DIY

Gender Reveal Party for my Brother and Sister-in-Law!

Hello all! So my brother and sister-in-law found out they were expecting again and I got the honor of hosting their gender reveal party! Here’s a few pics from the big day.

 

IMG_0464

 

 

3550A53E-

IMG_0463

79C2B297-

For my entry table I made a voting station for the guests. We had them write their name on a piece of paper and then place it in the jar of their guess. Once the reveal was done, we picked a name from the winning jar for a door prize.

I hung an ultra sound pic and some pink and blue confetti from my branches I keep here year round.

 

20170504_162453

For the mantle I made this cute onesie banner and paper fans from scrapbook paper. The “BABY?” sign is from a piece of dollar store foam board and craft paint.

 

27435952-

I found some cute tissue paper fans from the dollar store and hung those in my kitchen for a colorful, festive display.

 

DBD2E7CD-

IMG_0461

 

 

The cupcake rattles was a DIY that I had seen different versions of online. One rattle was vanilla and the other chocolate. I hand frost these the most basic way (with a butter knife) and then arranged them on the board. After that, I placed some white vanilla icing in a zip-lock bag, cut the tip, and used it just like a piping bag to draw the rattles on the tops of the cupcakes. I found some ribbon from my stash and made a bow and placed it right on the base of the circle.

For party favors, we colored some Hershey bars pink and blue and arranged them in a bowl next to the cupcakes for everyone to take.

 

 

67D36A1B-

A little fun chalkboard art!

 

 

 

6B6535B6-

For the outside area I had a white tent set up and we made a tissue pom-pom “chandelier” that we hung in the center. Both sides had the cutest pink and blue tissue tassel banner swag.

We used white table covers and  mason jars filled with colored crinkle paper and straw picks.

We had a lot of kiddos at the party…moonwalk for the win!

 

 

IMG_0466drink station and game/prize area

 

 

A friend of mine found the cutest pink and blue chevron “baby bingo” and “is the price right” cards for games. Be sure to check these sites out for your party needs, they have the cutest stuff!

 

Reveal Box

It’s a Girl!

 

So, we’ll be welcoming another baby girl into the family later this year and we couldn’t be more happy or excited!

Thanks for stopping by and checking it out!

~The Dimestore Gypsy

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIY · Holidays

Top 10 Cutest Mother’s Day Gift DIY’s

Hey guys…happy Friday! I just wanted to share some of the cutest Mother’s Day gift DIYs I have found this week on the web. If you’re still searching for the perfect gift, check these out and give one a try!

 

  1. Mother’s Day gift in a Jar from Jillian @hellosplendid.comhellosplendid.com

 

 

2. Cozy Slipper gift Set from Sarah & Jessica @prettyprovidence.com

prettyprovidence.com

 

 

3. Mason Jar Succulent Pots from Kelli & Kristi @lollyjane.com

lollyjane.com.jpg

 

 

4. Mother’s Day Mason Jar gift from Melissa @polkadotchair.com

polkadotchair.com.jpg

 

 

5. Spring Basket from Carrie @theglitterguide.com

theglitterguide.com.png

 

 

6. Scented Natural Candles from Julia @bunnybaubles.com

bunnybaubles.com

 

 

7. Boxed Floral Arrangement from @VasseurBeauty

bfc85330442890a3f33c8d515acbde3d

 

 

8. Prayer Box from Sarah @travelersdream2012.blogspot.com

travelersdream2012.blogspot.hk.jpg 2

travelersdream2012.blogspot.hk

 

9. Colorful Grandkids Make Life Grand Wood Sign from Christine @wherethesmileshavebeen.com

wherethesmileshavebeen.com

 

10. Yankee Candle Tart Bouquet from Lynn @indulgy.com

43ee1169937b924630c2bc9c86fa2196

 

I hope all you moms have a wonderful Mother’s Day!

Thanks for reading,

~The Dimestore Gypsy

 

 

Holidays

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Hi there!

With Mother’s Day being right around the corner, I thought I would share some fun gift ideas for that special lady in your life. Scroll on down and take a peek at some options I’ve rounded up for you.

Untitled.png

  1. SUGARFIX by BaubleBar Beaded Tassel Pendant (pink) 2. My Creative Bible 3. Fizz & Bubble Bath Truffle 4. Formations “Best Nana Ever” white/gold mug 5. Create 365 “The Medium Happy Planner” box kit (faith edition) 6. Merona Tote Handbag 7. Lush Hello Gorgeous Box Gift 8. Charming Charlie Gift Card 9. I love Mom (Lilac Blossom) Candle 10. Pretty as a Peach Sparkling Gift Set 11. Memories by the Minute Wall Clock 12. Dana Buchman Lucille Tote 13. Stella Rosa Wines/Stella Berry 14. The Pioneer Woman 5-Piece Stoneware Prep Set 15. Nana Floral Scrapbook Shadow Box

1. SUGARFIX by BaubleBar for Target Beaded Tassel Pendant (pink)-Tassels are everywhere this season and I love the pop of color for Spring.

target sugarfix by baublebar.jpg

2. My Creative BibleBible journaling is a new thing I’ve been seeing and I’m wanting one myself. How fun to be able to create something that speaks to you and your unique self.

3. Fizz & Bubble Bath Truffle-Dipped & drizzled in Shea Butter, these bath truffles are simple and sweet!

ulta fizz and bubble

4. Formations “Best Nana Ever” white/gold mug– Fill this stylish mug with chocolates and wrap with cellophane or add a pair to a basket filled with coffee goodies!

bed bath and beyond

5. Create 365 “The Medium Happy Planner” box kit (faith edition)-Give Mom something she can use all year-long! Love this faith-based themed planner kit.

BOX-Happy Planner 365 Box Bottom 3T Header

6. Merona Tote Handbag- give me all the pineapple things! Love this playful print. Perfect for the beach or a picnic.

target merona tote 2target merona tote

7. Lush Hello Gorgeous Box Gift-Fruity, floral, luxurious bath in a box! Fresh, handmade, vegetarian, and cruelty free.

lush hello gorgeous gift

8. Charming Charlie Gift Card-Accessory heaven! Pick one of these gift cards up in store or shop their e-cards online.

charming charlie gift card

9. I Love Mom (Lilac Blossom) Candle-I love the 3-wick candles from Bath and Body Works and now there’s one just for Mom.

bath and body works candle

10. Pretty as a Peach Sparkling Gift Set-I’m a sucker for cute packaging! Get a full size ultra Shea hydrating lotion, full size fine fragrance mist, and a sparkling mist sleeve in this boxed set.

bbw pretty as a peach

11. Memories by the Minute Wall Clock-I saw this clock and thought it was just too cute! I love the farmhouse style. How fun would it be for Mom to display all her favorite photos year round.

kirklands clock

12. Dana Buchman Lucille Tote-I’m getting all the spring/summer feels with this bag. Just look at that floral print! Comes with a removable shoulder strap.

jcpenny dana buchman lucille

13. Stella Rosa Wines/Stella BerryI’ve recently had this wine and it’s so delicious! It’s semi-sweet and semi-sparkling with hints of wild strawberry, blackberries, and red berries.

Add this to a basket with all of Mom’s favorite snacks, some cute stemless wine glasses, and wrap with cellophane for a fun DIY gift basket.

stella rosa berry.png

14. The Pioneer Woman 5-Piece Stoneware Prep Set-I’m such a fan of The Pioneer Woman and her kitchen collection is now available at Wal-Mart. The entire collection has a vintage vibe with fun and flirty prints like this stoneware measuring cup and bowl set.

wal mart pioneer woman

15. Nana Floral Scrapbook Shadow Box-I’m always on the look out for “Nana” framed art or wall hangers. This one is a good size and is on sale! Also comes in a “Mimi” or “Gigi”.

nana kirklands

 

I hope you enjoyed this gift guide. Drop me a line if you have any questions or feel free to say hello!

Thanks for reading,

~The Dimestore Gypsy

 

Recipes

My Family Dinner Favorites: One Pan Cheesy Pasta Skillet

Friday is here and it’s a beautiful day! Today I’m sharing this one pan, cheesy pasta skillet recipe. It’s so quick and easy, and you only need a few ingredients. This is one of my quick, go-to meals on game nights.

Ingredients:

1 lb. lean ground beef (can sub lean turkey) *seasoning to taste

1 jar red pasta sauce of your choice (I used Classico four cheese red sauce)

1/2 box uncooked rotini pasta (about 2 cups dry) (can sub a similar shaped pasta) *I used garden vegetable rotini.

3/4 cup low moisture, part skim, shredded mozzarella cheese

 

To Make:

You’ll need to brown and season the meat to your liking. While browning the meat, boil the pasta according to the package directions. (I like to cook these at the same time so your pasta is ready to go as soon as the meat is done).

20170404_151253.jpg

 

After the meat is browned, set your cook temp to low and add your cooked, drained pasta.

20170404_152503.jpg

 

Now, add your pasta sauce and stir together to mix.

20170404_152821.jpg

 

After it’s all mixed up you can turn the burner off and sprinkle your cheese on top. Pop a lid on for a few minutes and let the cheese melt. Once it’s all melted, your ready to serve.

20170404_211216

 

To complete your meal, add a side of steamed veggies or a leafy green salad.

20170404_212840-1

 

I hope you enjoy this recipe! It’s a weeknight staple in our home.

 

Thanks for reading,

~The Dimestore Gypsy

Beauty

Wal-Mart Beauty Box

Hello! I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. I know we did! It was filled with great company, food, laughter, and CHOCOLATE!!! Now, I’m here just trying to get my house back in order and get my decor put away.

Over the weekend, I received my Wal-Mart spring beauty box and wanted to share it with you guys. Did you know Wal-Mart has a beauty box subscription service? I found it online at Wal-Mart.com and signed up here. It’s only $5.00 each season and comes with a curated collection of top brand drugstore beauty samples.

20170418_145929

20170418_150157-1 (2)

20170418_150507-1 (2)

Spring season goodies:

Schwarzkopf Gliss hair repair ultra moisture shampoo & conditioner

Biore baking soda acne scrub

John Frieda Frizz Ease moisturizing conditioner

Jergens Natural Glow wet skin moisturizer

Palmers Coconut Oil luminous hydration facial oil

Palmers Coconut Oil facial moisturizer

Rimmel London stay matte foundation sample

 

You have 3 options to choose from, the trendsetter (my subscription), the classic, or the baby box. The baby box samples adjust as you and baby grow…how cool right?

This is a fun little surprise at the beginning of each season that won’t break the bank. I can’t wait to try some of my new goodies out!

~The Dimestore Gypsy

 

Fashion

My Top 5 Favorites From the Victoria Beckham for Target Collection

The Victoria Beckham for Target Collection launched Sunday and I have to tell ya, there are so many cute, pieces! This collection is inspired by her Victoria, Victoria Beckham line, and her everyday life/experiences between mother and child.

The collection ranges in price from $6-$70, with most items under $40. The collection includes easy-to-wear dresses, rompers, playful tops & bottoms, and coordinating pieces for child/baby.

I’m sharing my top 5 favorite looks with you.

 

  1. One Shoulder Bow with Scallop Trim Dress//2. Poplin Gathered Waist Dress//3. Lace Bomber Jacket//4. Mod Shift Tulip Applique Dress//5. Scallop Tie Waist Romper

 

1.One Shoulder Bow with Scallop Trim Dress– How cute is this dress! I’m loving the flirty ruffled hemline and the scallop detail around the arms and neckline.

51583295

 

2.Poplin Gathered Waist Dress– The sleeve detailing and structure of this dress give it an edgy yet sweet vibe.

51583317_Alt20

 

3.Lace Bomber Jacket– love the color and lace detail!

 

4.Mod Shift Tulip Applique Dress– My favorite piece! Love the mod style and applique detail.

51588970_Alt20

 

5.Scallop Tie Waist Romper– love the flattering scallop shoulder detail…trendy and sweet!

51589127

 

Be sure to check out the entire collection…lot’s of cute pieces! Shop the limited edition plus size collection online or check for availability in select stores.

 

~The Dimestore Gypsy

 

 

Fashion

Flirty, Floral Easter Dresses

Hello ladies, I can’t believe Easter is already here…have you found the perfect outfit yet? Well if not, I have a few fun & flirty Easter dresses to share with you. Scroll on down to check out these beauties!

 

 

  1. Merona Sleeveless Maxi//2. Mossimo Sleeveless Maxi Dress (pink)//3. Dress Barn Sleeveless Fit-and-Flare//4. Apt. 9 Ruffle Shift Dress (daydream)//5. Elle Flutter Fit-and-Flare Dress (daisy floral)//6. LC Lauren Conrad Ruffle Fit-and-Flare//7. Worthington Split Longe Sleeve Shift Dress//8. a.n.a. Sleeveless Maxi Dress//9. Old Navy Empire-Waist Midi Dress 

 

1.Merona Sleeveless Maxi– love the delicate ruffle detail around the neckline.

target merona maxi

 

2.Mossimo Sleeveless Maxi Dress (pink)– this dress is giving off all the romantic vibes! So soft & feminine.

target mossimo maxi dress

 

3.Dress Barn Sleeveless Fit-and-Flare– can we say sunshine! I love this bright floral print against the navy blue.

*Dress Barn is having a $39 dress sale on select dresses. This is one of them!

dressbarn

 

4.Apt. 9 Ruffle Shift Dress (daydream)– The soft ruffling around the neck and cinched waist keeps this bold patterned dress fun and dainty.

khols

 

5.Elle Flutter Fit-and-Flare Dress (daisy floral)– such a fun, playful print…loving those cape sleeve ruffles!

kohls elle floral flutter

 

6.LC Lauren Conrad Ruffle Fit-and-Flare– if you love ruffles then you’ll love this one!

 

kohls

 

7.Worthington Split Longe Sleeve Shift Dress– all the spring colors and love the sleeves on this one.

DP1215201617061318M

 

8.a.n.a. Sleeveless Maxi Dress– soft floral chiffon…yes please!

jcpenny ana sleeveless

 

9.Old Navy Empire-Waist Midi Dress – this happens to be my personal fave! It’s got an empire waist, eyelet detailing on the bodice/hemline, and tassels.

oldnavy

 

These stores have some great sales going on so be sure to check them out! Thanks for reading.

 

Happy Shopping,

~The Dimestore Gypsy

Recipes

The Best Banana Bread Ever

Hey guys…happy Wednesday! I always buy tons of bananas to snack on and we don’t always get to them fast enough. They start to ripen too quickly on the counter and then I’m over here searching for a recipe to get rid of them without having to trash them. I think I secretly do that just so I can make banana bread. lol!

Today I’m sharing this delicious Banana Bread recipe I found on cookinglight.com. I’ve tried quit a few recipes before and OMG, let me tell ya…this one is my fave! It’s so moist and full of flavor.

You’ll need a few staple ingredients from your pantry and one you may not use so much when baking…plain yogurt! That’s what makes this bread so moist.

20170404_135836 (2)

20170404_142246

I followed this recipe exactly, with the addition of 1/4 cup of chopped pecans right before I poured the mix into my baking pan.

20170404_145010 (2).jpg

 

20170404_164807

 

If you have a few ripe bananas on your counter or just want to try this loaf, I would definitely recommend you try this recipe out. You won’t be disappointed!

Happy baking,

~The Dimestore Gypsy

 

 

 

 

Holidays · Home Decor

Easter Home Décor Tour

Spring is here! After the cold and all the winter white, I’m anxious to get my Spring/Easter decor up. I love all the pastel colors that come with Easter and it just makes my home so cheery and bright.

I made this fun carrot “wreath” for my front door last year. Let me tell ya, it was a lot of work but so worth it! It’s so whimsical and such a statement piece.

 

This large grapevine bunny has to be one of my fave thrift store decor finds!

20170327_14274420170313_18532220170313_185139 (2)

 

This “HOP” sign is a great little inexpensive DIY I put together with scrapbook paper and Dollar Tree frames.

20170314_11213020170314_111406

 

 

20170314_11134320170314_111329 (2)

 

A simple cake stand and some raffia make a cute little nest for this bunny!

20170322_104959

 

20170323_14001320170322_105243

 

I love mixing high/low-end to decorate my home. I put together this vignette and you would never guess some of the items are from Dollar General and 99 cent only store! Don’t be afraid to check out some of these stores, you can find really cute items for next to nothing.

20170322_105113

 

Thanks for checking out my Easter/Spring décor. Stay tuned, I’ll be sharing more Easter themed projects and recipes.

~The Dimestore Gypsy

 

 

 

 

Holidays · Recipes

St. Patrick’s Day Rice Crispy Treats

20170317_102230Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Are you wearing your green? I am!

I don’t really decorate for this holiday but I love to make a green dish or treat in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. This year I made green rice crispy treats! They’re super fun, easy to make, and a hit with the kids.

20170317_101315

What makes these so fun is the green color you get from adding food coloring to the mix! Here’s the classic “Rice Crispy Treat” recipe I used. After the marshmallows are melted, add a few drops of green food coloring to the mix (you can use the liquid or the gel coloring). Be sure to stir it well, then continue with the rest of the instructions. After I smoothed the mix out in my 13 x 9 , I sprinkled a little green colored sprinkles on the top for some sparkle!

20170317_101752

20170317_101734

 

I hope you enjoy this simple, fun treat!

~The Dimestore Gypsy