Chronicle Books, Here Comes the Boo Boo Builders

Do you have the dream of writing a children's book? Or maybe a novel? Or do you just have the dream of seeing your name in print? Well that has been my goal for a long time too. In fact when I was little I wanted to be an illustrator and especially loved illustrations similar to Felicia Bond's of "If you give a mouse a cookie" books. Unfortunately I decided against this path because I felt like my talent wasn't good enough. 

Thankfully, being married to a really supportive husband, as well as being surrounded by other encouraging family members, I have decided to pursue my long time goal and turn a story I ell to my children to help them face their fear of boo boos, into something that could be told to others' children. Plus there's something about being in your 30's. All the insecurities of childhood and teenagehood and even 20s-hood goes away, and now I feel more comfortable being me and trying new things.

What I find encouraging is reading about how another mom, who also had the dream of writing a children's book, became a best-selling author with Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site. Read on to hear how she did just that, as well as how Chronicle Books (my top choice for a publishing company) recognized her talent and made it a well-loved book in our home and many others.

Love Sign Craft How-To

Read on to get the simple, step-by-step how-to, as well as the free printable stencil...

How to do a LARGE Fall Festival for less than $300!

So pay no attention to the date I posted this.....ok, I bet you just checked the date I posted this huh? Yeah, yeah life has been busy and I am just now posting about a "Fall" Festival in January. I have been out of commission working on a children's book, a logo for a plumbing company, and putting together almost 60 pallet signs for a church craft night. Needless to say I am a bit behind. However, I had wished for a posting like this back in September when I was first asked to put on this activity, so I am hoping this run down will help some of you who have been given the same task. I am going to share what activities we did, what supplies you need, and even share the invitation we made. And we did this all on the cheap. So read on...

Crib Repurposed to Best Big Kid Bed Ever

If you know me, you know I hate spending money and I love giving old things new lives. Being frugal requires more creativity, but the pay off in the end is much more than money still in your pocket, it is a feeling of accomplishment. Today I am going to share how you can move your little guy or gal into their "big kid" bed without giving up your freedom as a parent. (That's right, still have him/her closed in for naps and bedtime---can I get a hallelujah?)

How to Make Furniture Farmhouse chic

After buying an old handmade wooden cabinet for $25 that obviously had a history, I did some research before transforming it and giving it new life. I learned a few things about true farmhouse furniture that I found helpful in determining the new look this piece was gonna get, and I wanted to pass those lessons onto y'all!

Fixer Upper Inspired Old Gate Wall Art

The other day someone on Craigslist was giving away lots of free old fence sections. I loaded up several panels in my trusted stow-n-go van, and then saw that she also had an old gate! She let me have that too and I knew it needed a second life. In the end I found that it was super easy to give it that second chance, thanks to HGTV's show "Fixer Upper".