girl Squad, I am “totally crushing” on this song right now. I have long had a thing for Jason Mraz, and his new song, 93 Million Miles, is my new crush. It reminds me of the people in our lives that we may not see every day, but no matter how long it’s been and how far apart you are, they always have a home in your heart.