by Sonya Kendall

I was taking out all of my daughter’s too little clothes from her drawers a few months ago. And she had a few pairs of jeans that were too little. At first, I put them in the bag for me to give them to Goodwill. Then I thought it would probably be pretty easy to make some DIY cut-off shorts with her too short jeans. Especially, since they still fit in the waist. I thought I could buy some cute iron-on appliques to jazz them up some. And that this would save me some money since I wouldn’t have to purchase as many spring/summer bottoms.

For the easy, no-sew tutorial, click here!

by Gina Knuppenburg

These star-spangled patriotic flameless torches are extremely fun to make and they make an excellent kid’s activity or even a sparkler alternative! They’re simple and easy enough for kids to make, too, with a little help with the cutting. I love projects that use simple and easy-to-find supplies and this craft checks off those boxes. They can be found in most party and dollar stores. Of course, you can always order online as well. Sometimes that’s just easier than getting out and hitting up multiple stores, #amiright?

Head over to Desperately Seeking Gina for the full DIY and a video. 

by Shea Fogerty

Thanks in part to my inheritance of Rachel (you can read all about that fantastic secretary full of antique books here) and picking up every great vintage book I can find from estate sales and shopping trip I made, I have quite the collection of beautiful old vintage books.  Some of which included some old-fashioned song hymnals that I thought would add the perfect touch above a piano.  During one of those shopping adventures, I had also collected two dirty shutters in need of rescuing.  They have been living in my garage, planning to use them one day in our bedroom.  But  I thought this would be a great focal point with the sheet music, although anything large like a sign would work.  I gathered up any book I was willing to rip a few pages out of or add some nail holes into and headed to the wall with shutters in hand to start my project.

Get the tutorial here…

by Brittney Lee

So I just got my 13th box from Stitchfix.  In case you’ve been living under a rock or avoiding the Internet, Stitchfix is a service where you fill out a style profile and they send you a box of clothes to try.  You keep what you want and send the rest back, only paying for what you keep. It’s fun and convenient. It’s great for anyone who either doesn’t want to go shopping or who wants to find fun new pieces.  I’ve enjoyed my boxes- but they’ve sort of been hit or miss for me.  I usually only like and keep 1-3 items from a box of 5.

However, this most recent box, they nailed it.  Well, almost.  There’s a rogue romper thrown in there.  It’s cute, but my thighs didn’t love it. Since I am finally getting pieces I love, I wanted to share some tips for getting the things you love in your box. I’ve recently done these three tips, and I feel like the folks at Stitchfix are finally getting what I want.

READ MORE…

Succulents absolutely fascinate me. I think they are so beautiful but my thumb is more brown than green and I’ve been afraid to bring one home. 

ARWB member, Gina Knuppenburg, is our resident Succulent Expert. She’s been keeping succulents alive for a few years now and has put together a list of tips and tricks that will help you select the best succulents and then keep them healthy and vibrant. 

Check out her Beginner’s Guide to Succulents for all her wonderful posts!

by Talya Tate Boerner of Grace, Grits & Gardening

Gardens can be a wonderful source of food but that doesn’t have to be their only purpose. Gardens can also create a beautiful landscape that attracts honey bees and beautiful butterflies. 

Since moving to Fayetteville, I’ve been working to attract butterflies to my garden. I’m happy to report, my game plan is working. I have lots of little white cabbage butterflies, and earlier in the spring I noticed a giant swallowtail caterpillar. The swallowtail recently made her appearance.

We basically started with a bare sunny spot off the back of the porch and a very sunny front yard. I’m pleased at the progress we’ve made in only one spring season and half of our first summer.

Here are a few simple tips that have helped me attract butterflies to my garden. READ MORE...

by Colleen at Sovereign Designs

My husband asked me why “exfoliating” is important. Instead of telling him, I googled it to give him a good answer so he doesn’t think I’m just making it up! Ha, does anyone else’s husband think they do unnecessary ‘beauty’ steps?!

This is one of my favorite body scrubs, because I LOVE the smell of coffee + it exfoliates my skin so good! It is seriously SO easy to make – hope you enjoy!

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by Brenda Embry

I think the best part of summer is harvesting the first tomato.

Anticipation builds as the tomatoes go from green to pink to full-blown red.  It’s a game of patience as we wait for just the right moment to pluck it from the vine and take a bite.

Then, as the warm tomato juice dribbles down our chin, we get this overwhelming feeling that all is right in the world.  The heat, humidity, and bugs are suddenly forgotten as we savor the distinct flavor of a vine-ripened, fresh from the garden tomato.  To say it’s a special moment in the garden is really an understatement.

To achieve this nirvana though, you must first start with a tomato plant.  Soon, the box stores and nurseries will be bombarded with several varieties to choose from.  But, if you want to grow your own and try different varieties (and there are hundreds), starting tomatoes from seed is super easy and very rewarding.

READ MORE…

Celebrate Spring with these adorable DIY Stamped Bunny Treat Bags that are filled with fun mini-candies or jelly beans and tied off with my most favorite baker’s twine. My DIY Twist Ties would also be a fun addition. These cute treat bags are easy to DIY and assemble; perfect for tiny hands and a quick on-the-go hostess gift or party favor. I absolutely love projects that take minimal supplies that I already have on hand. The best part about my DIY stamped treat bags is that they take no time at all!

Get the full instructions here.

Whether you are a vegan or not, this Vegan Soy Wax Lip Balm is hands down my favorite lip balm I’ve ever put on my lips. Your lips will crave the feel and nourishing moisture this formula provides.

Why would you want to make your own soy wax lip balm? Because it’s:

• Easy
• Moisturizing
• Nourishing
• Long Lasting
• Inexpensive
• Plant Based
• Sustainably Sourced

Check out Kellee’s post for TWB Client Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board for the full instructions. READ MORE…